Aer Lingus Checked Baggage Rules: Fees, Limits & Free Bags

Aer Lingus checked baggage depends on the route and fare. The European 20 kg allowance is not a universal transatlantic limit. Read the baggage line on the reservation before packing or purchasing more weight.

Included checked baggage

AerSpace is listed with European fares; do not confuse its baggage allowance with transatlantic Business. Every ordinary checked piece must remain at or below 32 kg and 158 cm when length, width and height are added together. A 69 kg combined entitlement does not permit one 69 kg bag.

The free 10 kg option in Europe

If a European booking does not include cabin access for the 10 kg bag, you can drop it at check-in free of charge. It must still fit 55 × 40 × 24 cm, including wheels and handles, and weigh no more than 10 kg. You cannot pool this free allowance. Taking the bag to the gate without cabin entitlement instead incurs the published €35/£35 hold charge.

This is different from buying a full-sized checked suitcase. Transatlantic fares include a 10 kg cabin bag but do not offer this free check-in alternative. Read the cabin guide if you want to keep the bag with you.

Purchased weight and excess

Within Europe, published purchase options are 20 kg in one bag, 25 kg in one bag, or 40 kg across two. Transatlantic purchase options include 20, 25 and 30 kg in one bag. Choose the product that matches your needs and keep the maximum for each individual piece.

European excess is currently published as €10 per kilogram above the booked allowance. The airline says an airport upgrade to a higher purchased weight is not available on departure day; excess fees apply instead.

The transatlantic page publishes €75/£68/US$100/CA$100 for its excess-weight category of 23–32 kg. Apply this with the allowance already bought: do not charge yourself for weight that is already included in a valid 25 or 30 kg purchase. Extra pieces and other excess conditions can differ. Check the current booking quote before paying.

Connections, pooling and families

The transatlantic checked allowance applies to Aer Lingus North America–UK/continental Europe connections within a single itinerary or reservation. Separately booked journeys have their own conditions. Partner-operated travel can differ; the allowance on the ticket controls, and through-checking requires the documented same-ticket arrangement. A booking website alone does not establish the rule.

The airline allows specified pooling with a companion on the same booking when checking in together; the free European 10 kg drop-off allowance remains excluded. Keep every bag within its size and 32 kg handling limit.

An infant or child booking includes a fully collapsible stroller plus one car seat, booster seat or travel cot. Transatlantic infant bookings also include a 10 kg checked allowance. These are not extra adult cabin bags.

Before leaving home

Confirm route, fare, purchased pieces and any actual membership benefit in the reservation. Weigh and measure each packed bag, keep medication and documents with you, and check the airport’s bag-drop deadline. Online bags can be booked up to two hours before departure under the airline’s booking conditions; airport deadlines are separate.

Source: Aer Lingus checked baggage, with the separate cabin and free 10 kg policy. The bag fit checker tests cabin baggage, not your checked-bag purchase.