Aer Lingus will extend 10kg carry-on baggage policy to Aer Lingus Regional from 3 March 2026)
Aer Lingus has introduced a harmonized carry-on baggage allowance across its network. From 3 March 2026, customers on European, and Aer Lingus Regional flights (operated by Emerald Airlines) can bring a 10kg carry-on bag, (55×40×24) plus a small personal item. This change aligns allowances previously varied by route or fare type.
The update benefits passengers booking Plus or Advantage fares, who gain the increased limit and simplifies travel planning and enhances consistency for those transferring between the airline and its regional partner.
Saver fares allow a free 10kg check-in or a paid carry-on, while higher fares include carry-on. Passengers with a saver fare can choose to drop their 10kg bag at the check-in desk for free (baggage drop) or pay a fee (from €9.99/£9.99) to bring it into the cabin. The 10kg cabin bag is included for Plus, Advantage, or AerSpace fares.
AerClub Members: Silver, Platinum, and Concierge members get a 10kg carry-on bag included on European flights. On transatlantic Flights passengers can bring a 10kg bag on board for free. There is no free 10kg check-in option for these routes.
On regional flights (Emerald Airlines), while the 10kg policy applies, smaller aircraft may require bags to be checked at the gate due to limited overhead space.
Passengers can check in their bags the night before with the “twilight” service. To use the twilight service passengers must have checked in online and have your boarding pass ready. It is generally available for morning flights (e.g., between 5:30 AM and 8:00 AM) with check-in available the evening before between 4:00 PM and 10 PM at select airports, including Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport.
Aer Lingus recently removed free seat selection within 24 hours (or 48 hours) of check-in for basic tickets (Saver/Hand Baggage Only) in late 2025, now charging fees for standard seats unless you wait for random allocation at check-in, which may still cost or result in separated seating, contrary to older policies where standard seats were often free at check-in.. Passengers can still get free standard seat selection with Plus/Advantage/AerSpace fares, or by waiting for random assignment during the 24-hour check-in window, but this is less reliable for groups.
The airline recommends checking in online and check your 10kg bag for free to speed up boarding.
Aer Lingus shared in a written statement: “Great news. From 3 March 2026 customers can now enjoy the same 10kg carry-on baggage policy across all our UK, European and Aer Lingus Regional flights.”
