Quick Answer
Aer Lingus (EI) is Ireland’s flag carrier — Oneworld since 2007, part of IAG (with BA + Iberia + Vueling) since 2015. Founded 1936. 70+ aircraft, 100+ destinations Europe + North America. Baggage allowance (Economy): Cabin (all): 10kg main bag 55x40x24cm + 1 small item 33x25x20cm. Saver fare: only cabin. Plus: + 1×20kg checked. Advantage: + 2×23kg + flexibility. Business class: 10kg cabin + 2×23kg checked + lounge + lie-flat (US flights). Check-in: online 30 hours-1 hour before departure (FREE). Hubs: Dublin DUB (mega-hub), Cork ORK + Shannon SNN. US Pre-clearance: clear US immigration in Dublin BEFORE departure (faster on arrival). Oneworld: shared with BA + Iberia + American + Qatar + Cathay Pacific. Common fees: 2nd checked €40-60, name change €70+, flight change €40-200. Tip: AerClub loyalty earns Avios (shared with BA + Iberia + Qatar). Strong Ireland → USA route specialist.
Aer Lingus baggage rules
- Cabin (all Economy): 10kg main bag 55x40x24cm + 1 small item 33x25x20cm.
- Cabin (Business): 10kg main + 1 small item.
- Saver fare: NO checked. Only cabin.
- Plus Economy: 1×20kg checked + paid seat selection.
- Advantage Economy: 2×23kg + free seat selection + free changes.
- Business (US long-haul only): 10kg cabin + 2×23kg checked + lie-flat seats + lounge.
- Sports equipment: ski €40-60, golf €40-60, bike €60-100.
- Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald: +1 checked bag.
- Children (2-11): same as adults.
- Infants: 1 small item + stroller free.
- Pet (in cabin): €100 (max 8kg).
- Pet (in hold): €120-300.
Aer Lingus check-in + US Pre-clearance
- Online check-in: 30 hours to 1 hour before departure (45 min long-haul).
- Mobile boarding pass: Aer Lingus app, ApplePass, GooglePass.
- Self-service kiosks: at all hubs.
- Bag drop: 2-3 hours before departure.
- Boarding closes 30 minutes before scheduled departure (45 min long-haul).
- US Pre-clearance Dublin (DUB): clear US immigration in Dublin BEFORE departure. Saves 1-2 hours on arrival.
- US Pre-clearance route: available on flights DUB → Boston, NYC JFK, Chicago, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, LA, Washington Dulles.
- Allow extra hour: US Pre-clearance requires earlier check-in. Plan accordingly.
- Worth it: avoid US customs lines on arrival.
Aer Lingus fare classes + AerClub
- Saver (Basic Economy): NO checked. NO seat. NO Avios miles. NO refund. Cheapest.
- Plus Economy: + 1×20kg + paid seat selection + 100% Avios.
- Advantage Economy: + 2×23kg + free seat selection + free changes + 150% Avios.
- Business (long-haul to USA): 10kg cabin + 2×23kg checked + lie-flat + lounge + chauffeur transfer (some markets).
- AerClub: Aer Lingus loyalty. Earn Avios (shared with BA + Iberia + Qatar + Vueling).
- Status tiers: Member → Silver (Oneworld Ruby) → Gold (Oneworld Sapphire) → Platinum (Oneworld Emerald).
- Silver (Oneworld Ruby): priority check-in.
- Gold (Oneworld Sapphire): +1 checked bag + lounge access.
- Platinum (Oneworld Emerald): First Class lounges + +1 bag + priority everywhere.
- Earn Avios: on Aer Lingus + all Oneworld airlines.
- Redeem Avios: on Aer Lingus + Oneworld + BA partners.
Aer Lingus routes + hubs
- Top hub: Dublin DUB (mega-hub).
- Secondary hubs: Cork ORK, Shannon SNN.
- European routes: all major capitals + UK.
- USA: Dublin/Shannon → Boston, NYC JFK, Chicago, Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, LA, Washington Dulles, Seattle.
- Canada: Dublin → Toronto.
- UK: all major UK cities. Aer Lingus dominates UK ↔ Ireland routes.
- Aer Lingus Regional: turboprop subsidiary for Ireland regional + UK regional routes.
- IAG group: codeshare with BA + Iberia + Vueling.
- Oneworld: with American + Qatar + Cathay Pacific + Qantas.
Common Aer Lingus fees + reviews
- 2nd checked bag: €40-60 short-haul, €100-200 long-haul.
- Saver upgrade to Plus: €25-50 to add bag.
- Excess baggage: €40-100 per kg.
- Name change: €70+.
- Flight change: €40-200 + fare difference.
- Cancellation: non-refundable Saver. Refund Advantage + Business.
- Pet (in cabin): €100.
- Pet (in hold): €120-300.
- WiFi onboard: €5-25.
- Skytrax: 4-star airline.
- Reviews: 4/5 stars typical. Reliable Irish service.
- Common complaints: Dublin Airport delays at peak.
- Best for: Ireland → USA (US Pre-clearance saves time), UK ↔ Ireland, European holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aer Lingus cabin baggage?
All Economy: 10kg main bag 55x40x24cm + 1 small item 33x25x20cm. Business same 10kg + small. Saver fare = cabin only (no checked).
Aer Lingus check-in online?
30 hours to 1 hour before departure (45 min long-haul). Mobile boarding pass via app. US Pre-clearance in Dublin requires earlier arrival.
What is US Pre-clearance Dublin?
US Customs in Dublin Airport — clear US immigration BEFORE departure. Saves 1-2 hours on US arrival. Available DUB → Boston, NYC, Chicago, Orlando, Miami, SF, LA, Washington.
Aer Lingus Saver worth it?
Only if no checked bag needed. +€25-50 to add bag = same as Plus. Avoid for any leisure trip with luggage.
Aer Lingus vs Ryanair?
Aer Lingus: Irish flag carrier + Oneworld + meals + Avios. Ryanair: ultra-low-cost + no meals + strict baggage. Aer Lingus better for premium travel + USA routes.
Avios shared Aer Lingus?
Yes — Avios shared between Aer Lingus + British Airways + Iberia + Qatar Airways + Vueling. Earn on any, redeem on any. Excellent value for IAG group regulars.
Recommended on Amazon
grandgo.com is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. Links open your local Amazon store.
- Cabin-size carry-on suitcase — fits 55x40x20cm.
- Underseat backpack 40x20x25 — low-cost personal item.
- Travel insurance Europe — flight delay coverage.