Ryanair
Ireland
Aer Lingus
Ireland's flag carrier, flying from Dublin
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IrelandCountry
- EIIATA Code
- EINICAO Code
- IndependentAlliance
- HybridAirline Type
Guide reviewed
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About Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is Ireland’s flag carrier and part of IAG, flying from Dublin, Cork and Shannon across Europe and to North America. Since March 2026 the same 10 kg carry-on rule applies on all its European and regional flights: free on Plus and above, paid on Saver. This guide covers the fares, bag fees, power bank rules, US preclearance, AerClub and how Aer Lingus compares with British Airways and Ryanair.
Founded in 1936, Aer Lingus is one of Europe’s oldest airlines and is based at Dublin Airport. It is part of IAG with British Airways, Iberia and Vueling. Short-haul it works like a value airline with paid extras; on transatlantic routes it offers meals and lie-flat Business Class.
Contents
Power Bank Rules on Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus follows the ICAO rules applied by European airlines since 27 March 2026:
- A maximum of two power banks per passenger, in cabin baggage only.
- No charging power banks, or devices from them, during the flight.
- Power banks are never allowed in checked bags.
Larger batteries need the airline’s approval, so check before you fly.
Check-In and US Preclearance
Online check-in is available on the website and app. Dublin and Shannon have US preclearance: you clear US immigration and customs in Ireland, so you land in America as a domestic passenger.
Allow at least three hours before a transatlantic departure, and make sure your ESTA or US visa is approved before you travel.
Families and Special Assistance
Infants under two travel on a parent’s lap, and pushchairs can usually be checked at the aircraft door free of charge. Special assistance, including wheelchairs, should be requested in advance.
How to Find Cheap Aer Lingus Flights
- Price the 10 kg bag: Saver plus a paid carry-on can beat Plus.
- Compare Dublin, Cork and Shannon.
- Avoid Christmas, Easter and St Patrick’s Day.
- Book transatlantic summer flights early.
- Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Aer Lingus next to British Airways, Ryanair and others.
Aer Lingus vs British Airways vs Ryanair
All three fly between Ireland, the UK and Europe, but with very different models.
| Aer Lingus | British Airways | Ryanair | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hub | Dublin | London Heathrow | Dublin and many bases |
| Cheapest fare cabin bag | Small bag; 10 kg bag paid | Cabin bag included | Small bag; 10 kg bag paid |
| Transatlantic flights | Yes, with US preclearance | Yes | No |
| Loyalty | AerClub (Avios) | British Airways Club (Avios) | None |
See our British Airways guide and Ryanair guide to compare.
Arriving in Dublin
Dublin Airport is about 10 km north of the city centre. Express buses run frequently to the city, and taxis wait outside both terminals.
You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.
Is Aer Lingus a Good Airline?
Yes. Aer Lingus is a strong choice between Ireland, Europe and North America. US preclearance saves time, the long-haul product is comfortable, and short-haul fares are cheap if you travel light.
For more options, see our Iberia guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.
Facts checked in October 2026 against CAPA on the 2026 carry-on policy and a July 2026 baggage summary. Rules change, so check the official Aer Lingus website before you travel.
Airline Partnerships
Aer Lingus is not a member of oneworld, but it is part of IAG with British Airways and Iberia and works closely with them and with American Airlines.
Codeshare & Interline Partnerships
Aer Lingus is part of the transatlantic joint business with American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and Finnair, and partners with United and JetBlue.
Hubs & Focus Cities
Dublin (DUB) is Aer Lingus' hub, with US preclearance for transatlantic flights. Cork (ORK) and Shannon (SNN) also have Aer Lingus flights.
Popular Aer Lingus Routes
Aer Lingus' busiest routes link Dublin with London, Amsterdam and Paris, and with New York, Boston and Chicago. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.
Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.
Aer Lingus Reschedule & Cancellation Policy
On European and UK flights, Aer Lingus sells Saver, Plus, Advantage and AerSpace (Business). Saver includes only a small bag, while Plus and higher add a 10 kg carry-on and more flexibility. Transatlantic Economy and Business fares have their own rules.
When you change, you pay any fare difference plus any change fee for your fare type. For flights to or from the USA, the US 24-hour rule applies, and EU261 may apply for long delays and cancellations.
- Saver Small bag only and the strictest rules.
- Plus Adds a 10 kg carry-on.
- Advantage 10 kg carry-on and the most flexible Economy fare.
- AerSpace (Business) 10 kg carry-on and Business benefits on European flights.
- Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
- EU passenger rights EU261 may apply for long delays and cancellations.
- How to change Use Manage trip on aerlingus.com or the Aer Lingus app.
Aer Lingus Seat Selection & Additional Services
Seat selection is paid on cheaper fares. On transatlantic flights, Business Class has lie-flat seats and lounge access in Dublin, and meals are served in both cabins.
- Seat selection Paid on cheaper fares.
- Business Class Lie-flat seats and Dublin lounge access on transatlantic flights.
- Transatlantic meals Included in Economy and Business.
- Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.
Aer Lingus Baggage Allowance
From 3 March 2026, Aer Lingus applies the same 10 kg carry-on policy on all UK, European and Aer Lingus Regional flights. Every fare includes a small bag of 40 × 30 × 20 cm. The 10 kg carry-on (55 × 40 × 24 cm) is included on Plus, Advantage and AerSpace, and costs from €9.99 online on Saver, or you can check it in the hold free.
The 10 kg carry-on is also free for AerClub Silver, Platinum and Concierge members, Aer Credit Card holders and adults travelling with an infant. An oversized carry-on found at the gate must be checked for €35. On short-haul flights, a 20 kg checked bag costs from €27 to €57 online depending on distance (€35–€65 at the airport). Transatlantic Saver includes a carry-on only, while higher Economy fares include one 23 kg bag.
- Small bag (all fares) Up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm.
- 10 kg carry-on 55 × 40 × 24 cm; included on Plus, Advantage and AerSpace; from €9.99 online on Saver.
- Free carry-on For AerClub Silver and above, Aer Credit Card holders and adults with an infant.
- Gate check Oversized carry-ons cost €35.
- Short-haul 20 kg bag €27–€57 online, €35–€65 at the airport.
- Excess weight in Europe €10 per kg.
- Transatlantic 1 × 23 kg on higher Economy fares; second bag €75; bags of 23.1–32 kg cost €75 each way.
AerClub: Aer Lingus Loyalty Programme
AerClub is Aer Lingus' free loyalty programme. Members collect Avios on Aer Lingus and partner flights, and can combine them with British Airways and Iberia accounts.
Tiers run from Green to Silver, Platinum and the invitation-only Concierge, with priority boarding, a free 10 kg carry-on and lounge access at higher levels.
- Green Free entry level for all members.
- Silver Priority services.
- Platinum Lounge access and more benefits.
- Concierge Invitation-only top tier.
- Avios Collected and spent with Aer Lingus and IAG partners.
Aer Lingus: Frequently Asked Questions
01Which airline alliance is Aer Lingus part of?
It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.
02Where is Aer Lingus headquartered?
The airline is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
03When was Aer Lingus founded?
The airline was founded in 1936.
04Does Aer Lingus Saver include a 10 kg carry-on?
No. Saver includes only a small bag of 40 × 30 × 20 cm. A 10 kg carry-on costs from €9.99 online, or you can check it in the hold free.
05How much is a checked bag on Aer Lingus?
On European flights, a 20 kg bag costs from €27 to €57 online depending on distance, and more at the airport.
06Can I clear US immigration in Ireland with Aer Lingus?
Yes. Dublin and Shannon airports have US preclearance, so you clear US immigration before your Aer Lingus flight leaves.
07Is Aer Lingus in oneworld?
No. Aer Lingus left oneworld in 2014, but it is part of IAG with British Airways and Iberia, and its loyalty programme uses Avios.
08What fare types does Aer Lingus sell?
On European and UK flights, Aer Lingus sells Saver, Plus, Advantage and AerSpace (Business). Saver includes only a small bag, while Plus and higher add a 10 kg carry-on and more flexibility. Transatlantic Economy and Business fares have their own rules.
09What are Aer Lingus' IATA and ICAO codes?
Aer Lingus' IATA code is EI and its ICAO code is EIN. You'll see the IATA code (EI) in flight numbers and on boarding passes.
10Where is Aer Lingus' main hub?
Aer Lingus' main hub is Dublin (DUB).
11What is Aer Lingus' frequent flyer programme?
AerClub is Aer Lingus' free loyalty programme. Members collect Avios on Aer Lingus and partner flights, and can combine them with British Airways and Iberia accounts.
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