Aer Lingus has announced that from 3 March 2026 every passenger on Aer Lingus Regional services will be entitled to travel with one 10 kg cabin bag—aligning the rules with the mainline carrier and eliminating a long-standing 7 kg cap on short-haul turboprop routes. The change covers all domestic flights within Ireland, routes to the UK and the Channel Islands, and more than 20 European destinations operated by franchise partner Emerald Airlines. (irishtimes.com)
Under the new policy, Plus and Advantage fare holders may bring the 10 kg bag on board for free, while Saver passengers can either check it in at no cost or pay a fee (currently €9.99) to keep it in the cabin. AerClub Silver, Platinum and Concierge members will automatically retain carry-on privileges regardless of fare. One small personal item (laptop or handbag) remains free for all travellers. (irishtimes.com)
The move comes as the airline prepares a busy summer 2026 schedule that adds new routes from Dublin and Cork to Nice, Oslo, Asturias and Montpellier, and restores year-round service from Cork to Prague. Aer Lingus says harmonising baggage rules across its network simplifies connections for transfer passengers—especially US business travellers who fly regional legs onward to trans-Atlantic departures from Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
![Ireland Extends Carry-On Allowance to All Aer Lingus Regional Flights]()
International passengers connecting through Dublin or Cork may also need to verify entry requirements for onward destinations. VisaHQ’s online platform offers a quick way to check and obtain the necessary visas or electronic travel authorisations, and its specialists can guide travellers through Ireland-related paperwork as well. For details, visit https://www.visahq.com/ireland/
Travel managers should update corporate booking tools to reflect the revised allowances and advise employees booked on Saver fares that gate-bag charges remain higher than pre-paid fees. The policy also narrows a competitive gap with Ryanair, which increased its free under-seat bag dimensions last year but still charges for larger cabin cases. EU regulators continue to study airline baggage fees, but the Commission has so far stopped short of mandating two free cabin bags. (irishtimes.com)
In practice, the extended allowance may ease congestion at Dublin and Cork check-in desks during morning peaks, yet it could put pressure on limited overhead locker space aboard Emerald’s ATR-72 aircraft. Frequent flyers should board early or consider gate-checking to avoid last-minute hold transfers.
Under the new policy, Plus and Advantage fare holders may bring the 10 kg bag on board for free, while Saver passengers can either check it in at no cost or pay a fee (currently €9.99) to keep it in the cabin. AerClub Silver, Platinum and Concierge members will automatically retain carry-on privileges regardless of fare. One small personal item (laptop or handbag) remains free for all travellers. (irishtimes.com)
The move comes as the airline prepares a busy summer 2026 schedule that adds new routes from Dublin and Cork to Nice, Oslo, Asturias and Montpellier, and restores year-round service from Cork to Prague. Aer Lingus says harmonising baggage rules across its network simplifies connections for transfer passengers—especially US business travellers who fly regional legs onward to trans-Atlantic departures from Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
International passengers connecting through Dublin or Cork may also need to verify entry requirements for onward destinations. VisaHQ’s online platform offers a quick way to check and obtain the necessary visas or electronic travel authorisations, and its specialists can guide travellers through Ireland-related paperwork as well. For details, visit https://www.visahq.com/ireland/
Travel managers should update corporate booking tools to reflect the revised allowances and advise employees booked on Saver fares that gate-bag charges remain higher than pre-paid fees. The policy also narrows a competitive gap with Ryanair, which increased its free under-seat bag dimensions last year but still charges for larger cabin cases. EU regulators continue to study airline baggage fees, but the Commission has so far stopped short of mandating two free cabin bags. (irishtimes.com)
In practice, the extended allowance may ease congestion at Dublin and Cork check-in desks during morning peaks, yet it could put pressure on limited overhead locker space aboard Emerald’s ATR-72 aircraft. Frequent flyers should board early or consider gate-checking to avoid last-minute hold transfers.
