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Aer Lingus is extending its 10kg carry-on baggage policy to all Aer Lingus Regional services from March 3, 2026, simplifying cabin luggage rules and promising extra flexibility and savings for passengers on domestic, UK and European routes.
New Policy Brings Regional Flights In Line With Mainline Services
The Irish flag carrier confirmed that, from March 3, 2026, every Aer Lingus Regional flight operated by Emerald Airlines will move from the current 7kg cabin allowance to a harmonised 10kg policy. The move brings the turboprop network into line with Aer Lingus’s existing rules on its mainline short-haul and transatlantic services, where a 10kg cabin bag has already been standard.
Under the revised structure, a 10kg bag with maximum dimensions of 55cm by 40cm by 24cm will be the reference size across the network, replacing the smaller 48cm by 33cm by 20cm cabin bag previously used on regional routes. All customers will continue to be entitled to bring a small personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, which must fit under the seat in front.
The airline said the change responds to customer feedback calling for a single, clearer allowance regardless of aircraft type or routing. It also reduces the likelihood of confusion for travellers connecting between regional and mainline flights on the same itinerary.
Fare Types Decide Whether 10kg Bag Is Carried On Or Checked In
Aer Lingus has confirmed that the expanded 10kg allowance will be available on all fare types, but how that bag is handled will depend on the ticket purchased. Passengers booking Plus, Advantage or AerSpace fares on any domestic, UK or European service will be able to bring a 10kg bag on board as cabin baggage, subject to overhead locker space.
Travellers on lower Saver fares will still have access to a 10kg bag, but by default it will be checked into the aircraft hold at no extra cost. Saver customers who prefer to keep their bag with them in the cabin can choose to pay a carry-on fee via the Manage Trip function before departure, mirroring the current practice on mainline European services.
The airline has reiterated that bringing a 10kg bag to the gate without pre-purchasing cabin carriage will incur a standard handling charge when the bag is placed in the hold. By encouraging customers to pre-book, Aer Lingus aims to minimise last-minute delays at boarding and better manage overhead bin space on busy departures.
Elite AerClub members holding Silver, Platinum or Concierge status will continue to receive their 10kg carry-on entitlement as part of their tier benefits, now extended to all regional flights. The change is designed to ensure frequent flyers enjoy the same baggage experience whether they are flying between Irish cities, crossing the Irish Sea or connecting to continental Europe.
Domestic, UK And European Travellers Stand To Benefit
The rollout of the 10kg policy on regional services will be felt most strongly by passengers on short-haul turboprop routes linking Irish regional airports with Dublin, the UK and selected European destinations. These flights, many of them operated by Emerald Airlines under the Aer Lingus Regional banner, have historically enforced a tighter 7kg cabin limit due to aircraft size and weight considerations.
From March, domestic routes such as Dublin to Donegal, as well as key cross-channel services linking Ireland with UK cities and Channel Islands points, will operate under the same 10kg framework as jet services from Dublin, Cork and Shannon. Selected European regional links, including those feeding into more than 20 cities on the continent, will also benefit.
Airport sources say the simplification should cut the number of last-minute bag re-weighs and size checks at the gate, a common pain point on regional sectors. For leisure travellers in particular, the extra three kilograms and larger cabin bag dimensions are expected to make weekend and short-break packing noticeably easier.
Business travellers, who often rely on regional links to connect with transatlantic or European flights, are also expected to welcome the change. A single, consistent 10kg standard removes the need to repack or check luggage when transferring between regional and mainline aircraft on the same journey.
Competitive Pressures Shape Cabin Baggage Strategy
The expanded carry-on policy comes as airlines across Europe adjust hand baggage rules in response to regulatory scrutiny and competitive pressure. Low-cost rival Ryanair has recently enlarged the dimensions of its free under-seat bag, while a number of long-haul and hybrid carriers have added or improved 10kg cabin allowances for selected fare types.
Analysts say Aer Lingus’s decision to standardise at 10kg across UK, European and regional services positions the carrier more favourably against both low-cost and full-service competitors. By keeping a free 10kg entitlement for Saver fares, albeit checked into the hold unless upgraded, the airline can advertise a tangible baggage benefit while still monetising overhead locker space.
Industry observers also point to ongoing debate in Brussels over common standards for cabin baggage. While European lawmakers stopped short of mandating that airlines accept two free cabin bags, they have agreed on standard minimum dimensions for a small under-seat item. Aligning its product now allows Aer Lingus to anticipate possible future harmonisation while offering passengers a clearer proposition today.
For Aer Lingus, the strategy is ultimately aimed at making its short-haul network more attractive to price-sensitive travellers who value flexibility. A uniform 10kg policy across domestic, UK and European routes should prove a strong selling point in the busy spring and summer 2026 travel season, particularly as capacity grows from regional airports and competition intensifies.
What Passengers Should Do Before March 3 Rollout
Passengers already holding bookings on Aer Lingus Regional services for travel on or after March 3, 2026, are being notified by email of the new rules. Those on Saver fares are advised to review their options in Manage Trip if they want to upgrade their 10kg bag from free checked status to guaranteed cabin carriage.
Travellers are also being reminded to pay close attention to size limits, as the new 10kg allowance is tied to the larger 55cm by 40cm by 24cm cabin bag format. Bags exceeding these dimensions will be treated as standard checked luggage and may be subject to additional fees, even if they weigh less than 10kg.
At airports, Aer Lingus is expected to update signage and bag sizers to reflect the harmonised policy. Ground staff will be briefed to help explain the options to customers who are familiar with the old 7kg rules on turboprop services. The airline is emphasising that, regardless of fare, each customer will still be permitted a small personal item for essential belongings in the cabin.
With the changes taking effect just ahead of the busy Easter and early summer getaway period, the carrier is banking on the simplified rules and extra allowance to ease queues, reduce disputes at the gate and strengthen its appeal among both Irish and international travellers using its domestic, UK and European network.