Aer Lingus Check-in
Web and mobile check-in is available on several routes from (and to) the UK, Europe and the United States. It opens 30 hours in advance and closes a couple of hours before the flight is scheduled to depart.
At the airport, Aer Lingus recommends checking-in three-and-a-half hours before take-off. For UK and European routes, it recommends two-and-a-half hours. Desks close 45 minutes before departure for all flights.
Aer Lingus baggage allowance
Hand luggage: one piece of hand luggage is permitted with maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cm (or 22 x 16 x 8in) and maximum weight of 10kg (22lbs). A personal item, such as a camera or handbag, is also allowed. On Aer Lingus Regional Flights (operated by Aer Arann) the weight limit is 7kg. Maximum dimensions are 43 x 28 x 20cm.
Checked: On short-haul flights, the cost of checking-in a bag is £12 (€15) online or £24 (€30) at the airport.
On long-haul flights to America, Economy-Class flyers can check-in one bag free of charge, but it will cost £45 (€50 or $60) to check-in second and subsequent bags.
Excess: Overweight charges on short-haul flights are £6 (€9) per kg. On flights from Europe to the US the excess fees are £45 (€50) for all bags weighing between 23kg-32kg (50lbs-70lbs).
Aer Lingus legroom
Pre-arranged seating
Seats can be reserved for fees that start from £5 (€5).
Passenger change details
Changes can be made up to two hours before the flight is scheduled to depart. On short-haul routes changes cost £35/€40/$60 online (or £40/€50/$80 via the call centre) per person per flight, plus any difference in fares. Long haul, the change fees are £85/€100/$150 per person per flight plus any difference in fares.
Passengers may change the name on a ticket up to two hours before their flights for a fee of £80/€100/$157.
Child fares
On short-haul routes there's no discount for children. Infant fares are £19 (€20) per one-way flight. On US-bound flights infants fly for 10 per cent of the adult fares and there is a discount of 10 per cent for children.
Senior fares
Aer Lingus doesn't offer discounts for older travellers.
Pets
Animals and pets - with the exception of guide dogs - cannot be carried on flights to and from the UK and Europe. Domestic cats and dogs (with some exceptions) are the only animals accepted for carriage on transatlantic flights. Pet Express arranges transport of animals and passengers should contact Aer Lingus Reservations if they are intending to bring their pet on a flight from Ireland.
Carrying musical instruments
Small instruments may qualify as carry-on items. Medium-sized instruments may be carried in the cabin if the passenger purchases an individual seat for the instrument. Large instruments are transported in the hold for a fee of €30 online or €40 at the airport.
In-flight service
On short-haul flights there is a "Sky Cafe" from which drinks and snacks can be purchased (sandwiches cost around €5, a full Irish breakfast €9). Hot meals and a bar service are offered on long-haul flights. On long-haul flights there is a complimentary three-course meal with a non-alcoholic drink. Special meals, such as diabetic, Kosher or vegan, can be booked in advance by calling the reservations line (number below).
Air miles
Aer Lingus's frequent flyer programme is called the Gold Circle Club.
Airline food link
There’s nothing like heading up in the skies to work up an appetite. See photographs of Aer Lingus meals and read reviews from fellow flyers at AirlineMeals.net.
In-flight magazine
The airline's in-flight magazine is called Cara.
Airline alliances
Aer Lingus left the oneworld alliance in April 2007 but has codeshare agreements with United, KLM and British Airways. It cooperates with JetBlue on Ireland-USA flights and with Aer Arann on domestic Irish commuter flights.
Airline overview
Aer Lingus has been flying since 1936, established by the Irish Government. Since its flotation on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges in 2006 it's a public company, part-owned by the Irish Government, Ryanair and other investors. It changed focus in recent years, positioning itself as a low-cost airline. On its short-haul routes Aer Lingus offers a single Economy-Class service. On long-haul routes there is Economy and Business-Class service.