Aer Lingus Carry-On Bag Sizes, should this be a problem?
 

Hey! This may seem like silly question, but I don't want to have any problems with my carry-on bag. The Aer Lingus web site states that cabin baggage must not exceed 22in x 18in x 10in, however, the bag I wish to carry on (which is a soft duffel w/out wheels)is 21.5 x 13.5 x 12.5. Though it isn't more in terms of linear inches, it's smallest side is more than the 10 in. stated (the site didn't mention linear inches). Should this be a problem?

I believe they have a weight limit as well. Check that out. It's been 3 years since I flew AerLingus but at that time they didn't seem to pay much attention to carry-on luggage. Mine was the correct size but weighed well over their limit, which was I think 13 lbs, but they didn't weigh it. However, their current website says bags will be sized and weighed.

I have no idea how tight they enforce the rules, but your bag is clearly oversized.

If you don't want to have any problem, then get another bag.

no, they do not have a weight limit for carry-on. But they definitely do have a size limit. I've been on Aer Lingus flights where they sized every single carry-on that was even close to the regulation size. And other where they just sized the ones that were obviously way too big.

I would definitely use a bag I knew met their size limits. But since yours is a duffle - if it isn't crammed too full, it may actually squeeze in to the sizer box. Have you forced it into a sizer on any other flights?

Well, rkkwan, it's not oversize in terms of linear inches, which I know some airports go by. It allows bags that are 4.5" wider than mine, and it seems those would take up more space than the 2.5" that mine is over in terms of depth. I'm irked though, because when I ordered the bag (after checking the restrictions for aer lingus and our other airlines) its dimensions were listed 21 x 13 x 10 -- but oh well.

The weight, either way, isn't an issue -- with everything mine is about 11 lbs.

I've yet to take it on a trip, but given how soft it is, it seems as though it might squeeze. Still I may just get another cheap duffel to stay on the safe side.

There's a really good reason for those dimensions - larger will not fit under the seat in front of you and/or in the overhead. Will fit with one or two, but not the third.

What will you do if it's a problem?

Will you wish you had bought and brought another bag?

it isn't just the linear size. The sizer boxes are those dimensions - so being too big in any direction is a problem.

Aer Lingus is actually a bit more liberal than some airlines. Many have a 21 (or 22) x 14 x 9 limit.

I would err on the side of caution... and buy a bag that fits the dimensions correctly, if not a little smaller.

Problem solved! Deep in a closet I managed to find a brad new but lond forgotten duffel bag that's 20x 10.5x 8.5. Still it's good to know about the differing standards between airlines of regulations based on linear inches vs. exact dimensions.

FYI - I just re-read my current e-ticket and baggage requirements for Aer Lingus. Cabin baggage is restricted to 13 lbs.

crckwc1
You're correct, carry-on baggage is limited to 6kg weight, though i have to say, i've seen people lugging bags on board that look like they have the kitchen sink in them they appeared so heavy!

The Aer Lingus website clearly states that you are allowed one piece of carry-on luggage which weighs less than 6 kg or 13#.

If you don;t follow rules to the letter you can run into problems. On my flight from Zurich to NYC earlier in the week several people had to gate check their carry-ons since they didn't meet the size requirements. You can probably get away with an inch or so - but the bags that are bigger than that just don;t fit in some places.

And the problem with soft is that it can be packed fuller - and take up even more room.

DH has a supposed 19" roll aboard which he was made to check at every European gateway. Including the wheels and handle, it really measures 21-3/4" -- and they caught it just by looking. Best not to stretch the limit.

I disagree with the warnings here. Gate checking isn't such a bad thing. At least you know your bag got on the right flight and will arrive with you. Fellow passengers may be irked if you carry your bag to the very back of the plane, hunt around for a long time looking for a spot, and finally make your way back to the front of the plane to gate check it. That can delay a flight. But, if you're boarding in the latter half of the process, and if you ask the attendant at the plane door whether it looks like you might have a problem, they'll cheerfully tag your bag, give you a grateful look since you're being so cooperative, and your bag will be one of the first out at the other end.

janjanjan -

I fear you misunderstand. The people whose bags are too large are not ALLOWED to take them on the plane at all. They must hand them over to airline staff for gate checking before they board.

And, if you have things in the bag that are either
1) valuable or 2) you really need with you - you're out of luck - unless you want to repack your bags right there.

If you don;t want all this mess - get a bag that fits the requirements.

Aer Lingus does weigh your bag and inforce the weight restriction.

wow, this thing has a taken on a life of its own! Weight was never an issue for me, my bag is only about 10 lbs. full, and since I found a slightly smaller back tucked away in a closet (mentioned in an above post), size is no longer an issue, either.

OH CRAP!!! just bought a brand new carry on which is 19: and was going to turn it in for a 22" and now you tell me they only allow 13 pounds...What'S an overpacker to do..lol

Here is a problem if your carry on luggage weighs 10 pounds does it seriously mean that you only can fill it with 3 pounds!!!!!