IrelandPart of IAG; partners with oneworld carriersAerClubInternational Airlines Serving the US
Aer Lingus Overview & Policy Summary
Aer Lingus is the Irish flag carrier and, for US travellers, principally valuable for one reason: Dublin and Shannon offer US preclearance, so you clear US immigration in Ireland and land in the US as a domestic arrival. Combined with competitive transatlantic fares and onward European connections, it is an efficient way into Europe.
Key Travel Facts & Insights
- Carry-on: One cabin bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs) plus a personal item.
- First checked bag: Included on Economy Smart and above transatlantic; charged on Saver..
- Changes: Saver is non-changeable.
- Check-in: 30 hours before departure..
Aer Lingus help topics
Detailed answers on the ten things travellers ask most after booking.
Aer Lingus at a glance
Baggage
One cabin bag up to 10 kg (22 lbs) plus a personal item. Note that Dublin US preclearance means you pass through a second screening point with your cabin bag before boarding a US-bound flight.
Full baggage rulesChanges
Saver is non-changeable. Smart and Plus change for a fee plus fare difference.
How to change a flightAer Lingus fare types
| Fare | Includes | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Saver | Cabin bag and personal item. | No checked bag, no changes, no seat selection. |
| Economy Smart | Checked bag, seat selection and changes for a fee. | Fare difference applies. |
| Business Class | Lie-flat seat on transatlantic aircraft, two checked bags, lounge access and fast-track security. | European Business is a blocked-middle-seat economy product, not lie-flat. |
Hubs
- Dublin (DUB)
- Shannon (SNN)
Airbus A321neo LR and A330 widebodies on transatlantic routes with A320-family aircraft across Europe.
Popular routes
- New York (JFK) → Dublin (DUB)
- Boston (BOS) → Dublin (DUB)
- Chicago (ORD) → Dublin (DUB)
- Los Angeles (LAX) → Dublin (DUB)
Aer Lingus frequently asked questions
What is US preclearance in Dublin?
You clear US immigration and customs at Dublin or Shannon before boarding, then land in the US as a domestic arrival with no further processing. It saves substantial time on arrival but requires arriving 60–90 minutes earlier at Dublin — the most common cause of missed Aer Lingus flights.
Is Aer Lingus Business class lie-flat?
Yes on transatlantic A330 and A321neo LR aircraft. European short-haul "Business" is a blocked-middle-seat economy product, which is a very different proposition.
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