Aer Lingus is an Irish airline and its name is derived from an anglicised version of the Gaelic term for 'air fleet', aerloingeas. The company formed in 1936 and its first flight was from Dublin to Bristol using a six-seater de Havilland DH.84 Dragon biplane.

Aer Lingus was privatised between 2006 and 2015. It is now a subsidiary of the International Airlines Group. The headquarters of Aer Lingus reside at Dublin Airport, which is a few miles from the capital city of Ireland. Aer Lingus expanded considerably during the post-war years and began offering flights to many major European cities, such as Brussels, Rome and Amsterdam. By the 1970s, many transatlantic flights from Shannon to New York were in operation. Today, Aer Lingus has a fleet of 50 planes, including 34 Airbus A320-200 and 8 Airbus A300-300. The livery is silver grey with emerald green and a shamrock on the tailfin. Since 2015, it has been the official airline of the national Irish rugby Team and several of its planes sport a special green Rugby Team livery.

Aer Lingus is the flag-bearing airline of Ireland and is the country's second-largest airline; Ryanair is currently the largest. In many ways, it is comparable to British Airways in size and the nature of its services. Aer Lingus flights operate from 13 British airports, mainly from Belfast City Airport. In 2016, Aer Lingus was awarded the accolade of being the most punctual airline leaving Belfast City Airport. Aer Lingus was also one of the most punctual airlines to depart from London- Heathrow and Birmingham.

Passengers on an Aer Lingus flight can enjoy a range of in-flight services. Passengers can watch films or selected TV shows from individual seatback entertainment systems, which include shows suitable for children. Aer Lingus meals are generally held to be good quality. Onboard WiFi is available for a fee - either by the hour or a one-off fee for the entire flight. Passengers of transatlantic flights can either enjoy a complimentary meal or pay a bit more for one of the pre-order options which include a choice of fillet steak, chicken or a salmon fillet. Passengers on European flights can buy food from the Bia menu which contains a generous selection of pre-packaged snacks and drinks. Aer Lingus also has its own complimentary magazine, Cara, which is offered to passengers on all its flights.

Regular flyers with Aer Lingus are invited to take part in its frequent flyer programme, AerClub, which rewards customers with Avios Points. These points can be redeemed on a variety of things, such as flights and hotels and can also be collected by using other airlines, such as Iberia Express.

How do I check in online with Aer Lingus?

There is a range of Aer Lingus check-in options. You can check-in at the airport in person online or via your mobile smartphone - to do the latter, you will need to download an app and check in at any time between 30 and two hours before the planned departure on European routes. Transatlantic passengers need to check in between twenty-four and two hours before their scheduled flights. Check the details of your flight as in some cases it is possible to pay a small fee to check in 30 days before the scheduled time.

What is my checked baggage allowance on Aer Lingus?

Aer Lingus hold baggage allowance must not exceed 25 kg per hold bag and measure more than 158 cm (height, width and length). Two bags must not exceed 40 kg. Passengers are allowed a maximum of 3 hold bags per flight. However, it is possible to share your checked baggage allowance with other travel partners on the same booking. Fees vary depending on the weight and route. Online discounts apply in many cases.

What hand luggage can I take on Aer Lingus?

Aer Lingus hand luggage allowance is very similar to other airlines, such as Wizz Air. Passengers are allowed to take one item of hand luggage to accompany them on board that must not weigh more than 10 kg. The dimensions of hand luggage can either be 25 cm x 33 cm x 20 cm for a small cabin bag or 55 cm x 40 cm x 24 cm for a large cabin bag. Passengers are permitted to take one bag and one item such as a laptop bag or a handbag. The first two bags are free but additional fees will apply for each extra bag.

Where does Aer Lingus fly from?

The following are some of the most popular routes that Aer Lingus operates:

Latest customer reviews on Aer Lingus flights

4.0 /5

Total reviews based on: 181

Manchester

New York

Manchester International - John F Kennedy Intl Airport ( MAN - JFK )

5.0 /5

Wooller

Date 2019-09-09 Location Manchester Age 51-70 Class Economy

Great service, I won’t travel with anyone else, Dublin Airport as a hub is fantastic, clearing US Customs and immigration before you arrive in the USA is an added bonus.

4.3 /5

3 reviews

Belfast

Malaga

Belfast City Apt - Málaga ( BHD - AGP )

5.0 /5

Oakley

Date 2019-09-06 Location Ireland Age 51-70 Class Economy

The flight went so smoothly. No delays at all and the staff were so friendly and professional

4.5 /5

2 reviews

Dublin

Manchester

Dublin - Manchester International ( DUB - MAN )

5.0 /5

Bob

Date 2019-09-24 Location Manchester Age 51-70 Class Economy

Apart from security at the airport at Manchester which was poor, the flight was on time and a good price

4.3 /5

3 reviews

Manchester

Manchester International - Manchester International ( MAN - MAN )

5.0 /5

Strummerpunk

Date 2019-09-02 Location Rotherham Age 51-70 Class Economy

All good, Got exactly what we thought we were getting, all went smoothly

5.0 /5

1 reviews

London

Belfast

Heathrow - Belfast City Apt ( LHR - BHD )

5.0 /5

Henry

Date 2019-09-02 Location Devon Age 51-70 Class Economy

It's a breeze for me to fly from LHR to Belfast, especially with Aer Lingus, good caring crew and reasonable price.

4.4 /5

7 reviews

Dublin

Gran Canaria

Dublin - Las Palmas ( DUB - LPA )

5.0 /5

Ricky

Date 2019-08-28 Location N.Ireland Age 51-70 Class Economy

Great service all round. Bag drop and priority boarding in Dublin was fantastic, we will use again. Flights on time and staff very friendly.

4.5 /5

2 reviews

London

Dublin

Heathrow - Dublin ( LHR - DUB )

5.0 /5

Mr Olakunle Ogunbote

Date 2019-07-16 Location LONDON Age 31-50 Class Economy

Price was on a high side for me despite I booked early enough

4.0 /5

8 reviews

Newquay

Dublin

Newquay Civil - Dublin ( NQY - DUB )

5.0 /5

Alan

Date 2019-05-23 Location Cornwall England Age 51-70 Class Economy

Good flight and on time

5.0 /5

2 reviews

Shannon

Birmingham

Shannon - Birmingham Intl ( SNN - BHX )

5.0 /5

Joseph

Date 2019-04-26 Location Age Over 70 Class Economy

Flight good Staffat Birmingham Airport at Aer Lingus check in very rude No other passengers checking in only myself Two members of staff at desk kept taking to each other about duties

5.0 /5

1 reviews

Aberdeen

London

Dyce - Heathrow ( ABZ - LHR )

5.0 /5

Kily99

Date 2019-04-18 Location Uk Age 51-70 Class Economy

peacefully

5.0 /5

1 reviews

Bristol