Aer Lingus clarifies new baggage rules

Ireland's national air carrier Aer Lingus has clarified its newly-introduced baggage regulations after it prohibited passengers from carrying more than one bag on all flights from 20 August.

Aer Lingus said that passengers can bring a standard single piece of cabin baggage on board but it has increased the permissible cabin baggage size to 55cm x 40cm x 24cm, or 10 kgs. All items, including airport shopping purchases, must fit inside this bag.

The airline has stepped back from enforcing the strict one-bag policy adopted by its main rival Ryanair, by granting some leeway for small handbags or satchels which may be brought aboard in addition to the single piece of cabin luggage but must be placed under the passenger's seat. In a statement the carrier said that customers may also carry on "a baby changing bag and food bag, medical and assistive devices."

However in a similar move to Ireland's "no frills" airline Ryanair, Aer Lingus has introduced airport racks to gauge the size of baggage. If the baggage is oversize it will have to be checked in at a cost of €40.

Aer Lingus said the measures were designed to reduce boarding delays over storage issues.