AER LINGUS HAS moved to clarify its new policy on carry-on baggage following concerns that it was only allowing customers to take one small piece of luggage with them.
Today, it said that the introduction of the new policy “follows a recent review, involving customer and staff feedback, with the objective to reduce delays and frustration caused by cabin baggage storage issues during boarding”.
The new policy aims to reduce customer inconvenience by having a clear, consistent and well-communicated policy, ensuring flight punctuality.
Allowance
According to Aer Lingus, passengers can bring a standard single piece of cabin baggage with them. The permissible cabin baggage size has been increased to 55cm x 40cm x 24cm (10Kgs).
All items, including airport shopping purchases, must fit inside this bag.
In addition, a handbag or satchel, within a specific size, may also be carried but must be placed under the seat in front. In addition customers may carry on a baby changing bag and food bag, medical and assistive devices.
Customers who have Gold Circle, Business Class and Flex Fare tickets may take an additional small piece, such as a slim-line laptop bag onboard.
For Aer Lingus Regional, the standard allowance dimensions have been slightly reduced to allow stowage on the different versions of the ATR fleet. The permissible weight is 7 Kgs.
Welcomed
Yesterday, the Fine Gael Dublin South East Senator Catherine Noone criticised Aer Lingus’ decision to further restrict carry-on baggage allowances, and called on the Government to consider banning ‘one-bag’ policies being imposed by airlines.
Today, she welcomed the clarification, saying that she had found the new rules “difficult to decipher” from the Aer Lingus website.
I am relieved that Aer Lingus is not adopting the strict ‘one bag and one bag only’ policy implemented by Ryanair. However, I would urge Aer Lingus to keep this revised policy under review, as I am concerned that by only allowing passengers to carry one extra item on board, duty free and airport sales could be affected, particularly for destinations further afield like the United States.
The Senator added that she is encouraging the airline to liaise with the Dublin Airport Authority to monitor any possible impact of carry-on restrictions.
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