Which has the bigger carry-on allowance, Aer Lingus or KLM?

Aer Lingus: 55 × 40 × 24 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.4 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), up to 12 kg (26.5 lb). Aer Lingus allows the larger bag.

Do Aer Lingus and KLM include a carry-on on basic economy?

Aer Lingus: Saver fares on European routes include only a small bag; transatlantic fares include a 10 kg carry-on. KLM: The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

Where do Aer Lingus and KLM fly from?

Aer Lingus's main hubs are Dublin (DUB). KLM's are Amsterdam (AMS). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Aer Lingus and KLM partners?

They aren't in the same alliance (Aer Lingus: none; KLM: SkyTeam), so miles and status generally don't transfer between them.

EI vs KL · 2026 comparison

Aer Lingus vs KLM

Aer Lingus wins on a bigger carry-on and a bigger personal item; KLM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Here's how they compare on bags, fees, comfort, reliability and loyalty.

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Aer Lingus

Wins 2 categories

A bigger carry-on
A bigger personal item

KLM

Wins 1 category

A more generous carry-on weight limit

Quick verdict

Aer Lingus wins on a bigger carry-on and a bigger personal item; KLM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: Aer Lingus: 55 × 40 × 24 cm · KLM: 55 × 35 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Aer Lingus: Not on some basic fares · KLM: Not on some basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): Aer Lingus: 1 free bag · KLM: 1 free bag

Side by side

	Aer Lingus	KLM
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 24 cm	55 × 35 × 25 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare	Not on some basic fares	Not on some basic fares
Carry-on weight limit	10 kg (22 lb)	12 kg (26.5 lb)
Personal item	40 × 30 × 20 cm	40 × 30 × 15 cm
First checked bag (regular economy)	1 free bag	1 free bag
Network
Alliance	None	SkyTeam
Loyalty program	AerClub	Flying Blue
Main hubs	DUB	AMS

Highlighted values are better for travelers. Fees are for U.S. domestic economy flights; on-time data is 2025 U.S. DOT figures for each airline's own flights.

Bags and fees

Aer Lingus allows a carry-on up to 55 × 40 × 24 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.4 in), and KLM up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm (21.7 × 13.8 × 9.8 in), so Aer Lingus's is roomier.

Aer Lingus's Saver can be personal-item only, while KLM's Basic / Light can be personal-item only.

Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on Aer Lingus, 12 kg (26.5 lb) on KLM.

Personal items: 40 × 30 × 20 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 7.9 in) on Aer Lingus, and 40 × 30 × 15 cm (15.7 × 11.8 × 5.9 in) on KLM.

Aer Lingus includes one bag with Smart on flights between the U.S. and Ireland, and KLM includes one bag with Standard on flights between North America and Europe.

Basic economy

Aer Lingus (Saver): Saver fares on European routes include only a small bag; transatlantic fares include a 10 kg carry-on.

KLM (Basic / Light): The Basic fare on short-haul routes includes only a small under-seat bag. Light fares include a cabin bag but no checked bag.

Loyalty and where they fly

Aer Lingus is not in an alliance and KLM is in SkyTeam.

Loyalty programs: AerClub (Aer Lingus) and Flying Blue (KLM).

Aer Lingus's main hubs are Dublin (DUB). KLM's are Amsterdam (AMS). The best choice often comes down to which airline flies nonstop from your airport.

Which should you book?

Choose Aer Lingus if you want…

a bigger carry-on
a bigger personal item
nonstops from DUB

Choose KLM if you want…

a more generous carry-on weight limit
to earn and use SkyTeam miles and status
nonstops from AMS

On a route both fly, the cheaper ticket isn't always the cheaper trip: add the bags you'll actually bring, and check the fare rules before you book.

Aer Lingus vs KLM FAQ

It depends on what matters most to you. Aer Lingus wins on a bigger carry-on and a bigger personal item; KLM wins on a more generous carry-on weight limit. If they fly the same route, compare the total price with bags included.

Keep comparing

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Airlines change their rules without notice, so confirm with the airline before you fly.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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