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

Aer Lingus: 55 × 40 × 24 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.4 in), up to 10 kg (22 lb). SWISS: 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), up to 8 kg (17.6 lb). Aer Lingus allows the larger bag.

Where do Aer Lingus and SWISS fly from?

Aer Lingus's main hubs are Dublin (DUB). SWISS's are Zurich (ZRH). The better pick is often whichever flies nonstop from your airport.

Are Aer Lingus and SWISS partners?

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

EI vs LX · 2026 comparison

Aer Lingus vs SWISS

Q: Do Aer Lingus and SWISS 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. SWISS: Economy Basic on European routes includes only a personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm), no carry-on, checked bag or seat choice. Economy Light keeps the 8 kg carry-on, and Miles & More Senators and Star Alliance Gold members may still bring one.

Aer Lingus wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; SWISS doesn't clearly win any category. 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 3 categories

A bigger carry-on
A more generous carry-on weight limit
A bigger personal item

SWISS

No clear category wins

Quick verdict

Aer Lingus wins on a bigger carry-on, a more generous carry-on weight limit and a bigger personal item; SWISS doesn't clearly win any category. Check the cheapest fare's bag rules before you compare prices.

Carry-on size: Aer Lingus: 55 × 40 × 24 cm · SWISS: 55 × 40 × 23 cm
Carry-on on the cheapest fare: Aer Lingus: Not on some basic fares · SWISS: Not on some basic fares
First checked bag (regular economy): Aer Lingus: 1 free bag · SWISS: 1 free bag

Side by side

	Aer Lingus	SWISS
Bags
Carry-on size	55 × 40 × 24 cm	55 × 40 × 23 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)	8 kg (17.6 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	Star Alliance
Loyalty program	AerClub	Miles & More
Main hubs	DUB	ZRH

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 SWISS up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in), so Aer Lingus's is roomier.

Aer Lingus's Saver can be personal-item only, while SWISS's Economy Basic can be personal-item only.

Carry-on weight limits: 10 kg (22 lb) on Aer Lingus, 8 kg (17.6 lb) on SWISS.

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 SWISS.

Aer Lingus includes one bag with Smart on flights between the U.S. and Ireland, and SWISS includes one bag with Economy Classic on flights between the U.S. and Switzerland.

Basic economy

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

SWISS (Economy Basic): Economy Basic on European routes includes only a personal item (40 × 30 × 15 cm), no carry-on, checked bag or seat choice. Economy Light keeps the 8 kg carry-on, and Miles & More Senators and Star Alliance Gold members may still bring one.

Loyalty and where they fly

Aer Lingus is not in an alliance and SWISS is in Star Alliance.

Loyalty programs: AerClub (Aer Lingus) and Miles & More (SWISS).

Aer Lingus's main hubs are Dublin (DUB). SWISS's are Zurich (ZRH). 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 more generous carry-on weight limit
a bigger personal item
nonstops from DUB

Choose SWISS if you want…

to earn and use Star Alliance miles and status
nonstops from ZRH

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.