Airline

Aer Lingus

Ireland ยท IATA: EI

Strollers: Not allowed in cabin Car seats: Allowed, forward-facing only Sleep devices: Allowed

Policies verified March 2026

Aer Lingus is Ireland's flag carrier and a reasonable choice for families crossing the Atlantic. Gate check is free for pushchairs, and the airline allows several inflatable sleep devices including Flyaway Kids Bed and Plane Pal. Car seat rules are strict (forward-facing only, 43 cm limit), and regional routes have more limited gear options. For transatlantic families, Aer Lingus offers better sleep device flexibility than many competitors.

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Aer Lingus Baby Gear Policies

Can I bring a stroller on Aer Lingus?

Banned
Not allowed in cabin
Gate check: Free

Aer Lingus is reasonably stroller-friendly, offering free gate check for fully collapsible pushchairs when you are travelling with an infant or child. They do not publish specific carry-on size limits for strollers, so plan on gate-checking rather than bringing yours into the cabin. You can also check one car seat or travel cot alongside your pushchair at no extra cost.

Can I use a car seat on Aer Lingus?

Conditions
Allowed, forward-facing only
Forward-facing only. Any (FAA, EASA, etc.) certified.

Aer Lingus accepts car seats with a 5-point harness bearing an FAA or CE sticker, but only in forward-facing position. Rear-facing is prohibited. There is a 43 cm seat width limit, and car seats are only allowed on mainline flights, not regional services. If your route involves a regional connection, plan to gate-check instead.

Does Aer Lingus allow toddler airplane beds?

Allowed
Allowed

Aer Lingus allows inflatable sleep devices including Flyaway Kids Bed and Plane Pal. Standard rules apply: stow during taxi, takeoff, and landing, and do not block the aisle. The airline recommends calling ahead to have a note added to your booking. This puts Aer Lingus in the more accommodating camp for toddler sleep on European flights.

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Does Aer Lingus have bassinets?

Limited

Bassinet seats offered on transatlantic flights only, subject to availability. For babies up to 11 kg (25 lbs). Must be pre-booked. Not available on short-haul European flights.

What meals does Aer Lingus offer for children?

Limited

Child meals available by request on long-haul flights to/from the USA. Crew will heat bottles and baby food. No complimentary meals on European short-haul.

Does Aer Lingus offer family preboarding?

Yes

Families with infants typically receive pre-boarding at the gate.

How much checked baggage do infants get on Aer Lingus?

2 items free

One stroller and one car seat checked free per infant. Lap infants also get up to 10 kg checked luggage allowance.

How much does a lap infant cost on Aer Lingus?

Low cost

European routes charge EUR 25 per leg for lap infants. Transatlantic lap infants pay 10% of the adult fare.

Does Aer Lingus provide complimentary strollers?

No

Aer Lingus does not offer complimentary strollers at the airport.

Other family amenities on Aer Lingus

In-flight entertainment Yes
In-flight entertainment on transatlantic flights includes kids' content. No entertainment on short-haul A320 fleet.
Changing tables Yes
Baby changing facilities available on all aircraft types.
Baby kit No
No dedicated baby amenity kits provided.
Family check-in No
Family seating Best effort
No formal family seating guarantee. Aer Lingus recommends booking seats together in advance.

Aer Lingus is solid for transatlantic family travel with bassinets and kids' meals on long-haul flights. European short-haul is more basic, closer to a low-cost experience. The crew are generally friendly and helpful with families. A good middle-ground between full-service and budget.