Travel ready: Aer Lingus shares top tips for hassle-free summer getaways

Aer Lingus customers can book with confidence, with a range of flights to 35 destinations across Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France.

As the busy summer travel season gets underway, Aer Lingus is encouraging customers to plan ahead for a smooth and stress free journey.

From vibrant city breaks in Amsterdam, Lisbon, Barcelona and Brussels to relaxing beach escapes in Malta, Greece and the French Riviera, Aer Lingus has a destination for every summer traveller.

Aer Lingus is reassuring customers that they can book with confidence this summer, with the airline planning to operate an extensive summer schedule – including new routes from Dublin to Oslo in Norway and from Cork to Santiago de Compostela, which commences next month.

Spain continues to be a leading choice for Irish holidaymakers in summer 2026, with Aer Lingus offering flights to 12 Spanish destinations, including Asturias in northern Spain, Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid, and Malaga. Lisbon and Faro in Portugal remain popular, while the airline will also serve nine Italian locations this summer. Additionally, Aer Lingus provides flights to 12 French destinations – including Tours (operated by Emerald Airlines) starting 6 June 2026, and Montpellier beginning 19 May 2026.

Adding further convenience for summer travellers, Aer Lingus has expanded its 10kg carry-on baggage policy across all European and Aer Lingus Regional (operated by Emerald Airlines) flights. This means that anyone who books a Plus, Advantage or AerSpace fare can carry on a 10kg bag no matter what the destination, while those who book a Saver fare can still pay to take this bag on board, or check it into the hold for free.

On its long-haul network, Aer Lingus will operate a total of 24 routes from Ireland to North America in 2026, including firm favourites for Irish holidaymakers such as Orlando and New York. For those hoping for a Hot Cowboy Summer, flights to Nashville might take their fancy, while a new route to Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania commences from 25 May 2026.

Pro tip for early departures

Aer Lingus is also advising customers of its unique Evening Bag Drop option at Dublin and Cork airports, which allows customers who live or are staying nearby to drop their bags the night before on early departures.

At Dublin Airport, customers travelling on early morning flights (05:30–08:00) can drop bags the evening before between 16:00–22:00

At Cork Airport, evening-before bag drop is available between 17:30–19:30 for flights departing between 05:55–08:00

Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer, said: “Aer Lingus is looking forward to operating its busy summer schedule, with a wide range of flights to Europe, the UK, North America and the Caribbean.

“We are operating an extensive transatlantic schedule for summer 2026, including new transatlantic routes to Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, which is launching soon.

“On our short haul network, whether it’s a city break or a summer holiday, there’s a wide range of options and great value for those who have yet to make that booking.”

For more information or to book flights, see www.aerlingus.com

Aer Lingus’ Top tips for smooth travel this summer:

• Check in online and download your boarding card. Use the Aer Lingus app for the most convenient day-of-travel experience. The app provides customers with real-time updates and gate notifications.
• Prepare travel documents. Check travel documents are valid ahead of departure, including passports, Irish passport cards or EU national ID cards, as well as ensuring any necessary visas are in place.
• Allow enough time at the airport. Aer Lingus advises customers arrive at the airport two hours ahead of European flights and three for transatlantic.
• Request special assistance or meals at least 48 hours before travel. For those travelling across the Atlantic, there’s children’s meals available for little ones.
• For more tips, see: Be Travel Ready – Aer Lingus