Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance and Policy

Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance and Policy

Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance depends on your travel class, route (piece and weight concept), and ShebaMiles membership status. Piece concept routes include flights to/from the United States/Canada and several long-haul flights. The good thing is that both piece and weight concept routes include free baggage allowance. 

Snapshot of Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Policy
What is the baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines?

Below are the main highlights of Ethiopian Airlines baggage policy:

  1. The hand baggage allowance (carry-on baggage) is as follows:
    • Business Class (Cloud Nine) 2 bags of up to 15.4lb/7kg each.
    • Economy Class 1 bag of up to 15.4lb/7kg. 

The size of your hand baggage must not exceed 23cm x 40cm x 55cm (L x W x H). 

  1. Checked baggage allowance
    • For piece concept flights, the free checked baggage allowance is as follows:
      • Economy Class 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each 
      • Business Class (Cloud Nine) 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each, or
        3 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each 
      • Infant baggage 1 bag of up to 50lb/23kg plus
        1 baby stroller and 1 baby car seat
        (if 10% of the fare is paid but no seat provided)

Exceptions. Sheba Miles Platinum members are entitled to an additional baggage allowance of 2 bags weighing up to 50lb/23kg each. Sheba Miles Gold and Star Alliance Gold members can carry one additional bag of up to 70lb/32kg, and Sheba Miles Silver members are entitled to an additional baggage allowance of one 50lb/23kg bag. 

  • For weight concept flights, the free checked baggage allowance is as follows:
    • Economy Class
      • To/from China, from Kuwait to Khartoum 101.2lb/46kg 
      • To/from Doha/Muscat/Kuwait/Bahrain 88lb/40kg
        (excluding the Americas)
      • Within Ethiopia 44lb/20kg
    • Business Class
      • To/from China, from from Kuwait to Khartoum 3 bags x 50lb/23kg each 
      • To/from Doha/Muscat/Kuwait/Bahrain 3 bags x 50lb/23kg each
        (excluding the Americas)
      • Within Ethiopia 66lb/30kg
    • Infant baggage 1 bag of up to 22lb/10kg plus
      1 baby stroller and 1 baby car seat 
    • For Star Alliance member airlines, the baggage allowance is as follows:
      • Economy Class 44lb/20kgs 
      • Business Class (Cloud Nine) 66lb/30kg
      • First Class 88lb/40kg

Exceptions. ShebaMiles Platinum members are entitled to an additional baggage allowance of 70lb/32kg. ShebaMiles Gold and Star Alliance Gold members can carry additional baggage of up to 44lb/20kg per passenger, and ShebaMiles Silver members can carry 33lb/15kg extra.

  1. The maximum combined dimensions (L + W + H) of a checked bag must not exceed 158cm/62in.
  2. Bags exceeding 300cm/118in in combined linear dimensions (L + W + H) will not be accepted as checked baggage. 
  3. Medical equipment and assistive devices can be carried free of charge (if using)—such as a fully collapsible wheelchair, and/or a pair of crutches, and /or braces, or other prosthetic devices.
  4. Two or more passengers travelling together on the same booking to the same destination who check in together are allowed to pool their baggage allowance. 

Hand Baggage Allowance (Carry-on Baggage Allowance)
What is Ethiopian Airlines hand baggage/carry-on baggage allowance?

The free hand baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines is: 

  • 2 carry-on bags for Business Class passengers 
  • 1 carry-on bag for Economy Class passengers

In addition to the above, you can carry a personal item/items* (not exceeding 11lb/5kg) and medical equipment and/or assistive devices (if used) free of charge.

  • The carry-on bag must not exceed 15.4lb/7kg in weight and 23cm x 40cm x 55cm in size—plus it must fit in the overhead rack or under your front seat.
  • Medical equipment and assistive devices such as a wheelchair (fully collapsible), crutches, braces, and other prosthetic devices can be carried free of charge (if using) in addition to your hand baggage. 
  • Examples of the personal items* you can carry free of charge appear in the footnote of the table below.
Ethiopian Airlines Hand Baggage Allowance
Travel ClassNumber of PiecesMax. WeightHand Baggage Dimensions
Business
(Cloud Nine)
215.4lb/7kg23cm x 40cm x 55cm
Economy115.4lb/7kg
*In addition to the hand baggage, you can carry the following personal items for free as long as they do not exceed 11lb/5kg:
– Duty-free items
– A small handbag/purse/pocketbook
– Laptop
– A blanket/overcoat/wrap
– A pair of binoculars and/or a small camera 
– Reading material 
– A baby seat/basket 
– Baby food for in-flight consumption
Note. Your hand baggage must fit in the overhead rack or under your front seat.


Checked Baggage Allowance


What is the checked baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines?

The checked baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines will depend on your route, travel class, and membership status. 

Ethiopian Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance
RouteEconomy ClassBusiness Class(Cloud Nine)
Domestic (within Ethiopia)44lb/20kg66lb/30kg
To/from China101.2lb/46kg3 bags x 50lb/23kg each
OR
2 bags x 70lb/32kg each
From Kuwait to Khartoum
Doha, Muscat, Kuwait, Bahrain ↔ 
All destinations except the Americas
88lb/40kg
To/from the Middle East2 bags x 50lb/23kg each
To/from America
Within Africa
To/from Europe
To/from Asia
Domestic ↔ international flight connectionsThe international baggage allowance will apply
Note
– The maximum weight of a single checked bag must not exceed 70lb/32kg. 
– The combined linear dimensions of a checked bag (L + W + H) must not exceed 158cm/62in.
– Different baggage rules may apply if your flight originates in the U.S. and the first airline on your booking is not Ethiopian Airlines.
– Ethiopian Airlines will not accept light/thin/poorly packed baggage items, incl. those packed in plastic bags and cartons. However, ET may accept such packages if you sign a Limited Release Form, absolving the airline of any damage claims should they occur. 
– Baggage items that may cause damage to other checked baggage items will not be accepted.

Wheelchairs and Assistive Devices 

In addition to the regular baggage allowance, Ethiopian Airlines will accept the following items free of charge (to be stowed in the baggage compartment):

  • Manually-operated walkers and wheelchairs 
  • If you’re travelling in a wheelchair with non-spillable batteries, you will need to disconnect the terminals and tape them together. 
  • If you’re travelling with a wheelchair with spillable wet cell batteries:
    • On containerized aircraft like B747/B767/A320 with the wheelchair in an upright position, be sure to disconnect the batteries from both terminals, cap them to prevent short-circuiting, and secure them with a non-conductive material to the wheelchair. 
    • On a narrow-body aircraft like DC9/B727 with the wheelchair in a non-upright position, you must remove the battery and store it in a Kimpack battery kit which you obtain from Ethiopian Airlines at no extra charge. 
  • You can retain your cane/crutches as long as you stow them safely per airline regulations. 

Note. If you’re carrying a wheelchair, medical or assistive devices, check in a little ahead of your scheduled departure time. 

Infant Baggage Allowance


What is the infant baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines?

The baggage allowance for lap infants is:

  • On piece concept flights 1 bag of up to 50lb/23kg plus 1 baby stroller and 1 baby car seat
    (if 10% of the fare is paid but no seat provided)
  • On weight concept flights 1 bag of up to 22lb/10kg plus 1 baby stroller and 1 baby car seat 

Additional Baggage Allowance for Sheba Miles and Star Alliance Members


What is the extra baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines?

ShebaMiles and Star Alliance members are entitled to additional baggage allowance, depending on their membership status.

  • Piece ConceptFlights
    • ShebaMiles Platinum members can carry 2 additional bags of 50lb/23kg each. 
    • ShebaMiles Gold and Star Alliance Gold members can carry 1 additional bag of 70lb/32kg. 
    • ShebaMiles Silver members can carry 1 additional bag of 50lb/23kg.
    • ShebaMiles Blue members can carry 11lb/5kg in addition to their normal baggage.
  • Weight Concept Flights
    • ShebaMiles Platinum members can carry additional baggage of up to 70lb/32kg. 
    • ShebaMiles Gold and Star Alliance Gold members can carry additional baggage of up to 44lb/20kg. 
    • ShebaMiles Silver members can carry additional baggage of up to 33lb/15kg.
    • ShebaMiles Blue members can carry additional baggage of up to 11lb/5kg.

Excess Baggage 

An excess baggage fee will apply if the baggage you’re carrying is more than your free baggage allowance. The excess baggage fee will vary by sector except if you’re travelling to/from the U.S./Canada where the piece concept applies. 

If your flight is operated by another airline, check the fees and rules with the operating carrier.

Excess Baggage Charges By Weight
RouteRate per kg
To/from ChinaUSD 17 per kg/CAD 21-25 per kg
To/from DohaQAR 65 per kg/CAD 22-122 per kg
To/from Kuwait, Muscat, BahrainUSD 17 per kg/CAD 21-122 per kg
Excess Baggage Charges By Piece
RouteAdditional Bag 
(up to 50lb/23kg)
Overweight Bag
(Upgrade 50–70lb/23–32kg)
Overweight Bag
(up to 70lb/32kg)
To/from America incl. North America offlineUSD 200 per bag
CAD 250-350 per bag
USD 60/CAD 75-175USD 260 per bag
CAD 325-425 per bag
To/from London/ManchesterGBP 190 per bag
CAD 322-422 per bag
GBP 80/CAD 135-235GBP 270 per bag
CAD 450-550 per bag
To/from EuropeEUR 200 per bag
CAD 296-396 per bag
EUR 70/CAD 103-203EUR 270 per bag
CAD 401-501 per bag
To/from DubaiUSD 200 per bag
CAD 312-313 per bag
USD 100/CAD 125-225USD 300 per bag
CAD 375-475 per bag
Dubai ↔ AsmaraUSD 225 per bag
CAD 285-385 per bag
USD 100/CAD 125-225USD 325 per bag
CAD 410-510 per bag
To/from AsiaUSD 250 per bag
CAD 312-313 per bag
USD 350 per bag
CAD 437-537 per bag
To/from Beirut/Istanbul/ Dammam/Madinah/Tel AvivUSD 180 per bag
CAD 225-325 per bag
USD 70/CAD 87-175USD 250 per bag
CAD 312-412 per bag
To/from Jeddah/RiyadhUSD 150 per bag
CAD 187-287 per bag
USD 70/CAD 87-187USD 220 per bag
CAD 275-375 per bag
Within Africa (except East Africa)USD 170 per bag
CAD 215-315 per bag
USD 50/CAD 62-162USD 200 per bag
CAD 250-350 per bag
Within East Africa 
(except Addis Ababa)
USD 150 per bag
CAD 187-287 per bag
USD 50/CAD 62-162USD 200 per bag
CAD 250-350 per bag
East Africa ↔ Rest of AfricaUSD 200 per bag
CAD 250-350 per bag
USD 50/CAD 62-162USD 250 per bag
CAD 312-412 per bag
East Africa ↔ Addis AbabaUSD 125 per bag
CAD 155-255 per bag
USD 50/CAD 62-162USD 175 per bag
CAD 217-317 per bag
Excess Baggage Charges for 5th Freedom Stations
All African 5th Freedom StationsUSD 69 per bag
CAD 86-186 per bag
USD 27/CAD 34-134USD 96/CAD 120-220
All Asian 5th Freedom StationsUSD 115 per bag
CAD 143-243 per bag
USD 45/CAD 56-156USD 160/CAD 220-300
All America/Europe 5th Freedom StationsUSD 192 per bag
CAD 240-340 per bag
USD 63/CAD 78-178USD 224/CAD 78-178
Domestic-cum-InternationalPer international excess baggage charge if the excess baggage occurs at the origin.
Per domestic excess baggage charge if the excess baggage occurs at Addis Ababa.
Note. If your bag is additional and overweight, you must pay the additional baggage fee plus an overweight baggage fee.

Ethiopian Airlines Sports Baggage Policy


What are the excess baggage rules for sporting equipment?

Ethiopian Airlines accepts sporting equipment as part of your normal checked baggage allowance as long as it is within the weight and size limits of your free baggage allowance. If it exceeds the weight or size limits for the free baggage allowance, you will be charged an excess baggage fee per the following rates:

Sporting EquipmentExcess Baggage Fee
Bowling, scuba/angling/diving, inline skates, horse riding, hockey, squash/badminton/ tennis.USD 80/CAD 100-200
Snow skiing, golfing, non-motorized bicycle, kite surfboard, archery, parachuting/paragliding, sporting/hunting weapons plus ammunition, javelins, fishing, skateboards, alpinism/hiking/walking, fencing, wave board, wakeboard, waterski, snowboard,USD 100/CAD 125-225
Surfboard, windsurfer, skibob, hang gliding, canoe, kayak, vaulting poles, boogie board/bodyboard, longboard, rubber dinghy/boat.  

Boogie board/bodyboard, canoe, hang gliding, kayak, longboard (exceeding 2m), rubber dinghy/boat, skibob, surfboard, vaulting poles, windsurfing equipment
USD 200/CAD 250-350
Note 
If you’re flying from Sao Paulo or Buenos Aires, you can take a surfboard with total dimensions of up to 300cm/118in as part of your free checked baggage allowance on widebody aircraft operated by Ethiopian Airlines, but not on B737 aircraft due to size limitations.
• Sporting equipment exceeding 300cm/118in in total dimensions will not be allowed and must be sent as cargo/freight.
• Jet Skis are not permitted on ET aircraft.

Musical Instruments Policy

Ethiopian Airlines allows you to carry your musical instruments as carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or a reserved seat baggage item.

Musical instrument as carry-on baggage. Ethiopian Airlines allows you to carry small musical instruments such as violins, flutes, etc., as part of your free carry-on baggage allowance as long as the total dimensions of the instrument (when packed) do not exceed 23cm x 40cm x 55cm and the total weight does not exceed 15.4lb/7in.

Musical instrument as checked baggage. Larger musical instruments—such as cellos, harps, drums, guitars, speakers/amplifiers used with electronic equipment, etc.—can be carried as checked baggage. If it’s within your checked baggage allowance and limits, you won’t be charged for it. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay the applicable excess baggage charges depending on your flight route, travel class, and Sheba Miles/Star Alliance membership status. 

A couple of points to remember: 

  • Be sure to pack your musical instrument appropriately in a factory-sealed box, cardboard tube, or container specifically designed for shipping musical instruments. 
  • Musical instruments not exceeding 100cm/39in in length will be considered as one piece of baggage. 

Musical instrument as reserved seat baggage. If your musical instrument is fragile or bulky, you can bring it on board by purchasing a seat for it, as long as: 

  • Its total weight (incl. packaging) does not exceed 165lb/75kg. 
  • The packed instrument is in the front row ahead of all passengers. 
  • It is secured with a seatbelt and seatbelt extensions. 
  • It is held with a tied-down system to prevent the baggage from shifting during travel. 
  • The baggage is securely packed to avoid the possibility of injury or discomfort to other passengers.
  • The baggage does not block access to emergency exits or aisles or block the view of aircraft signage (no smoking, seat belt, exit, etc.).

Delayed, Lost, or Damaged Baggage


What should I do if my baggage is delayed, lost, or damaged?

If you don’t receive your baggage after landing, you must report it immediately: 

  • To the Baggage Services desk in the airport’s arrival hall, or 
  • Online

After you file a report, you will be issued a Property Irregularity Report (PIR), along with a unique reference number. The PIR is a combination of 10 numbers and letters that you will need to track your baggage and claim status. 

Baggage Tracking

You can track the status of your delayed or missing baggage online via this link or by calling the Ethiopian Airlines office in your city. 

If you don’t receive your baggage after 24 hours, you claim reimbursement of up to £25 per day (or equivalent) for up to 3 days for essential toiletry items and basic clothing. Remember, you must keep all your receipts and submit them online within 21 days for claiming reimbursement. To qualify for reimbursement: 

  • You must be away from home.
  • You must submit valid proof of the expenses incurred.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance and Policy

What is Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance within Africa?

Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance within Africa for Economy Class passengers is 2 bags of 50lb/23kg each. Business Class passengers have the option to either carry 3 bags of 50lb/23kg each or 2 bags of 70lb/32kg each.

ShebaMiles Platinum memberscan carry 70lb/32kg in addition to their normal baggage allowance. ShebaMiles Gold and Star Alliance Gold members are entitled to travel with up to 44lb/20kg of additional baggage per passenger, and ShebaMiles Silver members can travel with 33lb/15kg of extra baggage in addition to their standard baggage allowance.

What is Ethiopian Airlines Economy Class baggage allowance?

Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance for Economy Class passengers will depend on their route and travel class. Passengers travelling on piece concept flights such as to/from the U.S./Canada and certain mid- to long-haul routes are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each per passenger. 

Passengers travelling on weight concept flights are entitled to a free baggage allowance of:

● 101.2lb/46kg per passenger on flights to/from China and from Kuwait to Khartoum. 
● 88lb/40kg per passenger on flights to/from Doha/Muscat/Kuwait/Bahrain (excluding the Americas).
● 44lb/20kg per passenger on flights within Ethiopia.

What is Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance for international routes?

Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance for piece concept international routes (such as the U.S./Canada) is 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each for Economy Class passengers. Business Class passengers are entitled to a free baggage allowance of either 3 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each OR 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each.

The baggage allowance on weight concept flights on Economy Class is:

● 101.2lb/46kg per passenger on flights to or from China and flights from Kuwait to Khartoum.  
● 88lb/40kg per passenger on flights to/from Doha/Muscat/Kuwait/Bahrain (except the Americas)

The baggage allowance for Business Class is 3 bags x 50lb/23kg each on flights to/from China, flights from Kuwait to Khartoum, and flights to/from Doha/Muscat/Kuwait/Bahrain (excluding the Americas).

What is Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance for Star Alliance Gold members?

Ethiopian Airlines checked baggage allowance for Star Alliance Gold members on piece concept flights (such as to the U.S. and Canada) is as follows: 

● Economy Class
➤ 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each plus 1 additional bag of up to 70lb/32kg.

● Business Class
➤ 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each plus 1 additional bag of up to 70lb/32kg, or
➤ 3 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each plus 1 additional bag of up to 70lb/32kg.

On weight concept flights, Star Alliance Gold members are entitled to a free checked baggage allowance of: 

● Economy Class
➤ 101.2lb/46kg plus 44lb/20kg on flights to/from China and flights from Kuwait to Khartoum.  
➤ 88lb/40kg plus 44lb/20kg on flights to/from Doha/Muscat/Kuwait/Bahrain (except the Americas).
● Business Class
➤ 3 bags x 50lb/23kg each plus 44lb/20kg on flights to/from China, flights from Kuwait to Khartoum, and flights to/from Doha/Muscat/Kuwait/Bahrain (excluding the Americas).

What is Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance for hand luggage?

Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance for hand luggage is 1 bag of up to 15.4lb/7kg for Economy Class and 2 bags of up to 15.4lb/7kg each for Business Class. The size of your hand baggage should not exceed 23cm x 40cm x 55cm (L x W x H).

In addition to your hand luggage, you’re allowed to carry one small personal item, such as a small bag, laptop, etc., as long as it does not exceed 11lb/5kg in weight. If you’re using medical equipment and/or an assistive device, you can also bring it at no additional charge. 

What is the meaning of Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance “2PC”?

If your Ethiopian Airlines ticket contains a “2 PC” code, it means you’re allowed to carry 2 pieces of checked baggage. Similarly, if your ET ticket contains a “3 PC” code, it means you’re allowed to carry 3 pieces of checked baggage. 

What is the free baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines?

The free checked baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines for Economy Class is 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each on piece concept flights such as to/from the U.S./Canada. 

On weight concept flights, the free checked baggage allowance for Economy Class is 101.2lb/46kg on flights to/from China and flights from Kuwait to Khartoum and 88lb/40kg on flights to/from Doha/Muscat/Kuwait/Bahrain (except the Americas).

What is Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance within Nigeria?

Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance within Nigeria is 2 bags of 50lb/23kg each for Economy Class. If you’re travelling on Business Class, you can either carry 3 bags of 50lb/23kg each or 2 bags of 70lb/32kg each.

ShebaMiles Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Blue membersand Star Alliance Gold members are entitled to an additional baggageallowance.

What is Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance within Africa?

Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowance within Africa is 2 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each on Economy Class and 3 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each OR 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each on Business Class.

ShebaMiles and Star Alliance members are entitled to an additional baggageallowance depending on their membership status.

What is Ethiopian Airlines Business Class baggage allowance?

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class baggage allowance on piece concept routes such as to/from the U.S. and Canada is 2 bags of up to 70lb/32kg each OR 3 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each. On other routes, the baggage allowance is 3 bags of up to 50lb/23kg each (excluding the Americas), and 66lb/30kg within Ethiopia. 

What is Ethiopian Airlines cabin baggage allowance?

Ethiopian Airlines cabin baggage allowance is 1 bag of up to 15.4lb/7kg for Economy Class and 2 bags of up to 15.4lb/7kg each for Business Class. The size of your hand baggage should not exceed 23cm x 40cm x 55cm (L x W x H).

You can also carry one small personal item, such as a small bag, laptop, etc., of up to 11lb/5kg in weight. Plus, you can also carry medical equipment and/or an assistive device(if used)at no additional charge.

What is Ethiopian Airlines child baggage allowance?

Children paying more than 10% of the standard adult fare are entitled to the same baggage allowance as the accompanying adult.

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