Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Policy

Allowance:

Economy Class: One carry-on bag (max 55 x 40 x 23 cm / 21.6 x 15.7 x 9 inches, 7 kg / 15.4 lbs) and one personal item (e.g., handbag, laptop bag, max 5 kg / 11 lbs, must fit under the seat).
Business Class (Cloud Nine): Two carry-on bags (each max 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 7 kg each, total 14 kg / 30.8 lbs) and one personal item.
ShebaMiles Gold/Platinum, Star Alliance Gold: Two carry-on bags (each 7 kg, 55 x 40 x 23 cm) in any class.
Infants (under 2 years, no seat): One small bag for essentials (e.g., food, diapers, max 5 kg) and one stroller, car seat, or bassinet (free, subject to space).
Children (2–11 years): Same allowance as adults based on fare class.

Size and Weight Restrictions:

Carry-On Bag: Maximum dimensions 55 x 40 x 23 cm (total 118 cm / 46 inches, including handles and wheels). Maximum weight: 7 kg (15.4 lbs). Must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
Personal Item: No specific dimensions, but must fit under the seat (e.g., 40 x 30 x 15 cm / 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches recommended, max 5 kg). Examples include a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack.
Liquids, Gels, Aerosols: Containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) in a single, transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag, per TSA/EU regulations. Non-liquid snacks (e.g., sandwiches, dried foods) are allowed, but fresh foods like meat or dairy may be restricted by destination countries (e.g., Australia, U.S.).

Additional Notes:

Oversized/overweight carry-on bags are checked at the gate for a fee ($50–$150, depending on route and timing). On smaller aircraft (e.g., regional jets), carry-on may be gate-checked free due to limited cabin space.
Prohibited items include sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors), lighters, mace canisters, and self-balancing devices (e.g., hoverboards). Smart bags require removable lithium batteries carried separately (max two spares in protective cases). E-cigarettes are allowed in carry-on only (not used in-flight).
Additional permitted items: Collapsible wheelchairs, crutches, braces, or prosthetic devices for dependent passengers; cameras; baby food for flight duration.
Musical Instruments: Small instruments (within 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 7 kg) can be carry-on. Larger instruments (max 30 x 117 x 38 cm, 75 kg) require a purchased seat or are checked with fees.

Size and Weight Limitations:

Maximum dimensions: 158 cm (62 linear inches, L+W+H) for standard baggage, 203 cm (80 inches) for sports equipment. Oversized bags (159–203 cm) incur fees ($100–$200). Bags over 203 cm or 32 kg must be shipped via Ethiopian Airlines Cargo.
Maximum weight: 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag for Economy, 32 kg (70 lbs) for Business. A single bag over 23 kg (e.g., 32 kg) incurs a $100 fee per leg in Economy, even if within the total allowance.

Excess Baggage Fees (one-way, approximate):

Extra Bags: $160–$250 (6,130–9,580 ETB) per bag, depending on route (e.g., Africa to U.S./Europe/Asia). Prepay online for savings.
Overweight (24–32 kg): $100 per bag per leg (Economy). Bags over 32 kg are not accepted.
Oversized (159–203 cm): $100–$200 per bag.

Codeshare/Interline Flights:

The MSC’s rules apply (typically the airline operating the longest leg). For example, Etihad codeshares (effective July 15, 2025) allow seamless baggage transfer to 55 African destinations via Addis Ababa, but Etihad’s rules may apply for Abu Dhabi legs. If baggage isn’t transferred by a partner airline, passengers receive a slip noting it won’t arrive at the final destination. Always confirm with the operating carrier (e.g., Etihad, United).

Allowance: Free if within weight (23–32 kg) and size (203 cm) limits and counts as one checked bag (max one additional piece for Economy). Must meet three criteria: dimensions ≤ 203 cm, weight ≤ 23 kg, and passenger carries only one other checked bag.
Specific Rules:
- Sports Equipment: Golf bags, skis, snowboards, bicycles (handlebars fixed, tires deflated), and fishing gear are free if within limits; otherwise, fees apply ($100–$200). Equipment over 203 cm or 32 kg must be shipped as cargo.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (within 55 x 40 x 23 cm, 7 kg) can be carry-on. Larger instruments require a purchased seat (max 75 kg, 30 x 117 x 38 cm) or are checked with fees.
- Cremated Ashes: Allowed in carry-on or checked baggage in a sealed plastic bag within a plastic/cardboard urn (metal/ceramic urns prohibited). Check destination embassy regulations and carry translated documents.
Non-Accepted Items: Bags over 32 kg or 203 cm, flat TVs ≥ 66 inches, hoverboards, and hazardous items (e.g., flammable liquids, mace canisters). Firearms/ammunition require approval and are checked in the hold only.
Mobility Aids: Collapsible wheelchairs, crutches, and prosthetic devices are free with 48-hour notification.
Medical Equipment: Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and CPAP machines are allowed as carry-on (not used during taxi, takeoff, landing) with 48-hour notice, one-hour early check-in, and a Medical Information Form (MEDIF).

Small dogs or cats (max 8 kg including carrier, max 55 x 40 x 20 cm) are allowed in the cabin (2 per Economy compartment, 1 per Business). Fees: $125 (domestic), $200 (international). Larger pets (up to 100 kg) travel in the cargo hold; over 100 kg via cargo. Advance booking required (48 hours).
Seeing-eye dogs travel free in the cabin with documentation, proper harnessing, and no local/government restrictions.

Track bags using the Baggage Tracker on Ethiopian’s website or app. Updates are sent daily for 5 days, then every 3 days up to 25 days. Delivery is arranged if found.
Compensation follows the Montreal Convention. Ethiopian may repair damaged bags or reimburse repair costs with a PIR and receipt. No liability for fragile items, electronics, or valuables in checked baggage.