Planning a trip with Ethiopian Airlines? Understanding their baggage policy is crucial for a smooth and stress-free journey. This guide covers everything you need to know about carry-on and checked baggage allowances, as well as policies for special items.
Carry-On Baggage
Yes, there is a difference in carry-on allowances for different classes of service with Ethiopian Airlines. Discover Ethiopian Airlines carry-on baggage policy, including allowances and restrictions.
Size and Weight Limits
What is Ethiopian Airlines' allowed size and weight for carry-on baggage?
- Economy Class: Passengers are allowed 1 piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 7 kg and maximum dimensions of 23 x 40 x 55 cm.
- Business Class: Passengers are allowed 2 pieces of hand luggage, each weighing a maximum of 7 kg.
These allowances ensure that there is enough space in the cabin for everyone's essential belongings.
Personal Items
Yes, Ethiopian Airlines allows personal accessories in addition to the specified carry-on baggage allowance in both Economy and Business class.
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Restrictions
Are there restrictions on the types of items I can bring in my carry-on bag with Ethiopian Airlines? Ethiopian Airlines, like other airlines, may have restrictions on carrying liquids, gels, and certain hazardous items in carry-on bags. Familiarize yourself with Ethiopian Airlines' specific policies.
Generally, you can bring snacks and non-liquid food items in your carry-on bag with Ethiopian Airlines, adhering to their specified policies.
Exceeding Limits
If your carry-on bag exceeds the specified size or weight limit with Ethiopian Airlines, you may be subject to additional fees, or you may need to check the bag.
Checked Baggage
What is the free baggage allowance for my flight? If you are traveling in Economy class piece system 2 pieces 23kg each and C-9 3 pieces 23kg each. Note that some weight system depends on the routes where you are traveling. How much weight can I carry for my checked baggage? It depends on the route and class if you are traveling in Economy class piece system 2 pieces 23kg each and C-9 3pieces 23kg each.
Your free check-in baggage allowance is as follows:
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| Class | Piece | Weight per piece | Total Dimension (L*W*H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud 9 | 2 | 32 kgs (70 Lbs) | 158 cms (62 inches) |
| Economy | 2 | 23 kgs (50 Lbs) | 158 cms (62 inches) |
Any piece in excess of the specified limit above shall be considered as excess, and if the weight of the extra baggage or the free baggage allowance is more than 32 kgs (70 Lbs), Ethiopian Airlines will not accept the baggage for carriage. In addition, items packed in carton boxes, plastic bags, and any other poor packing material are not acceptable for carriage.
Excess Baggage Fees
Traveling with extra baggage? Ethiopian Airlines has you covered. Explore our options for additional baggage allowance and ensure a seamless journey. The miles required for additional baggage varies depending on whether excess baggage is charged per piece or weight and your destination.
For flights from Washington D.C (IAD), Chicago (ORD), Newark(EWR), New York (JFK) and Atlanta (ATL) to Addis Ababa and beyond USD225.00 will apply for each additional piece (bag) weighing up to 23 kgs (50Lbs) on the sectors between all destinations to Washington D.C (IAD), Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL) or vice versa. USD275.00 will apply for each additional piece (bag) weighing up to 23 kgs (50Lbs) on the sector from Washington D.C (IAD), Chicago (ORD), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK) and Atlanta (ATL) to Asmara.
In Economy Class, when the number of pieces is within the free baggage allowance while the weight of the bags is over 23 kgs but less than 32 kgs (51 - 70Lbs) the excess baggage charge will be USD100.00 per each bag.
For flights from Toronto to Addis Ababa USD225.00(CAD290.00-CAD390.00) will apply for each additional piece (bag) weighing up to 23 kgs (50Lbs) on the sectors between all destinations to Toronto or vice versa. USD275.00(CAD355.00-CAD455.00) will apply for each additional piece (bag) weighing up to 23 kgs (50Lbs) on the sector from Toronto to Asmara.
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In Economy Class, when the number of pieces is within the free baggage allowance while the weight of the bags is over 23 kgs but less than 32 kgs (51 - 70Lbs) the excess baggage charge will be USD100.00(CAD129.00-CAD229.00) per each bag.
Important Considerations for Checked Baggage
- For your own security and the flight’s safety, please do not accept any items from anyone as you will be held responsible and accountable for the contents of any of the items found in your custody.
- Ensure that your bags remain with you until the time the airline accepts the bags for carriage and also make sure that an object that you don’t know is not placed in the bags.
Special Baggage
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We understand that some items require special considerations when it comes to traveling. Whether you're planning to bring sports equipment, weapons, oversized luggage, musical instruments, or pets on your journey, we are here to assist you. From detailed instructions on handling sports equipment and oversized luggage to guidelines for traveling with weapons, musical instruments, and pets, this section provides the essential information you need for a seamless journey.
Sports Equipment
The following procedure shall apply for special baggage charge (sporting equipment). Any sporting equipment shall be transported for free on Ethiopian flights, provided that the below three criteria are fulfilled:
- The dimension of the sporting equipment is less than or equal to 280 cm or 110 inches (Length + Width + Height)
- The weight of the sporting equipment is less than or equal to 23 kgs
- The passengers’ sporting equipment fall within the number of allotted free baggage allowance per the ticket or membership
Any sports equipment that exceeds the allotted free baggage allowance but remains within the size and weight limits (280 cm or 110 inches) shall pay a special baggage charge (sport equipment) only. Any sports equipment that exceeds the size limit of 280 cm or 110 inches shall be transported as cargo.
Advance notice is mandatory for all domestic flights within Ethiopia. For equipment measuring between 203-280cms, advance notice is required when making the ticket reservation. Before accepting sporting equipment, the originating station must verify the type of aircraft that will be used for the passenger's entire journey. For a 737 aircraft, accepting sporting equipment exceeding 280 cm (110 inches) is limited to two.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments shall be permitted to be carried in cabin as a carry-on baggage so long as the dimension of the instrument (inside or outside of its package) do not exceed the carry-on dimension standard set by the airline. That is to say 23*40*55 (cm).
Block Seat Baggage
Block seat baggage service assures passengers safe transportation of fragile or bulky baggage which should not be checked or carried in the baggage compartment. Such service is accomplished by allowing passengers to reserve a seat for such items subject to normal reservation procedures.
Generally, the following list of items are considered in this category:
- Base viol and cello
- Musical instruments other than normal sized stringed instruments
- Typewriters
- Tv sets
- Radios
- Electronics Instruments
- Cosmetic Cases
- Tape recorders
- Cameras and related equipments
- Pictures and paintings
- courier / Diplomatic Bag
Block seat baggage service is provided to passengers traveling solely on Ethiopian and ET/LH codeshare flights. And also Ethiopian portion of interline trips, or in case a similar service is offered by other carriers, to the entire portion of the interline trip involving such carriers Securing, loading and lashing of bulky, oversize, fragile or valuable baggage should be handled by approved staff.
Block seat baggage must be placed forward of all seated pax in the aircraft. It must be secured in a seatbelt and seat belt extensions. Articles too large and bulky will not be accepted. Any block seat bag shall not protrude to the aisle or over the height of the seat.
Weight of property carried as block seat baggage will not be considered when determining passenger’s free baggage allowance and excess charge.
Traveling with Pets
Cats and dogs, as defined in current passenger tariffs, may be transported in the cabin or baggage compartment when in a container and accompanied by a passenger or shipped as cargo.
Ethiopian Airlines accepts only dogs and cats in the cabin, with a limited number allowed per compartment:
| Aircraft Type | C9 Class | Economy Class |
|---|---|---|
| Wide Body | 2 | 4 |
| Narrow Body | 1 | 2 |
You must bring your pet in a box that does not exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 8 kg (including the container). If the size or weight is more, the pet must be transported in the aircraft hold.
Pets (including cage) weighing more than 45 kg must be transported as cargo, following cargo procedures.
Snub-nosed dog and cat breeds are not accepted, due to increased breathing risks caused by stress and temperature changes during transport.
Procedure on carriage of pets
- Pets are accepted in the cabin on all Ethiopian Q-400 aircraft.
- Pets (in containers) accompanied by passengers or shipped as cargo may be carried in the baggage compartment.
- You must make advance arrangements for all pet transport.
Booking Procedure
You must specify the type of pet and the size of the container when making a reservation.
Ethiopian does not accept emotional support or psychiatric service animals in the cabin unless the passenger provides valid documentation (no older than one year) from a licensed mental health professional (e.g. psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, or medical doctor) on official letterhead.
Pet Charges
| Route | Pet Transport Type | Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Between any ET international online points | In Cabin (up to 8Kg including cage) | 120 EUR/110GBP/150 USD per direction |
| Between any ET international online points | In Hold (8KG up to 32kg including cage) | 370 USD per direction |
| Between any ET international online points | In Hold (32KG up to 45kg including cage) | 500 USD per direction |
| Between any ET Domestic points | In Cabin (up to 8Kg including cage) | 100 USD per direction |
| Between any ET Domestic points | In Hold (8KG up to 32kg including cage) | 500% of the excess baggage rate |
For pets over 45 kg, transport must be as cargo. The PET/AVIH fee applies regardless of whether it fits within your free baggage allowance. For codeshare flights, the operating carrier’s rules apply.
Carriage of Cremated Human Remains
Ethiopian shall permit transportation of cremated human ash as cabin and checked-in baggage.
Prior to travel, the Passenger shall be advised to contact the embassy of the destination country in order to ascertain that carriage of cremated ash into the country is permitted. The passenger shall be advised to choose a container made of plastic or cardboard to carry the ashes.
Important Reminders
- Passport Validity: Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
- Travel Documents: Ensure you have the necessary visa and transit documents for your destination and any connecting airports.
- Flight Details: Double-check your arrival and departure dates, flight times, and plan to arrive at the airport well in advance to avoid delays.
- Special Meals: If you require a special meal such as vegetarian, fasting, medical, Muslim, or baby food please request it when booking your flight or purchasing your ticket.
