Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Policy (2026) — Fees, Limits & Rules
Ethiopian Airlines offers a generous baggage policy, including 2 free checked bags (23 kg each) in Economy. Passengers can also bring 1 carry-on (7 kg) and 1 personal item (5 kg) for free.
Baggage Allowance Summary
| Airline | Ethiopian Airlines (ET) |
|---|---|
| Carry-On | 1 piece, 23x40x55 cm (9x16x22 inches), 7 kg (15 lbs) max |
| Personal Item | 1 personal item allowed (laptop, purse, small backpack), max weight 5 kg |
| Checked Bag Allowance | Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business (Cloud-9): 3 bags (23 kg each) or 2 bags (32 kg each). |
| First Bag Fee | Free (2 bags included in Economy) |
| Second Bag Fee | Free (included in Economy) |
| Overweight Fee | $100 for bags 23-32 kg in Economy |
| Oversized Fee | $100 to $275 depending on route, plus cargo rates for items over 280 cm |
| Max Weight | 23 kg |
| Max Dimensions | 158 cm linear (L+W+H) |
| Free Bag in Economy | Yes |
Special Items
Sports Equipment
Free if it replaces a checked bag and is under 158 cm/23 kg. Otherwise, fees apply: $80 for scuba/hockey/bowling, $100 for golf/ski/bike.
Musical Instruments
Small instruments allowed as carry-on if within 23x40x55 cm. Block seat baggage service available for larger instruments like cello.
International Rules
Flights to/from Washington D.C., Newark, New York (JFK), Chicago: 2 bags (23 kg each) included. Additional bags cost $225 each.
Tips to Avoid Fees
1. Join ShebaMiles (Silver/Gold/Platinum) for extra baggage allowance. 2. Keep bags under 23 kg to avoid the $100 overweight fee. 3. Pack sports equipment as your second checked bag to fly it for free.
Unique Nuances
ShebaMiles Blue members get an extra 5 kg allowance. Sports equipment can be checked for free if it counts as your second bag and meets size/weight limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does Ethiopian Airlines charge for checked bags?
- Ethiopian Airlines charges Free (2 bags included in Economy) for the first checked bag and Free (included in Economy) for the second bag.
- What is Ethiopian Airlines's carry-on bag size limit?
- Ethiopian Airlines carry-on allowance: 1 piece, 23x40x55 cm (9x16x22 inches), 7 kg (15 lbs) max. 1 personal item allowed (laptop, purse, small backpack), max weight 5 kg
- Does Ethiopian Airlines include free checked bags in economy?
- Yes, Ethiopian Airlines includes at least one free checked bag in economy class. Economy: 2 bags (23 kg each). Business (Cloud-9): 3 bags (23 kg each) or 2 bags (32 kg each).
- What is Ethiopian Airlines's overweight baggage fee?
- $100 for bags 23-32 kg in Economy
- Can I bring sports equipment on Ethiopian Airlines?
- Free if it replaces a checked bag and is under 158 cm/23 kg. Otherwise, fees apply: $80 for scuba/hockey/bowling, $100 for golf/ski/bike.
- What are Ethiopian Airlines baggage fees?
- Ethiopian Airlines baggage fees are Free (2 bags included in Economy) for the first checked bag and Free (included in Economy) for the second. Overweight bags (over 50 lbs) incur an additional fee of $100 for bags 23-32 kg in Economy. Flights to/from Washington D.C., Newark, New York (JFK), Chicago: 2 bags (23 kg each) included. Additional bags cost $225 each.