The price of a ticket includes the transportation of a certain amount of baggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft. This allowance differs depending on the booking class and the destination.
Free baggage allowance on all other international routes and within Ethiopia
On Ethiopian free baggage allowance is set by the weight or piece concept whichever is applicable to the sector.
Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Policy (Effective 01 SEP 20-UFN) FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE , Click here for more information.
Note: The maximum sum of the three
dimensions (length + width + height) of each bag shall not exceed 158 cms (62 inches).
Local restrictions on baggage weight
Please note that the maximum weight limit per single baggage is 32 kg for business class and 23 kg for economy class on all flights across the Atlantic (outbound and return, as well as transfers). Baggage exceeding this weight limit will not be accepted for check- in.
This regulation does not change the maximum weight limit for the free baggage allowance.
Baggage Allowance & Fees for flight to/from the US and Canada
For Ethiopian-ticketed passengers on Ethiopian-operated flights (ET) the first and second checked bag in Cloud Nine and Economy is free. For ShebaMiles Gold, ShebaMiles Silver and Star Gold passengers, the first checked bag above the complimentary (free) checked bag allowance shown above is also free of charge.(for Shebamiles Gold 32 kg (70 lbs) with maximum dimension (L+W+H)158 cm (62 inches). each regardless of the class of service they travel; for Star Alliance Gold members 01 piece weight limited to the class of service used with size of 32 kg (70 lbs) with maximum dimension (L+W+H)158 cm (62 inches). and for Shebamiles Silver 23 kg (50 lbs) with maximum dimension (L+W+H)158 cm (62 inches). each regardless of the class of service they travel(For Shebamiles Silver Applicable only on Ethiopian Airlines flights and to flights operated by Ethiopian Airlines).
In Cloud Nine and Economy, including ShebaMiles Gold, ShebaMiles Silver and Star Gold passengers, the fee for any additional checked bags beyond the complementary specified above is $200/bag each way between the USA/Canada and Addis Ababa, between Middle east and Asia and USA/Canada $250/bag each way and for all other points the fee is USD200.00/bag each way. Please review Ethiopian Carry-On for Carry-on bag size and weight information clicking the link below:
Additional baggage fees may apply in the event of a stopover on an international itinerary.
Codeshare/International flights exceptions
For travel to/from, with US, on an interline itinerary, additional airline fees for baggage may apply. Please refer to the website of the airline operating the first flight segment of your interline itinerary in your electronic ticket confirmation. If the first number in the itinerary starts with
Free baggage allowance on long-haul flights
For numerous long-haul flights the Piece Concept applies. This means that adult passenger may check in up to two pieces of baggage in addition to their carry-on baggage free of charge. Please check the chart below for the allowed weights per piece.
Destinations | Cloud Nine | Economy |
| Across Atlantic from to U.S.A. | 2 pieces, 32 kg each OR 3 pieces 23 kg each | 2 pieces, 23 kg each |
Additional free baggage allowance for Sheba Miles Gold & Silver and Star Alliance Gold Members
- When weight system is used, ShebaMiles Gold members and Star Alliance Gold members will receive 20 kgs with maximum dimension (L+W+H) 158 cm (62 inches) in addition to the free baggage allowance. ShebaMiles Silver members will receive 15 kgs with maximum dimension (L+W+H) 158 cm (62 inches)in addition to the free baggage allowance but only on Ethiopian Airlines flights and to flights operated by Ethiopian Airlines. ShebaMiles Blue members will receive 5 kgs in addition to the free baggage allowance but only on Ethiopian Airlines international flights and if traveled in Economy class.
- When piece system is used, ShebaMiles Gold and ShebaMiles Silver members are entitled to one (1) extra additional baggage allowance with weight limited to 32kgs and 23 kgs respectively with maximum dimension (L+W+H)158 cm (62 inches), however for Shebamiles Silver applicable only on Ethiopian Airlines flights and to flights operated by Ethiopian Airlines . Star Alliance Gold members are entitled to one (1) extra additional baggage allowance with weight limited to the class of service used. ShebaMiles Blue members will receive 5 kgs in addition to the free baggage allowance but only on Ethiopian Airlines international flights and not as an additional piece, it shall be distributed in each of the two checked bags or included in one of the two pieces.
Transportation of pushchairs, wheelchairs or walking aids
- Special equipments required by incapacitated passengers with the passenger, and/or should be readily and immediately attainable at transfer and destination points.
- Passengers traveling with their own folding wheelchair or assistive device may request it to be carried in the passenger cabin where storage facilities are available. Such request will be handled on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Where such facilities do not exist, the wheelchair or assistive device will be loaded in the baggage hold where it is easily accessible for timely return to the passenger.
- If crutches, canes and similar walking aids are stored in a special location in the cabin, the user of such aids should be assigned seats nearby, to permit quick access to the aids when needed.
Especially large and heavy pieces of baggage
- Baggage will be accepted for check-in, only if it properly contains and prevents damage to the contents. Light cardboard boxes, paper bags and similar non-durable materials are not acceptable. If the passenger so insists, it shall be accepted upon using Limited Release Tags, relieving Ethiopian from any damage claim.
- Acceptance of items which may cause damage to other baggage will be refused unless properly packed.
- Extremely bulky and oversized bags shall be forwarded by freight.
Free baggage allowance for an infant
- A. For All Ethiopian flights except to/from the US and Canada
An infant, not entitled to a seat is allowed to 10kgs of free baggage allowance and in addition one fully collapsible stroller/push chair, which may be carried in the passenger cabin subject to availability of space.
- B. For flight to/from the US and Canada
- Infant, paying 10% of the applicable fare and not occupying seat is entitled to one checked bag (piece) weighing 23kgs(50 lb),the sum of the 3 dimensions of which does not exceed 45 inches (115cms) plus one fully collapsible / pushchair, which may be carried in the passenger cabin subject to availability of space.
