Ethiopian Baggage and Carry-on

What is the carry-on policy on Ethiopian Airlines flights?

Certain rules apply to carry-on baggage regarding amount and contents. Be sure that yours complies with the restrictions and specifications of the operating airline and your departure airport. Please read carefully to avoid misunderstandings at the airport.

What is the checked baggage policy on Ethiopian Airlines flights?

The price of your ticket includes the transportation of a certain amount of baggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft. This allowance differs depending on your booking class and destination. On Ethiopian Airlines flights, the free baggage allowance is set by the Weight or Piece Concept whichever is applicable to the sector. The Piece Concept applies for travel to/from the U.S. or Canada, as well as for numerous long-haul flights.

Carry-on

Passengers  can  bring  on  board  2 pieces weighing no more than 7 kg each in Business Class – Cloud Nine and 1 piece weighing no more than 7 kg in Economy Class. All bags should fit in the assigned spaces: overhead bin or under the seat in front. Dimensions of these pieces (L + W +H) should not exceed 23 x 40 x 55 cm.

In addition, personal items for use in flight, of which weight must not exceed 5 kg, may be carried on board free of charge:

• A small handbag, pocket book or purse.
• Laptop.
• An overcoat or blanket.
• A camera (small one) and/or binoculars.
• Books to read on board.
• Baby’s formula and food enough to eat on the plane.
• Baby’s seat or basket.
• Duty-free items.

On top of the carry-on allowance and personal items, passengers may carry medical equipment like a wheelchair, braces, crutches or prosthetic devices on which the passenger depends.

Valuable goods should be transported as carry-on baggage. If you decide to carry valuable goods as checked baggage, make sure to declare their value and pay the fee so they can be properly handled. Liquids and gels transported in carry-on bags should not exceed 1 liter and should be transported in a transparent plastic sealable bag. Medications and baby food are not restricted, but medicines should be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate.

Checked Baggage

Please make sure to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure if you have any baggage you need to check. Baggage must be checked at least 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights, respectively 1 hour before departure for international flights

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The sum of the three dimensions (length + width + height) of each bag shall not exceed 158 cm (62 inches).

If the Weight System is used, ShebaMiles and Star Alliance Gold members may transport 20 kg in addition to their free baggage allowance, while ShebaMiles Silver members are allowed to transport 15 kg in addition to their free baggage allowance. If the Piece System is used, ShebaMiles Gold and Silver and Star Alliance Gold members may check one extra piece of baggage not exceeding the weight limit for their travel class. Regardless of the system used, ShebaMiles Blue members are allowed to transport 5 kg (as additional weight only, not as an additional piece) in addition to their free baggage allowance only in Economy Class on international flights.

Excess Baggage

In case you are bringing more baggage than you are allowed, special fees will be charged. Excess baggage charges must be assessed and paid for before boarding. If part of your journey is operated by another airline, other fees might apply. Please be sure to check with the operating carrier for specific guidelines and fees.

The applicable charge for baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance varies for each route. The following charges apply on the following routes:

Sports Equipment

Sports equipment will be accepted as checked baggage for free as long as it is within weight and dimensions limits for the free baggage allowance. If it exceeds the weight or dimensions limits for the free baggage allowance, sports equipment will be charged as follows:

Wheelchairs and Other Mobility Aids

All equipment needed by special passengers should be ready at any transfer and destination point. All passengers requiring a wheelchair can request Ethiopian Airlines’ staff to place it in the cabin, where available. This service needs to be requested at the check-in desk. As there is so much space available in the cabin, passengers will be served on a first come first serve basis until all the space has been used. If there is no possibility of carrying the wheelchair in the cabin, the item will be placed in the baggage hold, so it is easy to reach when the passenger needs it. If a passenger is using crutches or canes or any other walking aid, he should be designated a special seat, close to the storage location of the mobility aid.

Extra-large Pieces

Please make sure to bring your baggage properly packed. Light or thin packages/boxes won’t be accepted by Ethiopian Airlines. If the passenger signs a Limited Release Form, Ethiopian Airlines will accept the package under the condition that there won’t be any damage claims issued in case something happens to the baggage. Items that might damage other suitcases won’t be accepted. Very large or oversized pieces should be transported by freight.

Damaged or Delayed Baggage

All baggage that is not at the destination point needs to be immediately reported to an Ethiopian Airlines representative at the arrival airport. They will fill a form and set a reference code. The airline will track the baggage and keep the passenger informed. Tracking the package could take up to 25 days starting the day of the incident. You can check the status of your claim online.

More information here >>