Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance 2026, Domestic and International Price & Size & Weight Limit
Ethiopian Airlines Economy Class includes 1 cabin bag up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm and 7 kg, plus one personal item. On international routes you receive 2 free checked bags up to 23 kg / 50 lb each with a maximum linear size of 158 cm / 62 in. Domestic flights use a weight concept with 20 kg total allowance in economy. Cloud Nine Business Class gets 2 carry-on pieces and a higher checked baggage allowance.
Published on July 6, 2026 · Last verified on July 30, 2026 by Luggage Validator
6/10
Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Policy Strictness
Strict
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.7 × 15.7 × 9.1 in)
Overhead bin · 7 kg (15 lbs)
Personal Item
Under seat
No official size · Must fit under seat ·Not specified
Checked Baggage
≤ 158 cm (62 in)
2 free pc · 23 kg (50 lbs)/pc
Free Special Items
Items you can bring for free that do not count toward your standard baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines.
Collapsible stroller
Infant car seat
Walking aids and crutches
Mobility and medical devices
Wheelchair for passengers with reduced mobility
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | 1 pc | 55×40×23cm 21.7×15.7×9.1in | 7 kg 15 lbs |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | Must fit under seat | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | 2 pc free | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | 23 kg 50 lbs |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Saver | Economy | Cloud Nine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item Under seat | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Personal Item Size L × W × H | Must fit under seat | Must fit under seat | Must fit under seat |
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | 1 pc | 1 pc | 2 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | 55×40×23cm 21.7×15.7×9.1in | 55×40×23cm 21.7×15.7×9.1in | 55×40×23cm 21.7×15.7×9.1in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | 7 kg 15 lbs | 7 kg 15 lbs | 7 kg 15 lbs |
| Free Checked Bags Piece system | 1 pc | 2 pc | 2 pc |
| Checked Bag Size Max per piece | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in | ≤ 158 cm 62 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | 23 kg 50 lbs | 23 kg 50 lbs | 32 kg 70 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
Flew Addis Ababa to Nairobi in economy class. Got 2 pieces of checked luggage at 23 kg each, no questions asked. The 158 cm linear size limit was not enforced but they did weigh both bags at check-in. Both bags came out fine on the carousel.
My carry-on was exactly 55 x 40 x 23 cm and 7 kg. They have sizers at the gate in Addis Ababa Bole airport and my bag fit perfectly. No issues with a small personal item like a handbag or laptop case. Boarding was smooth.
Took a domestic flight from Addis to Lalibela. The allowance drops to 20 kg total weight on domestic routes, not the 2-piece international rule. I almost got caught out with 25 kg spread across two bags and had to repack at the counter. Watch out for this difference.
Flew Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa to Washington Dulles in economy. My checked bag weighed 27 kg, which was 4 kg over the 23 kg limit. At check-in they charged me USD 100 for the overweight bag. Next time I will pack lighter or pay for extra baggage online in advance to save money.
100 USD
Common Luggage Compatibility
Based on Ethiopian Airlines · Economy class · Africa routes. Compare luggage compatibility across all fare types and cabin classes using the filters above.
| Luggage | Personal Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular Backpack | Must fit under seat | OK | OK |
16" Under-seat Briefcase | Must fit under seat | OK | OK |
18" Cabin Suitcase | Must fit under seat | OK | OK |
Standard 20" Carry-on | Too large for under seat | OK | OK |
22" North American Carry-on | Too large for under seat | Over Limit | OK |
24" Medium Checked Suitcase | Too large for under seat | Over Limit | OK |
26" Mid-size Checked Suitcase | Too large for under seat | Over Limit | OK |
28" Large Checked Suitcase (IATA Standard) | Too large for under seat | Over Limit | OK |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Ethiopian Airlines weigh my carry-on if it looks close to 7 kg?
Ethiopian Airlines allows 1 cabin bag in Economy Class, maximum dimensions 55 × 40 × 23 cm, up to 7 kg.
Cloud Nine Business Class passengers may bring 2 pieces each weighing 7 kg with the same size limit.
A small personal item such as a handbag or laptop is also permitted free of charge.
These rules apply to both domestic and international Ethiopian Airlines flights.
What is the checked luggage weight limit on Ethiopian Airlines?
Economy Class includes 2 checked bags up to 23 kg / 50 lb each on international routes using the piece concept.
Maximum linear dimensions are 158 cm / 62 in per piece.
Saver fares include only 1 checked bag at 23 kg / 50 lb.
Cloud Nine Business Class gets 2 pieces up to 32 kg / 70 lb each, or 3 pieces of 23 kg each.
Domestic flights use a weight concept instead, with 20 kg total for economy class and 30 kg for Cloud Nine Business.
What happens if my cabin bag is too big for the Ethiopian Airlines overhead bin?
Ethiopian Airlines may check bag size and weight at check-in or the boarding gate.
Enforcement can vary by airport and flight, but busy routes tend to check more strictly.
If your bag exceeds the size or weight limit, it may need to be checked into the hold and additional charges may apply.
Measuring and weighing your bag before arriving at the airport is recommended to avoid unexpected fees.
What is the infant baggage allowance on Ethiopian Airlines?
Infants receive one checked bag weighing either 10 kg on weight system routes or 23 kg on piece system routes.
One baby stroller and one baby car seat are permitted free of charge in addition to the baggage allowance.
Infant food for consumption during the flight can be carried on board.
An infant carrying basket is also allowed as a carry-on item.
How much does Ethiopian Airlines charge for overweight baggage?
In Economy Class, if a bag is within the allowed number of pieces but weighs more than 23 kg and less than 32 kg (51 to 70 lbs), the excess baggage charge is USD 100 per bag.
This applies to flights where the piece concept is used, such as routes to and from the United States.
Fees may vary depending on your route and travel class.
It is always cheaper to pre-pay for extra baggage online than to pay at the airport.
All baggage rules on this page are from the official Ethiopian Airlines website. Last updated July 30, 2026. Before you fly, please check the official site again to make sure nothing has changed.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with Ethiopian Airlines contribute your update