Ethiopia 
Star Alliance About Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines is the Ethiopian flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, known for being Africa's largest airline by passengers, revenue, and fleet size with an extensive pan-African and intercontinental network hubbed at Addis Ababa Bole. Headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The airline is a member of Star Alliance.
Carry-on Baggage
Carry-on Bag
Personal Item
Checked Baggage Allowance
| Class | First Bag | Second Bag | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | Free | Free | 51 pounds (23 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
| Business (Cloud Nine) | Free | Free | 51 pounds (23 kg) | 62 linear inches (158 cm) |
Additional Bags & Notes
Piece concept: 2 x 23 kg. Weight concept routes: 2 pieces totaling 32 kg. Up to 6 extra pieces available for purchase.
💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official Ethiopian Airlines baggage page before traveling.
Example Baggage Scenarios
Addis Ababa → London (Economy)
Carry-on: 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), 7 kg max
Checked bag: 1 piece 51 pounds (23 kg) — Included
2nd bag: Included
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport
Addis Ababa → New York (Business Class)
Carry-on: 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm), 7 kg max + personal item
Checked bags: 2 pieces 51 pounds (23 kg) — Included free
Priority: Business class bags tagged priority for faster delivery
Lounge: Complimentary lounge access with extra bag storage
⚠️ These are typical examples. Actual fees depend on fare type, route, booking date, and frequent flyer status.
Excess Baggage Fees
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Bag / Per Kg | Calculated per route via Ethiopian's Extra Baggage Price Calculator | Varies by route and booking time |
| Prepaid Discount | Online prepay available via the baggage calculator before flight | Book online before departure to save |
| Overweight (23-32kg) | Route-dependent; use the airline's baggage calculator for exact fees | Per bag exceeding standard weight |
💰 Pro tip: Always prepay for extra baggage online. Airport fees can be 20-40% higher.
Tips to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
- Weigh at home: Use a luggage scale before leaving. Most overweight fees start at $50-100 per bag.
- Prepay online: Book extra baggage through Ethiopian Airlines's website to save 10-20% vs airport prices.
- Wear heavy items: Boots, coats, and heavy clothing don't count toward luggage weight.
- Use compression bags: Vacuum bags reduce clothing volume by up to 75%.
- Check credit card perks: Premium cards often include free checked bags on select airlines.
- Join ShebaMiles: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.
Special Items & Equipment
Ethiopian Airlines accepts various special items with specific conditions. Advance booking is required for most special items. Contact the airline at least 48-72 hours before departure.
Important: All special items require advance reservation. Airport acceptance is not guaranteed without pre-booking. Fees shown are estimates — actual prices vary by route, season, and availability.
Sports equipment: Free as a second checked bag if within 158 cm and 23 kg; charged as special baggage up to 280 cm; over 280 cm must ship as cargo. Advance notice required for domestic Ethiopia flights.
Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.
Must be properly packed in protective bag/case
Musical instruments: Allowed as carry-on if within 55 x 40 x 23 cm; larger or fragile instruments require Block Seat Baggage Service (extra seat purchase).
Small instruments cabin-allowed if space permits.
Cellos/large instruments may require seat purchase
Infant baggage: Standard free baggage allowance applies; infant carrier basket and food permitted as personal accessories.
Contact airline for specific requirements.
Pre-booking recommended
Musical Instruments & Sports Equipment — Quick Reference
Musical Instruments
- Cabin: Guitars, violins if overhead space permits
- Extra seat: Cellos, French horns (€100-300)
- Checked: Hard case mandatory, max 32kg
- Booking: Contact airline 72h before flight
Sports Equipment
- Golf: €30-80/bag, max 15kg
- Ski/Snowboard: €40-100/set, max 23kg
- Bicycle: €60-150, must be boxed
- Surfboard: €75-200, depends on length
Hub Airports
Compare Ethiopian Airlines With Broader Baggage Charts
Use these comparison guides to benchmark this airline against broader cabin, personal item, and checked baggage patterns before you book.
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