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.