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Etihad Airways Baggage Policy

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About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in Abu Dhabi, with an international network across major global markets. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Carry-on Baggage

Carry-on Bag

Dimensions 22 x 15 x 8 inches (56 x 38 x 20 cm)
Weight 15 pounds (7 kg) Economy, 26 pounds (12 kg) Business/First
One carry-on bag allowed per passenger.

Personal Item

Dimensions Not separately specified
Weight Included in carry-on allowance
One laptop bag, handbag, or briefcase in addition to carry-on.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Class First Bag Second Bag Weight Dimensions
Economy Deal Free From $26-$200 per 5kg 51 pounds (23 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)
Economy Choice/Saver Free Included (2 pieces) 51 pounds (23 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)
Business/First Class Free Free 70 pounds (32 kg) 62 linear inches (158 cm)

Additional Bags & Notes

1 bag included, extra bags from $26-$200 depending on route

💡 Fees and allowances may vary by route, fare type, and booking date. Always verify on the official Etihad Airways baggage page before traveling.

Example Baggage Scenarios

Abu Dhabi → London (Economy)

Carry-on: 22 x 15 x 8 inches (56 x 38 x 20 cm), 7-12 kg by cabin max
Checked bag: 1 piece 51 pounds (23 kg) — Included
2nd bag: From $26-$200 per 5kg
Tip: Prepay online to lower baggage costs before you arrive at the airport

Abu Dhabi → Sydney (Business Class)

Carry-on: 22 x 15 x 8 inches (56 x 38 x 20 cm), 7-12 kg by cabin 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 AED 60-150 per kg (varies by route) Varies by route and booking time
Prepaid Discount Save up to 65% when prepaying online Book online before departure to save
Overweight (23-32kg) AED 200-800 for bags over weight limit 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 Etihad Airways'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 Etihad Guest: Elite members often get free checked bags and priority boarding.

Special Items & Equipment

Etihad Airways 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: Golf, ski, dive equipment accepted

Pre-booking required 48-72h before departure.

Size Max 300cm linear (L+W+H)
Fee €50-150 per item
Booking 48-72h ahead

Must be properly packed in protective bag/case

Musical instruments: Special handling available

Small instruments cabin-allowed if space permits.

Size Cabin: max 80cm length; Checked: max 32kg
Fee €0-200 (extra seat for large items)
Booking 48-72h ahead

Cellos/large instruments may require seat purchase

Infant baggage: 10kg allowance plus stroller/car seat

Strollers and pushchairs gate-checked free.

Size No size restrictions
Fee Free of charge
Booking 48-72h ahead

Compact strollers may be allowed in overhead bin

Save up to 65% when booking extra baggage online

Contact airline for specific requirements.

Size Varies
Fee Contact airline
Booking 48-72h ahead

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 Etihad Airways With Broader Baggage Charts

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does checked baggage cost on Etihad Airways?
On Etihad Airways, Economy class first checked bag costs Included (max 51 pounds (23 kg), 62 linear inches (158 cm)). Second bag: From $26-$200 per 5kg. Business Class: first bag Included (max 70 pounds (32 kg)). Array.
What are the carry-on size limits for Etihad Airways?
Carry-on bags on Etihad Airways must not exceed 22 x 15 x 8 inches (56 x 38 x 20 cm). Weight limit is 15 pounds (7 kg) Economy, 26 pounds (12 kg) Business/First. In addition, you can bring one personal item that fits under the seat. The airline does not publish a separate size limit for this item. Oversized bags will need to be checked at the gate.
Can I bring a personal item in addition to carry-on?
Yes, Etihad Airways allows one personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) in addition to your main carry-on. Personal items must fit under the seat in front of you, but the airline does not publish a separate size limit.
What liquids can I bring in my carry-on?
Following international aviation rules, liquids in carry-on must be in containers of 100ml or less, all fitting in a single transparent 1-liter resealable bag. This includes gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols. Exceptions apply for baby food, medications, and duty-free purchases in sealed bags.
How do I avoid excess baggage fees?
Tips to avoid extra fees on Etihad Airways: Weigh your bags at home before departure. Array. Wear heavy items like coats and boots. Use compression bags for clothes. Join Etihad Guest for elite baggage benefits.
Can I bring sports equipment or musical instruments?
Etihad Airways accepts sports equipment (golf clubs, skis, surfboards, bicycles) and musical instruments as checked or cabin baggage with special conditions. Large instruments may require a separate seat purchase. Contact Etihad Airways directly at least 48 hours before departure to arrange transport and confirm fees.
What items are prohibited in checked baggage?
Prohibited items in Etihad Airways checked baggage include: lithium batteries over 100Wh, flammable liquids, explosives, compressed gases, and valuable items (jewelry, electronics, cash, important documents). These should be carried in your cabin bag or left at home. Check Etihad Airways's dangerous goods policy for the complete list.

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