Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Policy: An In-Depth Guide

Before arranging your travel with Ethiopian Airlines, it is critical to familiarize yourself with their baggage policy to ensure a hassle-free and easy travel experience. As the largest airline in Africa and a member of the Star Alliance, Ethiopian Airlines has a competitive baggage allowance while adhering to stringent safety and security procedures. This manual dissects all you need to know regarding Ethiopian Airlines’ baggage policy, from carry-on restrictions to checked baggage, and what to expect if your bag is delayed, damaged, or lost.

Ethiopian Airlines Carry-On Baggage Allowance

Ethiopian Airlines designs its carry-on baggage allowance according to your cabin class:

Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance for Economy Class 

• One item with a maximum weight of 7 kg (15.4 lbs)
• Maximum size: 23 × 40 × 55 cm (9 × 16 × 22 inches)

Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance for Business Class

• Two bags, each not to exceed 7 kg (15.4 lbs)
• Maximum size per bag: 23 × 40 × 55 cm (9 × 16 × 22 inches)

These restrictions guarantee that your hand baggage will fit perfectly into the overhead storage or under your seat in front of you, ensuring a spacious cabin space for all.

Ethiopian Airlines Personal Items

Besides your standard carry-on bag, Ethiopian Airlines allows guests to bring onboard personal items, which should weigh no more than 5 kg. Some of these items are:

• Jacket or coat
• Umbrella
• Reading materials
• Food or other items purchased at the airport
• Laptop
• Infant’s food to be consumed on the flight
• Infant carry basket
• Small camera/binocular 

Personal items should fit comfortably under the seat in front of you, ensuring easy access during your flight without cluttering the cabin space.

Though passengers are allowed 7kg of carry-on. However, it is important to know that in addition to this specified weight limit, they may even bring along a fully collapsible wheelchair, and/or crutches (one pair), braces or any prosthetic device which passengers may need for their journey. 

You can also carry musical and film instruments onboard, provided they do not exceed 23x40x55cm in dimensions.  

Ethiopian Airlines Checked Baggage Policy

Ethiopian Airlines’ checked baggage policy is designed to accommodate various travel needs while ensuring operational efficiency. All checked baggage must adhere to the following general guidelines:

Maximum Size: 158 cm (62 inches) total dimensions (length + width + height), including wheels and handles. 

Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Weight

• Standard allowance: 23 kg (50 lbs) per bag
• Premium allowance: 32 kg (70 lbs) per bag for eligible passengers

Ethiopian Airlines Checked Baggage Allowances by Route and Class

Though individual allowances differ by route and fare class, Ethiopian Airlines generally allows:

Economy Class:

• International long-haul flights: 2 pieces, each up to 23 kg
• Regional African flights: 2 pieces, each weighing up to 23 kg
• Domestic flights: 1 piece weighing up to 23 kg

Business Class:

• International long-haul flights: 2 pieces, each weighing up to 32 kg
• Regional African flights: 2 pieces, each weighing up to 32 kg
• Domestic flights: 2 pieces, each weighing up to 32 kg

It’s always worth verifying your individual baggage allowance when purchasing your ticket, as these can vary depending on your itinerary, fare class, and any relevant alliance partner or codeshare agreements.

Ethiopian Airlines’ Excess Baggage Options

If your travel requirements outweigh the standard baggage allowance, there are several handy options for buying extra baggage space available from Ethiopian Airlines:

1. Using ShebaMiles

ShebaMiles members of Ethiopian Airlines may redeem their saved miles for additional baggage allowance. This is a great value for frequent flyers and is conveniently available on your ShebaMiles account.

2. At the Time of Booking

The cheapest time to buy an extra baggage allowance is at the time of your first booking. Ethiopian Airlines provides excess baggage discounts if purchased at this point, enabling you to budget early and avoid airport charges.

3. Post-Booking Online Purchase

If you find that you’ll be requiring extra allowance space, you can add extra allowance conveniently online through Ethiopian Airlines. Though a fraction more costly than buying during booking, this is still cheaper than airport prices.

4. Customer Service Contact

Ethiopian Airlines customer service can help you add additional bags to your booking. This is especially helpful if you have an intricate itinerary or require assistance with the most economical way of flying for your particular route.

5. Airport Purchase

As a last resort, additional baggage can be bought at the airport before your flight. This, however, is usually the most expensive way to go and should be avoided whenever possible by planning.

Ethiopian Airlines Special Baggage Considerations

Ethiopian Airlines accepts different Special baggage, such as:

Sports Equipment

Here is a list of some of the sports equipment that you may carry on an Ethiopian Airlines flight: 

• Golf clubs – You can bring a golf bag with one golf bag set, golf balls, golf shoes (one pair), and tees; they cost $100
• Skiing gear – You can take along ski (one pair), poles (one pair), boots (one pair), helmet; they come for $100
• Fishing equipment – You may carry a tacklebox (one)/haversack, an angler’s basket/ alongside a rod, a box, and a bag; the charge is $100 
• Kite surfboard – You can take a kite and a board, which will cost $100
• Archery equipment – You may bring a bow (one set), and arrows (packed well in a durable and hardy container) 
• Hockey equipment –  You are allowed to carry a hockey bag (one), hockey sticks, ice skates (one pair), body protection (one set), and a helmet; the charge is $80
• Tennis or squash, or badminton equipment – Travelers may carry rackets (one set), as well as ball,s well-packed inside a bag; the price is $80 
• Horse-riding equipment – If you are carrying horse-riding equipment along with you, you’re allowed to bring one saddle, horse harness (one set), horse whip, riding boots (one pair), one bareback pad, and polo sticks (one set); it comes for $80 
• Inline skates – You can bring inline skates (one pair), body protection (one set), and a helmet; the price is $ 80.
• Parachuting or paragliding equipment – Parachute equipment (one set), properly packed within a container; the total cost is $100
• Javelins – One set of javelin equipment properly packed in a hard container is permitted; the price shouldn’t exceed $100
• Alpinist equipment – You may bring along an ice pick, a backpack, climbing iron (one pair), poles(one pair); it is priced at $100
• Fencing equipment- You are allowed to carry a bag which may include a fencing uniform, a fencing sword, and a helmet; it is priced at $100
• Wakeboard – You may bring along a single wakeboard, which will cost $100. 
• Canoe /kayak- You may carry a kayak or a canoe without any motors attached to them, alongside paddles(one set); it could cost $200
• Vaulting poles – One set of vaulting poles, properly packed, is permissible; it costs $200
• Long board – It may comprise a board not exceeding 2m.
• Scuba, angling, or diving equipment – These include one diving mask, snorkel, wetsuit, fins, BCD jacket, one empty tank bottle, and one lamp that has to be turned off, with the energy source being separately packed. The battery also has to be well-protected to prevent short circui of any kind.

These items are generally counted against your standard baggage allowance but may require special handling. It’s advisable to contact the airline in advance when traveling with sports equipment to understand any specific packing requirements or additional fees.

Musical Instruments

Small musical instruments that fit under carry-on size guidelines may be carried in the cabin. Larger instruments will have to be checked and may necessitate special care or the purchase of an additional seat for particularly valuable or sensitive instruments. The musical instruments may go in as cabin baggage unless they do not exceed the specified carry-on bag limit as mentioned by the airline. 

However, if you have bulky baggage, you can opt for the block seat baggage service. This way, you will be able to book a full seat for the fragile or bulky item. Besides large musical instruments, other items that may be included in the list are typewriters, TV sets, radios, cosmetic cases, tape recorders, paintings, pictures, electronic instruments, and so on. However, overly large baggage or extremely bulky articles won’t be accepted as block seat baggage. 

Medical Equipment

Medical gear essential for your well-being does not form part of your baggage allowance, but has to be notified to the airline beforehand. A doctor’s documentation can be asked for to confirm the need for the gear.

Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Handling Issues and Resolution

While Ethiopian Airlines has made a point of effective baggage handling, sometimes delays, damage, or loss can happen. The airline has clear protocols for handling delayed, damaged, or missing luggage.

Delayed Baggage

If your baggage doesn’t arrive with your flight, follow these steps:

1. Report the delayed luggage to an Ethiopian Airlines representative at your destination airport before leaving the arrival hall
2. Complete a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)
3. Provide accurate contact information for delivery once your bag is located
4. Track your claim status through Ethiopian Airlines’ online portal
5. The airline will do its best to find and get your delayed baggage to you as soon as possible
6. You will get regular updates—daily for the first 5 days, then every 3 days until the matter is resolved

Ethiopian Airlines offers basic toiletries and essentials for travelers with delayed baggage so your short-term needs are accommodated while your baggage is searched for.

Damaged Baggage

In case of baggage that is delivered damaged:

1. Immediately report the damage to an Ethiopian Airlines representative when departing the arrival hall
2. Fill out a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) reporting the damage
3. The airline will provide repair facilities where possible
4. If instructed to make repairs yourself, keep all bills and include them with your PIR for a refund

Keep in mind that Ethiopian Airlines is not responsible for loss or damage caused by:

• Internal flaws in the baggage material or usual wear and tear
• Cosmetic minor damage (dents, scratches, scuffs, dirt, or stains)
• Damage to projecting components such as straps, hooks, or locks
• Overpacking or improper packing can cause damage

Lost Baggage

If, unfortunately, your baggage cannot be found:

1. Report missing luggage immediately on arrival
2. Make a proper baggage claim report
3. Ethiopian Airlines does a full 25-day tracing procedure
4. You will receive periodic status reports during this time
5. If the baggage cannot be located after 25 days, compensation procedures will be initiated per relevant regulations

Baggage Packing Tips for Ethiopian Airlines Flights

For compliance with international aviation security requirements, refrain from packing:

• Lithium batteries (except those built into devices)
• Combustible substances
• Pressurized containers
• Sharp objects in carry-on bags
• Liquids over 100ml in carry-on bags

Protecting Valuables

Ethiopian Airlines, as with most airlines, advises storing valuables like:

• Jewellery
• Electronics
• Important documents
• Medicines
• Credit cards and cash

in carry-on bags instead of in checked luggage. The airline’s responsibility for the contents of checked luggage is minimal based on international agreements.

Identification

Accurate identification of your luggage is important for efficient handling:

• Use strong name tags on all baggage with your name, contact numbers, and destination
• Cut out worn-out airline stickers to avoid confusion
• Use unique markings or colored straps for ease of identification of your bag on the carousel
• Put identification details in each bag as an alternative

Ethiopian Airlines Special Assistance and Extra Services

Infants traveling with families (less than 2 years) are given:

• Extra 10 kg checked baggage allowance
• One folding stroller or car seat that can be checked for free

Passengers with Disabilities

Travelers with disabilities or mobility issues may ask for:

• Baggage handling assistance
• Priority boarding
• Provision for medical equipment at no extra cost

Maxing Out Your Baggage Experience

To have a hassle-free baggage handling process:

• Report at least 3 hours before international flights
• Check in at least 2 hours before domestic flights
• Add extra time for carrying unusual or oversized items

Technology Integration

Ethiopian Airlines provides digital solutions to make your baggage experience even better:

• Check in online to choose seats and confirm baggage allowances
• Mobile app for live flight and baggage updates
• Baggage tracking system on their website

Ethiopian Airlines’ Commitment to Baggage Handling

As part of its commitment to customer service excellence, Ethiopian Airlines regularly invests in:

• State-of-the-art baggage handling equipment at its Addis Ababa hub
• Training staff on correct baggage handling procedures
• Efficient baggage tracking and recovery processes
• Baggage policies are reviewed and updated routinely

Also Read: Barrier Air Baggage Policy 

Prohibited Items on Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines has strict measures in place for items prohibited in carry-on (hand) luggage and, in certain instances, checked baggage, to maintain the security and safety of passengers and staff. Here follows an extensive list of restricted and prohibited items on the official Ethiopian Airlines page and supporting sources.

Prohibited in Carry-On (Hand) Baggage:

• Ammunition and Firearms: Every weapon, ammunition, and firearm (including replicas and toy weapons) is not allowed in the cabin. These materials should be declared at check-in and, if allowed, carried only as checked baggage with the consent of security authorities.
• Sharp Objects: Comprises knives, scissors, razor blades, box cutters, and any other sharp objects that can be used as weapons.
• Explosives and Flammable Materials: Fireworks, flares, firecrackers, dynamite, gunpowder, and any other explosive or flammable material are prohibited
• Hazardous Substances: This includes corrosive chemicals (acids, alkalis), toxic chemicals, radioactive materials, and oxidizers.
• Blunt Objects: Sports equipment like baseball bats, golf clubs, poles, and similar objects that can be used to hurt someone are prohibited from the cabin.
• Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels: Restricted to containers of 100ml or less, all of which should be packed in one, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a capacity not exceeding 1 liter. Excess amounts or larger containers are not allowed.
• Lithium Batteries: Loose or spare lithium batteries are not allowed in hand luggage as they pose a fire hazard.
• Self-Balancing Devices: Hoverboards, airboards, e-skates, and other such devices that use lithium battery power are not permitted.
• Other Hazardous Items: This consists of disabling devices (like mace or pepper spray), dry ice in excess of specific amounts, and magnetized objects.

Forbidden in Checked Baggage:

• Explosives and Flammable Materials: The same rules as for hand luggage. This consists of ammunition (except where declared and packed by regulations), fireworks, and flammable liquids.
• Corrosive and Toxic Materials: Such as mercury, chlorine, acids, alkalis, and bleaching chemicals.
• Self-Balancing Devices: As mentioned earlier, these are not allowed in checked luggage except for mobility-impaired persons with previous permission.
• Lithium Batteries: Loose or spare lithium batteries are prohibited in checked luggage.
• Other Hazardous Materials: Includes radioactive substances, infectious agents, and organic peroxides.

Additional Notes:

• Personal Items: In addition to their carry-on, passengers can bring a laptop, books, a purse, or a phone, but the overall weight must not exceed 3 kg.
• Food: Non-perishable snacks are usually allowed, but some food may be prohibited by local law, particularly when flying to countries that have restrictive import laws.
• Pets: Dogs or cats alone are permitted in the cabin with severe size and weight restrictions; otherwise, they have to travel in the aircraft hold.
• Items Retrieved at Boarding: Prohibited items discovered at the boarding gate can be taken away by authorities and not returned, depending on governing regulations.

Common Restricted Items

Category	Hand Baggage	Checked Baggage
Ammunition/Firearms	✗	✓*
Sharp Objects	✗	✓
Explosives/Flammable Substances	✗	✗
Hazardous Chemicals	✗	✗
Blunt Sporting Equipment	✗	✓
Large Amounts of Liquids/Gels	✗	✓
Lithium Batteries (spare/loose)	✗	✗
Self-Balancing Devices	✗	✗
Pets (beyond permitted sizes)	✗	✓

Conclusion

It’s imperative to know about the baggage policy of Ethiopian Airlines so that you can enjoy hassle-free travel. Following the allowances, restrictions, and procedures stated in this manual, you can pack effectively, prevent surprise charges, and be well-prepared if any baggage complications occur.

Keep in mind that although this information is general, details can differ depending on your flight path, fare class, and any special offers or updates to the airline’s policy. You should always check the baggage allowance for your particular flight upon booking, and you might also want to contact Ethiopian Airlines’ customer service team if you have special baggage needs or queries.

Frequently Asked Questions