Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance, Fees & How to Add Extra Baggage

ET / ETH · Ethiopia

Purchase extra baggage online with Ethiopian Airlines using the baggage calculator. Maximum 6 extra bags per passenger. Pricing uses both weight concept and piece concept depending on route. Use the official links below to review baggage rules, booking access, and related airline services.

Baggage PolicyOfficial website

Updated Apr 25, 2026

Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Allowance

Free checked and carry-on baggage allowances by cabin class and route. Allowances vary by route, ticket type, and frequent flyer status — always confirm with the official baggage policy before you fly.

Checked baggage

Piece system: 2 pieces of 23 kg each; some routes use a weight system, but the official website does not publish the kilogram allowance, so use the Baggage Calculator.

LabelAmountNotes
International (piece system)2 pieces 23kg each
  • Official wording(Free Baggage Allowance FAQ):"If you are travelling in Economy class, 2 pieces 23kg each and C-9 3 pieces 23kg each Or 2 pieces of 32kg."
  • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
  • —
Weight-system routesSee official pricing
  • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.

Carry-on baggage

1 piece, 7 kg, 23 x 40 x 55 cm.

  • All routes1 piece, 7kg
    • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
    • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.
    • See the official airline baggage policy for route- and fare-specific details.

How to Add Extra Baggage & Prices on Ethiopian Airlines

Buy Baggage
  1. Go to Manage Booking at https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/book/manage/manage-booking or open the Ethiopian Airlines app.
  2. Enter your booking reference (PNR) and last name to retrieve your booking.
  3. Select the extra baggage option and choose the number of additional pieces.
  4. Complete payment online via credit/debit card.

Prices

Ethiopian Airlines uses a piece concept on most routes with per-piece excess baggage charges. Pricing varies by route zone and direction.

LabelAmountNotes
Flights from Washington DC / Newark / New York JFK / Chicago to Addis Ababa and beyondUSD 225 per piece
  • Each additional piece weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
  • Applies on sectors between all destinations to/from Washington DC, Chicago, Newark, New York JFK.
  • Maximum total dimensions 158 cm (62 in) per piece.
Flights from Washington DC / Chicago / Newark / New York JFK to AsmaraUSD 275 per piece
  • Each additional piece weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
Flights originating from USA (outside Washington DC / Chicago / Newark / New York JFK)See official pricing
  • Contact the first carrier for excess baggage information when originating from US cities other than Washington DC, Chicago, Newark, or New York JFK.
Non-US routes (Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia)See official pricing
  • Pricing varies by route zone and weight/piece concept. Use the online Baggage Calculator for specific route pricing.

FAQ

Can I buy extra baggage online after booking?

Yes. Ethiopian Airlines allows you to add extra baggage online after booking via Manage Booking or during the initial booking process.

Where do I buy extra baggage?

Extra baggage can be purchased during booking on the Ethiopian Airlines website, post-booking via Manage Booking, through the Ethiopian Airlines app, by calling the Contact Centre, or at the airport check-in desk. Sheba Miles can also be redeemed for baggage payment.

When should I buy extra baggage?

Buy extra baggage during or after booking via the website or app. You can also purchase at the airport, though online pricing may differ from airport rates. For flights departing from Washington DC, excess baggage is limited to 2 pieces per passenger.

How many extra bags can I buy, and what are the weight limits?

Maximum 6 extra bags per passenger. Each piece must not exceed 23 kg (50 lbs) in Economy Class and 32 kg (70 lbs) maximum for any single piece. Total dimensions must not exceed 158 cm (62 in). Free allowance is 2 pieces (23 kg each) in Economy and 3 pieces (23 kg each) in Business (Cloud-9) under the piece concept. For flights from Washington DC, excess baggage is temporarily limited to 2 pieces per passenger.

How does Ethiopian Airlines calculate extra baggage charges?

Ethiopian Airlines uses both piece concept and weight concept depending on the route. For US routes, the charge is USD 225 per extra piece (USD 275 to Asmara). For non-US routes, pricing varies by zone and concept. Economy overweight bags (23-32 kg) cost USD 100 per bag. Use the Baggage Calculator on the website for specific route pricing.

What are the overweight baggage rules?

In Economy Class, if a bag is within the allowed piece count but weighs between 23 kg and 32 kg (51-70 lbs), an overweight charge of USD 100 per bag applies. No single piece may exceed 32 kg. Maximum total dimensions per piece are 158 cm (62 in).

Do partner-airline or interline flights have different baggage rules?

Yes. For journeys involving Ethiopian Airlines and partner airlines (except routes to/from North America), different baggage policies may apply. The free baggage allowance PDF on the website provides details for interline itineraries. For US-originating flights outside Washington DC, Chicago, Newark, and New York JFK, contact the first carrier for excess baggage information.

How can I pay for extra baggage?

Online payments are made via credit or debit card on the website or app. At city or airport ticket offices, payment can be made in cash (USD, GBP, or EUR) or by card. Ethiopian citizens or residents may pay in Ethiopian Birr with proof of citizenship or residence.

Are there any important exceptions?

Infant passengers (paying 10% fare) are entitled to 1 checked piece and 1 collapsible stroller or car seat free of charge. For flights from Washington DC, excess baggage is temporarily limited to 2 pieces per passenger (total 4 checked bags), with extra bags on standby. Sheba Miles and Star Alliance Gold members receive additional free baggage allowances. Checked baggage allowances cannot be combined across different PNRs.

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