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Prepping for a getaway from Etihad Airways and being conscious about baggage allowance. Etihad Airways offers a transparent and flexible baggage policy to make the passengers' journey stress-free. In this blog, you will find all the details of airlines' luggage rules that depend on fare type, travel class and routes. From cabin baggage to prohibited items, here’s a complete guide to luggage policy. 

Cabin Baggage

Etihad permits travellers to carry cabin baggage onboard, but has rules and regulations based on the travel class:

Economy Class: According to the airline's guidelines, passengers can carry 1 cabin bag with a maximum weight of 7 kg with 56 × 36 × 23 cm dimensions.

Business & First Class: You are allowed to bring 2 cabin bags with a Gross weight of 12 kg, or 1 bag of up to 12 kg for flights to and from the U.S.

Personal Item: In premium classes, you can also bring a small item (handbag, laptop bag, or backpack) weighing up to 5 kg.

Infants (under 2 years): Parents can carry an additional 5 kg bag, along with a stroller or car seat free of charge.

Checked Baggage

Etihad Airways presents an open-handed checked baggage policy that depends on your cabin class, travel route, and ticket type. 

Flights To and From the USA and Canada:

Economy Class: You can carry 2 checked bags with a weight limit of up to 23kg each.

Business Class and First Class: Passengers are permitted to carry 2 bags, with each bag weight up to 32 kg.

Flights to Other International Destinations:

Apart from North America routes, Etihad Airways follows some weight concepts. This gives guests a significant relaxation in how they pack.

Economy Class: The luggage allowance differs according to routes and fare type, but it is usually between 20 kg and 35 kg in total.

Business Class: Travellers usually enjoy an extra baggage allowance, commonly permitted 40 kg to 45 kg in total.

First Class and The Residence: Guests benefit from the highest limit, up to 50 kg in total.

Maximum Weight and Size Limits:

Irrespective of your cabin class or route.

Weight per bag: No single bag can exceed 32 kg due to international safety regulations for baggage handling.

Standard Dimensions: Each checked bag should not exceed 207 cm (81 in) in total dimensions (length + width + height).

Oversized and Special Baggage:

If your baggage surpasses the standard size or weight limits:

Oversized Baggage: Oversized items (less than 300 cm and less than 32 kg) will be permitted, but there will be an additional handling charge starting at INR 8,750.

Special Items: Mobility aids, musical instruments, sports equipment, and some items may be checked in under special dispensation. Some of these are carried free if they come under your baggage limit, while others may cost extra fees.

Buying Extra Baggage with Etihad Airway: Many times your packing needs exceed the permitted limit, and Etihad Airways makes it convenient and cost-effective to purchase extra baggage in advance. 

How to Purchase Extra Baggage:

You can buy extra baggage easily via the “Manage Booking” column on the official website or mobile app.

This option is available for a round trip, giving you flexibility to add baggage only when required.

Pros of Pre-Purchasing:

Save up to 65%: Etihad Airways provides particular discounts on online purchases of baggage as compared to airport rates.

Convenience: You can resolve your luggage allowance from the comfort of your home without worrying about last-minute surprises at check-in.

Flexible Options: Depending on your route, you can either buy extra by weight (in kg) or by additional pieces of baggage.

Booking Timeline: Extra baggage can be bought up to 30 hours prior to your scheduled departure. After this window, additional baggage must be managed at the airport and will be charged more.

Restricted items:

Always check before you fly because your routes will determine how much alcohol, gels, or aerosols you can bring on board.

You can bring up to 1L of toiletries in your cabin baggage if you're flying from Abu Dhabi. Each toiletry item can only contain 100ml, and all of your belongings need to be stored in a transparent, resealable bag.

When you're going through security, keep it out of your main cabin bag.

Creams, lotions, oils, sprays, cosmetics, fragrances, shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner are examples of LAGs. Also included are deodorants, shaving foam, mascara, lip balm, toothpaste, and any other lip care product of comparable consistency that is kept at room temperature.

At most airports, if you buy any toiletries in Duty-Free, they will provide you with a Security Tamper-Evident Bag. Keep your item in this bag on every onward flight in your itinerary.

Suggested Read:  Etihad Airline Cancellation Policy 2025: What You Need to Know

 

Etihad Airways Baggage Policy- FAQs

1. What is Etihad Airways’ baggage policy?

Etihad’s baggage policy depends on your ticket type, travel class, and route. It includes both cabin (carry-on) and checked baggage allowances.

2. How can I check my exact baggage allowance?

You can view your allowance on your booking confirmation or by visiting the Manage Booking section on Etihad’s website.

3. Is baggage allowance different by route?

Yes, Etihad applies the piece concept for USA/Canada routes and the weight concept for most other destinations.

4. What happens if I exceed my baggage limits?

You need to pay extra charges when the baggage limit is exceeded, which are cheaper if purchased online in advance.

5. How many cabin bags can I carry in Economy Class?

One cabin bag up to 7 kg, with maximum dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23 cm.

6. How many cabin bags can I carry in Business or First Class?

Two cabin bags with a combined weight of 12 kg, or one bag of 12 kg for flights to/from the U.S.

7. What is the cabin baggage allowance for infants?

Infants (under 2 years) are allowed one extra 5 kg cabin bag, plus a stroller or car seat.

8. What items are prohibited in cabin baggage?

Sharp objects, flammable materials, liquids over 100 ml, and restricted items under aviation security rules.

9. What is the checked baggage allowance for other destinations?

Etihad uses the weight concept, with baggage limits up to 20 kg to 50 kg depending on class and fare type.

10. What if my bag is overweight?

You must pay an excess baggage fee, which is higher at the airport than online.

11. Can I buy extra baggage with Etihad Airways?

Yes, extra baggage can be purchased online or at the airport.

12. When can I purchase extra baggage online?

Up to 30 hours before departure via the “Manage Booking” section.

13. Is the extra baggage refundable if I cancel my ticket?

Generally, extra baggage fees are non-refundable, unless your flight is cancelled by the airline.

14. Can I transfer the extra baggage allowance to another passenger?

No, baggage allowance is non-transferable and linked to each passenger’s ticket.

15. Can I carry sports equipment with Etihad Airways?

Yes, most sports gear is included within your allowance. Oversized fees may apply if limits are exceeded.