Etihad Airways Checked Baggage Fees and Policy Guide
Traveling with Etihad soon? Understanding your Etihad Airways baggage allowance upfront is important. Etihad’s policy is created different from other airlines.
It uses two systems: the Piece Concept for flights to/from the US and Canada, and the Weight Concept for most other international destinations. Here’s what each one means for you.
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First Checked Bag
If you book an Etihad Basic fare, your first bag is not included. You will need to buy an allowance. This is the main scenario where you pay a first checked baggage fee. For almost all other fare types (like Economy Value or Deluxe), your first bag is included for free. If you need to purchase a bag, buying online is the cheapest known way.
Second Checked Bag
For flights heading to or from the USA and Etihad (Piece Concept), Economy tickets usually include two bags up to 23 kg each. For routes using the Weight Concept, there is no “second bag” fee. Instead, you get a total weight limit, like 30 kg or 40 kg. You can check multiple bags as long as the total weight is under your limit.
Third Checked Bag
If your luggage exceeds your free allowance, you must pay Etihad excess baggage charges. This fee varies greatly by route and is either calculated per piece (e.g., $250-$300 for an extra 23kg bag to North America) or per 5 kg block (Weight Concept). If you want to know how much is extra baggage on Etihad, pre-paying online can get you a great deal.
Note: Your specific baggage allowance and any potential Etihad checked baggage cost you may have depend on your ticket type, travel class, and route. You’ll find the exact info in your booking confirmation — or our agents ( +1-855-510-5187) are happy to help if you need!
Exceptions to Etihad Airways’ Checked Baggage Fee
Etihad is friendly about some essential items. Certain baggage is carried for free, even if you are already at your maximum weight or piece limit.
| Exception Category | Specific Benefit/Waiver | Conditions |
| Etihad Guest Elite Status | Receive additional weight/pieces of baggage. | Benefit depends on tier: Silver (e.g., +10kg on weight routes), Gold (e.g., +15kg or +1 piece on piece routes), Platinum (e.g., +20kg or +1 piece). Must be flying on an eligible fare. |
| Infants (Under 2) | Allowed an extra piece or weight allowance free of charge. | Typically, one extra checked bag (e.g., 23kg/50lb on US/Canada routes, or 10kg/22lb on weight routes) plus one collapsible stroller or car seat. |
| Sporting Equipment | Certain items may be included in the standard allowance or given a specific exception. | One golf bag (containing clubs, balls, shoes) is often carried free of charge in addition to the standard checked baggage allowance, provided it meets size and weight limits. Other equipment may be subject to standard fees if the allowance is exceeded. |
| Mobility/Medical Aids | Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other essential medical equipment. | Carried free of charge and outside of the standard checked baggage allowance, provided the passenger is dependent on the item(s). Contacting the airline in advance is usually required. |
Tips to Reduce Etihad Airways Baggage Fees
Buy Online in Advance: Our tip will be to use the “Manage my Booking” section on the Etihad website to get Etihad pre-purchase extra baggage discount (sometimes up to 65%). Buy your extra allowance at least 30 hours before your flight to get the best price.
Know Your Concept: Is your flight using the Weight Concept or the Piece Concept? Knowing the rule for your route will help you pack correctly.
Weigh Your Bags: Invest in a small luggage scale. Do not guess the weight! Make sure your bags are under the limit to avoid the Etihad overweight baggage cost per kg at the airport, which is expensive.
Join Etihad Guest: Frequent flyer members often get extra free checked baggage allowance. Silver, Gold, and Platinum members receive bonus weight or extra bags.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the luggage allowance for premium classes in Etihad?
A: Etihad Business Class baggage allowance is generous. On US/Canada routes, you get two bags up to 32 kg each. Refer to this Eihad baggage calculator to know your allowance for your upcoming flight.
Q: What are the standard checked bag dimensions for Etihad Airways?
A: Checked bags must not exceed 90 x 72 x 45 cm (35 x 28 x 17 in) on most routes. US and Canada itineraries may have reduced size limits. Verify total linear dimensions on your ticket before packing for your trip.
Q: What if I have a Basic fare and need to check a bag in Etihad Airways?
A: The Etihad Basic fare checked baggage fee means you must purchase an allowance. Use the “Manage my Booking” tool to buy it early for the lowest Etihad extra baggage price. Talk to our support agents directly at +1-855-510-5187, so you don’t have to hunt through multiple links.
Q: How can I travel with a large musical instrument on Etihad Airways?
A: You have two options for instruments that exceed cabin baggage limits:
1. Checked Baggage: Must be safely packed, weigh no more than 32 kg, and not exceed 300 cm linear dimension. Or else oversized fees apply here.
2. Extra Seat: You can purchase an additional, full-fare seat to carry the instrument in the cabin only if it’s under specific height/weight limits for a cabin seat.