Ethiopian Airlines Excess Baggage Rates

Planning your vacation trip to anywhere in the world might be an exciting idea either for leisure, work purposes, or family reunions. However, the way of planning often includes many stressors, including, notably packing and not just packing smartly within airline baggage allowances. Ethiopian Airlines is the biggest in Africa with lots of travelers worldwide using them.

According to Ethiopian Airlines Excess Baggage Rates Policy, Each extra item (bag) up to 23 kg (50 lbs) in weight will cost USD225.00 on the sectors between all locations to Chicago, Newark, New York (JFK), Washington, D.C., or vice versa. Knowing their excess baggage rates and fees saves time, money, and frustration. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Ethiopian Airlines’ excess baggage rates, so you’re prepared for a smooth journey.

Understanding Ethiopian Airlines Excess Baggage Rates Policy

Ethiopian Airlines has designed its baggage policies according to route, travel class, and fare type. Here is an overview of their standard baggage allowances to help you stay in the loop.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Ethiopian Airlines allows checked baggage in different amounts depending on the ticket class and destination.

• Economy Class: The number of pieces of checked luggage is determined by the route, which may be 1 or 2, weighing 23 kg (50 lbs).
• Business Class (Cloud Nine): Business travelers are entitled to greater limits, normally two pieces of checked luggage weighing up to 32 kg (70 lbs).

Cabin Baggage Allowance

Carry-on baggage is also in the equation. Ethiopian Airlines allows the following for cabin luggage:

• Economy Class: 1 piece, up to 7 kg (15 lbs).
• Business Class: 2 pieces, each up to 7 kg (15 lbs).
• Dimensions for carry-ons must not exceed 23 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm.

Excess Baggage Fees: What You Need to Know

What happens if you exceed these limits? Ethiopian Airlines charges for extra pieces, overweight baggage, and oversized items. The amount depends on the route and type of excess baggage.

Baggage Fees by Category

Category	Fee (USD)	Details
Extra Piece	$200–$300	Charged for additional checked baggage beyond the allowance.
Overweight (24–32 kg)	$60–$126	Applies to bags within the free allowance but exceeding the standard weight.
Oversized (dimensions >158 cm)	$100–$150	Applied to baggage that exceeds the linear dimension limit of 158 cm.

Route-Specific Examples

Africa to USA/Canada

• Excess baggage $225 per item.
• Overweight baggage is charged at $100 Economy Class and $75 Business Class.

Africa to Africa

Prices are relatively lower, overweight baggage is approximately $60 per item.

Asia (e.g. China)

Excess baggage prices are higher at an average of $300 per excess item.

Note: These prices are subject to change, so be sure to check the website of Ethiopian Airlines or the customer service for the price at the time of travel.

Tips to Avoid Excess Baggage Fees

No one enjoys paying extra at the airport. Fortunately, a little planning goes a long way. Use these tips to stay within the allowed baggage limits and avoid excess fees:

1. Weigh and Measure Your Bags at Home: Invest in a portable luggage scale to weigh your bags before you go to the airport. For oversized items, use a tape measure to ensure that it is within the dimension restriction.
2. Pack Strategically: Be mindful of what you pack:
   • Pack lightweight and multipurpose clothing.
   • Avoid bulking up on items unless they are absolutely necessary.
   • Use vacuum-seal bags to save space.
3. Maximize Your Carry-On Allowance: Place heavier items like electronics and books in your carry-on bag (as long as it meets size and weight restrictions). This can free up space in your checked luggage.
4. Purchase Additional Allowance in Advance: Ethiopian Airlines often allows passengers to pre-purchase extra baggage allowance at discounted rates. This is usually cheaper than paying for excess baggage at the airport.
5. Share the Load: If you’re traveling with companions, redistribute your belongings among your group to balance the weight across all checked bags.

Special Baggage Considerations

Beyond regular luggage, Ethiopian Airlines has policies for special baggage categories. If you’re traveling with oversized or delicate items, here’s what you should know:

• Sports Equipment: Sports equipment such as golf clubs, skis, or bicycles typically require special handling. Certain types of sporting goods might fall under your free allowance, but other oversized sporting equipment may carry extra fees.
  Scenario: A golf bag is generally a single checked item.
• Musical Instruments: Musicians traveling with Ethiopian Airlines may carry their small instruments with them, but within cabin baggage sizes and weights, they will be accepted on board. Larger instruments such as cellos need to be checked or taken as a paid seat.
• Traveling with Pets: Pets can travel on Ethiopian Airlines in the cargo hold or cabin depending on weight and size limits. Advance booking is essential. Extra fees apply.

Preparations for International Flights

Ethiopian Airlines has a significant international network, and there are regional variations when it comes to baggage policies. Here are some examples:

Flights to/from the US and Canada

• On most flights from/to the US and Canada, passengers flying in Economy Class receive two free checked bags.
• Additional bags will cost $225 per piece.

Flights within Africa

Most intra-African flights offer one free checked bag in Economy Class. Additional pieces will be about $60-$75.

Flights to/from Europe

Baggage fees are typically in the middle of Africa-US routes. Additional pieces start at $200-$250 per bag.

Flights to/from Asia

Rates are higher, particularly in China, where additional pieces are charged at $300 per bag.

Online Tools and Services

Ethiopian Airlines offers online tools to help in managing baggage. Utilize these services to stay in control:

1. Online Baggage Calculator: The website of the airline offers a baggage calculator to help you get an exact calculation of how much you are allowed for your flight route, class, and more.
2. Mobile App: You can download the mobile app of Ethiopian Airlines to see its baggage policies, and even get some notifications on the go while you check in and even manage bookings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Universal Policies Assumption: There may also be significant differences in baggage allowance depending on the class and destination of your ticket. Always check for specific information about your route.
2. Last-Minute Packing: The more likely to overspend on weight or even forget something you really need in your luggage.
3. Violating Cabin Bag Rules: Ethiopian Airlines is quite liberal with carrying weight, but oversized pieces may have to be checked and incur extra fees at the same time.

Live Examples

To make things clearer, here are some real-life scenarios which demonstrate Ethiopian Airlines’ baggage policies:

Scenario 1: A Family Traveling to the USA

• Allowance: All family members traveling in Economy Class get two free checked bags weighing 23 kilograms each.
• Excess Fees: If one member brings an extra suitcase, that member will have to pay $225 at the airport.

Scenario 2: Business Traveler to Europe

• Allowance: Business Class passengers can carry two pieces weighing up to 32 kg each.
• Excess Fees: An oversized suitcase that is more than 158 cm would incur a $100 fee.

Conclusion

Traveling with Ethiopian Airlines is a very smooth experience when you have done your homework. Therefore, by knowing their luggage allowances and Ethiopian Airlines excess baggage rates, you will pack appropriately and avoid excess baggage surcharges and the associated hassles.

You should always refer to or contact Ethiopian Airlines’ website or their support desk for up-to-date information

When traveling with Ethiopian Airlines, be it a brief journey or an extended stay, it pays to research in advance. Till then, safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions