EY · United Arab Emirates · Full-service

Etihad Airways Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for Etihad Airways, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 22 x 14.2 x 9.1", max 7 kg, free
  • Personal item: must fit under the seat (no published dimensions), free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $0 first, $0 second (domestic economy)

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
22 x 14.2 x 9.1"
Max dimensions (cm)
56 x 36 x 23 cm
Weight limit
7 kg (15.4 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Economy 7 kg, Business 12 kg. Weight is enforced at check-in and gate.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
Not published
Max dimensions (cm)
Not published
Included
Yes, free on every fare

A handbag or small laptop bag permitted in addition.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Under-seat only
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Under-seat only
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Under-seat only
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Under-seat only
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Under-seat only
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Under-seat only

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$0
2nd bag$0
Long-haul / international
1st bag$0
Weight limit51 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lbNot published
71–100 lbNot published
63–80 inNot published

On US/Canada routes (piece concept), Economy includes 2 checked bags at 23 kg / 51 lb each. On weight-concept routes, fare-based: Basic includes less, Value 23 kg, Comfort 30 kg, Deluxe 35 kg. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb and 158 cm / 62 in linear. Pre-purchasing excess baggage online via Manage My Booking can save up to 65% vs airport rates. Extra baggage cannot be pre-paid online on US/Canada flights.

Ways to skip the Etihad Airways checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Etihad Airways carry-on size.
  2. Use a Etihad Airways co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
Not published
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as an extra cabin seat (CBBG).

Etihad does not allow pets in the cabin except registered assistance dogs. Pets travel as cargo via Etihad Cargo; pricing by shipment. Ski, golf, and bike equipment count as a standard checked bag within allowance if under 23 kg; a sports-equipment fee applies for additional pieces.

Basic economy restrictions

Economy Basic Etihad Airways's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
Not published
  • Reduced or no checked bag on weight-concept routes
  • On US/Canada routes Basic still includes 2 x 23 kg pieces
  • No seat selection until check-in
  • No changes
  • Reduced Etihad Guest tier miles

Frequently asked questions

What is the Etihad Airways carry-on size limit?

Etihad Airways allows a carry-on bag up to 22 x 14.2 x 9.1" (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. The weight limit is 7 kg (15.4 lb).

What is the Etihad Airways personal item size?

Etihad Airways does not publish strict personal item dimensions. Your bag must fit fully under the seat in front of you, which is typically about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. A handbag or small laptop bag permitted in addition.

How much does a checked bag cost on Etihad Airways?

The first checked bag on Etihad Airways costs $0 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $0. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $0. On US/Canada routes (piece concept), Economy includes 2 checked bags at 23 kg / 51 lb each. On weight-concept routes, fare-based: Basic includes less, Value 23 kg, Comfort 30 kg, Deluxe 35 kg. Max single bag 32 kg / 70 lb and 158 cm / 62 in linear. Pre-purchasing excess baggage online via Manage My Booking can save up to 65% vs airport rates. Extra baggage cannot be pre-paid online on US/Canada flights.

Can I bring a carry-on on Etihad Airways Economy Basic?

Yes. Etihad Airways Economy Basic passengers can bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item.

How can I avoid Etihad Airways checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the Etihad Airways carry-on size of 22 x 14.2 x 9.1"); (2) hold a Etihad Airways co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Etihad Airways?

Etihad Airways currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

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Etihad Airways hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where Etihad Airways operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

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Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with Etihad Airways before flying.