So many airlines, so many rules. We get it! But if you're planning to fly with Etihad however, you're in luck. We've collated all the important info on the size, shape and weight of everything you can bring both on board and in the hold.

Read on for our comprehensive guide to everything Etihad.

What is Etihad’s hand baggage allowance?

This is the good bit: unlike some other airlines, Etihad has a healthy cabin baggage allowance. Every passenger is entitled to bring one bag and one personal item on their flight regardless of the fare class or route booked.

As usual though, size and weight restrictions apply, but if you're flying in a higher class, you'll be allowed additional pieces for no extra cost.

Take a look at the table below to see exactly what you can and can't bring within your Etihad hand baggage allowance.

What is Etihad’s checked baggage allowance?

The amount of baggage you can check in with Etihad depends on your route and ticket. You'll have a certain number of bags included, but if you need extra, you'll have to pay.

Etihad's cheapest fare, Basic, doesn't include any checked luggage, so if you want to bring more than your hand luggage allocation, you'll also have to fork out.

Etihad decide how much checked luggage you're entitled to by your destination. Flights taken to or from the US and Canada restrict the number of bags you can bring with you, and are subject to a maximum weight limit. For trips outside of North America, your Etihad checked baggage allowance is calculated by the total baggage weight rather than weight per item.

Here's a breakdown of Etihad's checked baggage policies.

What are Etihad's excess baggage fees?

All airlines charge passengers to bring bags outside of their allowance, whether due to excess weight, size or pieces. What you'll pay with Etihad depends on your destination; it could cost as much as £151 ($200USD) per 5kg of extra weight, or £189 ($250USD) per bag.

Etihad are keen for all passengers to purchase their bags online when they book their flights (or before arriving at the airport) and claim you can save up to 65% of the fee cost by doing so, rather than paying at the airport - so it's probably a good idea!

Keep in mind that if you get to the check-in desk with an overweight or oversized bag you'll be charged a fee - and there's a size and weight beyond which your bag won't be allowed on the plane at all: baggage exceeding 32kg or where one side measures more than 300cm. Take a look at our tips on how to avoid paying extras fees at the airport.

Still unsure? Use Etihad's baggage calculator or take a look at their Etihad extra baggage fees here.

How can I increase my Etihad baggage allowance?

Aside from paying to add extra bags to your booking, there's only really one way of taking additional bags on your flight 'for free' and that's by signing up to Etihad's loyalty scheme, Etihad Guest.

Guest members who climb to the Silver, Gold or Platinum tiers are allowed to take additional pieces or weight depending on their status. However, be aware that anyone booking a Basic fare won't receive any additional baggage, even if you're a high-tier Guest member.

While Silver members receive a 10% discount on the cost of their extra baggage, Gold and Platinum members can get up to 15kg and 20kg respectively of included checked luggage for free.

So if you like having room to pack back-up outfits, multiple shoe choices and your favourite snacks, it could be worth investigating Etihad's membership scheme, which in addition to providing more bag options, offers a host of other perks such as seat selection, chauffeurs and lounge access.

All information sourced from Eithad's website and correct as of April 2026. Always check your baggage limits with the airline before travelling.

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