Etihad Baggage and Hand Luggage Rules

The national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is based in Abu Dhabi and is famous for its premium service. Let’s find out about the carrier’s baggage and hand luggage rules.

Etihad Hand Luggage Requirements

Etihad hand luggage rules depend on your chosen class and fare. In Economy, for the Basic fare, the standard for an adult or child is 7 kg with dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23 cm. Everything must fit into one bag — laptop, wallet, and other items.

Passengers starting from Economy Class Comfort fare, and then Business and First Class, have more options: personal items weighing 5 kg with dimensions of 39 × 23 × 19 cm, as well as 2 pieces of hand luggage weighing 12 kg with dimensions of 56 × 36 × 23 cm.

Carriage of Liquids in Hand Luggage

Here, too, everything is standard: the total volume of liquids in hand luggage must not exceed 1 liter, while each container (shower gel, shampoo, or water bottle — it doesn’t matter) can be a maximum of 100 ml.

All items must be placed in a transparent bag, and during security screening, you will be asked to place it in your main hand luggage bag.

Carriage of Smart Luggage in Hand Luggage

On Etihad flights, it is permitted to carry suitcases with power from one removable lithium battery with a nominal power of less than 160 Wh. ‘Removable’ is the key word. The battery must be removed and carried in a separate case or bag. If the power unit is built into the case, such a suitcase will not be allowed on board.

Baggage Carriage on Etihad Flights

When calculating weight, the airline takes into account your flight destination. Passengers traveling to the USA or Canada can check in two pieces of luggage weighing:

• 23 kg each in Economy (except Basic fare);

• 32 kg each in Business, First Class, and The Residence.

The weight of two pieces of luggage is not combined.

For all other destinations, you can check in any number of pieces of luggage, provided their total weight does not exceed your baggage allowance, and the weight of one piece does not exceed 32 kg.

Noticed an important detail? Yes, the baggage allowance. It depends on the chosen class and fare. For example, we will consider fares on a flight to Abu Dhabi.

If your allowance exceeds 32 kg or you are taking extra luggage, each individual piece must not weigh more than 32 kg.

Special Baggage

Etihad has separate explanations for a wide variety of items you might want to take with you on your trip. For example, a wedding dress is advised to be taken into the cabin as hand luggage, but it is important that it fits within the allowance and maximum dimensions.

Food in packaging or containers can be taken on board, but not all: among fruits, you will also be prohibited from carrying durian, cempedak, tarap, marang, and jackfruit. Soups, syrups, jams fall into the category of liquids, so they are subject to the 100 ml rule.

Up to 10 liters of olive or vegetable oil are allowed in hand luggage. For this, it must be packed in individual containers of up to 100 ml and placed in transparent, resealable bags. If you suddenly need to transport more than 10 liters (just in case), you will have to check it in as luggage — either within your allowance or by paying for extra. Up to 20 liters can be carried in checked baggage.

Bottles must be:

• packed in two sealed plastic bags with a zipper or clamp;

• placed in a sturdy, taped box with a name tag;

• 5% of the bottle must be empty to prevent leaks due to cabin pressure.

Carriage of Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

According to airline rules, most sports equipment can be included in your baggage allowance. If you are going to play golf and are carrying equipment, you will be allowed to add one golf bag free of charge.

Musical instruments will also travel as checked baggage. They will need to be securely packed. The permitted weight is no more than 32 kg, and the maximum size is 300 cm. Small musical instruments that comply with standard hand luggage dimensions can be brought on board free of charge as part of your hand luggage. For larger instruments that exceed standard hand luggage dimensions or weight, an additional seat must be purchased in advance.

If you are carrying cameras, film, lighting equipment, cinematography, and sound equipment, Etihad requests that you notify them in advance (even if everything fits within the checked baggage allowance).

Baggage and Hand Luggage for Passengers with Children

Infants are children aged from 7 days to 23 months. A passenger over two years old will require a child’s ticket with a separate seat, and their baggage and hand luggage rules are the same as for adults. For infants, the baggage allowance is: 23 kg — on flights to the USA and Canada, 10 kg on other routes. Dimensions — 90 × 72 × 45 cm. Personal items — 5 kg with dimensions of 39 × 23 × 19 cm. One baby stroller, one bassinet, or one car seat can be brought into the cabin free of charge.