Etihad New Excess Baggage Policy and Charges

The earlier version of this article reproduced Etihad's 2018 price tables, which no longer exist in that form. Etihad now prices extra baggage by route and shows the exact amount in a calculator and during booking. This update explains the rules that surround those prices.

Buying early costs less

Etihad says that adding bags online, or through its call centre, can cut the cost by as much as 65% against airport prices. You see the price for each extra piece or block of weight before paying. The cut-off for the discount depends on how your allowance is counted:

• Weight-based tickets (a total number of kilograms): until four hours before the flight.
• Piece-based tickets (a number of bags): until thirty hours before the flight.

Etihad's help page also mentions a general limit of four hours for adding bags. Close to that limit, buy early and confirm the price on your booking.

Limits and rules

• A single bag cannot go over 32 kg and has to respect the size limits in the calculator.
• What you pre-pay is usually non-refundable. The exception is a flight that Etihad cancels or changes.
• More bags can be added later, up to the cap that applies to your booking.
• Overweight bags found at the airport are charged at Etihad's airport excess rates.
• Guests on one booking reference may pool their allowances.
• Some Etihad Guest members receive extra free baggage, depending on tier and the benefit they chose.

Special cases

• Basic fare: carries no checked bag, and Etihad Guest bag perks do not apply. A cabin bag over the limit is moved to the hold and charged.
• USA, Canada, Tunisia, Morocco: economy passengers other than Basic take two bags of 23 kg each; business, first and Residence take two of 32 kg.
• Televisions: these can be checked. An oversize fee starts at 40 inches.
• Zamzam water: a five-litre pack travels free on top of your allowance, but only for travellers with an Umrah or Hajj visa.
• Partner airlines: the allowance can differ on a partner-operated leg. Your ticket gives the rule for each leg.

For the allowance included in each fare, see our post on Etihad fare choices.