Ethiopian Airlines hand luggage and carry-on allowance
Ethiopian Airlines allows one cabin bag, also called hand luggage or a carry-on, of 55 x 40 x 23 cm (about 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in) weighing up to 7 kg. Check your own bag against it below.
Small bag — Handbag, briefcase or laptop
Cabin bag — Carry-on baggage
Ethiopian Airlines hand luggage and carry-on rules
- Ethiopian states: "Carry-on baggage must adhere to the size limit of 23cm x 40cm x 55cm (9in x 16in x 22in)".
- Economy Class: 7 kg (15 lb). Business Class: two pieces of 7 kg (15 lb) each.
- Free extra carry-on items such as a handbag, laptop, overcoat, small camera or duty-free items must stay under 5 kg in total.
- Musical instruments and film can be carried as carry-on if they do not exceed 23 x 40 x 55 cm.
- Dependent passengers can also carry a collapsible wheelchair, crutches, braces or a prosthetic device in addition to the 7 kg limit.
- Ethiopian's page says all carry-on baggage must be presented for inspection at check-in.
Source: Carry-on Baggage | Ethiopian Airlines. Checked 27 October 2026.
Remember that the liquids rule that applies to you is set by the airport you fly from, not the airline. Check your departure airport before you pack.
Frequently asked questions
What size is Ethiopian Airlines hand luggage?
Ethiopian Airlines' cabin bag allowance is 55 x 40 x 23 cm, up to 7 kg.
What is the personal item allowance on Ethiopian Airlines?
Ethiopian Airlines does not publish exact dimensions for it. Extra items such as a lady's handbag, laptop, overcoat or small camera are allowed on top, with a combined weight of no more than 5 kg. A size for these extra items is not published separately.
Is the cabin bag free on Ethiopian Airlines?
Yes. Economy: one piece up to 7 kg. Business: two pieces of 7 kg each. Star Alliance Gold passengers in First or Business class get at least two pieces of 7 kg each.
What is the Ethiopian Airlines carry-on size?
The Ethiopian Airlines carry-on (hand luggage or cabin bag) size limit is 55 x 40 x 23 cm, about 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in.
What is the Ethiopian Airlines cabin bag size in inches?
Ethiopian Airlines' cabin bag limit is 21.7 x 15.7 x 9.1 in, which is 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
Is hand luggage the same as carry-on on Ethiopian Airlines?
Yes. Hand luggage, cabin baggage and carry-on all mean the bag you take into the cabin. See the size and weight limits above for Ethiopian Airlines.