Dubai: Etihad Airways is introducing a new policy for checked bags, allowing most passengers to travel with as many bags as they like, provided they adhere to the weight allowance.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline said on Wednesday that it is switching to a new policy that is based on total weight rather than the number of bags checked in.
“The changes allow for a simpler baggage structure as the allowance for all markets, excluding the US and Canada, is now based on total weight rather than the number of bags checked in,” the airline said in a statement.
For flyers on "economy deal fares”, the checked baggage allowance will be up to 23 kilos, while those who are on “economy saver” and “classic fares” will get 35 kilos.
Customers on “economy flex fares” and business class will get to check in up to 35 kilos and 40 kilos of baggage, respectively. First class flyers get 50 kilos.
“In line with global best practice and market trends, Etihad Airways has developed a baggage policy that best caters to the differing needs of our guests around the world. The switch to a policy based on weight rather than the number of bags simplifies our allowance system and provides greater convenience and customer benefit while enhancing the travel experience,” added Etihad airways executive vice-president commercial, Mohammad Al Bulooki.
However, passengers who book the The Residence on Etihad's flagship Airbus A380 can bring up to four bags of 32 kilos each.
There are also exceptions that will apply to certain markets.
The airline said that those who have signed up for the rewards programme, the Etihad Guest Silver, Gold and Platinum members, will continue to enjoy complimentary excess baggage allowances, of 32 kilos on US and Canada routes, and 20 kilos for Platinum, 15 kilos for Gold and 10 kilos for Silver on all other sectors.
