EgyptairMS

EgyptAir is the flag carrier of Egypt and the oldest airline in Africa and the Middle East, founded on May 7, 1932. Originally named Misr Airwork, the airline was the seventh commercial carrier established worldwide. Headquartered at Cairo International Airport, EgyptAir operates scheduled passenger and freight services to over 80 destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

As a Star Alliance member since July 2008 (the 21st airline to join), EgyptAir connects Africa and the Middle East to the global network through its Cairo hub. The airline is known for its distinctive Horus logo, depicting the ancient Egyptian falcon-headed god of the sky, symbolizing power and protection - a fitting emblem for Africa's pioneering carrier.

EgyptAir operates a modern fleet of approximately 67 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Boeing 777-300ERs, Airbus A320neos, and Airbus A330s. The airline continues expanding with new A350-900s and Boeing 737 MAX 8s joining the fleet. EgyptAir is currently certified as a 3-Star Airline by Skytrax.

Carry-On Allowance

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 56 x 40 x 25 cm (22" x 16" x 10") including handles and wheels
• Weight: 8 kg (18 lbs) maximum
• Must fit in overhead bin

Personal Item (in addition to cabin bag):

• Examples: Laptop bag, purse, small backpack
• Must fit under seat in front

Class	Cabin Bags	Personal Item	Total Weight
Economy	1 piece	Yes	8 kg
Business	2 pieces	Yes	16 kg

Note: For flights to/from/within the U.S., only 1 carry-on and 1 personal item are allowed due to government regulations.

Checked Baggage

EgyptAir uses the piece concept for most routes.

Domestic Flights (within Egypt):

Class	Pieces	Weight per Piece
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	1 bag	32 kg (70 lbs)

International Flights:

Class	Pieces	Weight per Piece	Total
Economy	2 bags	23 kg (50 lbs) each	46 kg
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each	64 kg

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear maximum (length + width + height)

Important: Baggage cannot exceed 32 kg per piece. Bags over 32 kg will not be accepted and must be shipped as cargo.

Excess Baggage Fees

Route Type	Fee
US routes (additional bag)	$175-$250 per piece (up to 23 kg)
Egypt domestic (per kg)	~EGP 50 per kg (approximately $1-3)
International (varies)	$100-$230 depending on destination

Overweight Bags:

Weight	Fee
24-32 kg (53-70 lbs)	~$100 per bag

Tip: Pre-purchase excess baggage online through egyptair.com for potential savings versus airport prices.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 bag, max 23 kg
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 bag
Bicycle	Standard bag fee	Must be properly packed
Car seat	FREE	Does not count toward allowance
Stroller	FREE	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	FREE
CPAP/medical	FREE	Does not count as carry-on

Note: EgyptAir is considered strict with baggage limits. Bags are weighed and measured at check-in, especially for international flights. Overweight or oversized bags are charged extra, and passengers may be asked to repack if they exceed weight limits.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at egyptair.com/baggage before traveling.

Business Class

EgyptAir's Business Class offers different products depending on the aircraft type.

Boeing 777-300ER:

• Configuration: 2-2-2
• Seat pitch: 60-76 inches
• Seat width: 20 inches
• Recline: Lie-flat beds at 160-degree angle
• Screen: 13-15" personal entertainment
• Features: AC and USB-A power outlets

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner:

• Configuration: 2-2-2
• Seat pitch: 46 inches
• Seat type: Full lie-flat beds
• Screen: HD personal entertainment
• Features: Power outlets, USB ports, Wi-Fi available

Airbus A320neo (Short-haul):

• Configuration: 2-2
• Seat pitch: 48 inches (exceptional for narrowbody)
• Recline: Deep recline (not lie-flat)
• Screen: Seatback entertainment

Boeing 737-800:

• Configuration: 2-2
• Seat pitch: 48 inches
• Recline: Deep recline

Business Class Amenities:

• Amenity kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, sleep mask
• Multi-course dining with Egyptian and international options
• Welcome drink and hot towel service
• Priority boarding and baggage handling
• Lounge access at Cairo and Star Alliance partner lounges

Economy Class

Long-haul Aircraft (787, 777):

• Seat pitch: 31-32 inches (79-81 cm)
• Seat width: 17-18 inches
• Screen: Personal seatback entertainment
• Power: USB ports available
• Configuration: 3-3-3 (787) or 3-4-3 (777)

Short-haul Aircraft (A320neo, 737-800):

• Seat pitch: 30-32 inches
• Configuration: 3-3
• Entertainment: Varies by aircraft

Entertainment

EgyptAir's in-flight entertainment includes:

• Hollywood and international films
• Arabic movies and programming
• TV shows and documentaries
• Music selections
• Games
• Flight tracker

Note: Entertainment selection is more limited compared to Gulf carriers. Western content options may be restricted.

Dining

Important: EgyptAir is a dry airline - no alcoholic beverages are served on any flights.

Class	Service
Business	Multi-course meals, Egyptian and international cuisine
Economy	Complimentary meal service, hot meals on long-haul

Special Meals: Pre-order dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, diabetic, etc.) at least 24 hours before departure through Manage Booking.

Booking

• Book directly on egyptair.com for easier service during disruptions
• Compare pricing with Gulf carriers for routes to/from Middle East
• Business Class often competitively priced versus competitors
• Watch for sales on Cairo connections

At the Airport

• Arrive 3+ hours early for international departures from Cairo
• Allow extra time at US gateways (JFK, IAD) due to enhanced security
• Star Alliance Gold members can access lounges regardless of cabin
• Currency exchange rates better in Cairo city than at airport

Connections via Cairo

EgyptAir's hub at Cairo offers:

• Connections to over 80 destinations
• Strong European network (22 destinations)
• Growing African coverage
• Access to Egyptian tourist destinations (Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El Sheikh)

Best for: Travelers to Egypt, connections to regional destinations, avoiding Gulf carrier routing

US Expansion (2026)

EgyptAir has filed to launch two new US routes in 2026:

• Cairo (CAI) - Los Angeles (LAX): Starting May 2026
• Cairo (CAI) - Chicago (ORD): Starting June 2026

These will be EgyptAir's longest routes, expanding options for US-Egypt travel.

Avoiding Issues

• 8 kg carry-on limit is enforced - pack carefully
• Check in online 48 hours ahead to secure preferred seats
• No alcohol served - plan accordingly for long flights
• Print boarding passes for certain airports (see check-in restrictions)
• Entertainment selection is limited - download content to personal device

Common Pitfalls

• Don't assume on-time performance - build in connection buffer time
• Counter check-in mandatory at some US/Canadian airports despite online check-in
• Baggage over 32 kg per piece not accepted - must ship as cargo
• EgyptAir Plus miles expire after 3 years without activity

Last updated: January 2025