Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways is to base its baggage allowance on total weight rather than the number of bags checked in.

For all tickets bought from 31/1/2018, passengers will be entitled to 23kg of checked baggage when buying Econony Deal fares, 30kg on Economy Saver and Classic fares and 35kg on Economy Flex fares.

Business class customers get 40kg and First 50kg.

There will be no restriction on the number of bags checked in, as long as passenger don't exceed their weight allowance.

Guests in The Residence onboard Etihad's Airbus A380 fleet are allowed four bags at 32kgs each.

The change, which will mean a more generous allowance for those travelling on the cheapest tickets but a slightly reduced weight allowance for premium passengers, will apply to most but not all Etihad services. Flights to and from the US and Canada have a different allowance, as do select routes from other destinations.

For tickets bought before 31/1/2018, the old luggage allowance applies, which restricts those travelling on the cheapest fares to one bag each, weighing a total of 23 kgs, while those who bought Classic and Flex fares are allowed two bags weighing 23kgs each. Business and First passengers are currently allowed two bags weighing 32 kgs each.

Executive vice president commercial Mohammad Al Bulooki, said: "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."

Etihad Silver, Gold and Platinum members will continue to receive a complimentary excess baggage allowance of 32kg on US and Canada routes, and 20kg for Platinum members, 15kg for Gold members and 10kg for Silver members on all other routes.

Courtesy of Travelmole