Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is the country's flag carrier and is under government authority. The airline was founded on 21 December 1945 and commenced its flight operations on 8 April 1946. Its hub is Bole Interntional Airport in Addis Ababa, and the airline is a Star Alliance member. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest airline, according to the number of passengers carried, revenue generated, and fleet size. With a fleet of 156 destinations, the airline has its modes of operation in more than 161 passenger destinations and 68 cargo destinations. It also rewards its loyal customers with a frequent flyer program called "ShebaMiles," which offers various travel benefits that can make the travel experience more seamless. 

Ethiopian Airlines Hubs: 

Ethiopian Airlines is a prominent airline with its headquarters and central hub at Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. The airline serves various destinations to and from its hub, connecting a vast network of destinations across Africa and beyond.

Top International Destinations Served by Ethiopian Airlines: 

Ethiopian Airlines operates flight operations to various international destinations across the globe. However, if you are planning to fly to any of the international destinations mentioned below, you can choose Ethiopian Airlines as your travel companion to enhance your air travel journey. 

Europe: 

• Brussels (BRU): Brussels Airport 
• Frankfurt (FRA): Frankfurt Airport 
• London (LHR): London Heathrow Airport 
• Paris (CDG): Charles de Gaulle Airport 
• Milan (MXP): Milan Malpensa Airport 
• Rome (FCO): Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport 

America: 

• New York (JFK): John F. Kennedy International Airport 
• Washington, D.C. (IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport 
• Los Angeles (LAX): Los Angeles International Airport 
• Toronto (YYZ): Toronto Pearson International Airport 

Africa: 

• Cairo (CAI): Cairo International Airport 
• Johannesburg (JNB): OR Tambo International Airport 
• Nairobi (NBO): Jomo Kenyatta International Airport 
• Lagos (LOS): Murtala Muhammed International Airport 
• Abuja (ABJ): Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport 

Middle East and Asia: 

• Dubai (DXB): Dubai International Airport 
• Beijing (PEK): Beijing Capital International Airport 
• Bangkok (BKK): Suvarnabhumi Airport 
• Seoul (ICN): Incheon International Airport 
• Mumbai (BOM): Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport 

Travel Classes or Cabins offered by Ethiopian Airlines:

Travelers can make their air travel experience with Ethiopian Airlines seamless by choosing the desired travel class that fits their preferences. The airlines offer four types of travel classes that provide distinct services and amenities to the guests on board and are mentioned below:

• Economy Class 
• Premium Economy 
• Business Class (Cloud Nine)
• First Class 

In-flight Services and Amenities provided by Ethiopian Airlines: 

The services and amenities available on Ethiopian Airlines flights depend on the cabin class the traveler selected during the reservation. However, here is a glimpse of the onboard services and amenities that one can expect while flying with Ethiopian Airlines: 

• In-flight Entertainment: Travelers on board can enjoy the air travel journey by accessing in-flight entertainment that comprises a selection of Hollywood movies and TV shows, games, music, and much more. In addition, Ethiopian Airlines also provides the flexibility to access wireless streaming options on selected aircraft to the guests on board. 
• Economy Services: Ethiopian Airlines ensures the convenience of the passengers on board in the Economy Class cabin and offers various premium services to make the air travel experience seamless. One can enjoy multiple hot meals and beverages, including wines, beers, and other alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages. The airline also offers a distinctive Ethiopian national dish prepared and served in lasagna style to enhance the onboard experience. The kids' menu and the flexibility of onboard duty-free shopping are also available, and travelers can enjoy in-flight connectivity on selected aircraft. 
• Cloud Nine Services: Cloud Nine Services enhances passengers' in-flight travel experience by offering an additional baggage allowance, exclusive lounge access, and priority boarding services. 

The Procedure to Book an Ethiopian Airlines Flight

One of the most efficient ways to book an air ticket with Ethiopian Airlines is through the online process, as travelers can explore various deals and discounts the airline offers to make a budget-friendly trip. However, to be familiar with a step-by-step guide on the online booking process of Ethiopian Airlines, follow the instructions mentioned below: 

• Visit the official website of Ethiopian Airlines 
• Browse the "Flights" section available on the homepage 
• Enter the travel preferences, such as the number of passengers, trip type, travel classes, origin, and destination 
• Press "Search" to explore all the available flight options 
• Now, choose the desired flight alternative and fill out the personal details of the passengers 
• Follow the required procedure and proceed with the payment gateway 

After paying the air ticket prices, the airline will send you the confirmation via text or to the registered email address. 

The procedure to check in with Ethiopian Airlines: 

As soon as you complete the booking procedure with Ethiopian Airlines and the boarding time approaches, you will require various documents to board a flight, including the boarding pass. For that, one can adopt the web check-in process to avoid long queues at the airport, and the complete procedure for the same is mentioned in the below mentioned below: 

• Open the official website of Ethiopian Airlines 
• Now, navigate to the "Check in" tab available on the home page of the website 
• Invert the ticket details, such as the booking reference code and the surname 
• Press "Enter" to retrieve all the flight details on the screen 
• Explore the available seat options from the seat map and add the baggage information 
• Complete the essential prompts and pay the required charges, if applicable, to print or download the boarding pass. 

Guidelines to Check in with Ethiopian Airlines

To check in for a flight with Ethiopian Airlines, a traveler must be aware of all the airline's guidelines to avoid all sorts of complications in getting their boarding pass. Therefore, here is a complete set of guidelines to help you make a smooth check-in at Ethiopian Airlines.

• A traveler can instead check in online with Ethiopian Airlines or visit the airport to get their boarding pass. 
• The online check-in window generally opens 48 to 2 hours before departure for international flights.
• A traveler can check in 2 days to 1 hour before the flight departure time for domestic flight routes. 
• To check in with Ethiopian Airlines at the airport, you can access the check-in window 3 hours before departure up to 1 hour before departure.
• Ethiopian Airlines recommends that passengers must pack their bags according to the baggage guidelines to ensure smooth check-in and avoid additional charges. 
• To make a web check-in with Ethiopian Airlines, one must have the booking reference code and the surname to retrieve the booking itineraries. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Cancel an Ethiopian Airlines Flight Ticket: 

Eutohpian Airlines understands that passengers may encounter unavoidable circumstances that might cause them to cancel their flight itineraries. However, for that, one has to request a cancellation by following the instructions mentioned below: 

• Browse the official website of Ethiopian Airlines 
• Then, navigate the "Manage Booking" section to proceed further
• Enter the booking details, including the PNR number, reference code, and surname 
• Now, tap "Continue" to get the flight ticket details on screen 
• Choose the "Menu" icon and select the "Cancelation and Refund" option
• Fill out the cancellation form with the appropriate information and pay the charges, if applicable

The airline will send you the cancellation confirmation through a text message or to the registered email ID.

Cancellation Norms of Ethiopian Airlines: 

Before canceling a flight ticket with Ethiopian Airlines, a passenger must comply with all the relevant norms of the airline to be aware of their rights and responsibilities. To familiarize yourself with the same, read the section mentioned below: 

• If passengers want to waive the cancellation penalty and get a complete refund, they must cancel their flight within the first 24 hours of the reservation, and the flight must have 7 days or more to depart. 
• Ethiopian Airlines may charge the cancellation penalty after the completion of the risk-free period of 24 hours after flight booking. 
• Delays or cancellations made by Ethiopian Airlines can offer a complete refund to the passenger, depending on the circumstances. 
• If a passenger cancels a flight ticket less than 24 hours before departure, one has to pay the "No Show Up" charges. 
• To request a flight cancellation with Ethiopian Airlines, browse the "Manage Booking" section or contact the airline's customer service executive. 

About the Ethiopian Airlines loyalty program: 

To discover the world of benefits with Ethiopian Airlines, you can join its loyalty program, ShebaMiles, which offers easy redemption options. Members can redeem their accumulated miles on flights, upgrades, and more, making their air travel experience seamless. After joining the ShebaMiles program, you get a default membership status of "Welcome." Then, you can upgrade to other tier statuses, Blue, Gold, Silver, and Premium, offering various travel benefits. 

How to Join the Ethiopian Airlines Loyalty Program? 

To elevate the air travel experience with Ethiopian Airlines and access additional benefits, you can join the airline's loyalty program by following the instructions mentioned below: 

• First of all, visit the official website of Ethiopian Airlines 
• Now, browse the section of "ShebaMiles" to proceed further 
• Tap over the "Join ShebaMiles" tab, and you will be redirected to the next page 
• Enter all the appropriate details in the designated columns, such as full name, date of birth, etc 
• Choose a username and password to create an account 
• Once you have created your account, you can earn miles by flying with Ethiopian Airlines or the partnered airlines.

Guidelines to Request a Refund from Ethiopian Airlines: 

After canceling a flight with Ethiopian Airlines, the passenger might want to request a refund. For that, one must be well equipped with all the essential policies of Ethiopian Airlines regarding refunds, which are stated in the section mentioned below: 

• If the cancellation has been made within the first 24 hours of the flight booking, a passenger can request a complete refund. 
• The delays and significant flight changes by Ethiopian Airlines are entitled to a complete refund. 
• Passengers with refundable fares can get a complete refund for the canceled ticket. However, the nonrefundable options are subject to the airline's general refund policies. 
• If the refund is requested on or after the flight date, the airline will charge a "No-Show" fee. 
• You can fill out a refund request form on Ethiopian Airlines' official website or contact the customer service executive for personalized assistance. 
• If you booked a flight ticket with Ethiopian Airlines through a travel agent, you must contact the same person to request a ticket refund.

Note: Ethiopian Airlines can modify its policies without prior notice. Therefore, to avoid complications, all passengers must check the updated guidelines on the airline's official website. 

Seat Upgrade at Ethiopian Airlines: 

Requesting a seat upgrade at Ethiopian Airlines can be manageable if the passenger has complete knowledge of the airline's policies. However, if you have minimal information about the same, then continue reading the section mentioned below: 

• Economy class passengers can use Ethiopian Airlines' "Upgrade to Cloud Nine" program to upgrade their seats to business class cabins.
• One can also redeem the accumulated miles of Shebamiles to request an upgrade on Ethiopian Airlines. 
• You can bid for an upgrade online, and the airline will decide whether to accept your bid.
• According to Ethiopian Airlines' policies, bids must be paid using a credit card and are nonrefundable, even if unaccepted. 
• Ethiopian Airlines only allows passengers to submit one bid at a time, and the airline does not guarantee the acceptance of all the bids. 
• Infants and children are allowed to bid for an upgrade under the specific terms and conditions of the airline. 
• To request an upgrade on Ethiopian Airlines, you must have all the ticket details and be of legal age in the country of your residence. 
• The upgrades cannot be transferred to another person or flight, as it is prohibited by Ethiopian Airlines. 

Steps to Request a Seat Upgrade Online at Ethiopian Airlines: 

The passengers can easily request a seat upgrade with Ethiopian Airlines online, making their onboard experience more convenient and comfortable. For that, one has to follow some basic instructions, which are stated in the section mentioned below: 

• First of all, open the official website of Ethiopian Airlines 
• Then, navigate to the "Manage Booking" section to proceed further 
• Enter your booking reference number and surname 
• Press "Enter" to fetch the flight ticket details on the screen 
• Make an offer for the upgrade, if eligible, and enter the amount you are willing to pay 
• Now, enter your card details, follow the required prompts, and submit the request 
• The airline authorities will get back to you by email if the bid is accepted. 

Norms to Travel With Pets on Ethiopian Airlines: 

Complying with all the pet policies of Ethiopian Airlines is a must for every pet parent who wants to fly with their fur babies. Therefore, to gather comprehensive information regarding the norms for traveling with pets on Ethiopian Airlines, consider the section mentioned below: 

• Ethiopian Airlines allows cats and dogs to be transported as checked baggage or in the cabin, with specific size and weight restrictions. 
• In Q400 aircraft, the passengers are requested to travel with a maximum of 2 dogs in economy and one in business class.
• The combined weight of both the pet and the carrier should not exceed 17 lbs (8 kg). 
• Pet carriers should be well-ventilated and soft-sided so that fur babies can fit inside them comfortably. Their dimensions should not exceed 21" x 15" x 8" (55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm). 
• Passengers can travel with assistive or service dogs in the main cabin without paying additional charges. However, they must be properly harnessed and muzzled so that they cannot harm other passengers on board. 
• Pets exceeding the weight limit of 8 kg shall be transported as cargo. 
• Traveling with pets on Ethiopian Airlines will incur some charges, depending on the route and whether the pet is traveling in the main cabin or as checked baggage. 
• Passengers must present all the essential documents, including a certificate signed by a veterinarian indicating that the pet is healthy and stable enough to travel. 
• To obtain additional information about traveling with Ethiopian Airlines, navigate to the airline's official website or contact the customer care executive. 

Name Change and Date of Birth Change at Ethiopian Airlines: 

After making a flight reservation with Ethiopian Airlines, if you need to make modifications to the name or the flight itinerary, then you must be familiar with all the essential norms of the airline, which are stated in the section mentioned below: 

• Ethiopian Airlines allows its passengers to modify their names on tickets under certain circumstances. 
• To request a name change at Ethiopian Airlines, you must pay 50 $ in service charges and provide all the travel documents for verification. 
• If the reservation was made under the husband's last name instead of a maiden name, then the change can be made by providing a marriage certificate or a passport. 
• One can also add a second name if it was not entered during the booking, and minor changes of up to 3 characters are also allowed. 
• You can request a flight reschedule at Ethiopian Airlines by paying the applicable charges, especially for last-minute changes. 
• If the cost of the next flight exceeds the previous one, the airline will charge a fare difference. The option to reschedule a flight depends on the availability of seats in the desired cabin. 
• If the ticket was purchased directly through the Ethiopian Airlines portal, one can request a flight change online or by contacting the customer care executive.
• For reservations made with a travel agent, you must contact the same person to request any modification to the flight itinerary. 

Group Booking at Ethiopian Airlines: 

If you are wondering how to fly with Ethiopian Airlines in a group, you can request a group booking to access additional travel benefits and ensure a seamless travel experience. However, Ethiopian Airlines does not allow an online group booking option, so one has to connect with the airline's local office or global contact center. 

FAQ's: 

Can I make a booking for an infant? 

Yes, Ethiopian Airlines allows you to book a flight for up to three infants (ages 0-23 months) without a seat until and unless they are accompanied by an adult.

When Can I Pre-Select My Meal with Ethiopian Airlines? 

To meet your dietary needs on board, you can pre-select a special meal with Ethiopian Airlines 24 hours before the flight departure time. However, you can also select the meal from the onboard available menu. 

What Documents Are Required to Make an Online Check-in with Ethiopian Airlines? 

To check-in online with Ethiopian Airlines, you must have your passport, E-ticket, and booking reference number to retrieve your ticket details. 

Do I earn ShebaMiles on tickets booked online on Ethiopian Airlines? 

Yes, all the tickets booked online with Ethiopian Airlines will earn miles. However, you must mention the frequent flier number on the form when booking and the number of miles earned will depend on the distance traveled, the booking class, and the fare type. 

Can I get a refund from Ethiopian Airlines if the cancellation was made within 24 hours of booking? 

You are entitled to a complete refund from Ethiopian Airlines if you cancel your flight within the first 24 hours of booking and the flight is at least 7 days or more away from departure. However, this policy only applies to flights departing to and from the US.