Ethiopian Airlines – Reservations, Group Booking, Travel Policies & Destinations

Ethiopian Airlines, the national carrier of Ethiopia, was established in December 1945 and commenced its first flight in April 1946. Headquartered at Bole International Airport, Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to over 160 passenger destinations and 68 cargo destinations, with five Ethiopian Airports serving as its hubs, and a fleet size of 156 aircraft. The airline is the fourth-largest airline in the world based on the countries it serves, and is renowned for its Ethiopian hospitality. The goal of the airline is to become a leading African airline by 2025 and to remain the top airline in the years to come. Go through the subsequent sections to know more details about Ethiopian Airlines. 

Ethiopian Airlines Hubs

Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to over 160 destinations with frequent flights operated from one primary hub and four secondary hubs. All of these airports are located in Ethiopia, allowing the Ethiopian flag carrier to manage all its operations:

• Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
• Liege Airport (LGG)
• Kamuzu International Airport (LLW)
• Lome-Tokoin International Airport (LFW)
• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) 

Ethiopian Airlines Top Destinations

Passengers can reach over 160 destinations, including both domestic and international, with Ethiopian Airlines. However, according to tourism trends and tourist demand, some destinations are considered popular among airlines. Therefore, below are some of the top Ethiopian Airlines destinations where the airline gets more demand: 

• Frankfurt (FRA)
• Athens (ATH) 
• Delhi (IGI) 
• Mumbai (BOM) 
• Moscow (SVO)
• Riyadh (RUH)
• Bangkok (BKK)
• Atlanta (ATL)
• Sao Paulo (GRU)
• New York (JFK)
• Toronto (YYZ)
• London (LHR)
• Paris (CDG) 
• Cape Town (CPT)
• Cairo (CAI) 

Ethiopian Airlines Top Routes

Compared to other routes, there are specific routes on which airlines sell more seats, resulting in additional flights as demand dictates. These routes are where Ethiopian Airlines carries a significant amount of passenger traffic, making them more popular than others. Hence, here are some of the top Ethiopian Airlines routes on which they operate flights: 

• Addis Ababa (ADD) to Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Addis Ababa (ADD) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
• Addis Ababa (ADD) to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)
• Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) to Addis Ababa (ADD) 
• Addis Ababa (ADD) to Cairo International Airport (CAI)
• Addis Ababa (ADD) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) 
• O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Addis Ababa (ADD) 
• Gerad Wilwal Airport (JIJ) to Addis Ababa (ADD)
• Addis Ababa (ADD) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) 
• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Addis Ababa (ADD) 
• Addis Ababa (ADD) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) 
• Moscow Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport (SVO) to Addis Ababa (ADD)
• Manchester Airport (MAN) to Addis Ababa (ADD) 
• Addis Ababa (ADD) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Addis Ababa (ADD) 

Ethiopian Airlines Codeshare Partners

Ethiopian Airlines shares its codes with several prominent airlines, improving its connectivity and services. Passengers can benefit from this, as they will be able to travel to destinations where Ethiopian Airlines does not operate, all within the same flight ticket they have purchased. Therefore, below are the airlines that are Ethiopian Airlines' codeshare partners: 

• Aegean Airline 
• Air Canada
• Air China
• Air  Cote d'lvoire
• Air Europa 
• Air India
• All Nippon Airways
• Asiana Airlines
• ASKY Airline 
• Austrian Airlines
• Azul Brazilian Airlines 
• Egypt Air 
• El Al
• Etihad Airways 
• Flynas 
• ITA Airways
• Kuwait Airways 
• LAM Mozambique Airlines
• Lufthansa 
• Malawi Airlines
• Oman Air 
• RwandAir 
• Saudia 
• Scandinavian Airlines 
• Shenzhen Airlines 
• Singapore Airlines
• South African Airways
• SriLankan Airlines 
• TAP Air Portugal 
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• Zambia Airways

Types of Classes/Cabins in Ethiopian Airlines & its Facilities

Passengers traveling with Ethiopian Airlines may have diverse purposes and expectations. To cater to all passengers, with a proper understanding of demand, Ethiopian Airlines offers two cabin class options, each differing in terms of quality of service and amenities. Hence, let's begin to explore the classes available on Ethiopian Airlines:

Ethiopian Airlines Economy Class

When flying with Ethiopian Airlines in Economy class, passengers can enjoy a comfortable journey in the spacious cabins, where they can experience the warm hospitality of Ethiopian culture. Know more about the available services in Ethiopian Airlines' economy class cabin from the pointers below: 

• Ethiopian Airlines' economy class seats are spacious, offering more comfort and ample leg space. 
• Each seat is also equipped with the latest entertainment systems, providing a wide range of options to keep you engaged. 
• Passengers can savor a full-course hot meal, prepared with the finest ingredients selected by our skilled chefs. 

Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine/Business Class 

Cloud Nine or Business Class of Ethiopian Airlines is designed with productivity and comfort in mind. As the cabins offer all the services and amenities with generosity, catering to passengers both onboard and before flights. Whether it is a short-haul flight or a long-haul flight, the airlines promise the Ethiopian hospitality for their passengers. You can expect the following services when flying with Ethiopian Airlines:

• Enjoy the utmost comfort with our comfy, fully flat seats featuring adjustable positioning and a personal touch-screen display. 
• Cloud Nine's entertainment options for business class cabins offer a wide range of entertainment choices, including games, movies, Live TV, Music, and more, to keep you engaged throughout your entire journey. 
• A specially tailored menu is offered to passengers, featuring the finest dishes prepared with hand-picked ingredients and representing cuisines from around the world. Additionally, passengers will experience a fine-dining experience and Ethiopian hospitality. 
• In-flight Wi-Fi is also available for purchase onboard, allowing passengers to enjoy a high-speed internet connection for entertainment or work. 

Ethiopian Airlines Flight Booking Process with Travomint

Streamline your flight booking experience with Ethiopian Airlines by making the reservation through Travomint. Travomint is a reliable travel platform with a longstanding presence in the travel industry, offering a cheap and affordable flight booking experience. The structured and user-friendly interface ensures an easy procedure to follow, which has been simplified through the pointers below:

• Begin by visiting the official website of Travomint, by heading to 'www.travomint.com.'
• Flight booking will be selected by default; you must then enter all the relevant details. 
• Start by choosing the flight type, then fill in all the required information in the blank. 
• Once all the blanks are filled, tap on 'Search' to review the list of available flights. 
• Select the flight option that best suits your preferences, and then proceed to customize it. 
• To finalize the changes, make the payment through your preferred payment channel. 
• Upon confirmation, you will be notified through email or sms with your booking details. 

Ethiopian Airlines Change & Cancellation Policy

Ethiopian Airlines ensures that its passengers can make convenient flight amendments or cancellations in the event of an unavoidable situation. For such cases, Ethiopian Airlines has a change and cancellation policy that contains the rules and guidelines for passengers who wish to make changes to their booked flight ticket. The airline demands proper compliance with these rules for a convenient and seamless experience. Therefore, go through the pointers below, where the essential guidelines of the policy have been highlighted:

• As per the terms and conditions of Ethiopian Airlines' change and cancellation policy, provide the complete and accurate details when making changes to your flight ticket to avoid any further delays. 
• The price of a flight ticket can change at any moment, and it must be settled immediately to proceed with the flight change request. 
• If passengers request a change while being on the flight or after the flight, the airlines will apply a no-show fee, which will be deducted from the return amount. 
• In the event of a cancellation request, if the passenger fails to process the request at least 24 hours before the scheduled flight departure, a fee will be applied. 
• If your flight ticket or itinerary consists of more than one flight, then remember that all of the flights will be cancelled upon requesting a flight cancellation. 
• The cancellation request is irreversible, and once requested, it cannot be canceled. Therefore, passengers must ensure that they have entered the correct details. 
• If bookings are made through a travel agent or travel agency, consider requesting that they handle any flight-related changes or cancellations on your behalf. 

Ethiopian Airlines Change & Cancellation Process

If passengers comply with the guidelines for change and cancellation requests made to Ethiopian Airlines, they can request amendments through the airline's website. To request flight changes, you can use the 'Manage your booking' feature available on the website. Though passengers may struggle to find the option, and to eliminate that struggle, below are the steps you are required to follow to make their preferred changes:

• Search 'www.ethiopianairlines.com' to head to the official website of Ethiopian Airlines. 
• Click on 'Book' from the menu at the top of the page, and then select 'Manage your Booking' under Manage. 
• Enter your booking details in the designated sections, and click 'Retrieve Booking' to view your flight information. 
• Select the option, such as 'Change/Cancellation', for the flight according to your preference to make any changes. 
• Follow the further instructions and settle the price if one is shown to finalize your changes to your booked flight. 
• Upon confirmation, you will receive a notification via email or SMS. 

Ethiopian Airlines Loyalty Program

Ethiopian Airlines' loyalty program, 'ShebaMiles', offers a journey full of benefits and convenience for its passengers. Members can take advantage of multiple privileges, depending on their membership tier and the miles they accumulate by making travel purchases with the airline and its partners. ShebaMiles is divided into four tiers, and promotion to a higher tier will unlock additional perks:

• Blue
• Silver 
• Gold
• Platinum

How can you join the Ethiopian Airlines Loyalty Program?

Joining ShebaMiles is a convenient process that requires a simple set of steps to follow. Once you create an account, you will be able to earn miles for every purchase you make with the airline and its partners, and later can use those miles for better rewards. Here is the complete process to join the program:

• Visit the official website of Ethiopian Airlines by browsing 'www.ethiopianairlines.com.' 
• From the options present at the top of the website, tap on 'Loyalty' to proceed further. 
• On the page, you can learn more about the program if you wish to do so. 
• Scroll down a little, and click on 'Join ShebaMiles' to access the form. 
• Fill out the form by entering all the details and follow the further instructions. 

Ethiopian Airlines Loyalty Program Benefits

After joining the Ethiopian Airlines loyalty program, you can enjoy the benefits and advantages offered to members. Additionally, these perks will continue to improve as members advance to higher tiers. To know more about the service, follow the pointers below:

• Bonus Miles: Passengers can earn more miles as they reach the upper tiers of the ShebaMiles. This was an accumulation of Miles that became easier, allowing them to redeem rewards quickly. 
• Priority Services: To assist members even before boarding the plane, Ethiopian Airlines offers priority services for its loyalty program members, streamlining the process through priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling, and more. 
• Lounge Access: Members can access Ethiopian Airlines' lounges and enjoy high-end meals accompanied by a range of beverages, as well as unwind in luxury before their flight. 
• Seat Selection: Typically, airlines charge passengers for selecting a preferred seat, but this is not the case for members of the airline's loyalty program. For the members, the airline offers seat selection with no charges applied. 

Ethiopian Airlines Refund Policy

Ethiopian Airlines offers a generous refund policy, providing flexibility for cancellations when needed. This can be conveniently done through the airline's official website, provided there is complete compliance with the airline's rules. Hence, passengers must be aware of Ethiopian Airlines' refund policy, which outlines the basic criteria and conditions for requesting a refund. A highlight of the Ethiopian Airlines refund policy is mentioned below:

• According to Ethiopian Airlines' refund policy, passengers are required to submit a cancellation request at least 24 hours before the scheduled flight departure time. 
• If the refund request is made while on the flight or after the flight date, the airline will apply a no-show fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount. 
• If the flight change or cancellation is made by the airline through a scheduled change or cancellation, you will need to submit a refund form to receive the refund for purchased services, such as upgrades, lounge access, and more. 
• If the refund request has been made and processed, all the flights in your itinerary will be cancelled, which can not be undone in any case. 
• The refund after processing has started cannot be reversed; hence, it is advised to double-check the submitted details to avoid errors and delays. 
• The refunded amount will be credited only to the source and currency through which the payment was made. To request a refund from any other source, please get in touch with the airline directly. 

Ethiopian Airlines Seat Upgrade Process

If passengers have changed their minds and wish to travel with the best possible convenience and comfort, they can consider upgrading their economy class bookings to business class. The process can be completed by either contacting the airline's customer service or through its official website, following a straightforward procedure. However, passengers should note that the seat upgrade may vary depending on availability and eligibility. Once upgraded, passengers will enjoy the comfort and services of the elite cabin, including premium meals, additional legroom, and access to lounges. Therefore, to upgrade your Ethiopian Airlines economy class seats to Cloud Nine or business class seats, follow the procedure below: 

• Browse 'www.ethiopianairlines.com' to head to the official website of Ethiopian Airlines. 
• Tap on the three lines beside the 'Menu' option to expand the possibilities. 
• Click on 'Book' and select 'Upgrade to Cloud Nine' below the 'Manage' option. 
• Here, you can consider reading more about the seat upgrades and their criteria. 
• After reading, enter your booking details in their designated blanks and click 'Submit.' 
• If you are eligible, you will be offered the opportunity to bid for a seat upgrade. 
• Once your offer is accepted, follow the further procedure to get your seat upgrade to Cloud Nine. 

Ethiopian Airlines Group Booking

Group booking of Ethiopian Airlines ensures that a group of travelers, traveling from the exact origin and going to the same destination, can travel together with this service. With this, they get several advantages and benefits, which give them an upper hand compared to making multiple individual bookings. Though knowing properly about the airline group booking is necessary, it is advised to follow the pointers below:

• To be eligible for a group booking, there must be at least ten members included in a group traveling from the exact origin to the same destination. 
• Passengers traveling with the group service can enjoy a discounted price, which is cheaper than making ten individual bookings. 
• Up to 99 passengers can travel under a group booking with Ethiopian Airlines, provided the name record is registered under the name of two or more passengers. 
• A group booking can be made up to 331 days in advance of the original departure date and can be altered when needed. 
• If, due to any condition, the number of passengers decreases from 10 to 9, it will no longer be considered a group booking but rather an individual booking. 
• Additionally, passengers can check in online through the airline's official website for groups, making it even more convenient for them. 
• For making group bookings, please don't hesitate to contact Ethiopian Airlines' customer service, as group bookings cannot be made online. 

How can you Apply Coupons with Ethiopian Airlines?

If you have coupons or travel vouchers, consider using them when making reservations with Ethiopian Airlines. This can be done when making reservations with the airline through its official website. Though the procedure is simple, for better convenience, it has been highlighted in the pointers below:

• To begin, head to the official website of Ethiopian Airlines at 'www.ethiopianairlines.com.'
• The flight booking option will be pre-selected, and details will be required to be filled in. 
• Click on 'Continue' to expand other options, including the option to enter your promo code. 
• Enter all the details in their blanks and then click '+ I have a promo code.' 
• Once the blank is expanded, enter your code and click 'Search flight' to begin your search. 

Get Last Minute Deals with Ethiopian Airlines

If thinking of getting a flight ticket at the last minute, remember that last-minute flights are not always advantageous due to potential price fluctuations or spikes. However, you can still find affordable last-minute flights if you follow specific tips and considerations. To increase your chances of scoring on last-minute flight deals, consider following the mentioned strategies:

• Signing up for the newsletter is beneficial: Registering for the airline's newsletter provides access to vital information, including updates, news, and exclusive deals. This will keep you updated on the latest deals and discounts, ensuring a cost-effective experience for you. 
• Utilizing Coupons/Travel Vouchers: Coupon codes are found in various places, including newsletters, as a refund, or when making a travel purchase with a credit card. These can be accumulated and used when making reservations to get a noteworthy discount on purchases. 
• Bypassing High-Demand Period: Dodging peak times is like dodging a bullet for budget travelers, as high demand directly influences charges that can be high. Additionally, the demand remains constant, making it challenging for them to conveniently score last-minute deals. 
• Registering for the Loyalty Program: Joining Ethiopian Airlines' loyalty program opens up a range of exclusive benefits and greater flexibility for your travel plans. It also boosts the chances of high-priority members grabbing last-minute deals and great discounts, making your journey even more enjoyable. 

Ethiopian Airlines International Travel Rules

International journeys require pre-planning to ensure a smoother experience at the airport and abroad. Nations set distinct guidelines for foreigners crossing their borders to ensure the safety of their citizens. While each country has its own guidelines for foreign travelers, these are some common points to check in a country's policy:

• Double-check before heading to the airport to ensure you have all the necessary documents. Airlines' staff and security personnel rely on these to confirm your nationality and personal details. Therefore, carry your passport, visa, and any required health certificates, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. 
• If you plan to travel with your pets, carefully review the pet policies and regulations of both the airline and the country. This step is essential because some countries have restrictions on specific animal breeds and limits on the number of animals allowed. 
• When checking Ethiopian Airlines' luggage rules, it is also helpful to review the list of items that cannot be brought onboard. This list includes certain chemicals, liquids, gases, and other sharp or blunt objects that could pose a risk for fellow passengers and crew members. 
• Review the baggage guidelines created by the airline to determine the limits on baggage size and weight. This will make it more manageable for you to move around with your luggage, and you will also be able to bypass the charges. 
• It's generally a good idea to arrive at the airport about three to four hours before your international flight. This way, you will have plenty of time for processes such as immigration, security checks, and verifying your documents, which can sometimes take longer than expected. 

Cheapest Time & Date of Booking Ethiopian Airlines Flights 

Cheap flights can be conveniently secured if the reservation is made when demand is at its lowest. Particularly, the middle days of the week, when people tend to travel less, are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Making reservations during these days can help you secure cheap flight bookings. Also, you may consider the following tips to guarantee a cheap trip:

• Booking through OTAs: Discover a trustworthy OTA (Online Travel Agency) that you can count on for affordable flight tickets. For instance, Travomint offers a user-friendly and budget-friendly flight booking experience that makes planning your travels easier and cheaper. 
• Booking Early: Booking in advance allows you to secure the lowest flight prices, as fares are typically cheapest at the start of the booking window, when fewer seats are taken. Additionally, it enables passengers to select their preferred seats while securing the best deals. 
• Waiting for Promotional Period: Promotional periods typically occur during festive seasons or special occasions when many tourists plan to fly. During these times, airlines offer deals and discounts to attract a high volume of travelers. 
• Considering Off-Seasons: Off-seasons, also called the low travel season, occur when tourism demand is at its lowest. This results in more affordable prices, making it an ideal time for travelers looking for budget-friendly flight options. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Ethiopian Airlines (FAQs)

Q. Can you drink alcohol on Ethiopian Airlines? 

The airlines permit the consumption of alcohol, as they serve their own Ethiopian wines, including red and white wines, onboard. This comes complimentary with meals served by the airline. 

Q. Is there free Wi-Fi on Ethiopian Airlines? 

Wi-Fi service is available on Ethiopian Airlines flights; however, it is not a complimentary service and can be purchased, either in advance or onboard, by contacting a crew member. An hour pass may cost you around $5, or a full-flight pass may cost you $25. 

Q. What items are not allowed on Ethiopian Airlines?

Ethiopian Airlines restricts the carriage of explosives, flammable liquids, gases, chemicals, toxic substances, firearms, and any object that may pose a threat to other passengers and crew members. To know the complete list, you can check its policies. 

Q. What is the maximum number of passengers for group booking with Ethiopian Airlines?

Ethiopian Airlines makes group bookings convenient by allowing up to 99 passengers to be booked in a single reservation. To reserve all seats, you can split the booking into two passenger name records: one under a passenger's name for 50 seats and another for 49 seats. 

Q. When can I pre-select my meal on Ethiopian Airlines?

Passengers can select their preferred meal either when making the reservation, later during the booking process, or up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight.