Through the lens of AI
Online reviews from passengers are invaluable for determining if Ethiopian Airlines is the right choice for you. However, manually sifting through countless reviews can be incredibly time-consuming and impractical.
As AI excels at quickly processing large volumes of data, we’re adopting it as a tool for sentiment analysis. It detects the emotional tone in Ethiopian Airlines reviews, and quickly gauges travelers’ opinions on the airline’s offerings. We summarize them into concise and informative snippets to help you understand how other travelers feel about Ethiopian Airlines.
Join 80,000 savvy travelers.
Start saving 40%–80% on flights.
- Amazing deals to 200+ destinations in Asia
- Departures from US, Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia
- Regional routes within Asia included
- Each deal is 40%–80% cheaper than the regular price
Is Ethiopian Airlines
a low-cost (budget) airline?
No, Ethiopian Airlines is not a budget airline but a traditional, full-service carrier. It is one of the largest airlines in Ethiopia, a member of the Star Alliance, and it offers a broad spectrum of services that distinguish it from budget airlines. These include free checked baggage, complimentary meals and beverages (even in Economy), on-board amenities (blankets, pillows, sometimes noise-cancelling headphones) on long-haul flights, and a wide range of in-flight entertainment.
Furthermore, Ethiopian Airlines provides multiple travel classes, such as Economy, Business, First — each with varying levels of comfort, space, and amenities. In contrast, budget airlines typically offer only Economy class with minimal benefits.
Passenger reviews
An overview of the passenger experience on Ethiopian Airlines — encompassing both the strengths and weaknesses as reported by travelers:
Strengths
- Extensive African network and competitive pricing: Ethiopian Airlines shines with its expansive network covering most of Africa, making it a preferred choice for connecting within the continent. Passengers often praise the affordability of these routes compared to other airlines.
- Modern fleet and comfortable travel experience: Reviews frequently commend the airline’s modern fleet and well-maintained cabins, offering comfortable seats and good legroom even in economy class. Some even highlight the unique cultural touches onboard, adding to the experience.
- Friendly and attentive service: Many passengers acknowledge the warm and helpful service provided by Ethiopian Airlines’ crew. Reviews often mention genuine hospitality and attentiveness to passenger needs, exceeding expectations for a budget carrier.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent on-time performance: While improving, on-time performance can still be a concern for some. Reviews occasionally mention delays or cancellations, which can be frustrating for time-sensitive travelers.
- Unbundled fare structure: Similar to other budget airlines, Ethiopian relies heavily on add-on fees for amenities like checked baggage, seat selection, and even meals on longer flights. This can lead to hidden costs and unexpected charges, impacting the perceived value for some passengers.
- Limited entertainment options: Some reviews mention the in-flight entertainment system as outdated or lacking enough choices, particularly on longer flights. This might be a factor for passengers seeking more onboard entertainment options.
Passenger's experience
Drawing from a diverse array of passenger feedback, this is what it's truly like to fly with Ethiopian Airlines. Learn about the airline class of service, seating choices and comfort, baggage policies, Wi-Fi, and ticket flexibility.
What can I expect when flying with Ethiopian Airlines?
When flying with Ethiopian Airlines, passengers can expect a comfortable journey with attentive cabin crew service.
The airline is known for its cabin comfort, especially in business class. In-flight meals are generally well-regarded, offering a variety of options. Entertainment choices, including in-flight WiFi, are available, though they may not be as extensive as some other major carriers. As Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian provides a wide network of destinations, making it a reliable choice for travel to and within Africa, as well as to other international locations.
What are the seating options?
Ethiopian Airlines offers four main seating classes across its fleet, each catering to different comfort and budget preferences:
- Economy Class: The most affordable option, featuring standard reclining seats with decent legroom (31-32 inches).
- Economy Plus: Offers extra legroom (34-35 inches) compared to Economy class, providing more comfort on longer journeys.
- Business Class: Spacious and comfortable recliner seats with ample legroom (40-43 inches), often convertible into lie-flat beds.
- First Class: The most luxurious option with exclusive cabins featuring fully lie-flat seats, ample personal space, and premium amenities.
Is Ethiopian Airlines economy comfortable?
Ethiopian Airlines’ Economy class is generally considered quite comfortable for a full-service airline.
Passengers can expect adequate legroom and seating comfort, suitable for short and long-haul flights. The airline is known for its attentive service and provides a range of in-flight amenities, including meals and entertainment options, enhancing the travel experience. While it may not offer the luxuries of higher classes, Ethiopian Economy class provides a pleasant and comfortable journey, especially for an airline with such an extensive network.
What is the baggage allowance?
Ethiopian Airlines offers different baggage allowances depending on your travel class. Here’s a breakdown:
- Economy Class: 1 checked bag (23kg) + 1 carry-on bag (7kg) + 1 personal item.
- Economy Plus: 2 checked bags (23kg each) + 1 carry-on bag (7kg) + 1 personal item.
- Business Class: 3 checked bags (32kg each) + 2 carry-on bags (7kg each) + 1 personal item.
- First Class: 4 checked bags (32kg each) + 3 carry-on bags (7kg each) + 1 personal item.
Does Ethiopian Airlines have Wi-Fi?
Ethiopian Airlines offers in-flight Wi-Fi on some of its aircraft.
Say goodbye
to expensive airfares!
Save 40-80% on flights — explore SuperDeals from hundreds of departure cities across the globe.
