Find cheap Ethiopian Air flights

Ethiopian Airlines is headquartered in the country’s capital, Addis Ababa. A Star Alliance member since 2011, it enjoys a reputation as an innovator in African aviation, ushering in the continent’s first Boeing 767, 777-200LR and 787 Dreamliner among others since its first flight in 1946.

Ethiopian Airlines’ modern fleet includes 140 aircraft with an average age on par with some of the most trusted airlines in the world. Meanwhile, a four-star rating from Skytrax and multiple awards, including a World Travel Award for Africa’s Leading Airline, cement its status as one of the best options for travel in Africa and beyond.

Worldwide destinations

Ethiopian Airlines also serves a surprisingly wide network of global destinations. In total, you can fly with Ethiopian to more than 130 cities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. In the UK, the airline serves three airports: Gatwick and Heathrow airports in London, and Manchester Airport. For many years, Ethiopian was my airline of choice for travelling between Johannesburg and London.

That’s because its fares were typically the most affordable and because it offers a similar level of service and reliability to European airlines like KLM, Air France and Lufthansa (the main competition for one-stop flights between South Africa and the UK). For me, the only drawback of flying Ethiopian is the necessity to transit through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which I find lacking in terms of cleanliness and facilities.

That’s not to say I ever felt unsafe in Addis. On the contrary, on one occasion when I was travelling alone and my connecting flight was delayed until the next day, I was very impressed by how efficiently the airline arranged for passengers to be transferred via taxi to a hotel in the city. In my experience, Ethiopian’s cabin crew and ground staff tend to be both efficient and caring.

Fare classes

Ethiopian offers just two fare classes: the standard Economy class and Cloud Nine. The benefits of upgrading to Cloud Nine include a fully reclining seat with considerably more privacy and space; and a premium food and beverage service, including a welcome drink and trolley buffet. You’ll also be entitled to priority boarding, an increased baggage allowance (more on that below) and access to the Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge at Addis Ababa.

The Cloud Nine Lounge undoubtedly makes departures from and transfers through Addis more enjoyable. As well as expected perks such as complimentary hot and cold food, an open bar, and free Wi-Fi, lounge guests are invited to take part in a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony.

If you’d like to experience Cloud Nine but don't want to purchase the fare outright, you could try Ethiopian’s Bid to Upgrade service, whereby you submit an offer with the amount you’d be willing to pay. If your bid is successful (typically because there are seats left in Cloud Nine just before departure that would otherwise go empty) you can fly Business Class for a fraction of the normal cost.

Ethiopian Airlines offers a clever way to maximise space in Economy, too. Known as MyShebaSpace, the initiative allows passengers to purchase one or more seats next to their own at a reduced rate if space is still available within 72 hours of departure. The exact price depends on sector and destination, but the ability to lie flat is often worthwhile for long journeys or for those flying with young children.

Flight Pass

There’s another Ethiopian Airlines innovation I wish I’d known about when my family travelled several times a year between Africa and Europe. It’s called the Flight Pass, and it allows you to pre-purchase a minimum of four flights at a pre-set low fare. It’s customisable, so you can choose different destinations and departure points, share it with family and friends, and leave the dates of travel open until later.

The Flight Pass can be used for all Ethiopian Airlines flights in Economy or Cloud Nine class and is valid for up to two years from the date of purchase. For passes that cost over a certain amount, you can even choose to pay in instalments (but be aware that government taxes and fees aren’t added until you confirm your dates).

Entertainment and Wi-Fi

In-flight entertainment on Ethiopian Airlines is comparable to that on any other major airline. Expect a back-of-seat screen loaded with the latest films, series, playlists, podcasts, and games. If you like to surf the web mid-flight, you’ll be pleased to hear that most A350, B777, and B787 aircraft offer the opportunity to join ShebaSkyConnect Wi-Fi.

With the exception of ShebaMiles Platinum members who get one hour for free, this is unfortunately a paid service. However, I feel that the rates are quite reasonable. You can choose a one-hour, two-hour, or full-flight pass, with full-flight passes offering the best value for money on any flight longer than six hours. Purchase yours at the check-in counter, at the boarding gate, or onboard.

Food and drink

Food and drink is always a subjective topic, and Ethiopian Airlines cuisine splits opinions more than most. That’s because the hot meals on long-haul flights proudly reflect Ethiopia’s rich culinary culture, and are therefore quite different from what many North American and European passengers may be used to.

I personally love the rich spiciness of Ethiopian cuisine and although you’ll typically have a choice of three options in Economy – at least one of which will be international – I’d recommend trying the local delicacies if you’re open to new culinary experiences. If not, no problem: Ethiopian caters specifically to those who dislike spice with a special meal option entitled 'bland'.

There are several other special meals designed to suit an array of dietary requirements ranging from vegan-vegetarian or gluten-free to kosher, Muslim, or diabetic. Please note that these must be ordered in advance. Whatever you go for, meals are accompanied by a selection of complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. I really like that the wines focus on South African vineyards, but again, that’s a personal preference.

Cloud Nine passengers will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne (or a non-alcoholic alternative) and will receive a printed à la carte menu with a choice of international and Ethiopian national dishes. The latter are served buffet-style on a trolley so you can view your options before ordering.

Luggage allowances

When it comes to luggage, Ethiopian is particularly generous – something I realised when researching airline allowances before emigrating from South Africa to Scotland. Instead of the single piece of checked luggage allowed by most airlines for Economy passengers, Ethiopian usually allows two pieces of up to 23 kg each. For Cloud Nine passengers, that increases to three pieces of up to 23 kg or two pieces of up to 32 kg.

ShebaMiles members are entitled to extra free baggage regardless of travel class. For Platinum members, it’s two additional pieces of up to 23 kg each. For Gold members, it’s one additional piece of up to 32 kg and for Silver members, it’s one additional piece of up to 23 kg. Blue members can add 5 kg as long as all bags are under 32 kg total (on international flights only).

Rules do differ slightly for certain destinations, so be sure to check your booking confirmation carefully before packing. For cabin bags, you’re looking at one bag of up to 7 kg for Economy class passengers and two bags of up to 7 kg each for Cloud Nine passengers. Babies and children under 2 years old are entitled to a checked bag plus one fully collapsible stroller and a car seat.

Loyalty program

The Ethiopian Airlines loyalty programme is known as ShebaMiles and you can be an entry-level, Blue, Silver, Gold, or Platinum member. Miles are earned on flights with Ethiopian or any partner airlines (including all Star Alliance members). You can also earn them on eligible hotel bookings and car hires, or on everyday spending with a ShebaMiles credit or debit card.

There are three types of miles. Award Miles can be redeemed for rewards ranging from discounted flights and upgrades to excess baggage, in-flight Wi-Fi, and preferred seat selection. Awards Miles may also be converted into points for loyalty programmes with partner airlines.

Status Miles and Qualifying Segments determine your membership tier. These can only be earned on international flights with Ethiopian Airlines and reset to zero at the beginning of each calendar year. Depending on your level of membership, you could be eligible for a whole host of benefits. For Silver members, top perks include priority for standby flights, extra baggage, and ShebaMiles Silver Lounge access.

Gold members also receive priority check-in and boarding services, as well as access to the Platinum and Gold Lounge at Addis Ababa. Platinum members receive all of these perks, as well as personal assistance when departing Addis and two complimentary upgrades per flight segment per calendar year. Each membership level from Silver up also earns points at a proportionately increased rate.