Ethiopian Airlines » User reviews

Chocksaway flew Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine, on a B767-300ER (config 1) (19/06/2011 13:20)

Addis to Heathrow on a 767.

This aircraft carries the older style business seat, ie not flat in any way. This meant that it was not too comfortable, but I still managed to sleep. I was in 1J, which faces the bulkhead and the galley. This meant that it was a little noisy and that legroom was restricted, so avoid this row.

Entertainment is by personal video screens as in economy, but I only used the moving map.

Service is a little haphazard, eg water bottles were given out after breakfast seven hours into the flight and no amenity kits were offered.

Food was generally very good, although my dinner dish was tepid. Breakfast was a curious poached egg affair described as an omelette.

One big selling point is Ethiopian's wine list, which is excellent and includes good French varieties such as Chateau Neuf du Pape.

Altogether, a pleasant experience despite the old seats.

Chocksaway flew Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine (short haul), on a B737-700 (19/06/2011 13:14)

A three-hour plus flight from the Congo to Addis in business class.

Seats are big armchair style and very comfortable for a day time flight. Choice of three main lunch dishes with full service including salad, cheese and biscuits and dessert.

Excellent choice of wines and Champagne, but the best thing was watching Africa slip by below in a comfortable seat.

A lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Chocksaway flew Ethiopian Airlines Economy class (short haul), on a B757-200ER (config 1) (19/06/2011 13:10)

Heathrow to Addis on a 757 in economy.

The aircraft was tatty but food good and service generally enthusiastic. Entertainment is via overhead screens, but as this was an overnight flight, this was not really an issue. Eight hours on this narrow body is just about enough, but overall, not a bad experience.

RBrown9 flew Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine (short haul), on a B737-700 (23/01/2010 16:40)

I flew twice last year on Ethiopian Airlines. Am based in Bahrain and Ethiopian offers good and cost effective connections into Africa. First trip was Bahrain Zanzibar via Addis Adaba with the second being Bahrain Nairobi via Addis. Both trips were taken in Cloud Nine (Business Class) with a combination of Boeing 737 services connecting to Boeing 767 Services. The primary attraction was price with both tickets being around US$1200 which is less than half the price of competing airlines on this route.

The seating on the 737 is 2 2 in business class with about 44 inches of legroom. Adequate for the 4 hour flight to Addis. Service on board is up with the best and the food is quite palatable. The planes are relatively new and appear to be well maintained. Comfortable enough for the distance. Addis airport is a pleasure in terms of transfers. The typical connecting time between flights is less than two hours and being a small airport, the transfer is a pleasure. The Ethiopian Lounge is of a reasonable standard with wireless internet, comfortable seating, a quiet area and reasonable snacks. Again, not the best, but certainly not bad.

The 767s used to Zanzibar and Nairobi had cradle style seating with between 50 inches and 55 inches legroom. Perfectly comfortable for flights of between two and three hours. The only letdown for me with Ethiopian is the reliability. Several flights were delayed. On our return trip from Zanzibar, we found out at the airport that the connecting flight had been canceled and we would have to overnight in Addis and take the flight the following evening. On arrival in Addis, we were given reasonable hotel rooms, vouchers for food and beverages and a US$150 allowance (in cash for out of pocket expenses). I did not believe this was adequate, particularly since the reason for cancellation of the connecting flight was "light load". I subsequently highlighted this to Ethiopian and within three weeks, both myself and my travel companion received a refund of half the ticket price paid (in cash). So, overall, a mixed experience.

On the plus side: - excellent connections into Africa. - top class cabin crew. - pleasant transfers in Addis Adaba. - short transfer times. - reasonably comfortable on board product. - great value for money (Qatar Airlines to Nairobi - also a narrow body - nearly double the price), Emirates more than two and a half times the price. - seem anxious to address things when they do go wrong.

Negatives:

- slightly dated business class product and less space than typically expected. - not always reliable.

Conclusion:

I will definitely fly Ethiopian again. The positive and efficient crew are great and they offer excellent value for money in business class. They also offer excellent connections via their hub in Addis to destinations such as Zanzibar, Mombasa etc. And lastly, I have never had such a quick response and offer of reasonable compensation from any airline when things have gone wrong.