This isn’t my first time flying long-haul with Ethiopian Airlines, and it won’t be my last. I’ve flown with them before, from Seoul to Kigali via Addis Ababa, and also on a handful of domestic routes within Ethiopia. Say what you will about airline rankings and slick marketing, but in my experience, Ethiopian Airlines is the best African airline out there.
Ethiopian is reliable, far-reaching, and almost always the cheapest ticket for anyone in the African diaspora looking to touch home soil or see what lies beyond.
In this Ethiopian Airlines economy class review, I’ll take you through my recent flight from Dubai to Johannesburg, with a free overnight layover in Addis Ababa courtesy of the airline’s stopover program.
You’ll get the full picture, from check-in to landing, meals to legroom, and what it’s actually like to spend a night in a layover hotel that most people don’t even realise they’re entitled to.
Flying Ethiopian is a bit like sitting at the bar in some off-the-map city and listening to conversations in a dozen different languages. You board a plane and you’re suddenly flying shoulder to shoulder with people bound for places you’ve never heard of—Ouagadougou, Kano, N’Djamena, Conakry, Bujumbura, Ndola—names that sound like poetry, destinations you didn’t even know had airports.
It’s a snapshot of the whole continent in transit.
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Disclaimer: Neither Ethiopian Airlines nor anyone else is paying us for this review of my flight experience. I paid the full fare and am not affiliated with Ethiopian in any way. This Ethiopian Airlines economy class review reflects my personal experience and opinion.
Is Ethiopian Airlines Safe and Reliable? Everything You Need to Know About Africa’s Flag Carrier
Ethiopian Airlines is the flag carrier of Ethiopia and one of the few fully state-owned airlines still operating on a global scale. Founded in 1945, it began international flights just four years later and has grown into Africa’s largest airline, both by fleet size and passengers carried. In the last fiscal year, 13.4 million international travellers flew with Ethiopian.
The airline’s slogan, The New Spirit of Africa, reflects its reputation for efficiency, affordability, and extensive connectivity across the continent.
Ethiopian flies to over 130 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, using a fleet of more than 140 aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A350, on which I flew from Addis to Johannesburg.
Its most popular routes include connections between Addis Ababa and Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Dubai, London, and Washington D.C.
It’s also a member of Star Alliance, meaning you can earn and redeem miles with 26 alliance partners like Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Asiana (I earned 1,030 Asiana Club miles for this one-way trip).
Ethiopian’s reputation took a tragic hit in 2019, when Flight 302 crashed shortly after take-off from Addis Ababa, killing all 157 people on board. The cause was linked to the Boeing 737 MAX 8’s faulty MCAS system, not pilot error. The aircraft type was grounded worldwide following the crash and has since only gradually returned to service after major safety overhauls and scrutiny by global aviation authorities.
Despite this, Ethiopian remains a trusted and vital carrier on the continent and beyond.
All my flights left and arrived on time, and my baggage arrived in one piece, so if you ask me, I’d have to say Ethiopian is reliable.
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Booking Ethiopian Airlines: Why I Chose a 23-Hour Layover in Addis
When I started searching for a one-way ticket from Dubai to Johannesburg, Ethiopian Airlines was the obvious winner, significantly cheaper than Etihad or Emirates. Ethiopian consistently offers some of the best-value long-haul fares, especially if you’re flying within Africa.
I received a generous baggage allowance of 2 x 23 kg. As an expat finishing an almost two-year stint in the UAE, I needed it.
But what really made me click book was the chance to stop in Addis Ababa. Most people I know wouldn’t dream of spending more time in Ethiopia than absolutely necessary.
I’m not most people.
I wanted to see the city. So I searched for a flight with the longest layover possible. I found one with 23h 45m, just under the airline’s 24-hour cut-off for their free Addis layover hotel program.
The eligibility details were murky. There were flights with much shorter transit times on this route, so I was unsure if that would disqualify me from the free hotel and transit visa. The Ethiopian Airlines chatbot was no help, and email support gave me a vague You may qualify. I booked anyway. Worst case, I’d pay for a visa on arrival and find a cheap bed.
I booked directly through Ethiopian’s website. It’s user-friendly and straightforward. Fare types and baggage info were clearly explained. If you’ve ever turned on a laptop, you can figure it out.
Check-In & Boarding in Dubai
A few days before departure, I received an email inviting me to check in online. The process was smooth, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that I could select a preferred seat for free.
My journey with Ethiopian Airlines began at Dubai International Airport Terminal 1. Not the sleek Emirates terminal, but the other one. It feels more like a bus station than an international hub. The check-in desks around me were boarding people for flights to Peshawar and Mosul. Places that immediately set a tone: crowded, chaotic, and strangely exciting.
Check-in took a while. Twenty minutes in, my line abruptly shut down. No explanation, just a vague hand gesture directing us elsewhere. Most passengers around me had two luggage carts piled with giant boxes wrapped in plastic, labelled with names and destinations like Kano and Niamey. I couldn’t tell if they were hauling fridges or flat-screen TVs. Africa in motion.
Eventually, I reached the counter. The staff were friendly, and the agent confirmed I’d receive my free Addis hotel voucher at the boarding gate. So far, so good.
Terminal 1 itself offers little to do. No real food options, no shops, just plastic chairs and long waits. When boarding was called, I checked again about the voucher.
You’ll get it in Addis, the gate agent smiled.
Boarding was smooth, the cabin crew welcoming. As we pushed back from the gate, I felt that familiar, exciting pull—heading south, homeward in a way only Ethiopian Airlines seems to understand.
Dubai to Addis Ababa: In-Flight Experience on the Boeing 777
This leg of the journey was operated on a Boeing 777, a workhorse in the sky across the industry.
Flight ET 613 departed Dubai International Airport at 05:40, arriving in Addis Ababa Bole International Airport at 09:00. I was seated in 31A, a window seat that I had prebooked for one last look at the UAE after 18 months of living in the desert.
The cabin is laid out in a 3-3-3 configuration, standard for economy class, but it felt surprisingly open and airy when I boarded. Maybe because it was 05:00, maybe the wide-body design.
I hadn’t slept much the night before, thanks to a 3:00 AM airport check-in, so I don’t remember every fine detail. But I do remember being genuinely welcomed on board. The cabin crew were warm, smiling, and seemed to mean it. The plane itself was clean and modern.
What I do recall clearly was the legroom—something many airlines get wrong. At 187 cm (about 6’2”), legroom is very important to me. Having flown Ethiopian in economy before, I knew there won’t be any knee-to-seatback torture. In my window seat, I could sit comfortably without jamming into the person in front. Not exactly luxurious, but absolutely fine for a 4h 15m flight.
The seat padding was adequate, and the recline worked. My in-flight entertainment system didn’t, but I was too tired to care. The screen froze on the Ethiopian Airlines homescreen, and that was the end of that. I sat watching the Dubai skyline from the window, getting one last look at the Burj Khalifa before heading over the Abu Dhabi desert.
I might’ve waved the UAE goodbye with my middle finger. Let’s just say I was ready to move on, and Ethiopian Airlines was my getaway car. I closed my eyes and drifted off somewhere over the Abu Dhabi desert.
Breakfast at 35,000 Feet
I woke up to the scent of food and the familiar sound of meal trolleys rustling. My Ethiopian Airlines economy class breakfast didn’t come with a menu or choices. You get what you get.
This morning, it was a tray featuring a mysterious white brick of porridge. It could’ve been maize meal, semolina, or something else entirely. But definitely a member of the polenta family. Whatever it was, it sat quietly on the plate like it had somewhere else to be.
Alongside it: plastic cutlery, a bread roll, two pats of Lurepak butter, a packet of strawberry jam, a sweet cupcake, and a tub of fruit cocktail in syrup.
I’d asked for orange juice before unwrapping the tray, so the entire breakfast ended up being an unintentional sugar bomb. Not exactly a culinary triumph, but it did the job. You don’t fly Ethiopian for the food.
You fly it because it gets you where you need to go, for a fair price, with your knees intact and a warm welcome thrown in.
Arriving in Addis Ababa
As we taxied to the gate at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, I looked out the window and was struck by the size and variety of Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet. It’s a reminder that this isn’t just Africa’s flagship carrier, it’s a truly international airline.
Each aircraft proudly bears a name: Lake Tana, Mountain Nyala, Victoria Falls, even Paris and Rome. The names are symbolic, spanning natural wonders and cultural landmarks across Africa and beyond.
Despite the view, I was starting to feel uneasy. I’d landed in Addis without a hotel voucher or transit visa in hand. The gate agent in Dubai had confidently told me it would be handled here, but after hearing mixed reviews online, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was about to fork out for a last-minute hotel and a visa on arrival.
How to Get Your Free Layover Hotel Voucher in Addis Ababa
If you’re arriving in Addis still without a hotel voucher, like I did, but eligible for Ethiopian Airlines’ free layover hotel, here’s exactly what I did:
- Follow the signs for International Transfers into Terminal 2. The transfer area is on the left as you enter the terminal building.
- Do not go through immigration yet. You’ll need a transit visa first, which comes with your hotel voucher.
- Look for the Hotel Transit Desk before immigration. It’s not well signposted. If you can’t see it, ask any Ethiopian Airlines staff member in uniform—they’ll point you in the right direction.
- At the Hotel Transit Desk, present your boarding pass. After a few minutes, you’ll receive a stamped hotel voucher—this also acts as your transit visa. Don’t lose it.
- Proceed to immigration and hand over your hotel voucher. Your passport won’t be stamped.
- Right after immigration, in the Arrivals Hall, you’ll see the Transit Passengers Shuttle Service Desk. This is where you’ll get another stamp on the hotel voucher and given shuttle instructions.
- There’s a Bank of Abyssinia kiosk nearby if you want to change money. But you won’t need local currency unless you plan to explore the city. Shuttle, hotel room, dinner, and breakfast are all included.
- Take the shuttle to your assigned hotel and enjoy your layover.
I was originally assigned to the Panorama Hotel, but the agent at the Shuttle Desk looked at the voucher, made a face, and said she’d move me to Blue Sky Hotel instead.
It’s better, she said.
Maybe it was. Or maybe the Blue Sky shuttle was about to leave with a spare seat. Either way, I wasn’t about to argue over a free hotel.
She crossed out Panorama and wrote Blue Sky on the voucher, pointed toward a set of double doors, where the blue minibus was waiting.
Who Qualifies for the Free Layover Hotel with Ethiopian Airlines?
According to the Ethiopian Airlines website, to qualify, you need to:
- Be flying internationally with Ethiopian Airlines on one booking
- Have a layover in Addis Ababa between 8 and 24 hours
- Not have a shorter connection available at the time of booking
Now, here’s where it gets a little murky. I intentionally booked a 23h 45m layover because I wanted to explore Addis, even though faster connections were available. I wasn’t sure if that disqualified me, so I did the sensible thing and asked the chatbot before booking—useless. Emailed customer service—vague. They said I might qualify. Not exactly reassuring.
But I booked it anyway, fully expecting I might have to pay for my own visa and find a cheap hotel.
In the end, it worked out. When I landed in Addis, I received both the hotel voucher and a transit visa, no questions asked—even though I’d chosen the long layover myself.
Bottom line: If your layover is 8–24 hours and you’re booked on one Ethiopian Airlines ticket, there’s a very good chance you’ll qualify. Even if you picked the longest layover on purpose, like I did.
Blue Sky Hotel: My Free Ethiopian Airlines Transit Hotel in Addis Ababa
A beat-up blue minivan already full of other transit zombies took about 20 minutes to reach Blue Sky Hotel. It’s near the Ring Road in the Bole neighbourhood.
Check-In & First Impressions
Check-in at Blue Sky was fast and painless. The front desk was friendly and efficient. No need to fill in forms or show anything besides the voucher. I was given a second-floor room, the Wi-Fi password, and info on meal times.
The Wi-Fi was decent, which in Ethiopia qualifies as excellent. You won’t be streaming 4K Netflix, but it’s good enough for emails, maps, or Googling “what to do with 23 hours in Addis.”
The Room
My double en-suite room was clean, quiet, and perfectly functional. The parquet wood floors were a relief—no musty hotel carpet to tiptoe around. The bed was firm but comfy, the sheets clean, and the curtains did their job.
The bathroom was basic but serviceable. The showerhead was literally held up with a wire hanger, which made me laugh more than complain. There was hot water, a genuine luxury in Ethiopia, but I had to wait a full five minutes for it to show up. I waited, because I don’t give up easily.
Free Buffet Meals: Surprisingly Tasty
My layover package came with free dinner and breakfast, both served buffet-style at the hotel restaurant. The food didn’t exactly look Instagram-ready, but it was honestly quite good.
Dinner included:
- Spicy fried fish
- Yellow rice
- Bread rolls
- Some kind of sautéed vegetables
- Water, tea, and coffee
Breakfast was better than expected, with:
- Chapati flatbread with chocolate sauce (don’t knock it—it was great)
- Another flatbread topped with tomato and onion, pizza-style but no cheese
- Savoury vegetable fritters
- Strong Ethiopian coffee
There’s also a bar onsite where you can buy alcohol or order more coffee, with seating inside or out on the balcony. If you’re not completely wiped out, it’s a nice place to people-watch over a cold St. George beer.
Overall Verdict: It’s Free—and It’s Pretty Decent
No, Blue Sky Hotel isn’t luxury. The shuttle is scruffy, the showerhead is MacGyvered, and the food is basic. But for a free hotel in Addis Ababa, it’s clean, safe, friendly, and better than expected. I slept well and got a wake-up call from reception for breakfast and the return shuttle to Bole Airport. Everything ran on time. No stress. No drama.
If you’re travelling with Ethiopian Airlines on a long layover, don’t overthink it. This is one of the best free stopover hotel programs around, especially for African destinations.
Bonus: What to Do on a 23-Hour Layover in Addis Ababa
With nearly a full day to spare, I decided not to just sit in the hotel. The receptionist kindly arranged a local driver, and I headed out to explore the city.
Want to know how to make the most of your stopover?
➜ Read my post: How to Spend a Day in Addis Ababa
Ethiopian Airlines Flight from Addis Ababa to Johannesburg on the Airbus A350
There’s just enough time before boarding for one last excellent cup of Ethiopian coffee. Even if you’re only transiting through Addis, don’t miss the chance to experience a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony at one of the airport cafés. It’s a quick ritual, but a memorable one.
The transit and boarding area at Bole Airport was crowded. Not nearly enough seats, people sprawled out on the floor, and nowhere quiet to sit. I couldn’t find a seat anywhere.
Flight ET 809 from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Johannesburg OR Tambo is on the Airbus A350, a relatively new addition to the Ethiopian Airlines long-haul fleet. We departed at 08:40 and landed right on schedule at 13:05.
I was sitting in seat 41A, a window at the very back of the plane. Not exactly First Class, but I had the whole row to myself. That’s a big win when flying economy. The only thing I found in my seat pocket was an in-ear headset and the in-flight magazine.
Once onboard, I found the same 3-3-3 configuration on the A350 as my previous flight. The A350 felt significantly more spacious and modern than the Boeing 777 on the Dubai-Addis leg. I was relieved to find the inflight entertainment (IFE) actually worked. I watched a movie or two, listened to some music, and followed our flight route on the map as we soared over Lake Turkana and down along the East African Rift Valley.
Somewhere above Malawi, the crew handed out a ham sandwich and drinks. Ethiopian is a proper full-service airline, offering free soft drinks and alcohol. And they’re not stingy with the booze. I had three mini bottles of red wine to celebrate the homecoming.
Lunch followed later: beef with potatoes or pasta. I chose beef, which was surprisingly tasty. It came with pasta salad, crackers, and processed cheese on the side. Dessert was a generic chocolate mousse. I felt like ice cream, but for ice cream at 35,0oo feet, you’ll need Qatar Airways or Emirates.
We landed in Johannesburg on time, bags intact, service smooth. A classic, no-nonsense Ethiopian Airlines flight. Reliable, unpretentious, and quietly excellent.
Ethiopian Airlines Economy Class: Pros and Cons for International Travellers
Flying Ethiopian Airlines economy class offers solid value, especially for long-haul routes across Africa and beyond.
It’s ideal for budget-conscious long-haul travellers who value practicality over polish.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the advantages and drawbacks:
Pros of Ethiopian Airlines Economy Class
- Affordable international fares compared to other full-service airlines.
- Extensive route network connecting Africa with Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
- Free layover hotel and transit visa in Addis Ababa for long stopovers.
- Generous baggage allowance: typically 2 x 23kg checked bags.
- Full-service experience: meals, drinks (including alcohol), and in-flight entertainment included.
- Friendly, multilingual cabin crew, especially helpful on multi-leg journeys.
- Quick turnaround times for connections at Bole Airport compared to larger hubs.
Cons of Ethiopian Airlines Economy Class
- Lacks the polish of airlines like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, or Cathay Pacific.
- Bole Airport in Addis Ababa has limited shopping, dining, and seating—especially in transit areas.
- The free hotel voucher process could be streamlined and better signposted.
- Inflight food is decent, but not outstanding. Plastic cutlery and no dessert on some legs.
- Inconsistent inflight entertainment systems.
- Limited special meal options and no ability to preview menus online.
Final Thoughts: Ethiopian Airlines Economy Class Review
This Ethiopian Airlines economy class review comes from a place of pleasant surprise. While the airline may not offer the flashiest service or the sleekest airport lounges, it more than delivers where it counts: comfort, reliability, and value. From the generous baggage allowance to the full-service onboard experience—including meals, drinks, and entertainment—it’s clear Ethiopian punches above its weight.
What truly sets them apart, however, is the free Addis Ababa layover hotel and transit visa for long stopovers. It’s an offering few other airlines can match. It made a 23-hour layover not just bearable but enjoyable. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense, dependable way to fly across continents, Ethiopian Airlines is a solid choice.
Read More Economy Class Reviews:
Emirates Economy Class Review
Qatar Airways Economy Class Review
Turkish Airlines Economy Class Review
Cathay Pacific Economy Class Review
Singapore Airlines Economy Class Review
Merci beaucoup pour toutes ces indications, qui vont nous servir pour notre prochain voyage pour le Congo, nous avons une escale d’un peu plus de 9h le soir arrivant à 23h35, on se demandait où dormir, nous avons la réponse.
Nous voilà rassurés,
Cordialement
Hi Elsen,
J’utilise CHATGPT pour traduire ce message. J’espère qu’il sera bien compris.
Tant que les deux vols sont avec Ethiopian Airlines, vous devriez bénéficier d’un hôtel gratuit pour l’escale. Commencez à demander dès l’enregistrement. J’espère que tout se passera bien.