Ethiopian Airlines Reviews

We bought souvenirs (2 ebon giraffes) that we planned to transport as carry-on luggage, like we did many times before on our trips to Africa. We realise that the items were slightly taller than carry-on limitations, but this was never a problem with other airlines in the past and other passengers had similar size souvenirs on board.
At the check in counter, we were told that it is not possible to take the souvenirs on board and that we need to check them in. We told the employee that the items are very fragile and very expensive, he told us that the airline now has separate containers for fragile items and guaranteed that the souvenirs will not be damaged. We reluctantly agreed as we were not presented with any other options.
On our arrival to Milan, we could immediately see that the package was handled with extreme negligence! The package was ripped od several places and it was obvious that the items inside were broken on multiple places.
This was certainly not an accidental drop, the item had to be thrown around at every chance, to suffer damage on so many different places.
Now, they do not plan to make any effort to resolve the issue, even though the damage occurred solely because we followed their employee demands and assurances against our wishes.
We travel to Africa 10 years in a row now, and we are definitely done with Ethiopian airlines.

I have also fallen victim to the airlines bad service too. I would like for all of us to get together and make a formal complaint to the aviation authority as this airline is getting worse by the day.
We as in my family use this airline to travel to and from Hargeisa, Somaliland. During the Covid period it is the only airline servicing this flight route. I Was sold and bought a return ticket Via Addis from Dammam, Saudi Arabia to Hargiesa, Somaliland. I was notified of changes but as it’s the only flight I had no choice but fly back with Ethiopian airlines. The return flight changed to another city, Jeddah. The ticket price was expensive and the travel route was horrendous, with long transit in airports. I put up with it as it was during the height of the pandemic. However, during the long transit there was no communication and we were left without food. I later discovered through another passenger you had to go to customer service to collect a ‘token’ style piece of paper to gain access to a dingy little room ‘Ethiopian airline lounge’. I encountered poor customer service as soon as I stepped into the room and the food on offer was absolutely obsolete. Rice and chicken buffet with nothing else. I had to ask for a cup of water, as an empty bottle sat on the same table as the ‘Buffett’ offered. Bear in mind other customers will probably not even get notification that this is on offer for the many thousands passengers with long transits at Addis Airport. Once boarding the flight, there were no safety precautions exercised or encouraged by the crew/airline staff. Passengers were squashed and every seat was filled, remember this is the height of the pandemic!!! I was left in Jeddah to pay for the rest of my journey back to my original destination Dammam which I paid for out of pocket. I arrived and was informed my luggage will be moved onto the next carrier to complete my journey and I proceeded. However, not surprisingly When I arrived in Dmm I was left waiting for my luggage Which had been left in Jeddah. Exhausted I sought help from lost baggage desk and was adviced to return to pick up my luggage when I receive confirmation of it being delivered to Dmm airport from Jeddah. I then returned to the airport via taxi, again at my own to pick up my luggage that Ethiopian Airlines misplaced.
This service is atrocious, I have been communicating with the airline since the 1st of January, to get alternative flights but Even to this day I keep getting ignored. I will be seeking legal advice and really hope that this terrible service is addressed appropriately. It’s a shame example of an African nations airline, that has the means and capacity to perform to a higher standard. We all pay high prices for these tickets and deserve a good level service if not higher.

They steal our money after cancelling ticket and never replied to emails.

Really really bad airline. Due to covid restrictions my flight last September was canceled by Ethiopian Airlines. The airlines refuses to refund the tickets, because I have a non-refundable ticket. Which is complete bullsh*t. My flight was from Brussels, so according to EU regulations, the airline is obligated to refund my money.
I have called them, e-mailed them, but they keep refusing to refund.
I would recommend everybody to NOT book with Ethiopian Airlines.

I tried calling them a few weeks back to change a ticket (ps the ticket date has now passed) and was on hold for 30minutes with a message telling me that I am number 25in the queue and my wait would be 52minutes. That same message came on throughout the call so I left it and tried again the next day. Same thing, only it eventually offered a call back option which I chose. 24hours later and still no call back. I went on their website and put my email address and phone number and requested a call back and still nothing. The ticket has expired and they probably won’t do anything about it now. Also their Sheba miles NEVER register on the app so you have to call every other flight to get them to add the flight miles which takes long (when the systems are not down).
Extremely disappointed. They seem to be getting worse by the day.

Don't bother booking this airline keep clear at all costs.
I booked a flight and it was cancelled due to covid I did book through a third party and firstly was told Ethiopian Airlines would issue a full refund now after 16 weeks they are saying they won't issue a full refund I'm gutted and having been tested positive for covid I lost 10 days money without pay.
Don't book with this airline if anything happens then you get nothing.

I’ve been trying to change my ( flexible ) flight from Bujumbura to Canada and now they want to charge me 200 $. Due to covid19 times , they said we are allowed to use a one time free of charge change but now they don’t want me to use it . Worst airline , lack of professionalism and horrible customer service . I do not recommend anyone to travel with them . Also, they change flights daily which could confuse someone

I went to Nigeria through this flight December 2019 ,I was pregnant, went with my 2year old son,brought back alot of african food and african expensive fabrics, you know what,ETHIOPIAN AIRLINE LOST MY BAG,since Dec, I have been trying to resolve my claim,I couldn't even name the baby the way I desire because all I planned to use was in that bag,pls DO NOT FLY ETHIOPIAN AIRLINE, I am crying as I am writing this,I need the management to resolve my claim and pay me my money,or else I will go on all platforms and give all these reviews

I have never experienced such bad customer service. I booked tickets for 1000 euros. Ethiopian canceled my flights, but they refuse to refund my ticket in cash.
Even after a few months of correspondence with me and my legal assistent they still refuse to pay my money back. I receive reactions after a few weeks like; you ticket is non refundable.... I understand. But Ethiopian canceled my flights!!!! Not me!!!

I have been flying with Ethiopian airlines for sometime now and it has been great, no regrets at all. I love flying with them...

Airline has horrible customer service representatives that act as dictators telling customers what to do on the phone. I have spent over 8 hours on the phone with them over the past 5 days just trying to confirm my flight. After finally confirming the correct flight details and even receiving an email confirmation of it, the next day the details and the date of the flight had changed without my knowledge and certainly without my permission! I am even typing this review while on hold with them to fix the issue AGAIN. 45 mins so far this time...NEVER AGAIN

AVOID AVOID AVOID
they advertised a flight with a layby of 3hrs 20mins. As soon as I paid the flight, they emailed me a change of schedule notification. The waiting time had now increased from 3hrs 20mins to 5hrs 45hrs. I asked for a refund. The response was that due to covid:19, it would take 4 - 6 MONTHS before receiving the my money back. Can you believe, these fellas? STAY AWAY FROM THIS AIRLINE, ITS BAD NEWS.