Is Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Worth It?

Yes, it is definitely worth it. Ethiopian Airlines Business Class, known as Cloud Nine, is an award-winning option for travelers seeking competitive fares, connections in Africa, and a large luggage allowance. The newer models of its Airbus A350 aircraft have 1-2-1 seating with lie-flat options, while some of its Boeing 787 and 777 flights may still have angle-flat options. So it is important to note the type of aircraft used before you book your seat. This includes premium catering, lounges, amenity packs, priority handling, and selected Wi-Fi services. In this guide, you will learn why Ethiopian Airlines business class can be worth the upgrade and what it may cost. 

What Is Ethiopian Airlines Business Class?

The official name of the business class of Ethiopian Airlines is called Cloud Nine, and it represents the most premium class of Airlines. Despite marketing claims, there is no other first-class product that is offered above this product.

There are some basic facts about the Cloud Nine cabin product in the service of Ethiopian Airlines:

• Star Alliance allows passengers of the cabin to enjoy partner lounges, not the lounges of Ethiopian Airlines itself.
• Offered only on medium- to long-distance flights; shorter regional flights will not have the Cloud Nine cabin product.
• A single consistent brand name that represents different hardware depending on what aircraft flies the route.
• Priority services included, including priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling included in the package.

One needs to be aware that Cloud Nine is actually a product brand that features various hardware before deciding on pricing.

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Seats: What to Actually Expect?

The comfort level of seats on business class on Ethiopian Airlines highly depends on the type of plane, nothing else is of great importance.

Its Super Diamond seating in its A350 is indeed state-of-the-art equipment. And it is no exception when compared to the offerings of other international airlines for their first-class passengers in their latest-generation long-distance jets. The old-generation jets such as 787 and 777 have an archaic 2-2-2 layout where the window-seat travelers would need to move over the sleeping passengers to reach the aisle.

For those traveling alone, they will need to make sure that they have reserved window seats in a 2-2-2 aircraft.

Flying Ethiopian Airlines Business Class from the US

Ethiopian Airlines offers several direct flights between major US cities and the hub at Addis Ababa Airport, and so truly makes the destination accessible for those from the US. Cities of departure used include Washington Dulles, Newark, Chicago, and Los Angeles, among others, subject to seasons and schedules. The Cloud Nine passengers from Addis Ababa can then proceed with connecting flights to over 40 African countries using just one hub. So, the fact of the matter is that this one-hub connecting flights system makes the network strengths of Ethiopian Airlines stand out.

How Much Does Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Cost? 

While prices at Ethiopian Airlines' business class differ from destination to destination, seasonally, and according to booking time, there are certain trends that apply to almost all flights from the US.

• Trends indicate that the typical price for round-trip tickets to Africa costs about $2,200, while most flights fall within $2,200-$2,800 depending on the season.
• The seasonality factor has the greatest influence on pricing and usually pushes prices toward the upper limit of the given range.
• Buying tickets in advance usually ensures cheaper airfare compared to last-minute tickets purchased on the same route.
• When comparing prices with other airlines, it is noticeable that Ethiopian prices are always lower than their competitors' for similar destinations.

One of the main trends found in the independent reviews is the price difference with respect to larger and more advertised airlines. The price of the tickets sold by Ethiopian Airlines in business class is typically 30 to 50 percent lower than in Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Price: Ways to Pay Less

Aside from booking in advance, there are several other ways to reduce the price of Cloud Nine, especially when you have some flexibility with your route.

1. Upgrades while checking in: Economy passengers may get upgrades to Cloud Nine during check-in, around 24-48 hours before departure either online or at the airport counter.
2. Upgrades based: Members of the loyalty program may ask for upgrades using their miles, where loyal members get higher success rates.
3. Award tickets: Some people managed to redeem $2,000 worth of points for over 40 hours of business class flying a really good value ratio.
4. Using miles: Since Ethiopian Airlines is a member of Star Alliance, miles earned or redeemed via partner programs may be useful to you as well.

Award seats are becoming more readily available lately, as more of the Cloud Nine seats are being awarded to partner airlines and can be booked up to 330 days in advance.

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Baggage Allowance

One such example where there are clear and quantifiable advantages in flying Ethiopian Airlines' business class is in the baggage policy, which merits some consideration for both carry-on and checked baggage policies.

Carry-On Allowance

Moreover, business class passengers are also allowed one additional personal item other than the carry-on baggage allowance, as per the industry standard for most of the international airlines.

Checked Baggage Allowance

On the flights between the US, Canada, and Europe, Ethiopian Airlines follows the so-called Piece Concept in place of the weight system.

In addition to the weight restrictions above, each checked piece of luggage should also not exceed a combined total of 158 cm or 62 inches in terms of its length, width, and height. With such an amazing check-in allowance that almost doubles the per-bag weight allowance in economy class, the airline really stands out from other long-haul carriers that fly to Africa.

Onboard Experience: Meals, Lounge, and Service

Other than seats and luggage allowance, the soft product, food, service, and lounge access, will define the passenger’s opinion of his Cloud Nine experience.

Meal service: Food is provided as a mix of Ethiopian and international dishes in proper ceramic tableware and metal cutlery. The presentation usually beats customer expectations given the low price level, according to various reviews by passengers. An Ethiopian coffee ceremony is served on selected daytime long-haul flights.

Amenities: It include amenity kits with L’Occitane products on long-haul routes, as well as a sleeper suit on overnight flights. The internet is included free of charge for passengers in business class on planes equipped with the carrier’s connectivity service, although not all of the airline’s fleet offers such service.

Lounge access: The lounge access program involves the Cloud Nine Lounge of Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa. There, you get free wifi, showers, the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony, and various food choices. Opinions on this particular lounge are truly polarized. Some consider it a nice addition, while others describe their experiences there as variable depending on the crowd size in the lounge.

Ground experience: The ground experience is quite variable by airport and not only because of the airline’s implementation. Priority boarding and fast-track security services at the airports where they’re offered, as well as Star Alliance Gold lounge access everywhere except for Addis Ababa airport, are standard. However, the quality of this experience is very dependent on the airport itself.

Entertainment and connectivity: This completes the in-flight product portfolio, with the movies and music available through the seat back screens giving a reasonable variety of offerings on most long-haul flights. The internet speeds also vary depending on the plane, just like everything else about the Cloud Nine in-flight product offering.

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class vs. Competing Long-Haul Carriers

An analysis of how Cloud Nine compares to other major competitors flying similar routes will be useful in determining whether its value proposition works.

Ethiopian's true advantage is not an enhanced cabin but the fact that they provide unrivalled single-flight access to many more destinations in Africa than most other airlines do through their own networks.

Who Should Book Ethiopian Airlines Business Class?

Cloud Nine may be suitable for some passengers far more than for others, and being open about what matters to you is essential to figure out if it's for you.

1. Money-savvy business travelers headed to Africa will certainly have a hard time ignoring the fare difference with the big boys.
2. Passengers focused on connecting options rather than consistent cabin experience will enjoy Ethiopian's extensive one-stop African network.
3. Passengers with ShebaMiles or Star Alliance programs loyalty will get great rewards through award redemptions and benefits of membership.
4. Passengers adamant about always having a lie-flat seat should check the aircraft they travel on, since some older ones don't meet the requirement.
5. However, first-time passengers who take long-distance trips without knowledge of the differences according to the type of aircraft they ride are surprised.

By matching your likes with the ones listed above, the determination on the suitability of Ethiopian will be much easier for you.

Final Words

Ethiopian Airlines' Business Class offers very good value through competitive prices, favorable baggage allowance policy, and one-stop connectivity to destinations in Africa. Comfort is therefore highly dependent on the airplane because, while their new-generation A350s have lie-flat seating arrangements, others use angle-flat seats. Although, check the aircraft baggage rules, fare, and lounge details before you proceed to book. So, now book your Ethiopian Airlines Business Class for an unmatched experience on your journey ahead.

Know More:

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