The following is a review for a flight from Johannesburg to Washington, DC with a connection at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and refueling landing at Rome, Italy. The flight was provided by Ethiopian Airlines. There were two of us: me and my wife on this flight. Everything was on time. Enough legroom between the seats, I was able to stretch my legs and sleep for at least some time during the 14 hour second flight (19 hours in total for both flights). Very decent meals that included two lunches and one breakfast on the flight from Addis Ababa to Washington and one lunch on the flight from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa. The lunch choices were beef, chicken and fish, I think the vegetarian option was available as well, accompanied with beans. The breakfast was a choice between egg and pancake, accompanied with a fruit salad. The egg breakfast was awesome, it came with a scrambled egg and a sausage. However, my wife mentioned unusual taste of the pancake breakfast meal, by all means those were not pancakes. What wasn't good: Externally initiated commercials on the infosystem screens, you couldn't turn the screen off. These commercials were accompanied by loud and annoying music, transmitted through the entire cabin. Obviously, there was no escape from this music as well. Additional moment: on the flight from Addis Ababa to Washington, DC, we landed at Rome for refueling. This was totally fine and it was in the flight itinerary. But, the flight attendant asked me to straighten the seat while we were at the steady position during the refueling. I can't rationalize this order except that some people just like to be a boss of some kind. Keeping the light lit in the economy cabin while keeping it dimmed in the first class also didn't improve my and my wife's feelings. Overall, the services were very good and the flight, despite its longevity, went on very smoothly.
8.0 ExcellentVladimir A, Jun 2026JNB - ADD
Read more Ethiopian Air reviewsThe following is a review for a flight from Johannesburg to Washington, DC with a connection at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and refueling landing at Rome, Italy. The flight was provided by Ethiopian Airlines. There were two of us: me and my wife on this flight. Everything was on time. Enough legroom between the seats, I was able to stretch my legs and sleep for at least some time during the 14 hour second flight (19 hours in total for both flights). Very decent meals that included two lunches and one breakfast on the flight from Addis Ababa to Washington and one lunch on the flight from Johannesburg to Addis Ababa. The lunch choices were beef, chicken and fish, I think the vegetarian option was available as well, accompanied with beans. The breakfast was a choice between egg and pancake, accompanied with a fruit salad. The egg breakfast was awesome, it came with a scrambled egg and a sausage. However, my wife mentioned unusual taste of the pancake breakfast meal, by all means those were not pancakes. What wasn't good: Externally initiated commercials on the infosystem screens, you couldn't turn the screen off. These commercials were accompanied by loud and annoying music, transmitted through the entire cabin. Obviously, there was no escape from this music as well. Additional moment: on the flight from Addis Ababa to Washington, DC, we landed at Rome for refueling. This was totally fine and it was in the flight itinerary. But, the flight attendant asked me to straighten the seat while we were at the steady position during the refueling. I can't rationalize this order except that some people just like to be a boss of some kind. Keeping the light lit in the economy cabin while keeping it dimmed in the first class also didn't improve my and my wife's feelings. Overall, the services were very good and the flight, despite its longevity, went on very smoothly.
It was a good experience - too many times checking at the airport - every time had to remove shoes , belt , laptop etc. that was a bit of exaggerated. The seat had a sharp metal plate -- which torn into my jeans.
A bit chaotic boarding flight but over all good experience.
Our first flight was delayed and when we got off that plane, nobody was really helping to direct us to the next gate. It was very frustrating. One staff simply said hurry, which wasn’t helpful. We had to go a long way to get to the next gate. Another issue on the plane itself was the bathrooms were disgusting and filthy and it didn’t seem like anybody was checking on them were cleaning them and it was a long flight. There was urine on the floor and they stunk. Also, the screen in front of my seat did not work, and I tried different headphones and still had no sound. You would think somehow those things are reviewed occasionally for working order.
Checking in wasn't organized, too many so-called diplomats were jumping line while everyone was waiting in line. They should have their own line not to impede on other passengers that was also waiting to be served. We all paid money and there should be no discrimination because everyone's money should have the same value diplomat or not! If they want to give diplomats some special treatment then let them create their own check in desk and not treat other passengers some that are (elderly, some with children, pregnant women) making them stand longer in line than necessary just because people are jumping line 😡
It was an old aircraft, stiff seats almost wooden chairs with thin cushions. Food was ok.
Lost suite case and pillow that’s used by senior and they didn’t leave it at the airport
worst was delayed luggage. could see luggage was still in Singapore but they insist I wait till all luggage are unloaded before filing a report. took 2 days to arrive and I had to collect it myself from the airport
For Vegetarian Food was very poor. Though we had opted for Asian Vegetarian Food they didn’t serve but only what was available was served. We were offered Smoked Salmon!
I did not receive my luggage This airline is not good. My luggage is missing please you guys need to find my luggage. It’s been three days now I cannot get my luggage. This is not a good business I
I purchased the upgrade to have 3 seats open, so I was able to sleep 9 hours. Without that I would have been miserable
For a long haul flight, the seats were too narrow. Paid for extra legroom but wish I could have paid for width! I was pressed against another person for the whole donation of the flight.
Was too pissed about my luggage not being with me even though they assured me at the gate it was to recall any other problems. Planes on the inside are in terrible shape. Thank goodness the engines seem to run okay.
Food was awful and the seats were bad. No privacy in business class with the seat next to someone. 15 hours without WiFi!!!
Good flight. Paid for seats sat the frront section of the economy. Better than rear cabin.
If my flight from Heathrow to Nairobi had not been cancelled I would’ve been in kisumu to fly back! And I have still not had my refund! So you have my cash and I’ve got nothing in return. Wonderful!
The flight never took off. We sat on the tarmac for over two hours due to an electrical fault and finally the flight was cancelled. We were told that hotels would be organised but there was no further communication. In the end I retrieved my baggage and went to the car park to pick up my car and drive home. It cost me over £150 to park the car for two weeks, plus of course petrol, and over £600 for the four flights and £50 for the travel visa. All gone up in my smoke. I’m bitterly disappointed that my business Trip was cancelled and have been told I will get a “partial refund” within three months!!! What a way to treat a customer.
I enjoyed the courtesy of the staff, and their professionalism. The food was pretty good and they took great care of us throughout the trip!
Customer service not the greatest my bags were left behind at JFK
The crew was very friendly. The check-in to boarding process was onerous and unclear. I understand that part of the process is not the airline's responsibility but they can lobby to streamline the process