Ethiopian Airlines
Unclaimed Business
|1.1|43 Reviews (last 12 months)|This business does not respond to reviews
Ethiopian Airlines
Unclaimed Business
|1.1
43 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Ethiopian Airlines is drawing significant frustration from South African travellers, with a recurring theme of lost, delayed or damaged luggage and unresolved compensation claims dominating feedback. Customers consistently mention flight cancellations, missed connections and difficulty reaching responsive customer service via phone or email. Several reviewers describe being passed between departments without resolution, and some raise concerns about refund delays and refused medical accommodations. A small number of long-term flyers acknowledge friendly in-flight crews and efficient Addis Ababa connections, but back-office support is widely viewed as a serious weakness.
Performance(last 12 months):
Trustindex Rating
1.8TrustIndex
1.8
Review Distribution
1.1|43 Reviews
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Recent reviews (43)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceA
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 May 2026, 08:28
REFUND NOT PAID BACK BY ETHIOPIAN AIRLINE
Our flight was cancelled by Ethiopia airlines and we received the refund of our tickets, but the money for the seats we booked was not refunded. They owe us R2454.00 I put in 3 complains (one was on whatsapp and the other two on their website Booking ref : MHTXIY For Mare Oeloff Kruger and Helena bertha Kruger. Please can you look into the matter. Thank you HB Kruger
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 May 2026, 08:28
REFUND NOT PAID BACK BY ETHIOPIAN AIRLINE
Our flight was cancelled by Ethiopia airlines and we received the refund of our tickets, but the money for the seats we booked was not refunded. They owe us R2454.00 I put in 3 complains (one was on whatsapp and the other two on their website Booking ref : MHTXIY For Mare Oeloff Kruger and Helena bertha Kruger. Please can you look into the matter. Thank you HB Kruger
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 May 2026, 15:44
Horrible experience with Ethiopian Airlines
If I could give zero stars, I would. If you want to ruin your trip, book with Ethiopian Airlines. In my experience, most of their flights are delayed, which can cause you to miss your connecting flights. Even if they rebook your ticket and pay for hotel accommodations, you will forfeit other flights and accommodations that you have already booked. They have completely disrupted my Camino itinerary!
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 May 2026, 15:44
Horrible experience with Ethiopian Airlines
If I could give zero stars, I would. If you want to ruin your trip, book with Ethiopian Airlines. In my experience, most of their flights are delayed, which can cause you to miss your connecting flights. Even if they rebook your ticket and pay for hotel accommodations, you will forfeit other flights and accommodations that you have already booked. They have completely disrupted my Camino itinerary!
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
24 Apr 2026, 08:56
They cancelled flights, left us stranded and did not refund us.
What a horrible airline. I wish that I had the forethought to read reviews before buying tickets. I am horrified by all the bad reviews on this site. They cancelled our flights, left us stranded and we had to buy tickets on another airline from another airport. After various emails and phone calls- many of which didn't get answered, they still refuse to refund us. Every time that I do get to speak to a person, they just say, no refund was requested, despite me sending numerous emails and speaking to people who said that they will process the refund. I can understand if we cancelled that we would not get refunded, but they cancelled so it should be their duty to pay us back. We should not have to request a refund over and over again.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
24 Apr 2026, 08:56
They cancelled flights, left us stranded and did not refund us.
What a horrible airline. I wish that I had the forethought to read reviews before buying tickets. I am horrified by all the bad reviews on this site. They cancelled our flights, left us stranded and we had to buy tickets on another airline from another airport. After various emails and phone calls- many of which didn't get answered, they still refuse to refund us. Every time that I do get to speak to a person, they just say, no refund was requested, despite me sending numerous emails and speaking to people who said that they will process the refund. I can understand if we cancelled that we would not get refunded, but they cancelled so it should be their duty to pay us back. We should not have to request a refund over and over again.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
14 Apr 2026, 21:28
Unresolved Damaged Baggage Claim - ZNZET11033 | Hollard Claim HTC00869-03-26
*To: Hollard Insurance & Ethiopian Airlines* Good evening I am posting here because after almost a month of emails and calls, I am still being sent back and forth between Hollard Insurance and Ethiopian Airlines with no resolution. *Trip details:* I travelled from South Africa to Zanzibar via Ethiopian Airlines, connecting at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. On arrival, I found my bag was damaged. *Steps I’ve taken:* 1. Reported the damage immediately at baggage claim in Zanzibar. I was assisted and issued a damage report. *Baggage claim file reference: ZNZET11033/20MAR26/0931GMT* 2. My travel agency, Simply Nexus, advised me to contact my insurer, Hollard, once I returned home. I did so. *Hollard travel claim: HTC00869-03-26* 3. Hollard requested proof of purchase and that the bag was checked in. I went back to the store where the bag was bought, got all documentation, and sent everything Hollard asked for. 4. After submitting all documents, Hollard now says Ethiopian Airlines must pay because I insured my bag with them. 5. I tried contacting Ethiopian Airlines: the email I was given for baggage claims does not work, the phone number doesn’t go through, and the Gmail address I was given has not responded to date. It has been almost a month. I have comp**** with every request from both parties but I am stuck in a loop. I am extremely disappointed in the lack of service and accountability. *What I want:* 1. For Hollard Insurance and Ethiopian Airlines to urgently engage each other and resolve who is liable. 2. Compensation for my damaged bag as per my policy and the airline’s baggage liability. 3. A direct contact person from both companies who will own this until it is closed. I chose HelloPeter because emails and calls have failed. Please assist. Regards, Shirley Mahlase mahlase.shirley@gmail.com 0793027795
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
14 Apr 2026, 21:28
Unresolved Damaged Baggage Claim - ZNZET11033 | Hollard Claim HTC00869-03-26
*To: Hollard Insurance & Ethiopian Airlines* Good evening I am posting here because after almost a month of emails and calls, I am still being sent back and forth between Hollard Insurance and Ethiopian Airlines with no resolution. *Trip details:* I travelled from South Africa to Zanzibar via Ethiopian Airlines, connecting at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar. On arrival, I found my bag was damaged. *Steps I’ve taken:* 1. Reported the damage immediately at baggage claim in Zanzibar. I was assisted and issued a damage report. *Baggage claim file reference: ZNZET11033/20MAR26/0931GMT* 2. My travel agency, Simply Nexus, advised me to contact my insurer, Hollard, once I returned home. I did so. *Hollard travel claim: HTC00869-03-26* 3. Hollard requested proof of purchase and that the bag was checked in. I went back to the store where the bag was bought, got all documentation, and sent everything Hollard asked for. 4. After submitting all documents, Hollard now says Ethiopian Airlines must pay because I insured my bag with them. 5. I tried contacting Ethiopian Airlines: the email I was given for baggage claims does not work, the phone number doesn’t go through, and the Gmail address I was given has not responded to date. It has been almost a month. I have comp**** with every request from both parties but I am stuck in a loop. I am extremely disappointed in the lack of service and accountability. *What I want:* 1. For Hollard Insurance and Ethiopian Airlines to urgently engage each other and resolve who is liable. 2. Compensation for my damaged bag as per my policy and the airline’s baggage liability. 3. A direct contact person from both companies who will own this until it is closed. I chose HelloPeter because emails and calls have failed. Please assist. Regards, Shirley Mahlase mahlase.shirley@gmail.com 0793027795
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Apr 2026, 14:29
VERY UNHAPPY AND DISGUSTED CLIENT
I cannot rate these people bad enough. WORST EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE EVER!!!!!!!!!! Had a mistake on my ticket, at OR Thambo the allocated people at the Ethiopian Airlines customer service and check in counters, refused to assist with correcting the ticket and I had to buy a new ticket in the amount of almost R38 000 on the spot. Not only did the lady not tell me I cant buy 1 way only - she turned around and ate her meal and said "i dont work for Ethiopian Airlines" We pre booked tickets - and after i had to buy a new ticket - they sold my previous ticket and split myself and husband up. On our way to Europe and back. When we returned, same thing, pre booked our seats - the lady at the boarding gate stopped us and said change in aircraft plan or something, she swopped our seats out again and we got split up again....refusing to tell us why, refusing to give the old ticket back, give us her name, or letting us take a picture of the ticket. They said we should call the airlines, we called the number - no one even bothered to answer the damn phone. Also, there was a guy in front of me - i think he really needed medical attention, he rang the button, they never came. I also called them by pushing the button, they also never came. Minor thing, but lastly, they also didnt have enough milk or creme on the flight - for someone who spend almost 50k on a damn ticket, i expect milk with my coffee!! We raised the query with the airlines once in Europe, we got an email saying that they will gladly assist, only to not respond any further to emails, its almost 2 weeks now. I will be taking this matter further, as i think they crossed a line or 2 by reselling tickets. ridiculous, absolutely will not recommend this airline, the staff are also not friendly or eager to be of any assistance.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Apr 2026, 14:29
VERY UNHAPPY AND DISGUSTED CLIENT
I cannot rate these people bad enough. WORST EXPERIENCE AND SERVICE EVER!!!!!!!!!! Had a mistake on my ticket, at OR Thambo the allocated people at the Ethiopian Airlines customer service and check in counters, refused to assist with correcting the ticket and I had to buy a new ticket in the amount of almost R38 000 on the spot. Not only did the lady not tell me I cant buy 1 way only - she turned around and ate her meal and said "i dont work for Ethiopian Airlines" We pre booked tickets - and after i had to buy a new ticket - they sold my previous ticket and split myself and husband up. On our way to Europe and back. When we returned, same thing, pre booked our seats - the lady at the boarding gate stopped us and said change in aircraft plan or something, she swopped our seats out again and we got split up again....refusing to tell us why, refusing to give the old ticket back, give us her name, or letting us take a picture of the ticket. They said we should call the airlines, we called the number - no one even bothered to answer the damn phone. Also, there was a guy in front of me - i think he really needed medical attention, he rang the button, they never came. I also called them by pushing the button, they also never came. Minor thing, but lastly, they also didnt have enough milk or creme on the flight - for someone who spend almost 50k on a damn ticket, i expect milk with my coffee!! We raised the query with the airlines once in Europe, we got an email saying that they will gladly assist, only to not respond any further to emails, its almost 2 weeks now. I will be taking this matter further, as i think they crossed a line or 2 by reselling tickets. ridiculous, absolutely will not recommend this airline, the staff are also not friendly or eager to be of any assistance.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Apr 2026, 08:43
Ethiopian Airlines - delayed luggage - no compensation
We travelled to Europe on Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa during December 2025. Upon arrival at Rome, Fiumicino Airport, my partner's bag did not arrive with the flight as expected. After completing the required missing luggage forms, the luggage where eventually found and sent to Rome, Fiumicino Airport. By that time we were already in Venice and the delayed luggage was rerouted to Marco Polo Airport. Seven days later and almost $450 out of pocket for essentials, we were re-united with our bag. We had to collect the luggage ourselves as we were travelling to Croatia the following morning. After enquiring about the reimbur*****t of delayed luggage, we were informed that Ethiopian Airlines only pay $100 per passenger in economy class for delayed luggage. I found this unacceptable as per their own terms and conditions for delayed luggage, they are part of the Montreal Convention, and under these conditions, airlines are liable for delayed baggage on international flights, requiring them to compensate passengers for "reasonable" interim expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing) up to a maximum limit of approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) – roughly €1,600-€1,900 or $2,000+ USD – per passenger, not per bag. Claims must be submitted in writing within 21 days of receiving the baggage We had to settle for $100 or nothing at all. NOT FAIR Now, some three months later, we are still waiting for the $100 refund with no feedback from Customer Service and/or their accounts department I find their lack of service and their ethical conduct disgraceful. UNACCEPTABLE
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Apr 2026, 08:43
Ethiopian Airlines - delayed luggage - no compensation
We travelled to Europe on Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa during December 2025. Upon arrival at Rome, Fiumicino Airport, my partner's bag did not arrive with the flight as expected. After completing the required missing luggage forms, the luggage where eventually found and sent to Rome, Fiumicino Airport. By that time we were already in Venice and the delayed luggage was rerouted to Marco Polo Airport. Seven days later and almost $450 out of pocket for essentials, we were re-united with our bag. We had to collect the luggage ourselves as we were travelling to Croatia the following morning. After enquiring about the reimbur*****t of delayed luggage, we were informed that Ethiopian Airlines only pay $100 per passenger in economy class for delayed luggage. I found this unacceptable as per their own terms and conditions for delayed luggage, they are part of the Montreal Convention, and under these conditions, airlines are liable for delayed baggage on international flights, requiring them to compensate passengers for "reasonable" interim expenses (e.g., toiletries, clothing) up to a maximum limit of approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) – roughly €1,600-€1,900 or $2,000+ USD – per passenger, not per bag. Claims must be submitted in writing within 21 days of receiving the baggage We had to settle for $100 or nothing at all. NOT FAIR Now, some three months later, we are still waiting for the $100 refund with no feedback from Customer Service and/or their accounts department I find their lack of service and their ethical conduct disgraceful. UNACCEPTABLE
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
24 Mar 2026, 13:44
Ethiopian Airlines refusing reasonable medical seating for 82-year-old passenger
I am extremely disappointed with the level of customer care received from Ethiopian Airlines. My 82-year-old mother is travelling from Johannesburg to Porto on 15 April. She recently fractured her ankle, has just had her cast removed, and is currently in a moon boot, which requires her to keep her leg extended during long flights. We have already arranged wheelchair assistance (WCHR), meaning the airline is fully aware that she is a passenger with reduced mobility. Despite explaining this medical situation multiple times, Ethiopian Airlines has refused to allocate a bulkhead/front-row seat unless we pay additional fees. To be clear: We are not asking for an upgrade We are not asking for special treatment We are simply asking for a seat that allows an elderly passenger with an injury to travel safely This is not about comfort — it is about basic safety and reasonable accommodation. What is particularly concerning is that this request has been made in advance, yet it is still being treated as a paid seat selection rather than a medical necessity. Adding to this, my mother previously travelled with Ethiopian Airlines in August and, despite having wheelchair assistance, was left behind at Madrid Airport during a refuelling stop, requiring us to purchase a new ticket at our own expense. Unfortunately, that matter was never properly addressed. We are travelling again as a family of five, and it is disappointing that such a reasonable request for an elderly passenger recovering from an injury is not being accommodated without additional cost. I hope Ethiopian Airlines will review this situation and demonstrate the level of care expected when dealing with passengers with reduced mobility and medical needs.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
24 Mar 2026, 13:44
Ethiopian Airlines refusing reasonable medical seating for 82-year-old passenger
I am extremely disappointed with the level of customer care received from Ethiopian Airlines. My 82-year-old mother is travelling from Johannesburg to Porto on 15 April. She recently fractured her ankle, has just had her cast removed, and is currently in a moon boot, which requires her to keep her leg extended during long flights. We have already arranged wheelchair assistance (WCHR), meaning the airline is fully aware that she is a passenger with reduced mobility. Despite explaining this medical situation multiple times, Ethiopian Airlines has refused to allocate a bulkhead/front-row seat unless we pay additional fees. To be clear: We are not asking for an upgrade We are not asking for special treatment We are simply asking for a seat that allows an elderly passenger with an injury to travel safely This is not about comfort — it is about basic safety and reasonable accommodation. What is particularly concerning is that this request has been made in advance, yet it is still being treated as a paid seat selection rather than a medical necessity. Adding to this, my mother previously travelled with Ethiopian Airlines in August and, despite having wheelchair assistance, was left behind at Madrid Airport during a refuelling stop, requiring us to purchase a new ticket at our own expense. Unfortunately, that matter was never properly addressed. We are travelling again as a family of five, and it is disappointing that such a reasonable request for an elderly passenger recovering from an injury is not being accommodated without additional cost. I hope Ethiopian Airlines will review this situation and demonstrate the level of care expected when dealing with passengers with reduced mobility and medical needs.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Mar 2026, 11:10
THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR MISSED FLIGHT BECAUSE THEY LANDED LATE
DON'T EVER EVER EVER USE THIS HORRIBLE AIRLINES, CHECK IN, THEY COME LATE, RUSHING YOU, THE PLANE IS FULL, NO PLACE FOR YOUR CABIN LUGGAGE COS EVERYONE ELSE STUFFED IT EVEN IN YOUR SPACE, THEY DON'T CHECK HAND LUGGAGE, PEOPLE HAVE SO MUCH THEY ARE ALWAYS LATE, MISSED OUR CONNECTING FLIGHTS THEY SAID EVEN THOU IT IS THEIR FAULT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. EACH FLIGHT IS LATE, YOU RUN THROUGH SECURITY, LOST VALUABLE ITEMS, CALLED THEM, SENT EMAIL NO RESPONSE WE HAD TO BUY NEW TICKETS At TICKET SALES THEY CHARGE THEN YOU MISS YOUR NEXT FLIGHT AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT EVEN THOU IT IS THEIR FAULT!!!!!!!!!! I HAD TO BUY 2 NEW TICKETS AT RIDICULOUS PRICES, PLEASE COME FORWARD TO EXPOSE ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES IF YOU'VE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES, PUT IT ON EVERY SOCIAL MEDIA TO MAKE EVERYONE AWARE THEY DON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AT ALL AND ALWAYS LANDING LATE
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
21 Mar 2026, 11:10
THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR MISSED FLIGHT BECAUSE THEY LANDED LATE
DON'T EVER EVER EVER USE THIS HORRIBLE AIRLINES, CHECK IN, THEY COME LATE, RUSHING YOU, THE PLANE IS FULL, NO PLACE FOR YOUR CABIN LUGGAGE COS EVERYONE ELSE STUFFED IT EVEN IN YOUR SPACE, THEY DON'T CHECK HAND LUGGAGE, PEOPLE HAVE SO MUCH THEY ARE ALWAYS LATE, MISSED OUR CONNECTING FLIGHTS THEY SAID EVEN THOU IT IS THEIR FAULT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. EACH FLIGHT IS LATE, YOU RUN THROUGH SECURITY, LOST VALUABLE ITEMS, CALLED THEM, SENT EMAIL NO RESPONSE WE HAD TO BUY NEW TICKETS At TICKET SALES THEY CHARGE THEN YOU MISS YOUR NEXT FLIGHT AND THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT EVEN THOU IT IS THEIR FAULT!!!!!!!!!! I HAD TO BUY 2 NEW TICKETS AT RIDICULOUS PRICES, PLEASE COME FORWARD TO EXPOSE ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES IF YOU'VE HAD SIMILAR ISSUES, PUT IT ON EVERY SOCIAL MEDIA TO MAKE EVERYONE AWARE THEY DON'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AT ALL AND ALWAYS LANDING LATE
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