Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Review

thelordgilles
Dec 13, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 13, 2025

Abidjan (ABJ) → Addis Ababa (ADD) | Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner

A Smooth Start in Abidjan

The night began exactly how business class should: calm and efficient. Check‑in at Abidjan Airport was smooth and well managed, with no unnecessary waiting. Staff were composed and welcoming, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

Before boarding, I spent time at the Aeria Lounge.

Simple, functional, and effective.

While not extravagant, the lounge does what it needs to do. Seating is comfortable, the atmosphere quiet, and most importantly, the offering feels thoughtful. The menu is limited, but I appreciated seeing local food options alongside natural local drinks — a detail that matters and reflects a sense of place.

Aeria Lounge Abidjan Airport

Security

An important detail worth mentioning: security at Abidjan Airport offers a separate fast‑track line for business class passengers, which made the process quicker and far more comfortable. It’s a small but valuable advantage, especially for evening departures.

Boarding & First Impressions

Boarding was orderly and stress‑free. Ethiopian Airlines’ Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner immediately makes a strong visual impression — modern, elegant, and reassuring.

Once on board, the 1‑2‑1 business class configuration ensures direct aisle access for every passenger — a must for long‑haul comfort.

The Seat: Comfort Done Right

The seat itself is very comfortable and well thought out.

Highlights:

Generous personal space
Plenty of storage compartments
Easy‑to‑reach controls
A layout that feels private without being closed off

Everything is within reach, and the design allows you to settle in quickly without feeling overwhelmed.

Service & Amenities

Service began promptly after takeoff with a warm towel, followed by a welcome drink. I opted for champagne, which was served with care.

Ethiopian Airlines provides:

Noise‑cancelling headphones
An amenity kit in a Lancel pouch — practical and elegant
A blanket suitable for a full night’s rest

Menus were distributed early, offering clear food and drink options for the flight.

Dining Experience

The food service was well-paced and enjoyable. Presentation was clean, flavors balanced, and portions generous without being excessive.

What stood out most was the attentiveness of the crew. The staff were genuinely kind, professional, and present throughout the flight — never intrusive, always available.

The Lavatory

The business class lavatory is standard and functional, without any particular standout features. Clean and practical, it does the job but remains consistent with a regular aircraft bathroom rather than an elevated business‑class experience.

Sleeping Comfort

After dinner, the cabin lights were dimmed and the Dreamliner’s quiet environment truly made a difference. The seat converts into a fully flat bed, allowing for real rest rather than light sleep.

I slept comfortably until our descent.

Cost & Value

For this flight, I upgraded from economy to business class using Ethiopian Airlines’ bid upgrade system. My bid of USD 365 was accepted, making this a particularly strong value considering the comfort, service, and overnight rest.

At this price point, the upgrade significantly enhanced the overall travel experience and represents excellent value for money on this route.

Arrival & Final Thoughts

We landed in Addis Ababa feeling refreshed after a very good flight from start to finish.

Ethiopian Airlines continues to prove why it stands strong as one of the top African airlines. From ground experience to onboard comfort and warm service, this flight delivered consistency, calm, and reliability — exactly what business class should offer.