Ethiopian or Emirates?
Aug 7, 2014, 12:32 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 278
Ethiopian or Emirates?
Hi,
I'm planning a trip to sub-Saharan Africa from South Asia. Prices and timings on Emirates and Ethiopian are quite similar in Economy. I am Star Gold, so leaning toward Ethiopian for lounge access and points earning. Is there reason to reconsider?
Thanks.
I'm planning a trip to sub-Saharan Africa from South Asia. Prices and timings on Emirates and Ethiopian are quite similar in Economy. I am Star Gold, so leaning toward Ethiopian for lounge access and points earning. Is there reason to reconsider?
Thanks.
Aug 12, 2014, 11:39 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: UA Premier 1K: PlAAtinum; DL SM, MM; Marriott Gold; CO Plat Emeritus; NW Plat Emeritus
Posts: 4,776
I think this is a bit of a crass generalisation. African carriers vary greatly, and it's not like Emirates hasn't had any incidents/close calls.
I've flown ET a number of times (though never EK) -- I enjoy the service and culture and the hospitality (well, except one looooooong flight, but we won't go there).
And I'm not sure I would agree with my friend -437B on the equipment, since you said you'll be in coach. Emirates 777s have an extra seat in every row. I would try really hard to avoid that.
I've flown ET a number of times (though never EK) -- I enjoy the service and culture and the hospitality (well, except one looooooong flight, but we won't go there).
And I'm not sure I would agree with my friend -437B on the equipment, since you said you'll be in coach. Emirates 777s have an extra seat in every row. I would try really hard to avoid that.
Aug 13, 2014, 1:16 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,655
Aug 13, 2014, 1:39 am
#6
Join Date: May 2006
Location: NBO, MEL
Programs: QR Platinum, TK Elite
Posts: 1,354
I have found ET to be less reliable then EK. Also aircraft change at last minute on ET can mean that your 787 has been swapped for a 767.
The lounges in ADD are not that great, and places like NBO have no lounge at all.
I personally would stick to EK, or even have a look at QR.
The lounges in ADD are not that great, and places like NBO have no lounge at all.
I personally would stick to EK, or even have a look at QR.
Aug 13, 2014, 8:19 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: UA Premier 1K: PlAAtinum; DL SM, MM; Marriott Gold; CO Plat Emeritus; NW Plat Emeritus
Posts: 4,776
Aug 14, 2014, 8:05 am
#8
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: BA Gold, M&M Frequent Traveller
Posts: 44
I found ET quite okay in terms of service (although in J). The hard product ranged from quite okay (787) to sub-par (757). Fully agree to the equipment change lottery. All my flights were actually advertised as being on the 787 and onyl due to that I agreed to try ET...
Agree that lounges in ADD are not great - but they are far better than the few crowded coffee stores. And in my few experiences, pax were excorted from the lounge to the security and then to the gate. Made things much quicker and easier...
Agree that lounges in ADD are not great - but they are far better than the few crowded coffee stores. And in my few experiences, pax were excorted from the lounge to the security and then to the gate. Made things much quicker and easier...
Aug 22, 2014, 11:36 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA GLD, Bonvoy Titan, HH Dia, WoH Exp
Posts: 2,673
Anyone know how the ET lounge at ADD compares to the KQ lounge at NBO? I was very underwhelmed with NBO airport when compared to JNB or CPT airports, but I heard ADD airport is even more basic than NBO.
Aug 23, 2014, 2:25 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,655
NBO's temporary "lounge" is utter garbage. The Addis lounges are significantly nicer. The old (pre-fire) lounges were about the same. Overcrowded at peak hours, marginally above mediocre food and slow wifi. The new terminal lounge in NBO is supposed to be wonderful though, but check whether your flight will depart from there as things are just being phased in there.