ET fares higher flying into ADD on non-ET itinerary
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Kansas City
Programs: AA, UA, Delta
Posts: 57
ET fares higher flying into ADD on non-ET itinerary
We have been traveling to the Tigray region of Ethiopian for about 5 years to do work in refugee camps, and have noticed that unless you fly Ethiopian on the international flight, the rates from Addis to Axum (or Shire) are 4 or 5 times higher. We prefer to fly Qatar or Emirates, but can't justify paying 500-600 US dollars for the puddlejump. Any ideas or solutions?
#2
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: Aeroplan, Shebamiles, WorldPerks
Posts: 467
We have been traveling to the Tigray region of Ethiopian for about 5 years to do work in refugee camps, and have noticed that unless you fly Ethiopian on the international flight, the rates from Addis to Axum (or Shire) are 4 or 5 times higher. We prefer to fly Qatar or Emirates, but can't justify paying 500-600 US dollars for the puddlejump. Any ideas or solutions?
There is also bus service that you could try.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Kansas City
Programs: AA, UA, Delta
Posts: 57
Figured so. The problem with ET is that we have to stay an overnight in IAD, then do the flight into ADD.
#4
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,630
#5
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,497
How much are you saving to fly QR or EK? If it's enough to justify the extra cost for the domestic flight, then go for it. Otherwise I'd rather fly ET anyway, doubly so with the electronics ban for your return flight on QR and EK now that ET is not subject to. EK is not in an alliance so mileage earning options are generally less appealing (this is Flyertalk after all) , and QR is OneWorld, so not an alliance I'd normally use (personally), also QR earning rates on most OW partners are harsh if you're not flying business class or full fare economy.
#6
Join Date: Nov 2004
Programs: Aeroplan, Shebamiles, WorldPerks
Posts: 467
How much are you saving to fly QR or EK? If it's enough to justify the extra cost for the domestic flight, then go for it. Otherwise I'd rather fly ET anyway, doubly so with the electronics ban for your return flight on QR and EK now that ET is not subject to. EK is not in an alliance so mileage earning options are generally less appealing (this is Flyertalk after all) , and QR is OneWorld, so not an alliance I'd normally use (personally), also QR earning rates on most OW partners are harsh if you're not flying business class or full fare economy.
For someone that travels regularly to Ethiopia (OP mentioned 5 years,) best to go with an option that will help them accumulate miles and gives them the discounts they seek. Arrivals on QR will still require them arrive at ungodly hours and overnight at ADD. Also QR only operates 3x per week, while ET can give them a daily connection within and outside of Ethiopia.
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Kansas City
Programs: AA, UA, Delta
Posts: 57
Thanks for the insight! Part of the reason I flew QR was the status I held on AA, but with that gone now it probably would be much smarter to go ahead and go the UA/EK route. I will check into the EWR route. Thanks for that, for some reason we just always ended up booked out of IAD.
#9
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MSP/BUF/BNA/LFT
Programs: AA Plat, Priority Club Gold, Choice Privileges Gold
Posts: 1,221
You can book the discounted rate on ET's website without actually booking the international flight. They never check. I went to Danakil in February , flew 5 domestic flights and was never asked once. If you are really paranoid about it, you can purchase a JIB-DIR flight for like $69 and just not take it but save the receipt in case you are asked to show proof...