Experience with Ethiopian ADD
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,332
ADD / Addis Ababa Bole International Airport - Connections, Facilities, Layovers
I had a four-hour connection earlier this year and it was in the busy hour window between 10 pm and 2 am, and I heard morning is also quite busy. It took me a whole to go through the security check during the busy hours.
Pending on what airlines you fly, there are two terminals and remote gates are often used.
Last edited by UA_Flyer; Aug 4, 2019 at 10:12 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: YSJ, IAD, LLW/KGL
Programs: Aeroplan, ShebaMiles, SkyMiles
Posts: 123
If you have *G status you will have a dedicated security line and dedicated document check counter, which takes no time to go through.
The JRO flight will have a lot of folks making connections. I would just try to get a seat near the front for deplaning and, if parked at a remote gate, try to get on the first bus to the terminal.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: YSJ, IAD, LLW/KGL
Programs: Aeroplan, ShebaMiles, SkyMiles
Posts: 123
Plat as in Platinum status on a Star Alliance partner? (guessing United) - If so, then you would also be eligible for the separate line for *G/Cloud Nine (business) passengers
#6
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 14
The one hour connection is very doable. I travel often through ADD with tight connections. The staff will meet you as you disembark from the plane and make sure you get on your connecting flight. No worries. The baggage will also reach your destination with you.
#7
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,665
These super short connections are actually one area I find that ET shines. As long as your plane is on the ground before the other flight closes its doors (which seems to never be right on time) then you'll make it. I've been the beneficiary of their service twice since the (former) NRT-HKG-ADD flight was perpetually late. But even times when I had plenty of time to connect, I always saw the ET staff meeting the plane to whisk people off on short connections, typically they'll either have a sign for your destination and/or be shouting it as you exit the plane.