My Honest Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Review — Is It Worth the Money?

You know how they say opinions are like bellybuttons—everyone’s got one.
This is mine.

I’m perfectly happy to rough it while exploring a destination, but when it comes to long flights—especially overnight ones—I don’t compromise on comfort. If I’m paying extra, I expect tangible value: a proper seat, decent food, and service that doesn’t feel like I’m inconveniencing the crew just by existing.

In this review, I’m sharing my unfiltered opinion of Ethiopian Airlines Business Class (Cloud Nine), based on my own experience flying from Vienna to Addis Ababa and onward to Kigali, primarily aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with a short-haul segment on the 737-800 MAX.

Ethiopian Airlines has been around for over 80 years, is the largest airline in Africa, a Star Alliance member, and a frequent Skytrax award winner—including for Business Class. On paper, that’s impressive.

But awards don’t fly the plane. Experience does.

This was technically a shorter long-haul flight—about 5.5 hours—though heavy turbulence for most of the journey made it feel longer. Add a nighttime arrival in Addis Ababa, and expectations were… cautiously optimistic.

Let’s see how it actually stacked up.

 

My Overall Ratings for Ethiopian Airlines Business Class 

An insight into my experience with Ethiopian Airlines 

Value for money: 9/10
Seat & comfort: 7.5/10
Food: 9/10
Entertainment: 8/10
Lounge (Addis Ababa): 6/10
Boarding: 10/10
Service: 8/10

Overall: 85%

I found Ethiopian Airlines Business Class to compete with a lot of European Airlines, mainly en route to East Africa, and I can admit with a calm mind that, except for a few exceptions, it delivers a very similar level of service to European Airlines, which is a good thing as I consider European Airlines to be top mid-tier level airlines.

I can tell you right away, being as cheap as it is, it's worth the money without even thinking. You will get priority everything, you will get extra baggage, a better meal, an okayish lounge, and a very decent seat and comfort for an extra 1200 USD, it’s a bargain. 

 

 

Key takeaways from my Ethiopian Airlines Business Class experience 

The seats were surprisingly comfortable, a godsend on a 5-hour flight

Seats: Fully lie-flat on the Dreamliner in a 2-2-2 layout. Comfortable, but not cutting-edge. Surprisingly good lower-back support, slightly coffin-like when fully flat.

Value: Strong for the price, especially on routes where competitors charge significantly more.

Food: One excellent main course, strong overall catering, real glassware, and porcelain. Some inconsistency in the starters.

Lounge: Addis Ababa Cloud Nine Lounge is spacious and food-rich, but dated—and the cigarette smoke issue is real.

Crew: Visually striking uniforms and generally polite service, but noticeably inconsistent attentiveness.

Cabin feel: Warm colors, pleasant smell, pushes Ethiopian cultural identity. The Dreamliner lighting adds to the calm.

Verdict: A competent, culturally distinct Business Class product that delivers comfort where it matters, even if it lacks refinement in details.

 

Why Ethiopian Airlines is a very interesting airline 

The lighting, color-scheme, and overall vibes were a wonderful experience

Ethiopian Airlines is one of those airlines that people talk about a lot, but not everyone has actually flown, especially in Business Class. Established more than 80 years ago, it has grown into the largest African carrier, a Star Alliance member, and a multiple Skytrax award winner, including awards specifically for its Business Class.

That already puts expectations fairly high.

What makes Ethiopian interesting is that it doesn’t try to copy European or Asian airlines. It feels different right away—colors, uniforms, cabin atmosphere, even the way the service flows. The green, yellow, and red branding is very present, and it immediately feels culturally rich rather than generic.

I also like that everything is straightforward. Everything is in English, nothing feels confusing, and even if the product isn’t the newest on the market, it works. You don’t get the feeling that things are falling apart or patched together.

That said, awards don’t automatically mean excellence. They mean consistency. And consistency is exactly what I wanted to see if Ethiopian could deliver—especially compared to much more expensive Business Class products.

Enough context. Let’s talk money and value.

 

Value for money: Is Ethiopian Airlines Business Class worth it? 

Ethiopian Business Class takes care of you exactly the way it should

This is where Ethiopian Airlines Business Class actually makes a lot of sense.

For the price point, the product is comfortable, fully flat, and absolutely better than Economy class or Premium Economy. There’s no question about that. Even though this wasn’t an ultra-long flight, having a lie-flat seat, proper bedding, real meals, and a calm cabin changed the entire experience.

Would I book this Business Class over something like Air France, ANA, or Qatar if prices were similar? Probably not. But prices are rarely similar—and that’s the key.

Ethiopian Business Class feels like a practical decision, not an indulgent one. You’re paying for:

• A flat bed
• Decent sleep
• Proper food
• A calmer, quieter cabin

And you get exactly that.

The flight itself was about 5.5 hours, but turbulence for most of the journey made it feel longer and more tiring than expected. In that context, Business Class mattered. A lot.

Also worth mentioning: the short-haul segment on the 737-800 MAX felt almost more spacious than the Dreamliner Business Class, which genuinely surprised me. One of the best short-haul Business Class seats I’ve tried—although there was no infotainment.

Overall, for its pricing, Ethiopian Airlines Business Class is comfy and fine. Not groundbreaking, not luxurious—but very solid.

 

 

Addis Ababa Airport & Cloud Nine Lounge: a mixed bag 

The lounge in Addis Ababa alone may be an adventure for some people

Landing in Addis Ababa at night was not what I expected—in a good way. The city felt prettier and hillier than I imagined. The airport itself, however, clearly shows its age. It feels older than most European airports and reminded me more of US or LATAM airports.

One immediate downside: for a widebody aircraft, we had to use a bus instead of a jet bridge, which is never a great first impression in Business Class.

Another important thing to note: Addis Ababa sits at 2,400 meters above sea level. For some people, that means instant discomfort—similar to Mexico City or Cusco. If you’re sensitive to altitude, you will feel it.

Cloud Nine Business Class Lounge in Addis Ababa 

The Cloud Nine Lounge has a certain charm to it, but a few small updates wouldn't hurt

The Cloud Nine Lounge was actually a pleasant surprise—at least at first. When I arrived around 5:30 AM, it was almost empty. Very quiet, very calm.

The lounge itself is dated, including the toilets, but the food selection was surprisingly rich—much better than what I’ve seen in Vienna, for example. There were fruits, cheeses, and multiple fish options. In terms of food variety, it’s one of the richer lounges I’ve been to.

The lounge is also huge. It can easily handle hundreds of guests.

Then comes the big downside: smoking lounges. The doors weren’t properly closed, and the smell of cigarettes was present in most of the lounge. That’s a serious issue and hard to ignore.

By 7:00 AM, the lounge filled up very quickly. But early in the morning, it was genuinely pleasant.

 

Boarding: smooth, friendly, and refreshingly fast 

Honestly, smooth boarding is the key to a happy flight

Boarding was actually very pleasant. Everyone was nice, everything moved quickly, and there was no unnecessary chaos.

That said, full honesty: I arrived very late for boarding. So I didn’t get the full pre-boarding experience from start to finish. But even coming in at the last moment, everything felt calm and efficient, which already tells you something.

On the short-haul flight, there was a separate boarding area for Cloud Nine passengers, which I really liked. It’s a small thing, but it immediately makes the experience feel more intentional.

First impressions onboard — colors, calm, and that Dreamliner feeling 

The first thing I noticed when stepping into the cabin was the color scheme. I genuinely love Ethiopian Airlines’ colors—green, red, and yellow. It doesn’t feel corporate or sterile. It feels cultural, warm, and different from the usual gray-and-beige airline world.

I was flying on January 18th, and they even had a Christmas-themed carpet on board. A small detail, but it made me smile. It felt personal, like someone actually cared.

The cabin also smelled nice the entire flight, which is underrated but very important. And because this was a Dreamliner, the ceiling lighting slowly changed colors, which is surprisingly soothing—especially on a night flight.

One thing I couldn’t help but notice (and this is more of an observation than a complaint): Business Class was, as usual, almost entirely white business class passengers onboard. I was expecting a bit more diversity, especially on an African carrier. It didn’t affect the flight, but it did stand out.

 

The business class seat: fully flat, comfortable, but not revolutionary

The seats were actually really nice, especially since there wasn't anyone sitting next to me

I chose seat 2D, a direct aisle access business class seat, in a 2-2-2 layout. There are 5 rows and 30 Business Class cabin seats in total.

The seat control is fully automatic, easy to control, and very comfortable in the upright and relaxed positions. Ethiopian’s Business Class on the 787 isn’t the newest product out there, and it doesn’t have middle privacy dividers like Air France’s 777 Business Class—but it still does the job.

I was also lucky: on both legs, the seat next to me was empty. That always changes the experience dramatically, in a good way.

When fully flat, the seat felt a bit coffin-like—not very spacious lengthwise. But here’s the interesting part: the lower-back padding was excellent. I usually wake up with back pain on night flights, and this time I didn’t. That alone deserves credit.

The blanket and pillow were very warm and comfortable, and overall, for the price point, the seat is much better than Economy or Premium Economy—no question.

Amenity kit: useful, thoughtful, and slightly boring 

This is exactly why they say not to judge a book by its cover, bland on the outside, great on the inside

The amenity kit included:

• A blanket and pillow
• Slippers
• Comb
• Anti-slippery socks (which are unusual)
• Eye mask
• Dental kit
• And a lip balm, which I honestly haven’t seen in an amenity kit before

That lip balm was a genuinely nice touch.

The only downside? The kit itself was bland gray, and I didn’t find it particularly appealing visually. Functional, yes. Exciting, no.

 

Welcome drinks & dining: strong main course, slower start 

Fresh orange juice in a real glass is a wonderful start to a flight

Right after boarding, I was offered a welcome drink—either real fresh orange juice or champagne. I went for the orange juice, and it was genuinely fresh, not the boxed nonsense. Everything was served in real glassware with proper silverware, which immediately sets the tone.

After a few moments, I received the menu, and interestingly, there was also a second dish option. Ethiopian has different menus on different flights, which I always appreciate. It shows they’re at least trying to avoid the “same chicken everywhere” syndrome.

That said, the meal service was slow at the beginning. It took almost an hour after takeoff for the Ethiopian food service to start, which felt long for Business Class - especially on a 5.5-hour flight. I’m used to quicker service in this cabin.

First course 

This looked better than it tasted 

The first course was prawns with salad and bread. I like that salt and pepper came in real porcelain, not plastic packets. Small thing, but it matters.

The prawns themselves were… quite bland. Not bad, just forgettable. At that point, I wasn’t particularly impressed.

Main course: The redemption 

These photos scream flavor, and the real deal didn’t disappoint

Then came the main course, and this is where everything turned around.

I had chicken with lemon sauce, saffron risotto, and grilled vegetables, and after the underwhelming starter, this was honestly one of the best meals I’ve had on any flight. Properly seasoned, comforting, and genuinely enjoyable. I finished everything, which doesn’t always happen.

Dessert & cheese 

For dessert, I went with a fruit plate: melon, dragon fruit, kiwi, and pineapple + cheese plate. Simple, fresh, and well executed.

Overall, once the food actually arrived, the experience was very nice. The pacing could be better, but the quality, especially the main course, was excellent. I was expecting some Ethiopian food, which unfortunately I didn't get.

 

Onboard Service: Beautiful Uniforms, a Mixed Energy 

The outfits and colors are a great addition to the experience

The crew’s outfits are fantastic. Very classic, very cultural, and instantly recognizable as Ethiopian Airlines. After boarding, I received water, the amenity kit, and a hot towel, which was a nice start.

The flight attendants themselves were… mixed.

My assigned flight attendant was not particularly nice. She had that resting bothered face and gave off the feeling that everyone was inconveniencing her just by asking for something. Not rude, but not warm either.

On the other hand, the rest of the crew was super nice. Friendly, calm, and helpful. So this wasn’t a systemic issue, more of an individual one. Still, in Business Class, one disengaged crew member is noticeable.

 

In-flight Entertainment: Solid 

Say hi to my new friend for the next 5 hours

The infotainment screen is 15.4 inches, which is a very decent size for Business Class. Clear, sharp, and easy to use. The touchscreen was reasonably quick and responsive, with nothing frustrating.

There was a good selection of new movies, TV shows, trivia, and a surprisingly large number of games. Since both of my flights were night flights, my plan was simple: eat, watch something short, and sleep.

I went for an F1 movie, then tried to get some rest. The only problem, and this is absolutely not the Ethiopian’s fault, is that movies lately are mostly rubbish. When your selection is focused on new releases and new releases are bad, you don’t have many great options.

What I really liked was the number of games available, which is great if you’re traveling with children (which I wasn’t). I, of course, went straight for my all-time favorite: Trivia.

The headphones were the typical giant Business Class ones, which I’m not a fan of. After a while, your ears start to hurt. Fine for one movie, not great for long use.

 

Wi-Fi onboard: Expensive, but somehow free for me 

Wi-Fi was available onboard, but it was not cheap:

• USD 25 for the whole flight
• USD 5 for one hour

For some reason, I got a Wi-Fi voucher, so I didn’t end up paying. No idea why, but I wasn’t complaining. Connection was fine for basic browsing and messaging.

How the flight actually felt

The turbulence was definitely not my favorite part of the flight
 

Because of the constant turbulence, the flight felt more tiring than it should have been for 5.5 hours. It was jumpy almost the whole time, which made sleeping harder.

That said, the seat padding in the lower back really helped. I didn’t wake up with back pain, which is rare for me and honestly a big win.

The cabin atmosphere stayed calm, the lighting was soothing, and even though this isn’t the most modern Business Class product out there, it felt comfortable and functional. Exactly what I needed for a night flight.

 

Final thoughts: summing up my Ethiopian Business Class experience 

Overall, Ethiopian Airlines is great at providing the exact experience you pay for

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class is good, comfortable, and fairly priced. It doesn’t try to impress you with over-the-top luxury, and honestly, I’m fine with that. What it offers instead is a functional, culturally distinctive Business Class cabin that delivers where it matters most.

The seat is fully flat, the bedding is warm, and the lower-back support alone made this flight more comfortable for me than some much flashier products. The cabin feels calm, smells nice, and the Dreamliner lighting genuinely helps on night flights.

Food was a mixed bag, but the main course was excellent, and overall dining was clearly above average. Entertainment was solid, with a large screen and enough options to keep you occupied—even if the current state of movies isn’t doing airlines any favors.

The Addis Ababa Cloud Nine Lounge surprised me with its food variety and size, but the smoking issue is a real problem and shouldn’t be ignored. Crew service was inconsistent—some fantastic, one noticeably disengaged—but not bad enough to ruin the experience.

Would I say this is one of the best Business Class products in the world? No.
Would I fly it again at the right price? Absolutely.

For its price point, Ethiopian Airlines' Business Class Cabin is much better than Economy or Premium Economy, and on routes where competitors charge significantly more, it becomes a very logical choice.

 

 

Who is Ethiopian Airlines Business Class for? 

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class: I rate it 85%

This Business Class is for you if:

• You want a proper lie-flat bed without paying top-tier prices
• You’re flying overnight and want to arrive functional, not destroyed
• You value comfort over flashy design
• You don’t mind a product that’s not brand-new as long as it works

It’s probably not for you if:

• You expect cutting-edge seats and maximum privacy
• You’re extremely sensitive to service inconsistencies
• You want lounge experiences on the level of top European or Asian hubs

Having said that, Ethiopian Airlines Business Class won’t change your life, but it will get you there rested, fed, and comfortable, which is exactly what Business Class is supposed to do.

 

FAQs

FAQ 1: Do you get lounge access with Ethiopian Airlines Business Class?

Yes. With an Ethiopian Airlines Business Class (Cloud Nine) ticket, you get access to the Cloud Nine Business Lounge in Addis Ababa.

The lounge is very spacious and food-rich, but also dated, and the smoking smell is a real issue. Early in the morning, it’s quiet and pleasant; later on, it fills up fast. It’s good, not great.

The Cloud Nine Lounge keeps you comfortable and well-fed

 

FAQ 2: Can you sleep in Ethiopian Airlines Business Class?

Yes. You get a fully lie-flat seat, a warm blanket, and a comfortable pillow.

That said, when fully flat, the seat feels a bit coffin-like in terms of space. On the flip side, the lower-back support is excellent, and I didn’t wake up with back pain, which is rare for me. So sleep quality was actually better than expected.

 

FAQ 3: Is Ethiopian Airlines Business Class worth it?

At the right price, yes - very much so.

It’s clearly much better than Economy or Premium Economy, and while it doesn’t compete with the very best Business Class products in the world, it delivers exactly what you pay for: comfort, rest, and a calmer flight.

 

FAQ 4: Is Ethiopian Airlines Business Class good for night flights?

Yes. Especially on the Dreamliner.

The cabin lighting is soothing, the seat goes fully flat, and the overall atmosphere is calm. Turbulence aside, it worked well for an overnight flight.

 

FAQ 5: How is the food in Ethiopian Airlines Business Class?

Overall, very solid.

The starter I had was quite bland, but the main course was one of the best meals I’ve had on any flight. Real glassware, proper cutlery, and a good dessert and cheese selection. Once service got going, it was genuinely enjoyable.

The food in the Cloud Nine Business Lounge is really good and fresh

 

FAQ 6: What is the seat layout in Ethiopian Airlines Business Class?

On the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, it’s a 2-2-2 configuration with 30 seats total.

Not the most private setup, but comfortable and functional. Everything is fully automatic, and the seat does what it’s supposed to do.

 

FAQ 7: Does Ethiopian Airlines Business Class have Wi-Fi?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available onboard.

It’s expensive, USD 25 for the whole flight or USD 5 for one hour. For some reason, I got a Wi-Fi voucher, so I didn’t pay. The connection was fine for basic use.

 

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a booking through one of my links, I may earn a small commission—at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!