Ethiopia · ET / ETH · Star Alliance
Ethiopian Airlines Online Check-in Guide
Africa's largest airline by fleet size and revenue, Star Alliance member. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on ethiopianairlines.com.
Opens on ethiopianairlines.com in a new tab.
Is Ethiopian Airlines check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
When does Ethiopian Airlines check-in open and close?
How to check in online with Ethiopian Airlines
-
Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
-
Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit ethiopianairlines.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
-
Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
-
Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
-
Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The Ethiopian Airlines app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
Ethiopian Airlines baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 40×30×15 cm | 7 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 55×35×25 cm | 7 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 23 kg | Yes |
Common Ethiopian Airlines check-in problems
ADD transit visa may be needed
Problem: Some passports require a transit visa for Addis Ababa layovers, but rules change frequently with little notice.
Solution: Check Ethiopian Immigration website 1–2 weeks before flight. Most layovers under 8 hours within secure transit area don't need a visa.
Online check-in not available for all African destinations
Problem: Some intra-Africa flights from smaller airports must check in at counter only.
Solution: Call Ethiopian or arrive 90+ min before departure. Star Alliance Gold passengers have separate counter.
Ethiopian Airlines check-in FAQ
When does Ethiopian Airlines check-in open?
24 hours before scheduled departure. Closes 60 minutes before for international, 45 minutes before for African domestic.
Does Ethiopian Airlines include free checked bag?
Yes — 23 kg on most international routes (2 × 23 kg pieces to/from North America). Some intra-Africa routes have 20 kg allowance.
Is Addis Ababa a major transit hub?
Yes — Addis Ababa Bole International is one of Africa's busiest airports, especially for connections between Africa, Europe, and Asia. Ethiopian's hub-and-spoke network covers most of Africa from ADD.
