How Early Can You Check In on Ethiopian Airlines?
If you're planning to fly with Ethiopian Airlines, knowing when to check in is essential to ensure a smooth departure experience. Based on my recent flight with the airline, I can confirm that Ethiopian Airlines provides both online and airport check-in options, each with different time windows to suit your convenience.
Ethiopian Airlines allows passengers to check in online from 36 hours up to 2 hours before departure for most international and domestic flights. This service is available through the official Ethiopian Airlines website or via their mobile app. I personally used the online check-in feature and found it straightforward. After entering my booking reference and last name, I was able to choose my seat, confirm my personal details, and download my boarding pass within minutes. The user interface was simple, and the entire process took less than 10 minutes.
For travelers without checked baggage, online check-in allows you to skip the check-in counters and proceed directly to security and the departure gate. This can save you a lot of time, especially at busy airports like Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD). If you’re traveling with checked bags, however, you’ll still need to visit the baggage drop counter at the airport. Even if you check in online, it’s important to arrive early enough to complete baggage drop and security screening.
If you prefer to check in at the airport, Ethiopian Airlines opens its check-in counters about 3 hours before international flights and closes them 60 minutes before departure. For domestic flights within Ethiopia, airport check-in typically opens 2 hours before and closes 45 minutes before takeoff. I arrived just over three hours before my international flight and found that the counters were already open, with staff ready to assist. The process was efficient, and the staff were helpful in guiding passengers through document checks and baggage procedures.
One important detail to keep in mind: Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to many countries with different entry requirements, so make sure your passport, visa, and health documents are ready. Online check-in may not be available for all passengers, especially those needing special assistance, unaccompanied minors, or travelers with complex itineraries involving codeshare or connecting flights. In such cases, airport check-in is the only option.
My overall experience with Ethiopian Airlines check-in was positive. I appreciated the flexibility of having both online and airport options, and the airline’s check-in staff were professional and courteous. The airline also sent me a reminder email 48 hours before my flight to check in online, which was helpful.
In summary, you can check in for Ethiopian Airlines flights online from 36 hours to 2 hours before departure, and at the airport from 3 hours up to 1 hour before international flights, or 2 hours to 45 minutes for domestic flights. To avoid last-minute stress, I recommend checking in as early as possible and confirming your flight details and travel documents ahead of time.