Ethiopian Airlines offers a flexible cancellation policy designed to accommodate passengers' needs, with specific conditions for refunds and fees. Here's a concise overview based on the latest available information:
Within 24 Hours of Booking: If you book a ticket directly with Ethiopian Airlines (online, via their app, or at a ticket counter) at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking without a cancellation fee and receive a full refund. This applies to both refundable and non-refundable tickets, particularly for flights to/from the United States, in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.
After 24 Hours: Cancellations made after the 24-hour window incur fees, which vary based on:
- Ticket Type: Refundable tickets are eligible for a full or partial refund, minus a cancellation fee. Non-refundable tickets typically do not qualify for refunds but may be eligible for a travel voucher, depending on fare rules.
- Route and Timing: Fees range from $30 for domestic flights within Ethiopia to $100–$500 for international flights, depending on the fare class, destination, and time of cancellation. For example, cancelling within 24 hours of departure may incur a fee of approximately $150.
- No-Show Policy: If you fail to cancel or check in at least 24 hours before departure, the entire itinerary may be cancelled, and no refund or voucher is provided. A no-show fee may also apply, varying by route and fare class.
Airline-Cancelled Flights: If Ethiopian Airlines cancels your flight or significantly changes the schedule (e.g., a delay of 3+ hours or a missed connection), you can choose:
- A full refund, processed within 7–20 business days (credit card refunds may take 1–2 billing cycles; cash payments take ~10 days).
- Rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost.
- Compensation may be available under certain conditions, depending on the destination’s regulations (e.g., EU/UK rules for flights departing from those regions).
Special Circumstances:
- Medical Emergencies: Refunds or fee waivers may be granted with a valid medical certificate. Contact Ethiopian Airlines’ customer service to submit documentation.
- Bereavement: If a passenger or their immediate family member dies, you may cancel or return on the next available flight within 45 days at the same fare, with proof (e.g., death certificate).
- Government Restrictions or COVID-19: For travel impacted by COVID-19 (applicable for tickets issued before December 31, 2020, for travel between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022), refunds were available if requested by January 31, 2022. Current restrictions may still allow refunds if flights are cancelled due to government bans.
Refundable Booking Service: If purchased at booking, this optional service allows a full refund for cancellations meeting specific terms and conditions, even for non-refundable tickets. Refunds for additional services (e.g., extra baggage, seat selection) are also available if cancelled.
How to Cancel:
- Offline: Contact the Global Customer Interaction Center (+1-877-240-6770 for the U.S.), visit an Ethiopian Airlines ticket office, or cancel through the travel agent if booked via a third party. Cancellations must be made through the same channel used for booking
- Confirmation of cancellation is sent via email or SMS to your registered contact details.
Refund Process:
- Refunds are processed in the original payment currency and method, typically within 7–10 days for credit card payments and 10 days for cash/check payments. A service fee may be deducted.
- Submit refund requests via the online “Request a Refund” form, at an Ethiopian Airlines office, or through your travel agent.
- Tickets issued on/after January 1, 2021, follow the fare rules for refunds and cancellations.
Additional Notes:
- If you miss the 24-hour free cancellation window, you may opt to rebook instead of cancelling to avoid higher fees, though fare differences and change fees may apply.
- For tickets booked through third parties, contact the agent directly, as refund and cancellation processes depend on their policies.
- Check fare rules at booking, as conditions vary by ticket type (e.g., Economy, Business, Flight Pass).
