Every once in a while, a travel itinerary surprises you in the best possible way. My recent trip to Seoul, South Korea (and then Osaka!) happened to do just that—thanks to a route that took me straight through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Ethiopian Airlines Business Class. What was originally supposed to be a simple connection evolved into a luxurious, culturally rich, and unexpectedly rewarding mini-adventure. If I’m being honest, I didn’t just travel through Addis Ababa—I experienced it.
Booking the Trip: Points Points Points!
Before I even stepped foot on the plane, the trip was already a win. I booked the entire itinerary using points through PointsYeah free membership (but highly suggest upgrading to paid membership, costing me just $80 out of pocket for the one-way flight. Considering I was flying business class on one of Africa’s leading airlines, this felt like the ultimate travel hack—one of those rare moments when the universe lets you have access to a cheat code.
When that confirmation email hit my inbox, I already knew the flight would be a highlight. What I didn’t know was how much Ethiopian Airlines would elevate the entire journey beyond just getting from point A to point B.
The Business Class Flight Experience: A Lesson in Comfort and Style
The Longest Leg: On the long-haul flight into Ethiopia, I stepped into what quickly became my favorite business-class setup to date—a fully enclosed personal cubicle. It felt intimate, private, and thoughtfully designed. From the lighting and seat controls to the oversized entertainment screen and dedicated space for personal items, everything had its place.
As soon as the cabin door closed and the seat reclined into a full lie-flat bed, I understood why Ethiopian Airlines has been climbing the ranks among global carriers. The crew offered warm hospitality, never intrusive but always attentive, and the meals—a full spread of Ethiopian dishes—felt like an introduction to the country before I even landed.
The Shorter Leg: Even the shorter segment of the journey delivered a lie-flat seat, something most airlines don’t bother offering on medium-haul flights. But Ethiopian Airlines clearly values consistency.
I enjoyed a 3-course meal, large entertainment center, and a smooth, quiet ride. It was a reminder that business class isn’t just about luxury—it’s about arriving refreshed and ready for whatever adventure comes next.
The Layover That Turned Into Its Own Vacation
Before booking my ticket I knew my ticket allowed me access to business class lounges before and after every flight. Even though my layover was only 16 hours and all during daytime, Ethiopian Airlines provided a free hotel stay and three full meals in the Business Class dining hall
Most airlines offer hotel accommodations only for overnight layovers, so receiving a comfortable room, multiple meals, and full lounge access during a daytime connection felt incredibly generous.
I checked into the hotel, freshened up, enjoyed a full buffet breakfast, and took a moment to appreciate how seamless the entire process was. No stress, no confusion—just smooth customer service from start to finish.
Exploring Addis Ababa: A 3-Hour Cultural Deep Dive
After settling in and having some time to spare, I decided to take advantage of the airline-recommended 3-hour city tour, and I’m so glad I did. Addis Ababa has an energy—a vibrancy—that you can feel immediately.
The National Museum & the Lucy Skeleton
Getting the chance to stand face-to-face with Lucy, the 3.2-million-year-old hominid skeleton, was one of those surreal travel moments that instantly gives you perspective. It’s not every day you encounter something that reshaped our understanding of human origins. The museum itself was quiet, educational, and humbling—a must-see for any traveler passing through the city.
Authentic Ethiopian Coffee Tasting
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and the experience simply hits different here. I visited a local coffeehouse where beans were roasted on the spot, releasing rich, smoky aromas that seemed to linger in the air. The coffee was strong, smooth, and flavorful—nothing like the watered-down brews we’ve normalized elsewhere. I savored every sip.
Traditional Injera Meal With Multiple Dishes
No visit to Ethiopia is complete without injera. The tasting platter was a beautifully arranged assortment of spiced lentils, meat stews, sautéed vegetables, and fragrant sauces—all served atop the soft, tangy flatbread. Eating with my hands, as is tradition, made the meal feel even more connected to the culture.
The city tour was quick but meaningful—just enough to ignite curiosity and leave me wanting to return someday for a longer stay.
Reflections: What This Layover Taught Me About Travel
This experience reminded me of something I often forget: layovers can be an opportunity, not an inconvenience.
With Ethiopian Airlines’ hospitality, Addis Ababa’s rich history, and the ease of exploring even in a short window, this 16-hour stop became one of the highlights of my entire journey.
I left the city feeling enriched—not rushed. Nourished—not exhausted. And grateful—not just for the comfort of business class, but for the unexpected dose of culture, food, and history I had the privilege to experience along the way.
My Two Cents
If you are debating a long layer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia—do it! Ethiopian Airlines delivers a business-class experience that rivals major global carriers, and a layover here can easily turn into a bonus vacation.
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