Worst Airline Experience of My Life

This was hands down the worst airline experience I have ever had. Ethiopian Airlines is truly an airline from hell, and I would not recommend it to anyone.

Our journey started with a flight from South Africa to Zanzibar, and from the beginning the staff were unfriendly, rude, and unwelcoming. There was absolutely no customer service or basic courtesy shown.

On our return flight from Zanzibar to South Africa, things got even worse. Our flight was delayed and then suddenly moved to the next day, with very little notice. I had an emergency at home and needed to be back in South Africa that same day, but the staff showed zero empathy or concern. What made it even more frustrating is that I later discovered there was a flight available that day, yet we were told there was nothing they could do. It felt like they simply didn’t care at all.

When we tried to get assistance, the staff were extremely rude and unhelpful. No apologies were offered for the delay or the inconvenience caused. We were treated as if we were a nuisance rather than paying customers.

The hotel experience arranged by the airline was just as terrible. We were treated poorly, given a hotel key that didn’t work, and had to go back and forth after an already exhausting and stressful day. Again, no apologies, no accountability.

To top it off, the food was awful—easily some of the worst airline food I’ve ever had. Long queues, disorganisation, and delays were constant. On one of the flights, we stood in a boarding queue for nearly two hours before finally getting on.

Overall, this airline lacks professionalism, compassion, and basic customer service. Expect delays, rude staff, poor communication, and terrible food. I will never fly Ethiopian Airlines again.