It's great that your benchmark to criticize Ethiopian Airlines is not other African Airlines but Qatar Airline. It tells ET is on the right track to become a global competitor.
Exactly...i came here to say the same thing. I liked that he compared it to Qatar (Which is a #1 league club), no European and American airlines dare to match it. Only Singapore Airlines been in competition for the past few years to be the 1st. This is a great complement to ET and where it should shoot its goal. It has come a long way to be where it is now and yet to go farther! Rome is not built in day..as the say goes.
Great video! Last summer, I had the chance to fly Ethiopian Airlines on their 787 business class from Oslo to Stockholm, and as someone who usually flies economy, it was a fun and memorable experience! Looking forward to your thoughts on Ethiopian's Dreamliner product. Keep up the great work!
Superb as always. A350-1000 looks gorgeous! I think these same seats are on United Polaris and Air Frances first 15 A350s - though minus the privacy door I believe. I am vicariously living my dream of trying every possible airline through your content haha!
Hehe thanks! I think you're right about the Air France early A350s being same. I haven't flown on that, but yes. However this didn't feel exactly the same as Polaris to me. Isn't that a somewhat different product? I could be wrong though!
@@airedition I actually checked - United and Ethiopian both use Safran Optima seats for their business class. So yes, it is the same product as United Polaris. Maybe the United colour scheme and branding (and no doors) gave it a different feel :)
"Look, I'm nitpicking"- yes, that's all you're doing... and its awfully tiresome! The only thing I'd be annoyed about is the WiFi not working. Every night flight I've taken with them, meal service is over and done with in an hour or so. Noel actually makes a particular note of that in his Ethiopian vlog. Cabin crew always efficient and mostly friendly. I'm sure if Ethiopian afforded you special access like airlines in SA and Namibia, this review would have turned out a lot different. Curious to see how the rest of your experience unfolds.
Could sympathise with his Ethiopian experience on FR24 earlier this year. But, after watching this, looking at the previous one in a different light. Between these two reports and, by the sounds of it from the caption near the end, a further grand takedown on queue; he is clearly a man with an agenda.
Haha, “clearly” with an agenda. Why though? If the airline is not very good, the reviews aren’t going to be very good, simple as that. I call it like I see it.
Theres’s a reason that I don’t do full review videos like this when I get special access on the FR24 side, because I wouldn’t be free to nitpick the finer details. Sorry if you find it tiresome but I find that useful when deciding where to spend my money. But your comment about special access also implies that I’m not impartial, just like the other one responding here who claims I have an “agenda” (this by the way is a favorite way to dismiss criticism by those who don’t want to be criticized or just don’t agree and want to discredit the source; it’s also lazy). And I resent that. So you’ve had quick meal services? Good for you. I didn’t on any of the flights I took this trip. So consistency is also an issue with them. We can add it to the nitpicking list.
@@airedition I appreciate you taking the time to reply in detail. I didn't mean to take anything away from your experiece. I've worked in Africa since the early 90s' and have flown nearly every airline on the continent. My experience varies wildly between carriers and their different eras. Consistency is a definitive issue with every airline in the world, but, on balance, Ethiopian has given me as good an experience as most major carriers from the hundreds of flights I've taken with them. I'm a huge flight review/ travel vlogs fan and my comment is based on my experience and over 90% of other Ethiopian reviews I've watched. I accpt they have faults but they also have redeeming qualities other than 'a new cabin'.
Yeah it's too bad they only have the injera on certain flights out of Addis. So no Ethiopian cuisine on this one for example. I loved that, when I got the chance to have it on the next flight, Addis-Cape Town.
I actually felt sorry for you. It was a rough day for you, but then I knew since I can see into your future, how excited you’ll be when you get to Antarctica. I still enjoyed seeing and learning about airlines that I’ll never get to fly on. Thanks - Jim
Haha thanks Jim, but I'm usually having fun even if the airline is a bit underwhelming. Just getting to do all this travel is a great privilege and I try never to forget that!
Although it definitely is not the QR service as you mentioned, still got to commend ET for their business model with their connecting hubs and banks, and running profitability (definitely more profitable than QR). As an African, I will always support them as they are able to provide a reliable service across the continent while also empowering Africans across the board in all aspects of their operations
Do you blame the bag issue on Ethiopian airlines or British Airways ? Last year I flew from Frankfurt to Washington D.C with a transit time of 2 hours in LHR with BA and the aircraft from Frankfurt was late to depart. Reached LHR and ran so fast to the gate for my next flight as I was gonna be super late since we landed much later than scheduled. To my surprise, the A380 which was supposed to take us to IAD got technical issues and there was an aircraft swap. Waited for three hours more until departure and yet they could not manage to load my luggage despite the 3 hours delay. Oh, I got the same issue again 4 days prior as I was traveling from Mauritius to Frankfurt transiting in LHR in business class ( Air Mauritius and Lufthansa). I think the problem is with Heathrow being a total mess when transiting
Yes counting on Heathrow to properly transfer my bag with important stuff in that I needed quickly was a bit of a rookie mistake on my part! Good news, it did make it in the end. If it hadn’t, technically it would have been British Airways responsibility and also in theory their fault. Always an interesting time transiting Heathrow, in any case!
@@airedition I can imagine your stress since you need a lot of preparation before going to Antartica. Glad you were able to make it. Awesome video as always Honestly, transiting Heathrow is most of the time not a pleasant experience. Better having a layover in London and check-in the bag at the counter. Or look for other options in order not to transit Heathrow 😮💨
You’re buying trouble whenever you check a bag across two airlines at Heathrow no matter which airlines you choose. Best practice is never checking a bag in the first place. As for ET’s slow service at dinner, it’s a cultural thing. If express service is what you seek, then AA has that down to a tee. The problem is that it’s AA. Next time, I’d recommend eating in the lounge and skipping the dinner in favor of rest. ADD isn’t the best choice for connecting.
@@davidperry3257of course, and I know this about not checking a bag, but I had no choice in this case; 23kg of Antarctic gear to transport. As for skipping dinner yes, the right plan, but unfortunately I need to stay up to film what they offer! 😅
@airedition 😂😂😂, I am tiresome yes......but it doesn't change the fact that that is the impression I got....I've watched your other videos, and you do try to strike a balance but again, this still feels like a tiresome complaint 😅
It would appear Ethiopian Airlines no longer plays their amazing boarding music on the brand new Airbus A350-1000s. However what was a real surprise to hear at 10:07 Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" 😲 ❤️!! I'd hardly imagine that to calm you on boarding the aircraft 😉. If the fourth movement IV. Allegro con fuoco did play it would seem like Jaws met the Lord of the Rings lol. The Airbus A350-1000 looks amazing. Are those dimmable windows only in Business. Those inflight sreens are amazing just like on their -900s, though I was in Economy. Hope they send it to Toronto someday. You sped up the landing. The views of Addis Ababa are amazing on landing. You can see that view on my channel 🙂.
A lot of people like the deep rumbling/whirring sound of the GE90s on the B777 upon start-up. Maybe they'd be less enthusiastic if they knew it's because if the plane has been shut down for more than an hour, the extreme static weight of the fan section has bent the main shaft. When the engine is started the shaft bearings take a hammering before the shaft realigns to straight, and that's that nice rumbling noise.
I've stayed in the SQ lounge at Heathrow when I was just flying LHR-ARN, but that was a year or two ago. Lounges keep making up their own rules every now and then, it seems.
Had similar experience at gate when staff though my bag was wrongly tagged. I was called several times to the desk and I told them: No no I only want it to Bangkok and not to Hongkong (Destination was Hong Kong, but had 24h in Bangkok).
I watched this video in the "Cloud Nine Business Lounge" at Addis Abeba, and just got home after flying ET in Biz OSL-ADD-ZNZ and back within two weeks. This video perfectly summarises my own experience, even though I was on completely different flights. Im guessing people complaining about the review in the comments are either having an agenda themselves, or just haven't flown on ET recently. Love the videos Gabe - would have been cool to meet you in Addis, but you went trough a few days too early :D
Thank you very much for this! Yeah it is pretty funny how, especially with certain airlines, if you criticize them people start accusing you of having an agenda or being paid to smear them. It's the same sort of thing we saw with Cairo airport responding to the blogger who said it's a terrible airport, again claiming he was being paid by adversaries. What a joke. This is an unfortunate mindset prevalent in certain places - instead of taking criticism and considering how one might improve, the first impulse is to try and discredit the criticism and the critic. Anyway thanks for backing me up here, I appreciate it!
Your grievances about the cramped cabin size, the discomfort of sleeping comfortably except when positioned on your side, and the noise levels experienced in first class seemed misdirected, as such critiques should have been aimed at the aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, rather than Ethiopian Airways. Granting you the benefit of the doubt, I sought out your review of Etihad Airways, a carrier you had praised, only to stumble upon your review of India's Airbus A350, the same but a smaller variant of Ethiopia's A350. Notably, while assessing India's A350, you didn't complain about cabin space, sleeping comfort, or noise levels but instead, you were all smiles dancing around expressing great satisfaction praising India's A350. Even incidents like misplaced luggage by British Airways and minor delays caused by the British at Heathrow Airport seemed to provide you with an opportunity to thrash Ethiopian Airways. Also, despite them being among the most courteous, friendly, modest, and respectful in comparison to other airlines, notably, you're quick to critique Ethiopian Airways cabin crew. With two decades of experience residing in the USA, I'm familiar with the game, strategies at play, where smear campaigns are commonplace across various sectors, including the airline industry, politics, and entertainment. The stark disparity in your reactions towards Ethiopia's A350-1000 and India's A350 (both of the same model) raised suspicions about ulterior motives - it is clear that you're ether driven by financial incentives or harbor an underlying antipathy towards Black progress with a particular bias against Africa's most successful airlines. Their success has posed a threat to the status quo, prompting your biased review. On a different note, you're correct in pointing out the deficiencies in their Wi-Fi service, meals and timing; I hope that they come across your feedback and take steps to enhance these aspects, leaving little room for further criticism. I, too, share your dislike for the dramatic classical music played on board.
Oh give me a break. The A350 is fantastic always. I noticed that the noise levels are slightly higher on this new version which has thinner sidewalls (which I framed as an observation rather than a complaint). Nothing else among the points I made has to do with Airbus. It’s about the seat (an airline choice), and the service flow and choices made there (the main thing). “Antipathy towards black progress?” Are you kidding me? I’m putting Ethiopian up against its competitors and coming to my conclusion about where they stand amongst them. You say in the end that you agree with most of the points I made about deficiencies! Go watch my video on SAA’s A340 to Perth and tell me if you still feel it’s correct to imply I’m a racist. Also, no one paid me. I always disclose any financial arrangements and the cost of the tickets (and how they were acquired).
BA have such well trained crews. Its just a pity that its run by scammy admin and robotic answers when they do something wrong. rebooked a trip with BA, their personell on phone, partial cancellation and rebook, but new ticketnumber (pnr whatever) never showed up. Was stranded in Russia for 24 hours and it cost me phonebills of 1500euro plus the ticket being lost plus a new rebooking when another airline. Needless to say, after being in the hole at around 3 grand lost, I will never be setting foot on BA again. They never reimbursed me. 10000 avios... all i got. Never used them. I went all Star Alliance/Sky Team after.
@@airedition ive wanted to warn people about this for so long but no one wanna take up the story. I presented it to flyertalk several years ago, and besides being bullied and mocked for being a karen, one guy took the time to analyse the issue and told me that my ticketing issue was like 1 in 1,5million chance. So all i can say, if S7 airlines is involved in the oneworldbooking, you WILL be in trouble if re-issueing. systems not working together.
Gabe I don’t think you were harsh , you simply had a mode swing prior and during the flight due to 1 missing your luggage 2 delay in diner service leading to less sleep which you were in need apparently. As expected you were fair enough in your final thoughts as it was an average flight overall . Shocking to me it’s the beginning of you to hate the A350 😂 as you noticed the noise level change . Where is your unconditional love to this aircraft type 🤓
he just go there to complain you know mostly some peoples have negative mindset about africa and it’s african airline . he just dont wanted to appreciate at all . his mind set is already negative about african things you can notice that
His video was basically just to complain about the airline like clearly Qatar is going to be better. Asia is the biggest continent. Emirates is even better than European airlines bet he wouldn’t go complain on them your video wasn’t helpful to people planning trips……
Another keyboard warrior whining about complaining. It’s a review that points out the negative aspects. There’s a difference. And what relevance does emirates have here? Or the age of Ethiopian airlines? Maybe pick a point you’re trying to make and stick to it.
Great video, Gabe! I love Ethiopian Airlines, especially their modern fleet. Their commitment to connecting Africa to the world is truly inspiring. I definitely choose @flyethiopian as my first choice in Africa and even over some European airlines too.
You’re right about the security mob at Heathrow .. last time I went through there at T4 , I had 2 ‘guards’ ready to put me up against a wall or onto the floor , because I hadn’t taken my clean and folded handkerchief out of my pocket and put it into the plastic tub to be x-rayed !! It is nice though when you get one with a brain and without the angry attitude, who treats you like a paying passenger and not like a prison inmate .. 😂😂.. thanks for the cool video .. 🙏
If it wasn't for the lounges, i would always avoid London. Like go out of my way to not transit there. It is truly horrible. The cabin looks ... well it's not for me. And the music would truly stress me out. Even though they are the cheapest among award charts, i avoid them. Flew them once for my Kili hike, was ok.
@@airedition No I am not thinking that way (superior) but Ethiopian Airlines has its own qualities to appreciate we are not a wealthy country but we are certainly doing our best more than some of the best developed countries. I see you think it better that you commented box. Anyway, I am Ethiopian and I am proud.
@@ethio_apartements I pointed out the things that were good, and held them accountable for the things that could be better, suggesting how they could be improved. It's useful to look at it like this: if they were just awful, and hopeless, I wouldn't have taken the time to go into depth on this. It's because they are almost there, and I see they have potential to be one of the greats, that I am extra critical. The airline overall is a remarkable achievement for Ethiopia, and you should be proud! But from what they offer at this point, unless the fare is insanely good, I will be choosing other airlines most of the time. Here's hoping they continue to get better.
Africans use them coz they are really cheaper compared to other premium airlines and they have the monopoly of African aviation. But their service is truly terrible for me . I only fly them if I have no choice . Like if I’m flying within Africa and there’s no other airline on that route . Had a terrible experience with them on my flight to london and since then never ever will I use them. SAA, Air Mauritius, SA Airlink and even Kenya Airways ( if you take away their monotonous delays and cancellations) have way better service
there is a reason they are dominating africa. If those airlines offer superior service then why are they going bankrupt then. Ethiopian must be doing something right.they are making more and more profit every year while those airlines you mentiomed are going backwards.
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
It's great that your benchmark to criticize Ethiopian Airlines is not other African Airlines but Qatar Airline. It tells ET is on the right track to become a global competitor.
Yeah I think you're one of few to get that this is overall a positive sign for ET - means they're playing up there with the big guys.
Exactly...i came here to say the same thing. I liked that he compared it to Qatar (Which is a #1 league club), no European and American airlines dare to match it. Only Singapore Airlines been in competition for the past few years to be the 1st. This is a great complement to ET and where it should shoot its goal. It has come a long way to be where it is now and yet to go farther! Rome is not built in day..as the say goes.
Great video! Last summer, I had the chance to fly Ethiopian Airlines on their 787 business class from Oslo to Stockholm, and as someone who usually flies economy, it was a fun and memorable experience! Looking forward to your thoughts on Ethiopian's Dreamliner product. Keep up the great work!
Nice, that's a fun route for sure.
Superb as always. A350-1000 looks gorgeous! I think these same seats are on United Polaris and Air Frances first 15 A350s - though minus the privacy door I believe. I am vicariously living my dream of trying every possible airline through your content haha!
Hehe thanks! I think you're right about the Air France early A350s being same. I haven't flown on that, but yes. However this didn't feel exactly the same as Polaris to me. Isn't that a somewhat different product? I could be wrong though!
@@airedition I actually checked - United and Ethiopian both use Safran Optima seats for their business class. So yes, it is the same product as United Polaris. Maybe the United colour scheme and branding (and no doors) gave it a different feel :)
"Look, I'm nitpicking"- yes, that's all you're doing... and its awfully tiresome! The only thing I'd be annoyed about is the WiFi not working. Every night flight I've taken with them, meal service is over and done with in an hour or so. Noel actually makes a particular note of that in his Ethiopian vlog. Cabin crew always efficient and mostly friendly. I'm sure if Ethiopian afforded you special access like airlines in SA and Namibia, this review would have turned out a lot different. Curious to see how the rest of your experience unfolds.
Could sympathise with his Ethiopian experience on FR24 earlier this year. But, after watching this, looking at the previous one in a different light. Between these two reports and, by the sounds of it from the caption near the end, a further grand takedown on queue; he is clearly a man with an agenda.
Haha, “clearly” with an agenda. Why though? If the airline is not very good, the reviews aren’t going to be very good, simple as that. I call it like I see it.
Theres’s a reason that I don’t do full review videos like this when I get special access on the FR24 side, because I wouldn’t be free to nitpick the finer details. Sorry if you find it tiresome but I find that useful when deciding where to spend my money. But your comment about special access also implies that I’m not impartial, just like the other one responding here who claims I have an “agenda” (this by the way is a favorite way to dismiss criticism by those who don’t want to be criticized or just don’t agree and want to discredit the source; it’s also lazy). And I resent that. So you’ve had quick meal services? Good for you. I didn’t on any of the flights I took this trip. So consistency is also an issue with them. We can add it to the nitpicking list.
@@airedition I appreciate you taking the time to reply in detail. I didn't mean to take anything away from your experiece. I've worked in Africa since the early 90s' and have flown nearly every airline on the continent. My experience varies wildly between carriers and their different eras. Consistency is a definitive issue with every airline in the world, but, on balance, Ethiopian has given me as good an experience as most major carriers from the hundreds of flights I've taken with them. I'm a huge flight review/ travel vlogs fan and my comment is based on my experience and over 90% of other Ethiopian reviews I've watched. I accpt they have faults but they also have redeeming qualities other than 'a new cabin'.
I Like The Ethiopian Cuisine Aboard.Great Video And Info
Yeah it's too bad they only have the injera on certain flights out of Addis. So no Ethiopian cuisine on this one for example. I loved that, when I got the chance to have it on the next flight, Addis-Cape Town.
I actually felt sorry for you. It was a rough day for you, but then I knew since I can see into your future, how excited you’ll be when you get to Antarctica. I still enjoyed seeing and learning about airlines that I’ll never get to fly on. Thanks - Jim
Haha thanks Jim, but I'm usually having fun even if the airline is a bit underwhelming. Just getting to do all this travel is a great privilege and I try never to forget that!
Although it definitely is not the QR service as you mentioned, still got to commend ET for their business model with their connecting hubs and banks, and running profitability (definitely more profitable than QR). As an African, I will always support them as they are able to provide a reliable service across the continent while also empowering Africans across the board in all aspects of their operations
Good point, you’re right!
Great video Gabe, Hope you and the family have a lovely Christmas. Looking forward tot he next videos
Thanks, you too!
This looks amazing!! I'm not sure if it is just me but it looks like the older Air France business class seat designs on their A350-900
Yes I think it's the same seat.
Excellent vid! Loved the timing on the classical music, and it stopping! Haha! 🎉😂
Hehe yeah, thanks!
Do you blame the bag issue on Ethiopian airlines or British Airways ? Last year I flew from Frankfurt to Washington D.C with a transit time of 2 hours in LHR with BA and the aircraft from Frankfurt was late to depart. Reached LHR and ran so fast to the gate for my next flight as I was gonna be super late since we landed much later than scheduled. To my surprise, the A380 which was supposed to take us to IAD got technical issues and there was an aircraft swap. Waited for three hours more until departure and yet they could not manage to load my luggage despite the 3 hours delay. Oh, I got the same issue again 4 days prior as I was traveling from Mauritius to Frankfurt transiting in LHR in business class ( Air Mauritius and Lufthansa). I think the problem is with Heathrow being a total mess when transiting
Yes counting on Heathrow to properly transfer my bag with important stuff in that I needed quickly was a bit of a rookie mistake on my part! Good news, it did make it in the end. If it hadn’t, technically it would have been British Airways responsibility and also in theory their fault. Always an interesting time transiting Heathrow, in any case!
@@airedition I can imagine your stress since you need a lot of preparation before going to Antartica. Glad you were able to make it. Awesome video as always
Honestly, transiting Heathrow is most of the time not a pleasant experience. Better having a layover in London and check-in the bag at the counter. Or look for other options in order not to transit Heathrow 😮💨
You’re buying trouble whenever you check a bag across two airlines at Heathrow no matter which airlines you choose. Best practice is never checking a bag in the first place. As for ET’s slow service at dinner, it’s a cultural thing. If express service is what you seek, then AA has that down to a tee. The problem is that it’s AA. Next time, I’d recommend eating in the lounge and skipping the dinner in favor of rest. ADD isn’t the best choice for connecting.
@@davidperry3257of course, and I know this about not checking a bag, but I had no choice in this case; 23kg of Antarctic gear to transport. As for skipping dinner yes, the right plan, but unfortunately I need to stay up to film what they offer! 😅
@ : Understood
I love Bole in the morning. Too bad I had to cancel my own LHR-ADD flight.
Nice flight review. I am a fan of the Airbus A350, it makes me feel comfortable.
Same here! And thanks!
This video felt like more of a tiresome complaint than an actual review.........
There are always those of you who think a review is “complaining”. It’s you who is tiresome! But hey thanks for you complaint.
@airedition 😂😂😂, I am tiresome yes......but it doesn't change the fact that that is the impression I got....I've watched your other videos, and you do try to strike a balance but again, this still feels like a tiresome complaint 😅
Agreed. If he doesn't like the tiresome complaint comment, then he comes off as pretentiousness and unrelatable.
It would appear Ethiopian Airlines no longer plays their amazing boarding music on the brand new Airbus A350-1000s. However what was a real surprise to hear at 10:07 Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" 😲 ❤️!! I'd hardly imagine that to calm you on boarding the aircraft 😉. If the fourth movement IV. Allegro con fuoco did play it would seem like Jaws met the Lord of the Rings lol.
The Airbus A350-1000 looks amazing. Are those dimmable windows only in Business. Those inflight sreens are amazing just like on their -900s, though I was in Economy. Hope they send it to Toronto someday.
You sped up the landing. The views of Addis Ababa are amazing on landing. You can see that view on my channel 🙂.
Ethiopian Airlines will probably fly the A350-1000s to Toronto in the summer.
The whole aircraft has those windows and it’ll be standard on new A350s delivered going forward. Re the music yes indeed! Thanks for IDing the pieces.
Hard products separates the mediocre and the good, while soft product and ground experience seperates the good and the preimum.
For sure!
Nice work can you review Aer Lingus A321XLR when it becomes operational
Yeah would love to. Do you know what first routes will be?
@ not sure but I’m guessing DUB-BOS or DUB-JFK or something replacing their A321LR with the XLR I think on these routes I’m pretty sure
Gabe, the XLR will fly to Nashville from what I remember
Just checked again - Nashville and Indianapolis it will be for the XLR
@@flybyanuj Ooh that's a fun route!
Nice choice of music again 👌
Thanks!
Absolutely love any Indian curry out of the UK. It’s becoming a part of their culinary culture.
It's the best!
A lot of people like the deep rumbling/whirring sound of the GE90s on the B777 upon start-up. Maybe they'd be less enthusiastic if they knew it's because if the plane has been shut down for more than an hour, the extreme static weight of the fan section has bent the main shaft. When the engine is started the shaft bearings take a hammering before the shaft realigns to straight, and that's that nice rumbling noise.
That's pretty cool to know, if true! Doesn't sound like a good recipe for long-term reliability though!
❤ Thank you
Haha. Trying to ram in the pallet 🤦🏿. Did you have to pay for seat selection and how much ? Great vid again 👍🏿
No charge for seat selection, which was nice!
@ Well done them👍🏿Shame others don’t follow suit 👇🏿
@@Ian-Gould Yep, that was a highlight I should have pointed out actually!
I Love The A350
It's so great.
I've stayed in the SQ lounge at Heathrow when I was just flying LHR-ARN, but that was a year or two ago. Lounges keep making up their own rules every now and then, it seems.
Yep it's sadly true.
Had similar experience at gate when staff though my bag was wrongly tagged. I was called several times to the desk and I told them: No no I only want it to Bangkok and not to Hongkong (Destination was Hong Kong, but had 24h in Bangkok).
I hope next time you try first class on Qatar Airways. ❤
Nice work!
Thanks!
I watched this video in the "Cloud Nine Business Lounge" at Addis Abeba, and just got home after flying ET in Biz OSL-ADD-ZNZ and back within two weeks. This video perfectly summarises my own experience, even though I was on completely different flights. Im guessing people complaining about the review in the comments are either having an agenda themselves, or just haven't flown on ET recently. Love the videos Gabe - would have been cool to meet you in Addis, but you went trough a few days too early :D
Thank you very much for this! Yeah it is pretty funny how, especially with certain airlines, if you criticize them people start accusing you of having an agenda or being paid to smear them. It's the same sort of thing we saw with Cairo airport responding to the blogger who said it's a terrible airport, again claiming he was being paid by adversaries. What a joke. This is an unfortunate mindset prevalent in certain places - instead of taking criticism and considering how one might improve, the first impulse is to try and discredit the criticism and the critic. Anyway thanks for backing me up here, I appreciate it!
Your grievances about the cramped cabin size, the discomfort of sleeping comfortably except when positioned on your side, and the noise levels experienced in first class seemed misdirected, as such critiques should have been aimed at the aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, rather than Ethiopian Airways. Granting you the benefit of the doubt, I sought out your review of Etihad Airways, a carrier you had praised, only to stumble upon your review of India's Airbus A350, the same but a smaller variant of Ethiopia's A350. Notably, while assessing India's A350, you didn't complain about cabin space, sleeping comfort, or noise levels but instead, you were all smiles dancing around expressing great satisfaction praising India's A350. Even incidents like misplaced luggage by British Airways and minor delays caused by the British at Heathrow Airport seemed to provide you with an opportunity to thrash Ethiopian Airways. Also, despite them being among the most courteous, friendly, modest, and respectful in comparison to other airlines, notably, you're quick to critique Ethiopian Airways cabin crew.
With two decades of experience residing in the USA, I'm familiar with the game, strategies at play, where smear campaigns are commonplace across various sectors, including the airline industry, politics, and entertainment. The stark disparity in your reactions towards Ethiopia's A350-1000 and India's A350 (both of the same model) raised suspicions about ulterior motives - it is clear that you're ether driven by financial incentives or harbor an underlying antipathy towards Black progress with a particular bias against Africa's most successful airlines. Their success has posed a threat to the status quo, prompting your biased review.
On a different note, you're correct in pointing out the deficiencies in their Wi-Fi service, meals and timing; I hope that they come across your feedback and take steps to enhance these aspects, leaving little room for further criticism. I, too, share your dislike for the dramatic classical music played on board.
Oh give me a break. The A350 is fantastic always. I noticed that the noise levels are slightly higher on this new version which has thinner sidewalls (which I framed as an observation rather than a complaint). Nothing else among the points I made has to do with Airbus. It’s about the seat (an airline choice), and the service flow and choices made there (the main thing).
“Antipathy towards black progress?” Are you kidding me? I’m putting Ethiopian up against its competitors and coming to my conclusion about where they stand amongst them. You say in the end that you agree with most of the points I made about deficiencies! Go watch my video on SAA’s A340 to Perth and tell me if you still feel it’s correct to imply I’m a racist.
Also, no one paid me. I always disclose any financial arrangements and the cost of the tickets (and how they were acquired).
Hi Gabe, how much were you encouraged with for nice words for Qatar airline while on board of Ethiopian?, I choose Ethiopian any day !
You’d be in the minority there! How much was I encouraged? What are you trying to ask?
BA have such well trained crews. Its just a pity that its run by scammy admin and robotic answers when they do something wrong. rebooked a trip with BA, their personell on phone, partial cancellation and rebook, but new ticketnumber (pnr whatever) never showed up. Was stranded in Russia for 24 hours and it cost me phonebills of 1500euro plus the ticket being lost plus a new rebooking when another airline. Needless to say, after being in the hole at around 3 grand lost, I will never be setting foot on BA again. They never reimbursed me. 10000 avios... all i got. Never used them. I went all Star Alliance/Sky Team after.
Oof that sounds very stressful! Yeah you’re right, the admin side is really not up to scratch.
@@airedition ive wanted to warn people about this for so long but no one wanna take up the story. I presented it to flyertalk several years ago, and besides being bullied and mocked for being a karen, one guy took the time to analyse the issue and told me that my ticketing issue was like 1 in 1,5million chance. So all i can say, if S7 airlines is involved in the oneworldbooking, you WILL be in trouble if re-issueing. systems not working together.
Gabe I don’t think you were harsh , you simply had a mode swing prior and during the flight due to 1 missing your luggage 2 delay in diner service leading to less sleep which you were in need apparently. As expected you were fair enough in your final thoughts as it was an average flight overall . Shocking to me it’s the beginning of you to hate the A350 😂 as you noticed the noise level change . Where is your unconditional love to this aircraft type 🤓
he just go there to complain you know mostly some peoples have negative mindset about africa and it’s african airline . he just dont wanted to appreciate at all .
his mind set is already negative about african things you can notice that
@zahyas-t2n here's the comment you thought I deleted! Turns out you're just a moron. Stop hijacking others comments.
Haha no! I will never hate the A350, it can get as loud as it wants 😂
@ lol unconditional love it is then 😅
truth hurts you deleted my comment 😂 because i told you that you just go there to complain
I have not deleted any comments. The only time I would delete a comment is if it were spam or making unnecessarily inflammatory comments.
His video was basically just to complain about the airline like clearly Qatar is going to be better. Asia is the biggest continent. Emirates is even better than European airlines bet he wouldn’t go complain on them your video wasn’t helpful to people planning trips……
Ethiopian airlines is even older than this guy. He wasn’t even born yet when it became a thing.
Another keyboard warrior whining about complaining. It’s a review that points out the negative aspects. There’s a difference. And what relevance does emirates have here? Or the age of Ethiopian airlines? Maybe pick a point you’re trying to make and stick to it.
Great video, Gabe! I love Ethiopian Airlines, especially their modern fleet. Their commitment to connecting Africa to the world is truly inspiring. I definitely choose @flyethiopian as my first choice in Africa and even over some European airlines too.
You’re right about the security mob at Heathrow .. last time I went through there at T4 , I had 2 ‘guards’ ready to put me up against a wall or onto the floor , because I hadn’t taken my clean and folded handkerchief out of my pocket and put it into the plastic tub to be x-rayed !! It is nice though when you get one with a brain and without the angry attitude, who treats you like a paying passenger and not like a prison inmate .. 😂😂.. thanks for the cool video .. 🙏
Man yeah, they need to figure that situation out! Clearly a very rotten culture at the company handling LHR security. Thanks for the comment!
If it wasn't for the lounges, i would always avoid London. Like go out of my way to not transit there. It is truly horrible. The cabin looks ... well it's not for me. And the music would truly stress me out. Even though they are the cheapest among award charts, i avoid them. Flew them once for my Kili hike, was ok.
All sounds about right!
To much compliant,
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@@airedition you don't have to compare with other airlines because you are not doing comparing vlog
@@ethio_apartements The words of someone who is scared to have their home airline compared to similar (and superior) competitors.
@@airedition No I am not thinking that way (superior) but Ethiopian Airlines has its own qualities to appreciate we are not a wealthy country but we are certainly doing our best more than some of the best developed countries. I see you think it better that you commented box. Anyway, I am Ethiopian and I am proud.
@@ethio_apartements I pointed out the things that were good, and held them accountable for the things that could be better, suggesting how they could be improved. It's useful to look at it like this: if they were just awful, and hopeless, I wouldn't have taken the time to go into depth on this. It's because they are almost there, and I see they have potential to be one of the greats, that I am extra critical. The airline overall is a remarkable achievement for Ethiopia, and you should be proud! But from what they offer at this point, unless the fare is insanely good, I will be choosing other airlines most of the time. Here's hoping they continue to get better.
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Africans use them coz they are really cheaper compared to other premium airlines and they have the monopoly of African aviation. But their service is truly terrible for me . I only fly them if I have no choice . Like if I’m flying within Africa and there’s no other airline on that route . Had a terrible experience with them on my flight to london and since then never ever will I use them. SAA, Air Mauritius, SA Airlink and even Kenya Airways ( if you take away their monotonous delays and cancellations) have way better service
Definitely agree SAA, Air Mauritius and Airlink are superior! Haven't tried Kenya yet, but really want to now!
there is a reason they are dominating africa.
If those airlines offer superior service then why are they going bankrupt then.
Ethiopian must be doing something right.they are making more and more profit every year while those airlines you mentiomed are going backwards.