Ethiopian Airlines makes the check-in process easy and gives passengers plenty of time to get ready for their flight. If you prefer to check in online, you can do so starting 36 hours before your scheduled departure time for most international and regional flights. For flights leaving from the United States, the online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. You can check in using the Ethiopian Airlines website or mobile app. Just enter your booking reference or ticket number and your last name, then follow the simple steps to confirm your flight, choose a seat, and receive your boarding pass. You can either download it to your phone or print it out. This is a great option if you’re only traveling with hand luggage, as you can skip the lines at the airport and go straight to security.

If you have checked baggage, you should still complete online check-in first to save time, and then go to the bag-drop counter at the airport when you arrive. Ethiopian Airlines recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight. Airport check-in counters generally open three hours before international departures and close one hour before the flight. For domestic and regional flights, check-in counters usually close 45 minutes before takeoff. From my experience, it’s always better to arrive early, especially if you are flying during busy travel times or from a large airport. This gives you enough time to check in your bags, pass through security checks, and reach your gate without any stress.

Ethiopian Airlines also provides self-service check-in kiosks at some airports. These kiosks are simple to use and allow you to check in, pick your seat, and print your boarding pass. If you have bags to check, you can print your baggage tags at the kiosk and then use the bag-drop area. The kiosks are helpful for travelers who want a faster check-in process and prefer to handle things on their own without waiting in line.

Airport staff are available if you need help or if you are traveling with children, pets, or need special assistance. In those cases, it’s best to check in at the counter to make sure all your travel documents are reviewed and that your specific needs are taken care of. Ethiopian Airlines also recommends checking in early if you are traveling to countries that require visa verification or health documents, as these can take extra time to process.

In summary, Ethiopian Airlines allows online check-in 36 hours before most flights, and 24 hours before U.S. departures. Airport counters usually open three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic ones, with closing times one hour or 45 minutes before departure. Choosing to check in early, whether online or at the airport, helps make your travel smoother and more relaxed from the start.