Ethiopian Airlines offers a smooth and efficient check-in process with multiple options to accommodate all kinds of travelers. Based on my recent experience, you can check in for your Ethiopian Airlines flight online starting 36 hours before departure, which is one of the earlier online check-in windows compared to many other airlines. For flights departing from the United States, however, the online check-in window begins 24 hours before takeoff. The airline’s online check-in platform, available through its website and mobile app, is easy to use. You simply enter your booking reference or ticket number along with your last name, then follow the step-by-step process to confirm your flight details, select a seat, and get your boarding pass. You can choose to print the boarding pass or receive a mobile version, which is convenient and saves time at the airport. For passengers traveling with only hand luggage, online check-in allows you to go straight to security and the departure gate, which makes the process much faster.

If you have baggage to check, you can still use online check-in but will need to visit the bag-drop counter at the airport. Ethiopian Airlines typically opens its check-in counters at the airport three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic or regional flights. The check-in counters usually close 60 minutes before departure for international routes and 45 minutes before domestic flights. It’s highly recommended to arrive early, especially when flying from major international airports or during peak travel seasons. During my flight from Addis Ababa, I arrived at the airport nearly three hours ahead and was able to complete the check-in process smoothly, even with checked baggage. The staff was professional and quick, and the lines moved steadily.

Ethiopian Airlines also provides self-service kiosks at several key airports, allowing passengers to check in on their own, choose seats, and print boarding passes. These kiosks are great for travelers who want to avoid long lines at the counters and complete the process faster. Once you check in at the kiosk, you can tag your bags and drop them off at the baggage counter. This system works well for those who are already familiar with the airport layout and want to save time.

For those needing special assistance, such as wheelchair support or traveling with children, it’s better to complete check-in at the airport counter. The airline’s ground staff are helpful and can assist with seat arrangements and travel documentation as needed. It's also important to check the rules for your specific destination, as visa and health document requirements may affect your ability to check in online.

In conclusion, Ethiopian Airlines allows passengers to check in online starting 36 hours before departure, and 24 hours before flights from the U.S.. Airport check-in counters open three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures, closing one hour before takeoff. With user-friendly options and reliable service, checking in with Ethiopian Airlines is simple, efficient, and designed to give travelers peace of mind before their flight.