Ethiopian Airlines Business Class: A Complete Guide to Cloud Nine

The Ethiopian Airlines business class, known as Cloud Nine, is one of Africa’s standout premium travel experiences. The airline has been connecting the world since 1945 and now flies to more than 120 international destinations with a modern fleet that includes the A350, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Boeing 777. Cloud Nine is designed to give travellers a smooth and elevated journey from the moment they arrive at the airport. Passengers enjoy priority check-in, access to relaxing Cloud Nine lounges, and generous baggage allowances that make long trips stress-free. Whether you are flying on a quick regional route or a long international journey, the Ethiopian Airlines business class blends comfort, elegance, and the warm hospitality the airline is known for.

Does Ethiopian Airlines Have Business Class?

Yes, Ethiopian Airlines indeed has a business class option known as Cloud Nine. Cloud Nine guests are greeted with a warm “Tenaystiligne” welcome and enjoy priority boarding, exclusive lounge access, and upgraded in-flight service.

It is more than just a comfortable seat. Cloud Nine is designed to make every part of your journey feel smoother and more premium, from check-in all the way to landing.

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Cabin and Seats

Ethiopian Airlines A350 Business Class:

• The A350 is one of the flagship aircraft where Cloud Nine is offered, and the cabin setup on both the A350-900 and A350-1000 showcases the airline’s modern premium design.

• In the Cloud Nine cabin on the A350 and other widebody aircraft like the B787 and B777, the seats are fully adjustable so you can find the perfect recline and settle in comfortably for your journey.

• The cabin atmosphere is calm and welcoming. From the moment you step in, the crew helps with your coat, makes sure you are settled, and offers a refreshing welcome drink to start your journey on a relaxing note.

Because Ethiopian operates several aircraft types, the Ethiopian Airlines business class seats can look slightly different depending on the plane. But one thing stays consistent across the entire fleet that is focus on comfort, attentive service, and a premium cabin experience, whether you are flying on an A350 or a B777.

Service, Dining and Inflight Experience

Welcome and Inflight Hospitality:

• From the moment you board, Cloud Nine makes you feel special. The crew greets you with a warm “Tenaystiligne,” helps you settle in, assists with your seat, takes your coat, and presents a welcome drink.

• You also enjoy priority boarding and access to exclusive lounges, which adds to that premium feeling even before takeoff.

Meal Service:

Ethiopian differentiates its dining experience based on flight length, and both options are thoughtfully put together.

• Short-haul flights: You can look forward to a curated menu with meals from top chefs plus a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including Ethiopian red and white wine.

• Medium and long-haul flights: The dining experience becomes more elaborate. Expect a blend of international dishes infused with Ethiopian flavours, plus appetisers, cheeses, fruit, desserts, and more.

• The crew sets up your table to enhance your dining experience, highlighting the premium nature of Cloud Nine.

In-flight Entertainment:

• There’s plenty to keep you entertained throughout the journey. You’ll find a wide mix of Hollywood movies, popular TV shows, music, games, and other entertainment options.

• On some aircraft, wireless streaming is available, so you can stream to your own device, such as your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Relax and Rest:

• Enjoy the comfortable space to unwind on aircraft like the B777, B787, and A350. The business class seats are adjustable, so you can find the perfect position for working, relaxing, or sleeping.

• The cabin atmosphere is kept calm and peaceful, making it easy to enjoy a nap, watch a movie, or simply stretch out with a book.

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Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Baggage (Cloud Nine)

One of the biggest perks of flying Ethiopian Airlines business class (Cloud Nine) is the generous baggage allowance. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you can bring:

Carry-on Baggage:

• Cloud Nine passengers can bring 2 pieces of carry-on baggage, each up to 7 kg.

• The size limit for each piece is 23 × 40 × 55 cm.

• In addition to this carry-on allowance, you can also bring a personal item, like a laptop bag, handbag, or reading material, within the airline’s weight guidelines.

Checked Baggage:

For checked bags, here’s what Cloud Nine passengers are entitled to:

• Each checked bag can have a total size (L + W + H) of up to 158 cm (62 in).

• On many routes, business class travellers may check up to 3 pieces, each weighing 23 kg, under the piece concept.

• On routes following the weight-based concept, Cloud Nine may allow 2 pieces up to 32 kg (70 lb) each.

• If you need more allowance, you can pre-purchase extra baggage, though fees vary based on your route, number of bags, and weight.

Lounge Access and Airport Services

• When you fly Ethiopian Airlines business class (Cloud Nine), you also get access to the Cloud-9 Lounge at Addis Ababa Airport. 

• This lounge is exclusively available to travellers holding a Cloud Nine (C-9) boarding pass, so you can enjoy a calm space before your flight.

• Some facilities inside the lounge work on a first-come, first-served basis. For example, if you’d like to use the shower rooms, you’ll need to register first, and each session is limited to 15 minutes when it’s your turn.

Upgrading to Ethiopian Airlines Business Class

If you already have a confirmed booking, Ethiopian Airlines gives you the option to upgrade to Cloud Nine through its online upgrade feature.

Here’s how it works:

• You submit an offer, basically, the amount you’re willing to pay for the upgrade.

• If your offer gets accepted, your card is automatically charged, and your seat is upgraded to Cloud Nine for that flight.

• A higher bid can improve your chances, but it’s still not guaranteed, as upgrades depend on availability.

• To place your bid, you just need your six-character booking reference and your last name.

• And if you ever need help, the airline also provides support through its email.

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Pros and Considerations

Pros:

• Warm, personalised service rooted in Ethiopian hospitality.

• Priority services like check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.

• Access to the exclusive Cloud-9 Lounge at Addis Ababa Airport.

• A generous business class baggage allowance, often better than many other airlines.

• The flexibility to upgrade after booking using the bid-for-upgrade system.

• Comfortable seating on wide-body aircraft such as the A350, B787, and B777.

• A rich in-flight entertainment selection, with movies, music, games, and even wireless streaming on some aircraft.

Considerations:

• The layout of the Ethiopian Airlines business class cabin varies based on the aircraft, so your seat experience may differ from one plane to another.

• The upgrade bidding system is convenient but not guaranteed, especially if the flight is busy.

• Baggage policies vary by route; some follow the piece concept, while others use the weight concept, so it’s important to check the airline’s baggage calculator for your exact itinerary.

• Lounge facilities at Addis Ababa can get busy, and services like showers come with specific usage rules.

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FAQs About Ethiopian Airlines Business Class

Q1. What is the Ethiopian Airlines business class called?

It is branded as Cloud Nine, offering premium service, priority perks, and an upgraded in-flight experience.

Q2. Does Ethiopian Airlines have business class on the A350?

Yes, the Ethiopian Airlines A350 business class cabin features Cloud Nine seats on both A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft.

Q3. What is the baggage allowance for Cloud Nine passengers?

Cloud Nine passengers can bring 2 carry-on bags (7 kg each) and enjoy a generous checked baggage allowance that varies by route and fare type.

Q4. Do Cloud Nine passengers get lounge access?

Yes, business class travellers get access to the Cloud-9 Lounge at Addis Ababa Airport.

Q5. What kind of seats are available in the Ethiopian Airlines business class?

Depending on the aircraft, Cloud Nine offers spacious, adjustable seats on wide-body planes like the A350, B787, and B777.

Q6. What meals are served in business class?

Cloud Nine offers chef-designed meals, Ethiopian and international dishes, and a full drinks selection, with expanded menus on medium and long-haul flights.

Q7. Can I upgrade to Ethiopian Airlines business class after booking?

Yes, you can submit a bid for an upgrade online. If it’s accepted, your seat is upgraded to Cloud Nine.

Conclusion

The Ethiopian Airlines business class gives you a premium travel experience from start to finish. With a spacious and modern Ethiopian Airlines business class cabin, comfortable Ethiopian Airlines business class seats, and a generous Ethiopian Airlines business class baggage allowance, you get a level of comfort that truly stands out. The experience becomes even better on the Ethiopian Airlines A350 business class, where the cabin design and in-flight comfort take things up a notch.

And if you're wondering, does Ethiopian Airlines have business class? Yes, and Cloud Nine is one of the most competitive business class products in the region.

Book your Ethiopian Airlines business class tickets via Flightsquest now and enjoy an easy, hassle-free booking process, the best fares, and smooth support every step of the way. Let Flightsquest help you fly in style and reserve your Cloud Nine seat today.