Addis Ababa to Boston AirCanada Flights

  About Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia and is one of the most important cities in Africa. It is also the largest city in Ethiopia. The city is also considered as the political capital of Africa since it houses the headquarters of the African Union and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is situated in the foothills of Entoto Mountains and is one of the five highest capital cities of the world. Ethiopia is known for producing the best coffee in the world, and there's nothing better than actually flying to the country to try some. The city has a rich economic, scientific and political history and several museums that showcase these findings. In fact, you will also come across a museum that solely focuses on telling people how politics can make bad history. Not to mention, it is also a great place to go on a shopping spree for Ethiopian products, lots of coffee grounds and souvenirs. While Addis Ababa is not a popular vacation destination, a lot of travellers usually explore the city when they have a long layover. If you do not have any time constraints as such, you can definitely explore the city and be amazed at how it has progressed.

Best Time to Visit Addis Ababa

Ethiopia is called the Cradle of Mankind and is one of the best places to visit in Africa. January to March is a high season in Ethiopia. The temperature ranges from 10 to 24 degree Celsius with slight rainfalls. It doesn't rain as much in Addis Ababa, but it does in the other cities. Summer is the perfect time for you to spot wildlife like giraffes, wolves and ibex. You can also attend events like Timkat and Leddet in summer. Hiking in the Bale or Simien mountains is one of the only things that you will not be allowed to do in summer. Since this is high season, make sure you book your flight tickets to Addis Ababa in advance and book your hotels in Addis Ababa several weeks in advance. The prices begin to surge since the city welcomes a lot of tourists in this season.

April to September is a low tourist season in Addis Ababa since this is when the monsoon begins. The city can get pretty hot, sticky and uncomfortable in monsoon. While you might get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa in monsoon owing to the dip in tourism, it is best to postpone your trip. However, if you still visit the city in monsoon, you will be allowed to go sightseeing at certain parks like the Omo and Mago Valley, but the major attractions remain shut. The temperature ranges from 12 to 25 degree Celsius during summer. October to December is also summer in Addis Ababa, and the temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degree Celsius. However, it is still a shoulder season in the city where only a few tourists will be seen. The weather remains cooler as compared to the high season. October to December is also an ideal time to go hiking in the Simien mountains. You might come across some excellent flight deals to Addis Ababa online during the shoulder season. If you plan to visit any time between October and December, ensure that you make the most of this deal. You will also get great discounts at the hotel you will be staying in, or maybe you pick one that comes with a lot of offers.

Places to Visit in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa has a lot of museums that narrate the sad story of its past. The 'Red Terror' Martyrs Memorial Museum is one of those museums that will shake you. It recalls the terrible incidents that have taken place in the city and give you a perspective in life. The National Museum is yet another popular tourist attraction that you can visit. St George Cathedral and Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral are few of the other popular spots in the city that you cannot miss. Head over to Merkato if you want to go on a shopping spree. Fair warning: It will be crowded so be prepared for it. You can also visit the Lion of Judah Monument that holds a lot of significant positions in the city. The Derg Monument is a reminder to the people of Addis Ababa about the pain and struggles that they went through during the communist rule. You can also roam around the Addis Ababa University and be amazed at the beautiful campus. You can also climb up the Entoto Mountain and catch the panoramic view of the city from up here. It can get pretty overwhelming. However, make sure that you are hiking up the hill during the right season. It is not safe to hike in the mountains during monsoon. You can also visit the Addis Ababa Museum, which was founded in 1986. The city has a lot of museums and historical landmarks that you cannot miss.

Things to do in Addis Ababa

You can catch the magnificent view of the entire city from Mount Entoto. Hiking in the forest of Eucalyptus trees sure does count as quite an adventure. You can also sign for a sightseeing tour covering all the museums in the city. Mercato is Africa's biggest open-air market, and you will buy everything from handmade baskets to spices at the market. It also has a separate section where shopkeepers sell second-hand items. Head over to Tomoca Coffee for the most refreshing cup of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee in different flavours. You can also order for Macchiato, which is equally excellent. The Red Terror Martyrs Memorial Museum is a great place to learn more about Ethiopia's tragic past. If you want to go on a shopping spree for traditional clothes, you can try the Shiro Meda; it is near the US Embassy in Addis Ababa. The restaurants in the city have a very active dance and music scene along with delicious food. Make sure you do try some of that. You can also check out the statue of Emperor Menelik II, who was the founder of Addis Ababa.

Lagar Railway Station is yet another tourist attraction that you cannot miss. It is the first-ever railway station in the city, and its unique architecture is what makes it special. Medhane Alem Church at Bole District is one of the biggest Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Churches, and it is breathtakingly beautiful. Head over to check out the Tiglachin (Dreg) Monument, which stands as a reminder that Ethiopia was victorious over all of its invaders. You can also sign up for a food tour in the city and get to know more about the culinary speciality here.

Food and Restaurants in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian food is known for being spicy, and while it may not be as popular as European or Asian food worldwide, it is worth trying. If you are new to Ethiopian food, your first experience will be out of this world. Addis Ababa has a lot of restaurants that serve traditional Ethiopian food with music and dance. They also have a lot of restaurants that serve other cuisines from all over the world and cannot be missed. Totot is a restaurant that specialises in Ethiopian cuisine. Make sure you order the Kitfo here that melts in your mouth and is quite spicy. The restaurant is packed on weekends so make sure you reach the restaurant early, so you don't have to wait for a long time. Yod Abyssinia is yet another restaurant that reflects the country's food, dance and music culture. The decor of the place is unique, and it is also quite close to the airport. You can order the tibs, Shiro and Doro wat here along with kitfo. The Addis Ababa restaurant in Arada can be a little difficult to find, but it is completely worth it. A lot of locals believe that the food here tastes like homemade food.

How to reach Addis Ababa (Transportation)

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is about 6 km from the city centre. The flight connectivity to Addis Ababa from India is excellent. Ethiopian Airlines has direct flights to Addis Ababa from India. Egyptair, Kenya Airways and Emirates Airline also have flights to Addis Ababa with layovers at Cairo, Nairobi and Dubai. It might be difficult to get cheap flight tickets to Addis Ababa if you book at the last moment. If you book several weeks in advance, you might get exciting flight deals to Addis Ababa online that are worth exploring. It is quite convenient to get a cab or car rental service from the airport to your hotel. However, it is advisable to pre-book your cab online. You can also opt for an airport shuttle service that your hotel might offer. The airport also has premium lounges, restrooms and a lot of other services for the convenience of the passengers. The airport opened its first business class lounge in 2012, and they are also planning to add spas and another lounge soon.

  About Boston

Boston might not fall under your 'ideal vacation destination' category, but it is certainly a place you must visit. The city houses a lot of America's firsts like their first subway system, public school, park and a free municipal public library. Boston is quite a modern city, but it is backed by a rich history. Boston is majorly known for its universities and academic brilliance. The city is also where several revolutionary heroes lived, and it does everything in its stride to flaunt them. There are quite a lot of museums, parks and restaurants that you can head to if you are on holiday in Boston. The city does not move at a slow pace since it has so many universities, colleges and students. But it will not affect your holiday in any way. If you have nothing planned for the day, you can always head to the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway. You can either take a stroll here at the park or indulge in activities/ events that happen here quite frequently.

Best Time to Visit Boston

Boston's peak tourist season is from June to October when it is summer followed by fall. Summer begins from June and lasts till August. The temperature ranges from 15 to 27 degree Celsius in summer and from 8 to 22 degree Celsius in fall. These are the most expensive months to visit Boston. You must book your hotel in Boston way in advance to avoid the high prices at the last moment. Make sure you also book your flight tickets to Boston in advance if you are visiting during these months. The best part about Boston is that no matter when you plan to visit the city, they will always have one event or the other taking place. If you are going to Boston in June, make sure you are a part of Boston Pride and the Cambridge Arts River Festival. You will also see a rise in the number of tourists in August, thanks to Boston Comic-Con. You can also attend the Boston Film Festival and the Phantom Gourmet Food Festival in September. Since there are so many important events taking place in the city during these months, it is one of the reasons why this is considered a peak season.

November to February is winter in Boston, and it can get really cold. The temperature drops to as low as -5 degree Celsius and as high as 5 degree Celsius. Make sure you pack all of your warm clothes and more if you are not used to chilly weather. Hotel prices and flight fares drop considerably during winter since the city sees fewer tourists. If you are going to visit Boston anytime between January to March, you can attend the Boston Wine Festival. Meet wine connoisseurs, learn the right way to drink wine, you can learn more about the different types of wine and even go on a wine tasting tour. This is also the best time for you to get cheap flight tickets to Boston since it is offseason.

March to May is the spring season in Boston, and this is a pleasant time to visit the city. The flight fares and accommodation rates are low during Spring. The temperature ranges from 0 degree Celsius to 19 degree Celsius. You can be a part of the St Patrick's Day Parade or Dine Out Boston in March. You can also attend the Boston Marathon and the Boston International Film Festival in April. The city is sprucing up to welcome the high tourist season but also makes it a point to ensure that the off-season tourists are also making the most of their stay in Boston.

Places to Visit in Boston

The Freedom Trail is an important and historic landmark in Boston. It is also a great way to learn more about the city's history. North End, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Charlestown, there are at least 16 landmarks in Freedom Trail alone that you cannot miss. If you are an art lover, you can head to the Museum of Fine Arts. It is the fourth-largest museum in the US and houses at least 500,000 pieces of artwork from all over the world. North End is one of the oldest places in Boston, and you will find quite a few Italian restaurants here. Faneuil Hall is not just a shopping arena that also has a lot of restaurants, but it has also served as a meeting hall for hundreds of years. Boston Waterfront is another popular tourist attraction in the city. It offers you a magnificent view of the skylines, and it is open to the public. You can also visit Charles River Esplanade if you miss the water baby in you. You can either take a stroll here or bike along the trails. The locals also offer kayaks and paddleboats to enjoy the river.

You cannot leave Boston without visiting the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. It will be quite a refreshing brush up that will make you miss your history lessons at school. You can also visit the Boston Library, which is one of the most important attractions in the city, courtesy of its architecture. Samuel Adams Boston Brewery is another popular place in Boston. You will get to see the whole brewery process first-hand, and you can also sample some of it.

Things to do in Boston

Boston is anything but boring. It is a very busy city even if it is in the off-season. You can either hire a cab for a day to go sightseeing around the city or just walk to the popular tourist attractions. Head over to Freedom Trail that was built in 1742 if you want to go on a shopping spree or just walk around, admiring the city. The Faneuil Hall Marketplace that is located here is a popular destination for tourists. You can grab a quick bite at the restaurants in Quincy Market or shop at the multiple stores here. However, the items might be a tad overpriced. It is best to visit the place on weekdays since it gets crowded on weekends. You can also sign up for food tours in the city. North End is one of Boston's oldest neighbourhoods and one of the important places in Freedom Trail. Its rich Italian culture is what draws people to it. You will find quite a few tour packages that are tailored to your interests. You can either opt for a historical tour or a guided walking tour of the city. There are a lot of events that happen in the city constantly. You can pick one that suits your interest and attend it. Even if you are not into classical music a lot, do attend a concert at Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Food and Restaurants in Boston

Boston's dining scene is quite eclectic, and so is its nightlife. From Italian cuisines to Thai and Ethiopian food, you will have a lot of options to treat your taste buds. Mike's Pastry and Modern Pastry on Hanover Street at North End are popular bakeries in the city. You can buy desserts from both of the bakeries since they are quite close to each other. You can head over to Toro at the South End neighbourhood for Spanish dishes like potato empanadas and mussels with chorizo and chicken. The Butcher Shop is also highly recommended. O Ya is a very popular Japanese restaurant, and you must try the scarlet sea scallops and fried Kumamoto oysters here. Quincy Market in Freedom Trail is where you will find a lot of different restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. It is highly recommended that you sign up for a food tour if you want to explore the dining scenes here. Mario's Restaurant is another popular restaurant that specialises in Italian cuisine. Saltie Girl is famous for its seafood and other American cuisines, so is The Capital Grille. Head over to Mistral for authentic French and European cuisine.

How to reach Boston (Transportation)

The Boston Logan International Airport is the nearest in the city. The flight connectivity to Boston from India is excellent. There are frequent flights to Boston from India, though the duration exceeds 20 hours. Cathay Pacific Airways, Air Canada and Lufthansa are some of the airlines that fly to Boston frequently with layovers at Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Munich and Montreal. If you book at the right time, it is easier to get cheap flight tickets to Boston. It is one of the busiest airports in the US and has a lot of facilities for the convenience of its passengers. You can stay at one of the hotels at Logan, and you'll get a shuttle that will take you to the hotel directly from your terminal. You will be given several choices of hotels that are closest to the airport. The airport also has WiFi, restaurants, cafes, shopping areas and lounges for its passengers. It is also quite easy to book a taxi to your hotel from the airport.

  About Air Canada

Air Canada is perceived to be the largest airline in Canada and is also the flag carrier of the country. The stature is with respect to fleet size and passenger traffic. Founded in 1937, Air Canada provides a scheduled air transport as well as cargo to about 207 international destinations. The airline is recognised as one of the founding members of Star Alliance. The airline's headquarters is located in Montreal, Quebec. Meanwhile, its hub is at Toronto Pearson International Airport. A subsidiary of Air Canada to cater to domestic routes of the country is Air Canada Express. Originally started as Trans-Canada Airlines (TCA), the airline was founded in 1936 by the Canadian federal government. The first transcontinental flight operations of TCA commenced in 1938. Much later, in 1965, Trans-Canada Airlines was renamed to Air Canada, after the airlines received a government approval for the same. Although it was wholly owned by the government, in the 1980s, with the deregulation of the Canadian airline market, Air Canada was eventually privatised in 1988.

In 2000, Air Canada obtained the airline's largest competition in the aviation market, Canadian Airlines. The airlines filed for bankruptcy protection back in 2003, following which it once again emerged after some reorganisation of the management. After Air Canada's privatisation in 1989, the airlines are now listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Air Canada Public Participation Act (ACPPA) limits the ownership of Air Canada's voting interests, especially by non-residents of the country. To ensure that Air Canada's articles sustain its Canadian roots, the Canada Transportation Act has added some restrictions in terms of voting interests for licensed Canadian carriers.

Over the years, Air Canada has further expanded its operating divisions which include subsidiaries such as Air Canada Cargo, Air Canada Jetz, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Vacations. These subsidiaries also include private jet charters and leisure flights. Not to mention how there is a specific airline under Air Canada that only works towards vacation packages. Air Canada Jazz, Air Canada Tango and Zip were formerly part of Air Canada. However, they are not marketed under the airline anymore. The regional partner further adds to the airline's revenue. Along with the regional partners who are part of the fleet, the airline collectively operates about 1,613 scheduled flights on a daily basis.

Fleet size of Air Canada

Air Canada currently handles a total of 173 fleets operational from the airline's hub at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Part of their fleet majorly operates Airbus and Boeing types of aircraft. Some of the fleet combinations include 19 Boeing 777-300ER (77W), 12 Airbus A330-300 (333), 29 Boeing 787-9 (789), eight Boeing 787-8 (788), 15 Airbus A321-200 (321), 24 Boeing 737 MAX 8 (7M8), six Airbus A220-300 (223), 35 Airbus A320-200 (320) and 16 Airbus A319-100 (319).

In the past, Air Canada's Douglas DC-8-63 fleet was restrained from passenger services in 1983. In fact, out of the total, six of them were converted to DC-8-73F freighters in 1984 and reused as a cargo freight for Air Canada. Eventually, the aircraft were sold off around 1990 and 1994. Similarly, Douglas DC-9-15s were used by Air Canada in 1968. Out of these, the DC-9-32CF was used for commercial cargo flights that operated until 1977. Meanwhile, McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32s were utilised by the airline from 1967 to 2002, until they were finally suspended. Airbus A340-500s were used by Air Canada but were later replaced with Boeing 777-200LRs in 2007. It has been recorded that Air Canada was the only airline in North America to operate the A340. The Airbus A340-300s also retired in 2008 and were replaced to add Boeing 777-300ERs by Air Canada. More aircraft from Air Canada were retired, including Boeing 767-200ER fleet that bid farewell to the airline by the end of 2008. many aircraft from the subsidiary fleet were also retired, and the newer fleet was added.

Baggage Allowance

When it comes to baggage allowance in Air Canada flights, it is essential for you to know exactly how much would be ideal for carrying in the cabin as well as for check-in. For overhead bin baggage, the standard dimension is 55cm x 23 cm x 40 cm. The weight could differ depending on the cabin class that you have opted for. For business class and first-class passengers, the weight that can be carried is different from the economy class. As for a personal bag that is also allowed for the passenger to carry, the dimension cannot exceed 33 cm x 16 cm x 43 cm. The contents of the baggage are also specific, so you will need to check the airline's website for all specifics on the same. An additional bag for infant products can also be carried if you are travelling with a child. A complete list of items that can and cannot be carried in flight have been mentioned, which you can peruse through to be certain.

Passengers who are members of the Star Alliance group have the liberty to add extra free baggage that they can carry along with them. The perks of Star Alliance members can also be found out at the official website of Air Canada. The check-in baggage should not weigh more than 32 kg and should have a total linear dimension of 292 cm. Baggage allowance in Air Canada for check-in baggage also comes with some rules and regulations that need to be followed. Certain items are restricted and cannot be carried during travel. For passengers who have taken the codeshare flights which are associated with Air Canada, it would be best to go through the diverse baggage policies that have been applied by the said carrier. A thorough perusal through the website of Air Canada will help you gain better insights.

In-flight services

There are three classes of facilities that Air Canada's in-flight services offer, such as Business/Signature, Premium Economy and Economy. For most of the long-haul international routes for Air Canada, all the three classes are offered. However, for short-haul domestic routes, only business class and economy class are featured in the aircraft.

Signature class (Business class) - Air Canada's in-flight services for business class are available on all the widebody aircraft. They comprise of the executive pod and classic pod to provide privacy, noise cancellation headphones and features AVOD )Audio Video on Demand). The reclining seats can be stretched into flatbeds that extend up to 6 ft 7 inch. The services also include complimentary meals with alcoholic beverages for passengers along with other services such as free WiFi, plug points for laptops and other gadgets.

Premium economy class - The premium class is present in all Airbus A330 along with Boeing 777and Boeing 787 aircraft. The features of the premium economy include larger seats, recliner seats and a seat which can stretch up to 37 to 38 inches. The premium economy class also comes with personalised entertainment decks that can be availed. There are AVOD services available and sent by XM Satellite Radio. The airline also offers in-flight meals and WiFi services. You can even ask for blankets from the cabin crew.

Economy - Compared to the business class and premium economy class, the economy class seats are smaller and have decreased seat pitches that recline up to 4.5 to 6 inches. Personalised AVOD is available for all the passengers, as are other features such as in-flight meals, WiFi services, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, to name a few.

Popular routes and top cities for Air Canada

Air Canada is quite popular as it is not only one of the founding members of Star Alliance but also has an excellent connection with a plethora of domestic and international routes. International routes include Sydney, London, Dusseldorf, Paris, Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Vienna, Delhi, Manchester, Brussels, Madrid, Prague, Singapore, Mumbai and Lisbon. These are the top cities that Air Canada caters to and see excellent services as most of the aircraft used are Boeing and Airbus.

Why travel by Air Canada?

As one of the most popular airlines in the world, Air Canada gives travellers many reasons to pick them over the other airlines. Some of the highlights include the same terminal connection. The airline's hub has one linear terminal connection that makes it easier for passengers to reach for their connecting flights. The airline also offers customs pre-clearance to avoid standing in long queues. You can book Air Canada flights without any hassle as it is available on all travel platforms, including the website of the airlines. Further, you can download the official app of Air Canada on your phone to get flight status as well as flight schedules. Not to mention how web check-in is also possible through their mobile app and website. This makes the procedures simpler for a traveller. Air Canada's in-flight services are also a testament to why it should be chosen over the other airlines for travel. The domestic and international routes taken by Air Canada make their flight connectivity excellent. The airline caters to all your need and hence should be considered.