Addis Ababa to Salt Lake City Ethiopian 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 Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a popular city in Utah, and while it is a place of faith, you will also come across a lot of stories of monsters and giants in the Great Salt Lake. In the 19th century, a lot of people believed that giants and monsters occupied the Great Salt Lake. However, presently it is an excellent place and also turning into a thriving cultural hub. It is a great place to head to if you want to indulge in hiking and skiing. A lot of tourists also use this opportunity to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tourists also spend time visiting religious sites and temples in the city. However, it is not a place for religious tourists alone. You can also visit the city for magnificent views and mountain ranges. You can hike to the Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain ranges or even go skiing here. It offers a breathtaking view of the city's skyline, and you will be in awe of the spectacular view of the Great Salt Lake. It is not exactly a place with a happening, vibrant nightlife, but if you are looking for a relaxing vacation with only a few things to do, this is the perfect place for you.

Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City

No matter what season you visit Salt Lake City in, you will find something to do all the time. However, winter is the peak season for tourists who want to go skiing. Summer is also a great time if you want to give hiking and lake activities a try. November to March is the winter season in Salt Lake City, and it is the perfect time for you to indulge in outdoor activities. The temperature ranges from -6 to 11 degree Celsius. You might want to book your hotel in Salt Lake City well in advance to avoid a surge in prices. The good thing is that a lot of hotels offer discounts and lift tickets, too. Make sure you also book your flight tickets to Salt Lake City in advance. There are quite a lot of events that you can attend, like the Christkindlmarkt in November and December that offer a unique Christmas shopping experience. German Christmas markets inspire it, and you will enjoy the food here during this time. You can also attend the Festival of Trees, Last Hurrah SLC and the Sundance Film Festival.

Salt Lake City experiences the spring season in April and May. The temperature ranges from - 4 to 21 degree Celsius. While it does snow at the beginning of spring, the snowcaps begin to melt by the end of spring, so the city is ready to welcome summer. You might want to pack your warm clothes and some waterproof shoes, too, since the snow begins to melt. While it doesn't entirely put a damper on your plans to try outdoor activities, the precipitation levels do increase during this time. You will find great deals on hotels if you don't have a problem with a little sogginess. You can attend events like Salt Lake City Marathon, Living Traditions Festival and Great Salt Lake Bird Festival.

June to August is summer in Salt Lake City, and it is the best time to give the hiking trails in the city a chance. The temperature ranges from 13 to 32 degree Celsius. It can get pretty hot in summer, so you might want to pack some extra sunblock and ensure that you are well-hydrated. You can also visit the Wasatch National Forest, which is a relief from the otherwise warm summer. This is not the most popular season to visit Salt Lake City, but you can attend events like Utah Pride, Utah Arts Festival and Days of '47. You will get a great deal on hotels and might even get cheap flight tickets to Salt Lake City since it is a low tourist season in the city.

September and October is also an ideal time to visit Salt Lake City. While the autumn season does not attract a lot of tourists, the hotel rates are quite low. The temperature ranges from - 5 to 25 degree Celsius with the city experiencing snowfall towards the end of the autumn season. If you are not fond of holidaying at crowded places, you can head to Salt Lake City during spring or autumn. You can attend events like Utah State Fair, Salt Lake City Jazz Festival and Utah Humanities Book Festival.

Places to Visit in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has some beautiful tourist spots that are a sight for sore eyes. It is a popular spot for a lot of nature lovers, honeymooners and families. Solitude Nordic Center is the place to go to if you want to see snow in other seasons except winter. You might have to pay a certain entry fee to enter the centre, but it is worth every penny spent. There are quite a few recreational activities at the centre that you can try. Not to mention, there aren't a lot of tourists visiting the place which makes it perfect for you to enjoy it by yourself. Willow Heights is a palace in Salt Lake City that offers you a scenic view of the meadows, swamps, hills, lakes and pine trees. You will also find a lot of horses, dogs, bison and birds here. This is also one of the best places to sit and meditate or take loads of pictures. You can also visit the Millcreek Canyon, and it is the perfect place to go hiking, though it is not advisable to head to this place during winters when it snows. If you want to spend some peaceful time with your family or friends, you can head to Liberty Park.

The Salt Lake Temple is a religious site for everyone who follows The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church is about 126-years old and still good as new. You will learn a lot about the inception of the church and its religious significance. You can also visit the Natural History Museum of Utah to see dinosaur exhibits and special exhibitions. Utah Olympic Park is about 28 miles from the city. It has been transformed into a park and sport-training centre. You can also zip line here or head to the ski museum. The Olympus Hills is the place you can head to if you want to indulge in a lot of shopping and recreational activities in the park. Hogle Zoo is one of the best places to go to with your family. You will find about 800 animals of 24 species in the zoo. If you plan on making your ski trips adventurous, you can head to the Powder Mountain. It is about 55 miles away from the city.

Things to do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is one of the best places to head to if you want to treat the adventurous side of you. Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is a popular place to head to if you want to go skiing. During summer, you can go hiking, fishing, biking or ziplining, too, at the resort. You can also head to Park City for skiing and hiking. A lot of festivals are also hosted at the park. You can sign up for a sightseeing tour of the city or explore it on your own. You can also visit the Bryce Canyon National Park and Utah's Mountains if you love mountains. The city also has a lot of museums that you can visit. The Great Salt Lake and Salt Lake Temple are also tourist spots worth visiting while you are here. You can also go on a food tour in the city.

Foods and Restaurants in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has a very diverse food culture, and you will find an eclectic mix of cuisines here. You will find a lot of Mexican and Italian cuisines here. Red Iguana serves traditional Mexican food and has been doing so since 1985. Crown Burgers is another popular place for burgers and has been in the business since 1978. If you want to have American cuisine, you can head to HSL. If you are craving sushi, you can head over to Takashi. You can also try other Japanese cuisines or Asian food while you are there. You will get delicious Indian food at Bombay House.

How to reach Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City International Airport is about 6 km away from Downtown Salt Lake City. The flight connectivity to Salt Lake City from India is quite good. Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Lufthansa and American Airlines have frequent flights to Salt Lake City with layovers at Singapore, Denver, Newark, San Francisco, Frankfurt, Dallas and London. If you book your tickets in advance, there are chances you might get cheap flight tickets to Salt Lake City. It might be a long journey, so brace yourself. It might take 25 to 40 hours until you reach the city. It is also pretty easy to get a taxi or car rental service from the airport.

  About Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines, which was formerly known as Ethiopian Air Lines (EAL) is also referred to as Ethiopian. The airline is the country Ethiopia's flag carrier and is completely owned by the government. Ethiopian Airlines was founded in 1945 while the flight operations commenced later in 1946. The airlines finally expanded its international flights operations in 1951. originally started as a government venture, the firm was converted to share company in 1965, when the name changed from Ethiopian Air Lines to Ethiopian Airlines. Since 1959, the airline has become a member of the International Air Transport Association. It also became part of the African Airlines Association from 1968. The airline is also part of the Star Alliance carrier, which happened in 2011. Ethiopian Airlines' hub is in Addis Ababa with its headquarters at Bole International Airport, also located in the city. The airline offers a network of 125 passenger destination, with 20 of them in domestic and 44 international destinations. Along with Addis Ababa, the airline's secondary hubs are in Togo and Mawali.

The management of Ethiopian Airlines is working towards extending its head office from Addis Ababa to a newer facility. With a view to involving more firms in designing and constructing a better building, a contest was also held in 2009. However, the plans failed to launch and led to the second round of the contest, which took place in 2011. Eventually, BET Architect PIc won the contest and contract to construct the new headquarters. An estimated Br300 million worth complex is slated to be constructed on 540,000 sq ft plot at the Bole International Airport. The project hasn't taken off due to the legal suit that the company in the fourth place has stated. The company has accused the airlines of not providing due consideration to the design proposed by them. The airline is recognised worldwide as the 4th largest with respect to connecting to a slew of countries.

As of 2017, Ethiopian Airlines has Tewolde Gebremariam as the new CEO, who replaced Girma Wake in 2011. The Government of Ethiopia has shown no involvement in the airline's functioning, including in times of significant turmoil as well as some domestic hardships. The main aim of the government of Ethiopia is to enhance the efficiency of the airline with respect to customer service and enable it to match up to global standards. The airline has been recognised tremendously for its expansion and excellence. In fact, Ethiopian Airlines was also featured on The Economist in late 1987 when economist Paul B. Henze called it as one of the most reliable and profitable aviation ventures in the Third World countries. It continues to wear the crown of most profitable ventures that have been praised by the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).

The fleet size of Ethiopian Airlines

As of 2020, the fleet size of Ethiopian Airlines is 125 with 14 Airbus A350-900 and 18 Boeing 737-800. In 2005, the airlines signed the agreement to purchase about ten Boeing 787 Dreamliners. With this move, it became the first African carrier to have so many 787s in their fleet. The carrier became the first African airline to order and operate the massive Boeing 777-200LR and took possession of the same in 2010. For its long-range passenger services, the airlines have 14 Airbus A350-900XWB, 19 Boeing B787-8, six Boeing B787-9, four Boeing B777-300ER, six Boeing B777-200LR and six Boeing B767-300ER. With respect to medium-range passenger services, the operating fleet includes 18 Boeing B737-800, four Boeing B737 MAX (Grounded) and ten Boeing B737-700NG. For regional passenger services, it has 27 Q400 Bombardier and for Cargo and non-scheduled services include 10 Boeing B777-200LRF and two Boeing B737-800F.

In 2016, Ethiopian Airlines acquired its first Airbus A350 XWB. Later in 2017, the airline also announced to add ten Airbus A350-900s and also committed to purchasing two Boeing 777 aircraft. In the same year, the airline received its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, becoming the first airline in Africa to operate the said type of aircraft. In 2018, Ethiopian Airlines also signed an agreement to lease two Boeing 737-800SF freighters. The airline further repeated their order for a Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. Additionally, the airlines also ordered ten Q400s in a deal that is worth about USD332 million. In the same year, after the addition of a Boeing 787-9, Ethiopian Airlines created history by crossing the 100th aircraft mark. It became the first airline in Africa to manage and operate over 100 flights as part of the fleet expansion.

Baggage Allowance

Ethiopian Airlines' baggage allowance differs from the cabin that you fly in. With respect to business class, the airlines allow two pieces of baggage, each weighing about 7 kgs and not more. If you do have extra baggage that exceeds the said weight, you will need to pay some fee for it. With respect to economy class, the passenger is allowed to carry one piece of the bag with a weight of 7 kgs, free of cost. The passenger is also allowed to carry a smaller bag that fits the placement in the overhead rack as well as the space under the seat. The dimensions for the same should not exceed 23 x 40 x 55 cm. Along with the stated baggage, the passengers are also allowed to carry specific carryon luggage that should not exceed 5 kg. These items could include a lady handbag with contents such as a purse, pocket book, travelling dress, etc. A laptop is also allowed as is an overcoat, a blanket, a small camera, a decent amount of reading material, duty-free items, food consumption items for infants, a pair of binoculars and more. Additionally, wheelchairs and crutches are also allowed within the aircraft cabin for individuals suffering from mobility issues.

In terms of check-in baggage, the restricted weight per single luggage comes to 32 kg for business class and 23 kg for economy class. This is applicable to all the flights that are Atlantic-bound. Beyond the said weight will not be accepted at the check-in counter. There are some alterations with respect to flying to North America and Canada. It is recommended that the passenger goes through the official website of the Ethiopian Airlines to know more about the baggage allowance and restrictions.

In-flight services

Ethiopian Airlines supports two-class, Cloud Nine and Economy Class.

Cloud 9 (Business class) - The business class comes with a slew of in-flight services in Ethiopian Airlines as well as some amazing perks. The cabin has additional baggage allowance along with access to the C9 lounge. In fact, passengers flying business class on Ethiopian Airlines also have priority boarding facilities. For short-haul flights, the in-flight services include an array of international cuisine with a cocktail or wine as complimentary. The passengers also get to taste the traditional Ethiopian coffee. Long-haul business class passengers get to experience exquisite hospitality with a welcome drink and elaborate in-flight services. The recliner chairs are comfortable, the leg room is spacious, and the cabin crew is always at your service. Personal entertainment decks are also available for the passengers.

Economy class - The economy class has stricter rules in terms of in-flight services in Ethiopian Airlines. The hospitality remains topnotch while the services include personal entertainment decks attached to every passenger's seat. This is accompanied by a spread of lovely meals prepared by high-quality chefs, comfortable chairs and a wide selection of wine and other alcoholic beverages.

Popular routes and top cities for Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines has the best connectivity with domestic routes within the African continent. However, over the years, the airlines have expanded their horizons to accommodate flights to connect to a slew of international destinations. The most popular routes for Ethiopian Airlines include Washington, Nairobi, Frankfurt, Dubai and Asmara. Simultaneously, the passenger traffic received by the airlines to reach destinations, namely, London, Jeddah, Chicago, Beirut and Johannesburg, is also quite high. These easily become the top cities to travel for Ethiopian Airlines.

Why travel by Ethiopian Airlines?

Ethiopian Airlines has found a reputation to be one of the fast-growing airlines in the global aviation industry. The airlines have consistently been acquiring many large aircraft and accommodated the same in its hub airport in Addis Ababa. With the range of domestic routes and international routes offered by Ethiopian Airlines, the connectivity is excellent. Not to mention how booking Ethiopian Airlines flights are also quite easy and convenient. You can check for the flight schedule on their website as well as download the app on the phone to know more about the flight status and more. You can further do your web check-in on Ethiopian Airlines' website or app to make travelling easier. The flight tickets offered by the airlines are also quite cheap and affordable, giving it more reason to be picked over its contemporaries. It can be found on all travel portals and platforms. Not to mention how it is the most ideal airline to pick when travelling to European countries or around Africa.