Does Ethiopian Airlines Do Upgrades? (Complete Guide to Seat Upgrades)

Ethiopian Airlines is one of Africa’s largest and most globally connected carriers, operating long-haul flights across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As more travelers book long international routes, one question consistently comes up: does Ethiopian Airlines do upgrades, and how easy are they to get?

The answer is yes — Ethiopian Airlines seat upgrades are available, but the process is far from straightforward. Upgrade options vary by aircraft, route, ticket type, frequent-flyer status, and even operational factors like overselling. Many travelers miss upgrade opportunities simply because policies are unclear or poorly explained.

This in-depth guide explains how Ethiopian Airlines seat upgrades actually work, including paid upgrades, mileage upgrades, bidding (where available), operational upgrades, and seat selection within Economy. We’ll also cover premium seats, aircraft differences, elite-status benefits, common restrictions, and how to avoid upgrade scams.

👉 Quick Overview: Ethiopian Airlines Seat Upgrade

✈ Upgrade Possibilities: Ethiopian Airlines offers multiple upgrade paths, including paid upgrades, mileage upgrades, premium seat selection, and occasional operational upgrades.

• ✔ Upgrade Types: Economy to Business Class upgrades, Economy premium seats, and preferred seat selection.

• ✔ Eligibility Depends On: Fare class, route, aircraft, availability, and ShebaMiles or Star Alliance status.

• ✔ Premium Seating: Extra-legroom and preferred Economy seats available for a fee on many long-haul routes.

• ✔ Important Reminder: Upgrades are never guaranteed, even when requested or bid for.

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Understanding Ethiopian Airlines Seat Upgrade Types

Ethiopian Airlines does not use a single upgrade system. Instead, upgrades fall into four main categories, each with different rules.

1. Paid Seat Upgrades

Paid upgrades allow passengers to move to a higher cabin (usually Business Class) by paying an additional amount. These may be offered:

• During online check-in

• At airport check-in counters

• At boarding gates (last-minute availability)

Prices vary significantly based on demand and route length.

2. Mileage Upgrades (ShebaMiles)

Passengers enrolled in ShebaMiles may request upgrades using miles. Mileage upgrades are:

• Subject to award seat availability

• Restricted by fare class

• Not guaranteed even if miles are available

3. Operational Upgrades

Operational upgrades occur when Economy is oversold and Business Class has open seats. These are discretionary and usually prioritize:

• Elite frequent flyers

• Passengers with special circumstances

• Travelers with flexible fares

4. Seat Selection Upgrades Within Economy

This includes Ethiopian Airlines premium seats and preferred seats, which provide extra comfort without changing cabins.

How to Upgrade Your Seat on Ethiopian Airlines: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check Fare Eligibility

Not all tickets qualify. Deeply discounted Economy fares often have upgrade restrictions.

Step 2: Monitor “Manage Booking”

Log into Ethiopian Airlines’ Manage Booking section to check:

• Seat selection options

• Premium seat availability

• Upgrade offers (if available)

Step 3: Check During Online Check-In

Online check-in opens about 24–48 hours before departure, when paid upgrades may appear.

Step 4: Ask at the Airport

Airport check-in counters sometimes offer better upgrade pricing, especially on lightly booked flights.

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Ethiopian Airlines Seat Selection Explained

Ethiopian Airlines seat selection allows passengers to choose seats in advance instead of accepting auto-assignment.

Standard Seats

• Usually free on many fares

• Automatically assigned if not selected in advance

Preferred Seats

• Front-cabin Economy seats

• Aisle or window locations

• May include a fee depending on route

Ethiopian Airlines Premium Seats

Ethiopian Airlines premium seats offer:

• Extra legroom

• More personal space

• Better comfort on long-haul flights

These seats remain in Economy but are ideal for travelers not upgrading to Business Class.

Ethiopian Airlines Premium Seats: Who Should Choose Them?

Premium seats are popular among:

• Tall passengers

• Travelers on flights longer than 7 hours

• Those wanting comfort without Business Class pricing

They’re available on most wide-body aircraft but seat location varies.

Ethiopian Airlines Business Class Seat Options by Aircraft

Upgrade experience differs by aircraft type.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner

• Fully flat or angled Business Class seats

• Modern cabin but mixed seat layouts

Airbus A350

• Newer Business Class seats on select aircraft

• Some older A350s still use legacy seating

Boeing 737 MAX (Regional)

• Recliner-style Business Class seats

• Short-haul comfort only

Upgrade availability depends heavily on aircraft assignment.

Elite Status and Upgrade Priority

Ethiopian Airlines is a Star Alliance member, and elite travelers may receive priority.

Who Gets Priority?

• ShebaMiles Elite / Elite Plus

• Star Alliance Gold members

• Business travelers on flexible fares

However, elite status does not guarantee upgrades — it only improves chances during operational situations.

Upgrade Costs and Bidding: What to Expect

Ethiopian Airlines does not consistently publish upgrade prices. Typical observations:

• Premium Economy seats: low to moderate fees

• Business Class upgrades: higher on long-haul routes

• Mileage upgrades: require significant ShebaMiles balances

Upgrade bidding, when offered, does not guarantee success even if your bid is accepted.

Common Upgrade Restrictions & Exceptions

Many competitors fail to mention these:

• Some fare classes are not upgrade-eligible

• Codeshare tickets may be excluded

• Upgrades may be unavailable on partner-issued tickets

• Domestic flights have limited upgrade options

• Irregular operations can cancel confirmed upgrades

What Happens If Your Upgrade Is Denied or Flight Is Oversold?

If an upgrade is denied:

• You keep your original seat

• Paid seat selection fees may or may not be refunded

• Mileage upgrades return miles if not confirmed

If overselling occurs:

• Operational upgrades may happen

• Paid upgrades take priority over bids

Avoiding Ethiopian Airlines Upgrade Scams

Be cautious of:

• Third-party emails claiming “guaranteed upgrades”

• Social media agents offering paid upgrades

• Non-official websites requesting payment

✔ Legitimate upgrades only occur via:

• Ethiopian Airlines website

• Airport counters

• Authorized travel partners like Tours N Travel Pro

📲 For safe assistance, call +1-866-679-5070.

Impact of New Seat Retrofits on Upgrade Availability

Ethiopian Airlines continues upgrading its fleet, but:

• Not all aircraft have new Business Class seats

• Retrofit timelines vary

• Upgrade availability depends on aircraft rotation

Always verify aircraft type before expecting a specific seat.

People Also Ask (PAA)

How can I upgrade my Ethiopian Airlines economy ticket to business class?

You can request upgrades using ShebaMiles, paid offers during check-in, or at the airport, subject to availability.

What is the cost of upgrading on Ethiopian Airlines?

Costs vary widely by route, demand, and timing. Premium seats are cheaper than Business Class upgrades.

Can I use miles to upgrade on Ethiopian Airlines flights?

Yes, eligible ShebaMiles members can request mileage upgrades, but availability is limited.

Are upgrades available on all Ethiopian Airlines aircraft?

No. Upgrade options depend on aircraft type, route, and seat configuration.

Are Ethiopian Airlines upgrades guaranteed?

No. Even paid or bid upgrades depend on final availability and operational conditions.

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• Ethiopian Airlines offers multiple upgrade paths

• Premium seats provide comfort without cabin changes

• Business Class upgrades are limited and competitive

• Elite status helps but doesn’t guarantee success

• Always verify aircraft type before upgrading

Final Verdict

So, does Ethiopian Airlines do upgrades? Yes — but the process is nuanced, conditional, and often misunderstood. Travelers who understand upgrade types, timing, and restrictions have a much higher success rate.

For personalized help checking Ethiopian Airlines seat upgrade, Ethiopian Airlines seat selection, or premium seat availability, Tours N Travel Pro can guide you safely through the process.

📞 Call +1-866-679-5070 today for expert upgrade assistance and exclusive airline deals.