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Conditions of Carriage

1. CONDITION OF CARRIAGE
1.1 DEFINATIONS

  1. “Ethiopian” or “ET” means Ethiopian Airlines Group.

  2. “Carrier” means all air carries including ET that carry or undertake to carry the passenger or his/her baggage hereunder.

  3. “Checked Baggage” means Baggage of which the Carrier has agreed to take custody and for which a Baggage Identification Form has been issued.

  4. “Code shares” means commercial arrangement between ET and other airlines in which one airline sells seats on a flight operated by the other while each carrier uses its own flight number.

  5. “Convention” means either of Warsaw Convention or Montreal Convention or both, as may be applicable.

  6. “Hague Protocol” means a protocol to the Warsaw Convention signed at The Hague, 28th September 1955.

  7. “Montreal Convention” means the Convention for the unification of certain rules for international carriage by Air, was agreed in Montreal on 28 May 1999.

  8. “SDR” means Special Drawing Right which is a unit of account of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the value of which is periodically defined by the IMF on the basis of the listed prices of several reference currencies.

  9. “Ticket” means a passenger ticket and baggage check, of which these conditions and the notices form part.

  10. “Unchecked Baggage or “Cabin Baggage” means all Baggage, including personal items, other than Checked Baggage. This Unchecked Baggage remains in the custody of the Passenger.

  11. “Warsaw Convention” means the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to International Carriage by Air signed at Warsaw, 12th October 1929, or that Convention as amended by The Hague Protocol whichever may be applicable.

1.2 REFUSAL TO TRANSPORT

Ethiopian may refuse transport when:

  1. Such action is necessary in the interest of safety.

  2. Such action is necessary to prevent violation of applicable laws, regulation, or orders of any state or Country to be flown from, into or over.

  3. The conduct, status, age or mental or physical condition of the passenger is such that: Company personnel are unable to provide necessary assistance He/she fails to comply with instructions of company personnel His/her actions are objectionable to the other passengers.

  4. Such as obviously intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. (This does not apply to passengers who are under medication and accompanied by a physician or nurse).

  5. At any embarkation or intermediary point, the Carrier may, for security and/or safety reasons, refuse to carry as Baggage the items designated as hazardous, or to refuse to continue carrying them, if they are discovered during the journey.

  6. The Carrier may refuse to carry any item as Baggage due to its dimensions, form, weight, content, configuration, nature or its unpleasant odor or for operating, security/safety reasons or to preserve the comfort and convenience of Passengers. Information on this type of Baggage is available upon request.

  7. The Carrier may refuse to carry Baggage that it reasonably considers be poorly packing or placing in unsuitable containers. Information on packing and unsuitable containers is available upon request.

  8. The Carrier may refuse to carry Baggage, if the Passenger does not pay the fare for the excess baggage as determined by the Airline.

  9. If the Carrier refuses to carry Baggage, the Carrier has no obligation to take custody of such refused Baggage or items. If the Carrier were to take custody thereof, the Carrier is not liable for loss of or damage to such Baggage or items.

  10. The person has such a degree of physical infirmity that the trip would likely result in complications or death, leading to a diversion.

  11. The person requires individual nursing or care during the flight and is not accompanied by a suitable personal care attendant and/or safety assistant.

  12. The person, because of their physical or medical condition, poses a direct threat to the health or safety of other passengers, their property, the aircraft or crew. Furthermore, the threat cannot be eliminated by providing additional aid or services or by other means (e.g., face masks, separate seating).

  13. The person fails or refuses to submit themselves to the specific conditions of carriage required by the operating airline.

  14. Information is required about the person's medical condition (diagnosis) where the passenger's own physician refuses to disclose such information to the authorized medical service.

  15. The person has a communicable disease and is in the infectious period (or does not have proper medical clearance).

  16. Stretchers may be refused as per the aircraft type or airline procedures.

  17. If passengers behaved in a way that seriously violated Ethiopian standards of conduct on a previous travel and Ethiopian have cause to think that this behavior will be occur again.

1.3 CONDUCT ABOARD AIRCRAFT

  1. Ethiopian may exclude passengers from a flight if passengers:

  2. -Are apparently under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
    -Are likely to constitute an annoyance to other passengers, or pose a potential danger to the safety of the aircraft.
    - Do not observe the instructions of authorized officials.
    -Conduct in an improper manner.
    -Are apparently suffering from an infections or contagious disease
    -Are apparently of unsound mind
    -Obstruct the crew in the performance of their duties,
    - Fail to comply with any instructions of the crew.
    -Inconvenience, damage or injury to other passengers or the crew,
2. BOOKING AND TICKETING
2.1 Reservation/Booking Requirements

  1. Bookings can be made for adult passengers and children and infants traveling with accompanying adults for the transportation of incapacitated passengers, expectant mothers and unaccompanied children.

  2. Necessary formalities have to be completed and the airline's consent has to be secured ahead of time.

  3. If you are travelling to/from America and have made your travel reservation at least 7 days prior to date of departure, Ethiopian Airlines will:
• Hold that reservation for 24 hours at the quoted rate free of charge
• You will get a full refund if you decide to cancel your reservation within 24 hours of buying a ticket


2.2 FARE CONDITIONS

  1. Fares quoted include all taxes, except where taxes are collected locally at airport check-in. All quotes remain subject to changes and are only guaranteed when the booking has been paid.

  2. Ethiopian offers lowest fare available for which you are eligible for the date, flight, and class of service on our website www.ethiopianairlines.com, or when you call Ethiopian’s telephone reservation system to inquire about a fare or make a reservation; at ticket counters; or at city ticket offices.

2.3 CANCELLATION OF RESERVATIONS

  1. Ethiopian has the right to cancel reservations (whether or not confirmed) of any Passenger whenever such action is necessary to comply with any governmental regulation, upon any governmental request for emergency transportation in connection with the national defense, or whenever such action is necessary or advisable by reason of weather or other conditions beyond ET's control, (including, but not limited to acts of God, force majeure events, strikes, civil commotions, embargoes, wars, hostilities, or other disturbances, whether actual, threatened, or reported).

2.4 TICKET VALIDITY PERIOD

  1. Period of Validity - Except as otherwise provided in this Rule or required by the applicable local law of a foreign jurisdiction, any eligible Ticket issued by ET or its authorized agent on ET Ticket Stock will be valid for transportation for one year from the date on which transportation commences at the point of origin as designated on the original Ticket or, if no portion of the Ticket is used, one year from the date of issuance of the original or reissued Ticket, whichever is later. When an unused published fare Ticket is completely reissued, the new Ticket validity on the reissued Ticket will be determined from the date the ticket was reissued.

  2. When a Ticket includes an excursion or special fare having a shorter period of validity than one year, the shorter period of validity will apply only to the excursion or special fare transportation.

  3. When a fare limits the carriage to specific periods of the day, week, month, or year, the Ticket is valid for the specified periods only. When fares are combined to create Round/Circle/Open-Jaw Trips, the most restrictive provisions will apply to the entire transportation

2.5 PAYMENT AND TICKET DELIVERY OPTION

  1. There are two payment options for your ticket. If you choose the "Pay at Agency" option payment for your ticket has to be made at the local Ethiopian airlines city ticket office.

  2. If you wish to make payment by credit card and click on the "Pay with credit card" option, your credit card will be charged automatically at time of internet booking, and an electronic ticket will be issued instantly. Payment on the web with credit card is not permitted for passengers other than the card holder unless the card holder is traveling with passenger that he/she has paid for.

  3. For other payments please contact the local Ethiopian airlines office in person. You should carry the credit card used at the time of booking when coming for boarding as it will be required for verification.

  4. All tickets to be paid at Ethiopian Airlines ticket offices (with a pay at agency option) must be collected within as shown on below table. This is rule applicable for individual bookings

  5.  Time to DepartureGenerated TTL(after booking)
    1Departure less than 24 hours, hold for 4 hours(0 to 1 Day)4 hours
    2Departure 25-96 hours, hold for 12 hours(2 to 4 Days)12 hours
    3Departure 97-240 hours, hold for 24 hours (5 to 10 Days)24 hours
    4Departure 240-720 hours, hold for 48 hours(11 to 30 Days )48 hours
    5Departure 720+ hours, hold for 72 hours ( 30 to System end Date)72 hours

  6. Tickets not collected within this period will be automatically cancelled. Note: If you decline to use our services and request for a complete refund your ticket will be cancelled, and you will be subject to applicable penalties for refund which are associated with the fare rule.
2.6 TICKET RESTRICTIONS

  1. Depending on the type of ticket you hold, certain restrictions and penalty charges for ticket validity date extension, travel date changes, cancellations and refunds may apply.

  2. Please contact your travel agent or the nearest Ethiopian office for more information.

2.7 TICKET TIME LIMIT

  1. A passenger who is not ready to buy a ticket at the time of making the reservation shall be advised to buy ticket by a predetermined time limit.

2.8 REFUNDS

  1. Ethiopian will provide prompt refunds where due for eligible tickets once we receive your request accompanied by required documentation.

  2. When refunds are due Ethiopian will process requests in a timely manner and refund the purchase price, less any applicable service fee to the original form of payment.

  3. You may seek a refund by sending a written request to Ethiopian Airlines, customer refund service, 277 S Washington st., suite 120, Alexandria VA 22 314 for refund cases in USA or any nearest Ethiopian ticketing facility.

  4. Requests may also be made via email through corresponding to your area office using the contact address from worldwide offices or through your travel agents.

  5. If you used a credit card to make your purchase we will submit the request for a refund to your credit card issuer within 7 business days of receiving your completed request for refund.

  6. The credit card issuer will refund the purchase price under the terms of the credit card agreement; your credit card statement may not immediately reflect the refund.

  7. For purchases made with cash, check or other forms of payment, Ethiopian will issue your refund within 10 business days of receipt of your completed request for refund.

  8. Please make sure to provide the passenger’s name, the address, the credit card number used for purchase, ticket number(s), and the date of travel and departure and destination cities in your correspondence.

  9. Ethiopian may refuse refund when application is not made within one year after the expiry date of the validity of ticket

2.9 REROUTING

  1. When passenger is involuntarily rerouted, he/she shall be entitled to the free baggage allowance applicable for type of service originally purchased even though passenger is entitled to a refund on his/her ticket due to being rerouted from a higher to lower class of services.

  2. If in lieu of involuntary rerouting privileges t h e passenger requests change Involving origins, destination or carrier and fare, ticket shall be reissued and a refund or additional collection shall be made.

3. NOTICE OF GOVERNMENT IMPOSED TAXES AND FEES

  1. The price of the ticket may include taxes and fees which are imposed on air transportation by government authorities. These taxes and fees, which may represent a significant portion of the cost of air travel, are either included in the fare, or shown separately in the “TAX” box (es) of the ticket. You may also be required to pay taxes or fees not already collected.
4. SPECIAL SERVICES
4.1 ACCEPTANCE OF CHILDREN AND INFANTS

  1. Space shall be reserved for a child between the ages of 2 and end of 11 years traveling with a parent.

  2. Space shall not be reserved for an infant less than 2 years of age unless requested by passenger and applicable fare paid and an infant must be seated with her/his guardian

  3. An adult can travel with only one infant. However, If travelling with two infants an escort must be arranged to take care the second infant.

4.2 UNACCOMPANIED MINOR
  1. Ethiopian considers children from the age of 5 to end of 11 years who are traveling alone on Ethiopian or Other Airline as Unaccompanied Minors

  2. Ethiopian considers youth between the ages of 12 to17 as unaccompanied minors as well.

  3. Except on code share flights, escort is not mandatory on ET sectors for unaccompanied minor between the ages of 5 to end of 11 years on all Domestic and International routes.

  4. Ethiopian will not take the responsibility for Unaccompanied Minors beyond the airport at which they are embarking or disembarking. However, Ethiopian will take the responsibility for the safe delivery of the unaccompanied minor to the receiving carrier at transfer point.

  5. Unaccompanied minors under the age of five (5) years shall not be accepted on all Ethiopian flights without accompanying family member.

  6. An escort can be provided by Ethiopian, at an applicable charge, on both domestic and international routes.

  7. Youth (12-17 years) cannot accompany children under age of 12.

4.3 TRAVELING WITH ANIMALS

  1. Pets (cats and dogs) as defined in current passenger tariffs, when in a container and accompanied by a passenger or shipped as Cargo, may be carried in cabin or baggage compartment.

  2. Dogs trained to lead the seeing impaired (seeing-eye dogs), if accompanying a passenger who is dependent on the dog and if the dog is properly harnessed, and muzzled may be carried in the cabin on all Ethiopian Airlines passenger aircraft without charge. Such carriage is dependent on any local or governmental restrictions and advance arrangements must be made before accepting seeing eye dog as PETC.

  3. Passengers traveling with service animals must not occupy emergency exits and aisle must not be obstructed.

  4. Governmental restrictions regarding pet carriage and acceptance vary from country to country. Please contact your nearest Ethiopian Airlines office or your travel agent.

  5. In the event passenger and pet are making interline connections, the applicable regulation of the interlining carrier should be checked.

  6. The charge for pet in cabin/baggage compartment will be at excess baggage rates in accordance with current applicable tariffs, regardless of weight of other baggage.

  7. Owner assumes all risk for injury sickness or death of any pet accepted for transportation, and assumes responsibility for compliance with all governmental regulations and restrictions. Ethiopian will not be responsible in the event that any pet is refused carriage into or through, any state, country or territory

4.4 PASSENGERS REQIURING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

  1. Ethiopian works hard to ensure that our aircrafts and our services are in full compliance with all applicable regulations that our customers’ needs are met and that we do not discriminate against customers on the basis of disability. To ensure the high quality of these services and protection of customer rights, we designate Compliant Resolution Official (CRO) in the airport who is responsible for ensuring services are properly implemented for our customers with disability.

  2. You can ask for assistance when you arrive at the airport if you would like certain accommodations during your travel. There are, however, certain service requests which are required to be made in advance. This notice helps us plan ahead for your safe and comfortable travel. Please check our website www.ethiopianairlines.com for details. During lengthy tarmac delays, our flight crews will make every effort to properly accommodate customers with disabilities or special needs.

  3. If your travel includes another carrier, please check directly with that carrier for any of your travel needs as different policies and procedures may apply.

  4. ccc (PRSA) shall not be restricted to any particular cabin or seated areas. However government or carrier safety regulation concerning seating shall be observed.

  5. Ethiopian or its handling agents shall provide any of the following equipment or service for handling Passenger Requiring Special Assistance (PRSA):

  6. - Wheelchairs
    - In flight Oxygen
    - Stretchers
    - Lifting services
    - Devices for supporting limbs, etc,
    - Any other specialized equipment to support Passenger Requiring Special Assistance (PRSA);

    Such equipment or service will be provided on prior request and arrangement.

    STRETCHER PASSENGERS

    -Only one stretcher passenger shall be accepted per flight leg

    -A Medical Certificate (MEDIF) stating that the patient can travel by air is mandatory.

    IN-FLIGHT OXYGEN SERVICE

    -Ethiopian will provide oxygen service for passengers who require it onboard flight at extra charge. Provision of service is subject to 48 hours prior-arrangement made during reservation or ticketing time.

    -In-flight oxygen service requiring passengers must be in possession of doctor’s statement that reveals the need for in-flight oxygen service, the required litter flow per minute and the total amount of oxygen required during the flight. Moreover, the paper should state that passengers are stable and fit to travel.

    Only six bottles are permitted to be carried on all Ethiopian Flights

    If a Passengers requiring a personal supply of oxygen is unable to administer oxygen for him/herself inflight, she/he shall travel with an escort.

    WHEELCHAIR PASSENGERS

    - Passengers who require the use of a wheelchair may be accepted without an attendant provided that the passenger presents a statement from his/her physician certifying that the passenger can make the trip without difficulty or special attention in flightand is able to evacuate himself/herself in case of emergency

  7. CARRIAGE OF MENTAL PATIENTS

  8. - Ethiopian shall transport mental patient passenger if the following conditions are met:
    ✓ Medical Information (MEDIF) shall be completed by the attending physician and approved by Ethiopian medical unit or designated physician.
    ✓ Mental patient passenger has to be escorted and that all necessary formalities and/or travel documents should be completed with the escort 24 hours prior to flight schedule.
    ✓ Seat allocation shall be given in the rear most passenger seats that are not located next to or directly across from any aircraft exit.

  9. EXPECTANT MOTHERS

  10. Normal pregnancy cases are acceptable up to 28 weeks both on domestic & international flights without a need for medical clearance from attending doctor. But expectant mother should fill pregnancy certificate & present it during check-in / boarding.

    Travel permitted until 36 weeks and 34 weeks depending on flight length.

    • Travel permitted until 36 weeks for domestic & short flights with flight time not more than 2 hours

    • Travel permitted until 34 weeks for international flights more than 2 hours provided that passenger has medical approval.

    General notes

    • Note that MEDIF is not required
    • Medical clearance (f o r m to be filled by attending doctor) & approval is not needed before 28 weeks.
    • Medical clearance by attending doctor needed after 28 weeks.

    Medical clearance from ET medical services is required only for complicated and exceptional cases of pregnancies

6. NOTICE TO DOMESTIC PASSENGERS

  1. Carriage exclusively performed within Ethiopia is subject to the provision of the commercial code of Ethiopia which limits the liability of the carrier for death or bodily injury and for loss of or damage to baggage.

  2. If the passenger’s journey involves an ultimate destination or stop in a country other than the country of departure the Warsaw Convention (or any amendments thereof) or the Montreal Convention may be applicable and the Convention governs in most cases limits the liability of carriers for death or personal injury and in respect of loss or damage to baggage. Further information may be obtained from the carrier.”

  3. For all international Carriage to which the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention applies, in any action brought before an Italian Court, the limit of Liability shall be One hundred thousand (100,000) special drawing rights as defined by the International Monetary Fund, to be converted into the national currency in accordance with the method of valuation applied by the International Monetary Fund.

  4. ID CARDS: Please remember to have your government-issued picture ID card available at all times. Note also that you may be required to present proof of age (such as a birth certificate) at the airport for children who may be traveling with you.

  1. Ethiopian has a non-smoking policy on all flights
8. BAGGAGE
8.1 BAGGAGE

  1. It is Ethiopian's intention to deliver your checked bags to you on time. However, in the event that this does not occur, Ethiopian will make every reasonable effort to deliver your bags within 24 hours.

  2. To check on the progress of your Lost or damaged and delayed Baggage, please go to our website www.ethiopianairlines.com.

  3. Baggage: Passengers are permitted free checked baggage allowance, the limit of which may differ by class and point of origin/destination.

  4. Excess baggage may be carried on payment of applicable charges.

  5. Cabin/Hand Baggage: On all Ethiopian routes you are allowed to carry only one piece of hand baggage with a maximum weight of 7kgs and measuring not more than 20x40x55cms or 8x16x2inches for economy class and two pieces of hand baggage with a maximum weight of 7kgs for business class into the cabin.
8.2 RESTRICTED ARTICLES ON ETHIOPIANAIRLINES FLIGHTS OR PROHIBITED ITEMS

Passengers must not include the following items in their Baggage:

  1. Items that are liable to endanger the aircraft, the persons or property on board, such as those specified in the dangerous goods regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and in the Carrier’s regulations, as applicable (additional information is available upon request from the Carrier); these items include, in particular, asbestos, explosives, pressurized gas, oxidizing, radioactive or magnetized substances, inflammable substances, toxic or corrosive substances and articles, liquids or other substances which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or property when transported by air.

  2. Items for which carriage is prohibited by the law in force in any State where flights depart, arrive, fly over or make scheduled Stopovers;

  3. Items reasonably considered by the Carrier to be unsuitable for carriage due to their weight, dimension, unpleasant odor, configuration or fragile or perishable nature, which make them unsuitable for carriage in light of, in particular, the type of aircraft used. Information on these items shall be provided to Passengers, upon request;

  4. Firearms and ammunition other than those intended for hunting or sport which, in order to be accepted as cargo or Checked Baggage, must be unloaded, suitably packed and have the safety catch on. The carriage of ammunition is subject to the ICAO and IATA dangerous goods regulations, as stated in paragraph (a) above;

  5. Cutting weapons, stabbing weapons and aerosols that may be used as attack or defense weapons;

  6. Antique weapons, replica of weapons, swords, knives and other weapons of this type. This type of item may not be transported in the cabin under any circumstances. They may nevertheless be accepted as cargo or Checked Baggage, at the Carrier’s discretion;

For Passenger traveling to/from US:

  1. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your luggage or on your person. A violation can result in five years’ imprisonment and penalties of $250000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive e materials. Examples: paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals.

  2. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. For further information, contact Ethiopian Airlines representative.

8.3 BAGGAGE CLAIM TIME LIMIT
  1. For both baggage and shipment, any rights to damages against carrier shall end unless an action is brought within two years from the date of arrival at the destination or from the date on which the aircraft ought to have arrived, or from the date on which the carriage stopped.
9.CHECK-IN/REPORTING TIME

Passenger shall report at the airport check-in counter 2 hours prior to flights departure for all international flight with the following exceptions:

  1. At Addis Ababa 3 hours before the scheduled departure time
  2. For flights to/from USA 4 hours before the scheduled departure time
  3. Passenger shall report at the airport check-in counter up to 1 hour prior to flights departure for all domestic flights. However for flights departing from ADD HUB, passengers shall report at the airport counter 1hour and 30 minutes prior to the flight departure time .

  4. Please make sure that you are in possession of all required travel documents with the appropriate entry visas, including a vaccination certificate.
10. CODE SHARES

  1. On some services we have arrangements with other carriers known as "Code Shares". This means that even if you have a reservation with us and hold a ticket where our name or airline designator code (ET) is indicated as the carrier, another carrier may operate the aircraft. If in case of a Code Share flight ET is indicated as the carrier these Conditions of Carriage also apply to such transportation. If such arrangements apply we will advise you of the carrier operating the aircraft at the time you make a reservation.

  2. For Code Share services on flights operated by another carrier, ET is responsible for the entirety of the Code Share journey for all obligations to Passengers established in these rules. However, each Code Share partner has rules with respect to the operation of its own flights, which may differ from ET’s rules for flights operated by Ethiopian. Those rules are incorporated herein by reference and form a part of these Conditions of Carriage.

  3. When an ET code share partner operates a flight to/ or from the U.S on which ET's "ET" designator code appears, the operating carrier's contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays will govern for that flight.

  4. The rules with respect to operation by Ethiopian that may be different from its code Share partners include but are not limited to:

  5. - Check in time limit
    - Unaccompanied minors
    - Carriage of animals
    - Refusal to transport
    - Oxygen services
    - Irregular operation
    - Denied boarding Compensation
    - Baggage acceptance, allowance and liability

  6. For the rules and regulations of Ethiopian Code Share partners, please refer to their websites or travel agency.

  7. Ethiopian will advise passenger at the time inquiry whether an ET flight is operated by another carrier under the Code Share arrangement.

  8. Please follow the below link to review the list of Ethiopian Code Share partners.

Code Share Partners.

11. CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAN

  1. All customers who want to deplane from a flight delayed on Tarmac and make alternative travel arrangements consistent with airline ticketing policies may do so, when it is determined to be safe and secure;

  2. o After the aircraft has been moved in to position for deplaning
    o All operational requirements for deplaning have been completed
    o And the pilot- in- command has allowed customer deplaning to begin.

  3. Passengers will be allowed to keep their boarding pass with them to re-board when permissible.

  4. Customers who choose to deplane and make alternative travel arrangements, consistent with airline ticketing policies, may be advised that in most cases their checked baggage will remain on the aircraft to the flight’s final destination. In cases where the flight returns to the gate and cancelled, customers will be able to retrieve their checked luggage at the airport’s baggage Claim facility

  5. Depending up on the circumstances of the delay, Ethiopian will provide adequate food and drinks including potable water.

  6. Ethiopian will take all reasonable steps to ensure that the level of seamless service both on board and on the ground meet expectations. Ethiopian will not accept liability for service deficiencies experienced by passengers for reasons other than those within Ethiopian's control.

Ethiopian Airlines Tarmac Delays Contingency Plan

  1. In accordance with Department of Transportation “Enhanced protection for airlines passenger regulations (14 CFR Part 259)” Ethiopian Airlines is committed to providing convenient and hassle-free service on every flight it operates.

  2. Ethiopian’s contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays here after refereed as “Ethiopian’s Contingency Plan” or “Contingency Plan” describes what Ethiopian will implement during lengthy tarmac delay in accordance with U.S. Department of Transport (DOT) regulations. Ethiopian makes its plan available at the carrier’s website, www.ethiopianairlines.com.

  3. Ethiopian’s goal is to make every flight a safe and pleasant experience for its customers. Ethiopian’s plan will be activated during times when customers on Ethiopian flights are experiencing irregular operations involving a lengthy tarmac delay. In most cases the cause of lengthy tarmac delays are outside of Ethiopian’s reasonable control (e.g. weather events, inefficiencies of the day’s air traffic control (ATC) systems, government operating restrictions, and airport construction projects). There are also times when anticipated flight delays may occur due to airline operations. Ethiopian adopts the following Contingency Plan, in order to be able to manage the situation in an orderly manner.

plan for Lengthy Tarmac Delays

  1. Ethiopian flights covered by this plan are those flights that depart from or arrive at a U.S. airport. Ethiopian will not permit the aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than four hours without deplaning the passenger unless:

  2. i. The Pilot-in-command determines there is a safety related or security related reason why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac to deplane passengers, or
    ii. Air traffic control advises the Pilot-in-command that returning to the gate or another disembarkation point elsewhere in order to deplane the passengers would significantly disrupt airport operation

  3. For all flights covered by this plan, Ethiopian will provide adequate food and potable water no later than two hours after the aircraft leaves the gate (in the case of departure delay) or touches down ( in the case of arrival delay) if the aircraft remains on the tarmac.

  4. For all flights covered by this plan, Ethiopian will provide operable lavatory facilities as well as adequate medical attention if needed while the aircraft remains on the tarmac.

  5. Ethiopian will provide passengers with notifications of the status of delays to passengers every 30 minutes during a delay, including the reasons for delay if known.

  6. Ethiopian will notify passengers that they may deplane from an aircraft at the gate or another disembarkation area if the opportunity to deplane actually exists.

  7. Ethiopian ensures adequate resources available to implement this contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays when necessary. Ethiopian will coordinate with Airport authorities, including terminal facility operators (where applicable), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and parties serving Ethiopian, including diversion airports.
12. FLIGHT DELAYS/CANCELLATIONS/MISCONNECTIONS

  1. Ethiopian works hard to get you to your destination on time, as scheduled. There may be times when weather, air traffic control, operational or service considerations lead to flight delays, cancellations or diversions. When this happens Ethiopian will notify you, known delays, cancellations, and diversions within 30 minutes of becoming aware of a change in the status of a flight (cancellation, delay, or diversion).

  2. Ethiopian will explain the reason for the delay (if known), cancellation or diversion based on the information that we have;

  3. Ethiopian will update the information displayed at airport gates to show flight status; and make information on known delays, cancellations, and diversions available on Ethiopian website, at the boarding gate for a flight at U.S. airport, by airport display boards, through Ethiopian reservation office, through your mobile phones and/or SMS/e-mail addresses or on www.ethiopianairlines.com.

  4. If Ethiopian‘s flight happens to miss the connection Ethiopian flight to your destination, every effort will be made for alternate travel arrangement. If that is not feasible and if you have to wait until the next available flight, Ethiopian will provide you with full hotel accommodation, 3 minute telephone call to destination and ground transportation to and from hotel.

13. DENIED BOARDING COMPENSATION

  1. Denied boarding compensation shall be issued provided that:

  2. • Passenger has a valid ticket purchased from ET or an agent of ET irrespective of whether the ticket is a document of ET or any other carrier having Interline Agreement with ET. Tickets earned from ShebaMiles points are also entitled for DBC.

    - Passenger holds confirmed and valid booking on that particular ET flight

    - Passenger has presented himself/herself for check-in for the particular ET flight at the time and place specified by ET (before online/counter/check-in activity for the particular flight is closed) within the latest check in time or within the stations minimum connecting time (MCT) for connecting passengers and is in possession of the necessary travel documents, in accordance with the General Conditions of carriage.

    - Passenger has been denied boarding on the particular flight by ET due to overbooking /payload restriction and has been left behind as a result.

  3. If your flight is an over sale situation, you will not be denied a seat until Ethiopian first asks for volunteers willing to give up their seats in exchange for compensation an amount determined by prevailing DOT rules to travel on a later, specified flight.

  4. If there are not enough volunteers, Ethiopian will deny boarding last booked passengers.

  5. Note In all circumstances, the importance of passengers and their business affiliation with Ethiopian shall be considered before reaching a decision.

  6. If you are involuntarily denied boarding and have complied with our check-in and other applicable rules, we will give you a written statement that describes your rights and explains how we determine boarding priority for an oversold flight.

  7. In addition to furnishing a written statement, if we orally advise involuntarily bumped passengers that they are entitled to receive free or discounted transportation as denied boarding compensation, we will also orally advise the passengers of any material restrictions or conditions applicable to the free or discounted transportation and that they are entitled to choose a check instead or cash.

  8. You will generally be entitled to compensation and transportation on an alternate flight. We make complete rules for the payment of compensation, as well as our policy about boarding priorities, available at airports we serve. We will follow these rules to ensure that you are treated fairly.

  9. Passengers traveling from the United States to a foreign point who are denied boarding involuntarily from an oversold flight originating at a U.S. airport are handled in accordance with U.S. Department of Transport (DOT) regulations.

14. LIMIT OF LIABLITY

  1. Passengers on a journey involving an ultimate destination or a stop in a country other than the country of origin are advised that the provisions of a treaty known as the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention may be applicable to the entire journey, including any portion entirely within the country of origin or destination.

  2. Ethiopian will not be liable to the passenger for any damages resulting from its or the passenger's failure to comply with any laws, regulations, orders, or rules, nor will we be liable for damages resulting from our compliance with state regulations or your failure to fulfill your obligations.

  3. Pursuant to these Conventions, the Carrier would be liable for damage sustained in case of death or bodily injury of a passenger upon condition only that the accident which caused the death or injury took place on board the aircraft or in the course of any of the operations of embarking or disembarking.

  4. Ethiopian Airlines shall not be held liable for passenger failures to have required travel documents in accordance with Article 15 and for issues relating to denied boarding due to insufficient travel documents and visas.

  5. Where the Warsaw Convention is applicable, the liability of the Carrier in case of death or bodily injury shall be limited to 8,300 SDR (approximately USD 10,000) per passenger (the limit will be raised to 16,600 SDR (approximately USD 20,000) per passenger where The Hague Protocol is also applicable).

  6. Notwithstanding the provisions of proceeding Article if we prove that the damage was caused by, or contributed to by, the negligence of the injured or deceased Passenger, we may be exonerated wholly or partly from our liability in accordance with applicable law.

  7. International Carriage as defined in the Convention, is subject to the liability rules of the Convention. Where International Carriage is not subject to the liability rules of the Convention, our liability for any Damage with respect to the carriage of Passengers and Baggage, shall be as set forth in the Montreal Convention. Where the Warsaw and Montreal conventions applies, we will be liable for damage except when we can prove that we took all necessary measures to avoid the damage or that it was impossible for us to take such measures.

  8. The Carrier reserves all defenses available under the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention or the applicable law, as the case may be, in order to limit its liability, or exonerate itself there from.

  9. For passengers on a journey to, from, or with an agreed stopping place in the United States of America, either the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention may be applicable, but also special contracts of carriage embodied in applicable tariffs set by virtue of inter-carrier agreements provide that the liability of certain carrier parties to such special contracts, for death or personal injury to passengers is limited in most cases to proven damages not to exceed U.S.$75,000 per passenger, and that this liability up to such limit shall not depend on negligence on the part of the Carrier.

  10. The limit of liability of U.S.$75,000 above is inclusive of legal fees and costs except that in case of a claim brought in a state where provision is made for separate award of legal fees and costs, the limit shall be the sum of U.S.$58,000 exclusive of legal fees and costs.

  11. Additional protection can usually be obtained by purchasing insurance from a private Company. Such insurance is not affected by any limitation of the carrier’s liability under the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention or such special contracts of carriage. For further information, please consult your Airline or insurance Company Representative.
14.1. Liability limits for baggage

  1. Liability for loss, delay, or damage to baggage is limited unless a higher value is declared in advance and additional charges are paid.

  2. Ethiopian would be liable for damage sustained in case of destruction , or loss of or damage to checked baggage upon condition only that the event which caused the destruction, loss or damage took place on board the aircraft or during any period within which the checked baggage was in the charge of the Carrier. However, the Carrier is not liable to the extent that the damage resulted from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

  3. Where the Warsaw Convention is applicable, the liability limits of 17 SDR (approximately USD 20) per kilogram for checked baggage and 332 SDR (approximately USD 400) per passenger for unchecked baggage.

  4. Where the Montreal Convention is applicable, subject to satisfactory evidence, the limits of liability shall be within the limit of 1,131 SDR (approximately USD 1,750) per passenger for destruction, loss, damage or delay of all baggage.

  5. For unchecked Baggage allowed on board, Carrier shall only be held liable in the event of a proven fault by the Carrier, its servants or agents.

  6. For travel wholly between U.S. points, Federal rules require any limit on an airline’s baggage liability to be at least U.S. $2.800 per passenger. Excess valuation may not be declared on certain types of articles.

  7. Unless or otherwise stated herein, international travel as defined in the convention is subject to the liability limits of the applicable convention.

  8. You should be aware that the Carrier reserves all defenses available under the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention or the applicable law, as the case may be, in order to limit its liability, or exonerate itself there from.

  9. Ethiopian shall not be liable for normal wear and tear such as scratches and dents.
14.2. Liability limits for Cargo

  1. Where the Warsaw Convention is applicable the limit of liability shall be for destroyed, lost, damaged or delayed cargo within the limits of 17 Special Drawing Rights( SDR) (approximately USD 27) per kilogram.

  2. Where the Montréal Convention is applicable, the limit of liability is only up to an amount of 19 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) (approximately USD 31) per kilogram.

  3. The limitation of the carrier’s liability in respect of total amount does not apply if the consignor has made, at the time when the package was handed over , a special declaration of interest in the delivery at destination and has paid the requested surcharge. In that case Ethiopian shall pay a compensation for destruction, loss, damage or delay up to the amount of the declared value unless it proves that the sum is higher than the consignor’s actual interest in delivery at destination.

  4. All compensation claims are subject to proof of value. Montréal Convention applies to all carriage to or from the Unites States.

  5. On-code share flights: If the air carrier actually performing the flight is not the same as the selling(marketing?) carrier, passenger shall address a complaint or make a claim for damage against Operating carrier.

  6. If the name or code (Code Share) of an air carrier is indicated on the ticket, that air carrier is the contracting carrier (i.e., the carrier shown on the ticket)
14.3 Limitation of action for damages

No action to enforce any other right to damages or compensation shall be brought after two years from the date that of your arrival at the place of destination or the date on which the aircraft was scheduled to arrive or the date on which the carriage was interrupted.

15. PERSONAL DATA

    The passenger or his/her agent should recognize that personal data has been given to Ethiopian Please refer our Privacy Policy.

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