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Fare Rules
Understand what's included in your ticket, what fees apply for changes and cancellations, and how to make the most of your booking.
Fare Types by Cabin Class
Economy Light / Saver
Non-RefundableRefundability
Non-refundable (taxes may be reclaimed)
Changes
Not permitted on most airlines; where allowed, fee of $150–$350 + fare difference
Cancellation
No refund; credit voucher may be offered depending on airline
Baggage
Carry-on only (7 kg). No checked bag included
Seat Selection
Paid seat selection; basic seats may be free at check-in
Mileage Accrual
25–50% of base miles depending on airline loyalty program
Economy Flex / Standard
Partially RefundableRefundability
Refundable with cancellation fee ($75–$200 per person)
Changes
Permitted with fee of $50–$200 + fare difference
Cancellation
Refundable minus cancellation fee; must cancel before departure
Baggage
1 checked bag (23 kg) + 1 carry-on (7 kg) included
Seat Selection
Standard seat selection included
Mileage Accrual
75–100% of base miles
Premium Economy
RefundableRefundability
Fully refundable minus processing fee ($50–$100)
Changes
Free date changes (fare difference may apply)
Cancellation
Full refund if cancelled 24+ hours before departure
Baggage
2 checked bags (23 kg each) + 1 carry-on included
Seat Selection
Premium seat selection included; extra legroom guaranteed
Mileage Accrual
100–125% of base miles
Business Class
Fully RefundableRefundability
Fully refundable with no cancellation fee in most cases
Changes
Unlimited free date changes; route changes subject to fare difference
Cancellation
Full refund to original payment method within 7–14 business days
Baggage
2–3 checked bags (32 kg each) + 1 carry-on (10 kg) included
Seat Selection
Premium/lie-flat seat selection included; priority boarding
Mileage Accrual
125–200% of base miles; fast-track elite status
First Class
Fully RefundableRefundability
Fully refundable; no penalties on most airlines
Changes
Unlimited changes with no fees; route changes subject to availability
Cancellation
Full refund guaranteed; no time restrictions in most cases
Baggage
3 checked bags (32 kg each) + 1 carry-on (14 kg) included
Seat Selection
Private suite or flatbed; dedicated concierge service
Mileage Accrual
200% or more of base miles
General Fare Rules
24-Hour Cancellation Rule
Under US Department of Transportation regulations, all tickets issued in the US can be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, provided the ticket was booked at least 7 days before the departure date. This applies to all fare types.
Ticket Validity
Most economy tickets are valid for 1 year from the date of issue unless otherwise specified. Business and First Class tickets may be valid for longer periods. Unused tickets may be retained as a credit with many airlines.
No-Show Policy
Failing to check in for a flight without cancelling in advance (a "no-show") typically forfeits the entire ticket value with no refund or credit, regardless of fare type. Contact us before your flight if you need to change plans.
Taxes & Fees Refundability
Government taxes and airport fees are generally refundable even on non-refundable tickets. FlyEthio will process tax refunds on your behalf, minus a processing fee. This may take 4–8 weeks.
Name Change Policy
Airline tickets are non-transferable. Names cannot be changed to a different person. Minor spelling corrections (up to 3 characters) may be possible with a fee. Contact FlyEthio immediately if you notice a name error.
Codeshare & Partner Flights
On codeshare flights (where your ticket is on one airline but operated by another), the fare rules of the ticketing airline apply. Please check your booking confirmation for the operating carrier.
Group Bookings
Bookings of 10 or more passengers may have special group fare rules. Contact FlyEthio at info@flyethio.com for group booking terms and pricing.
Ethiopian Airlines Specific Rules
Ethiopian Airlines (ET) operates the majority of routes from Addis Ababa (ADD). ET's ShebaMiles loyalty program miles accrual depends on the fare class booked. ET's cancellation and change rules apply to all ET-operated flights regardless of where the ticket was purchased.
How to Request a Change or Refund
- 1Contact FlyEthio via email (info@flyethio.com) or phone (703-997-9644) as early as possible.
- 2Provide your booking reference (PNR), passenger name, and the change or refund you are requesting.
- 3Our team will check the fare rules applicable to your ticket and advise on applicable fees.
- 4If approved, changes will be processed and a new e-ticket or refund confirmation will be sent to your email.
- 5Refunds are processed within 7–21 business days depending on the airline and payment method.