Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Transit in JNB: what to do?

I (along with a number of others) have a rather brutal itinerary from ORD-LUN (Lusaka, Zambia) through ATL and JNB (with one-hour refuel in Cape Verde) in Y on SAA (Delta on the ORD-ALT leg) in December.

Anyway, with a 10:45 a.m. arrival and 6:00 p.m. departure, there's a little time in JNB. I'm not sure if this is the right fourm for these questions, so, moderators, move if it is better somewhere else.

We're in Y with no status, so I don't think lounges are an option, if there are any lounges to be had.

Any nearby hoetels with shuttles and day rooms?

Is there an on-site hotel with day rooms?

A quick tour of something in JNB?

Dining options in the airport?

I have also heard that organized criminal gangs have a tendency to steal from checked baggage in JNB. Does anyone know if this has lessened?

Finally, how many meals are served on the ATL-JNB flight in Y?

Any nearby hoetels with shuttles and day rooms?

There is a Holiday Inn on the Airport premises serviced by shuttle bus, also within walking distance, (but this is not advisable). I know you can get day rooms but not sure of cost.

Is there an on-site hotel with day rooms?

There is an Intercontinental within one minutes walk of the International Terminal. I'm sure you can get a day room at a price.

There is also a small Transit Hotel in the International Terminal - no idea what this is like.

A quick tour of something in JNB?

Emperors Palace is just down the road, this is a big casino - entertainment resort. You can get a shuttle or taxi there. East Rand Mall is also close, lots of shops, movies, restaurants etc. I wouldn't advise going any further from the airport, traffic can be terrible!

Dining options in the airport?

There are plenty of places to eat and drink. Food outlets include coffee shops, a juice bar, steak houses, a bakery, and fast-food restaurants.


I have also heard that organized criminal gangs have a tendency to steal from checked baggage in JNB. Does anyone know if this has lessened?

It does happen, but I don't think you need to be paranoid about it. Obviously don't keep cameras etc in your checked baggage.

Finally, how many meals are served on the ATL-JNB flight in Y?

As far as I can remember, a lunch/dinner after leaving ATL, a snack after leaving SID, and the usual breakfast prior to arrival in JNB.

This sounds like a really tough itinerary good luck, 18 hours on Y between ATL and JNB is not pretty!

Thank you so much for the information. I will check on the transit hotel and the Holiday Inn.

It seems that our outbound flight JNB-LUN at 18:00 has been canceled and replaced by a flight with a 55 minute connection time.

Questions:
1. Is that connection possible at JNB?
2. Might they hold the flight to Lusaka?
3. If we miss the flight, will SAA pay for our hotel etc.?

You should make the connection as you just have to go through international transit, which is pretty painless. (Make sure you get your boarding card issued at ORD.) Not sure if your checked baggage will make it though, but if it doesn't it will be put on the next flight and delivered to you in Lusaka. Might be wise to take a change of clothing in your carry on bag.

They may hold the flight for a few minutes, but I wouldn't count on it as JNB is busy. I assume they will cover accommodation if you don't connect as they cancelled your booked flight.

FYI, there is also a pay-as-you-go lounge on the mezzanine level just adjacent to the SAA 1st class lounge and to the right of the VS Upper Class lounge. I've never been in this one, but I've used the one managed by the same people in the domestic terminal (Nationwide lets biz. pax use this lounge), and they're not particularly nice.

You should be able to make the connection in 55 minutes.

If it's any reassurance, I've been commuting from DC to here (Joburg), and I always check at least 1 bag. I've never had a problem, and I don't even lock them anymore as they just break them off in either DC or Frankfurt for security checks. JNB has has problems with baggage handlers and porters stealing from pax., but IMO this is pretty exaggerated. What's not exaggerated is the paltry legroom in Y on SAA - it sucks out loud. I hope you're short.

Will