Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - SAA international service in Y

I am researching a trip to JNB from Canada. Most of the informaition posted concerns J class and I could not find a lot posted on international service in economy class.

I would appreciate any feedback on the back cabin experience.

Thanks

Anyone.... ?

Generally we have found the service pretty good in economy. At times it is the best service we've had, and a few times it has been terrible.

Most, if not all, planes have video on demand, decent food and okay legroom. If you happen to be flying in the 747, do make sure to get seats in the upstairs cabin.

I flew the FRA CPT run roundtrip last spring on their A340-600. Brand new jet so nice and clean. The ride was smooth and quiet.

They have recently upgraded to 34 inch seat pitch (thank you!) for Y class so although long (12 hrs) totally do-able.

Service is hit and miss - some staff very friendly, some surly. Food is ok for Y class, they do come thru with water, drinks quite often. The PTV system is good, enough films to keep you occupied if you cannot sleep. Loved the camera views on the tail.
Staff was very mixed on both flights - both very young and very old f/a's.

To compare I would rate SAA better than most NA airlines but nowhere as good as any large Asian airline.

hope that helps.
Alek

From Canada I am guessing your options are to go through the US, London or Frankfurt.

From the US, its an A343 from New York and an A346 from DC. Both planes have AVOD, with a great selection of movies. The seat pitch is great now that they have increased it to 34 inches. Service is good, the fa's can range from friendly to a bit up tight, but they are always very professional and will be very responsive to any requests. The flights from the US are LONG, 17-18 hours total with a stop in Dakar to refuel, drop off some passengers and pick up others. You can't get off the plane here, and the stop is actually pretty annoying. They make you take your luggage down from the overheads and put them in your lap (security measure, I assume so people can't get off and leave their bag). It seems like a good time to stretch your legs and walk around, but the crew changes and they are busy catering the aircraft so it is pretty hectic. Throw in that the stop happens in the middle of the night, and it is not that much fun.

I think Frankfurt is an A346 too (although maybe an A342 to Capetown). The A342 does not have AVOD, only main screen entertainment.

From London its 747s which also have AVOD, although the system is a bit older and can be tempermental. As was mentioned, get onto the upper deck if you can. It is nice and small and the seat pitch there is bigger then anywhere else on the airplane.

The fastest way to get there is through the US, but it is a long haul. If you go through Europe there is typically a 12 hour layover, but that can be nice to stretch your legs and wander around London or Frankfurt for a couple hours (as long as you can store your bags). Of course then you have to take two overnight flights in a row, which is not fun. Depends on your preference for which route is better.

I think Frankfurt is an A346 too (although maybe an A342 to Capetown). The A342 does not have AVOD, only main screen entertainment.

Both flights from FRA to JNB and CPT are on a A346. The A342 use to fly from Paris and Zurich to JNB

I think Frankfurt is an A346 too (although maybe an A342 to Capetown). The A342 does not have AVOD, only main screen entertainment.

Both flights from FRA to JNB and CPT are on a A346. The A342 use to fly from Paris and Zurich to JNB

The 342's were recently refitted, with the flat bed seats in J. ^ Does anyone know if this means that they now also have AVOD, or was it just a seat change? It looks like the seat pitch in Y was not adjusted to 33/34" as was the case in the 346 and 343. :(

I notice that for a flight to LHR in June next year, the metal was changed from 346 to 342. I booked 3A/C and wnen I recently checked on checkmytrip, the cabin had 'shrunk': still 3A/C but now in the second row from the back!