Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - Any good and low-cost airlines in South Africa?

Sorry I am not familiar with the airlines in South Africa, except *A's SAA.

Could anyone suggest some nice and low-cost airlines in South Africa operating the routes between JNB and DUR and CPT.

Can these airlines interline luggages with other airlines, like SQ or MH?

Many thanks

Sorry I am not familiar with the airlines in South Africa, except *A's SAA.

Could anyone suggest some nice and low-cost airlines in South Africa operating the routes between JNB and DUR and CPT.

Can these airlines interline luggages with other airlines, like SQ or MH?

Many thanks

try

www.kulula.com/
www.comair.co.za/a

have you tried typing suitable words in Google?
If you are looking for recommendations then all the low cost carriers are much of a muchness in SA - you may want to stay clear of Nationwide who have had recent problems with engines falling off their wings:D

comair isn't really low-cost - it is a BA franchaise (and usually the most expensive on any particular route).

low costs are
www.kulula.co.za (BA's low cost airline)
www.flymango.co.za (SAA's low cost airline) &
www.1time.co.za (ok, but old planes)

nationwide is back in action after being grounded for the engine incident (i don't think there is anything particularily wrong with them and have no issue flying them myself)

you will only be able to interline with SAA and BA - none of the low costs (and probably not Nationwide) will interline for you.

Don't be too quick to dismiss SAA.

They have some very competitive domestic fares if you book directly on thier website (www.flysaa.com).

I've found prices very similar to the low cost airlines if you book well in advance and the experience somewhat better (newer fleet, complimentary meal and bar service and far more flights than the other carriers.

SAA can tag luggage for connecting flights with other carriers but only when leaving South Africa. I'm almost certain that when arriving on an international flight you are required to claim your luggage at JNB (or CPT) and clear customs before re-checking in for any domestic connections.

Regarding fleet, flymango have the newest equipment of the low-cost airlines. As SAA's low-cost brand, they are using former SAA 737-800s.

Regarding good airlines, BAA/Comair is still my favourite.

Speaking of South Africa; is it possible to fly from Mbini or Bata, EG directly to Cape Town? I'm trying to go without bouncing back and forth to Paris...

TIA
DLM

Not sure about these locations, but the two airlines to try are
SA Express - http://www.flysax.com/
Airlink - http://www.saairlink.co.za/

If they don't fly there, you are most likely out of options
-- Mike

I'm almost certain that when arriving on an international flight you are required to claim your luggage at JNB (or CPT) and clear customs before re-checking in for any domestic connections.

From recent experience that's correct. What's more, you then have to wheel your luggage the 100 yards or so from the International to the Domestic terminal.:td:

100 yards:td:

bit more than 100 yards unfortunately...

Speaking of South Africa; is it possible to fly from Mbini or Bata, EG directly to Cape Town? I'm trying to go without bouncing back and forth to Paris...

TIA
DLM

Find your way to Libreville, Gabon.. then you can jump on an SAA flight to JNB. But it doesn't seem like there are any flights from anywhere in E.G. to SA on any airline.

Are they safe to fly? At least as safe as Southwest?:rolleyes:

Are they safe to fly? At least as safe as Southwest?:rolleyes:
yes - kulula and mango and pretty much new planes and the low cost airlines of SAA and Comair (BA) - as safe as anyone else I would say.

1time have much older planes,
Nationwide recently had an engine fall off after takeoff.

When traveling with Mango, can elite level passengers still enjoy lounge access in South African's lounges at JNB/CPT/DUR (since Mango is affiliated with SA)?

When traveling with Mango, can elite level passengers still enjoy lounge access in South African's lounges at JNB/CPT/DUR (since Mango is affiliated with SA)?No - Mango may be owned by SAA - but is not affiliated in any way in terms of FFP. Mango is a LCC without any frequent flyer program, benefits or privileges for it's own passengers or any other airlines passengers.

Having said that, you could always try show your *G card to the lounge dragons and see what happens - I guess if they insist on also seeing your Mango boarding card they might say no. Either way, if you got lounge access if would be by luck, rather than by right.

When traveling with Mango, can elite level passengers still enjoy lounge access in South African's lounges at JNB/CPT/DUR (since Mango is affiliated with SA)?

if you pay for a mango plus ticket you get lounge access at the Bid Air services lounge as well as extra baggage and a meal voucher on board

Regarding lounge access, South Africa is a good place to have a Diner's Club card as you get into the Premium Lounges in domestic and international at JNB and CPT (and presumably Durban but I have not been there). They are decent enough and can be used regardless of airline. I actually prefer the Diner's Club lounge at CPT international to SAA Lounge.

if you pay for a mango plus ticket you get lounge access at the Bid Air services lounge as well as extra baggage and a meal voucher on board