Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - SAA IAD JNB A346 inflight service questions?

Greetings all,

We're booked on the IAD JNB A346 nonstop with SAA then continuing onwards to DUR on A319 craft.

We will be traveling in economy on all flights. I have read in other posts that beer and South African wines are complimentary for Y pax.

I really enjoy a G&T, are spirits also served and complimentary?

Are spirits (& wine/beer) served only during dining or may we order anytime we desire during the flight?

My last experience on the A346 craft was with SQ where Y pax were served anything and everything including champagne and unlimited! I know SQ will be hard to beat.

My 2nd question pertains to luggage. I am assuming that our bags will be checked all the way thru from IAD JNB DUR as this is on the same ticket.

We have aeroplan ff tix for the YUL IAD leg, we will have a very long layover of 9 hrs @ IAD on the outbound.

Is there a possibility of checking our bags early for the SAA flight? I have read that the ticket counter opens @ 1pm for the 5:40pm flight. I imagine that the ticket counter is open for other flights so if I were to ask to have our bags sent would they accomodate us, or would I be putting ourselves @ risk for losing our bags??

Yourr input is always much appreciated thanks to all who reply to my post!

We will be traveling in economy on all flights. I have read in other posts that beer and South African wines are complimentary for Y pax.

I really enjoy a G&T, are spirits also served and complimentary?

Are spirits (& wine/beer) served only during dining or may we order anytime we desire during the flight?


Beer, wine and spirits are complimentary and are served throughout the flight.


My 2nd question pertains to luggage. I am assuming that our bags will be checked all the way thru from IAD JNB DUR as this is on the same ticket.


Even though your bags will be checked through to DUR, you will need to collect them, clear customs, and recheck them at the Domestic Terminal!

Good news is that the renovations at JNB are progressing nicely and you can now walk from international to domestic without leaving the terminal building.

They come through with drinks about 45 minutes before the meal service, I usually just ask for 2 right then.

Ah!!! Thank you both Shumba & escapefromphl for your informative replies. Much much appreciated!
kindest regards,

Good news is that the renovations at JNB are progressing nicely and you can now walk from international to domestic without leaving the terminal building.That is good news! I've managed to avoid JNB connections for a while now but sooner or later I will have to face one again and this will make it so much more civilised.

Is there a possibility of checking our bags early for the SAA flight? I have read that the ticket counter opens @ 1pm for the 5:40pm flight. I imagine that the ticket counter is open for other flights so if I were to ask to have our bags sent would they accomodate us, or would I be putting ourselves @ risk for losing our bags??

Yourr input is always much appreciated thanks to all who reply to my post!

If the ticket counter opens at 1pm, I would assume that 1pm is the earliest time that you will be able to check your bags. On the other hand, you could ask AC to check your bags all the way through.

If you are on an FF ticket, I assume that you are flying UA from YUL to IAD. If thast is the case, UA should be able to check your bags through to South Africa. You probably will need to show some proof of your SA ticket (i.e. e-ticket receipt with itinerary).

If you are on an FF ticket, I assume that you are flying UA from YUL to IAD. If thast is the case, UA should be able to check your bags through to South Africa. You probably will need to show some proof of your SA ticket (i.e. e-ticket receipt with itinerary).

Greetings FlyPI,
No I'm flying on AC YUL/ IAD, I will certainly ask AC to be checked thru and hopefully it will work. After all its Star Alliance all the way.. But it still may not work because its not all on one ticket... FF tix is YUL/IAD, and IAD/JNB/DUR is a paid ticket.

Thanks for your replies!!!! Best regards.

Greetings FlyPI,
No I'm flying on AC YUL/ IAD, I will certainly ask AC to be checked thru and hopefully it will work. After all its Star Alliance all the way.. But it still may not work because its not all on one ticket... FF tix is YUL/IAD, and IAD/JNB/DUR is a paid ticket.

Thanks for your replies!!!! Best regards.

Unless you get an extremely unwilling agent AC shouldn't have a problem to check your luggage through.