Just to give a quick trip report on this flight, for coach. The primary benefit of this flight (obviously) is the fact that it's nonstop, so it saves considerable time. For coach, the service is fine. The best feature is the AVOD -- not "best in class" but there are enough movies and TVs shows to keep you occupied. The A340 is a decent aircraft (plenty of lavs). Service isn't SAA's strong suit but is probably as good as most USA airlines. The flight attendants perform like gov't employees: no warmth, mechanical service. Not a lot of beverage service and if you go back to the galley, they point to a bottle of water. Also, not as much food as you might want for all those hours: don't miss the meal service after takeoff (even if you're not hungry yet), or you might get hungry later!

Oddest thing about the flight is that all the pax are white -- less cultural diversity than on a USA domestic flight -- while the cabin crew is all black. Welcome to the weird world of South Africa.