backdoc

I'm very partial to Virgin Atlantic but I think its A LOT shorter on SAA because you go through either JFK or IAD and then direct to Johannesburg, and on Virgin its London (Heathrow) then direct to Johannesburg.

Here is a dummy booking for SAA:



Departing:09 August 2012, 08:04 - Terminal San Francisco
Arriving:09 August 2012, 15:59 - Terminal Washington (Dulles)

Aircraft:777
Operated by: United Airlines (UA)
Class:Economy (Y)
Stops:0

Departing:09 August 2012, 17:40 - Terminal Washington (Dulles)
Arriving:10 August 2012, 17:35 - Terminal O.R. Tambo Intl Airport

Aircraft:343
Operated by: South African Airways (SA)
Class:Economy (Y)
Stops:1

and for Virgin Atlantic:

Depart Airport Arrive Airport Duration Flight No.

10,989 miles earned
6 tier point(s) Thu 09 AUG
16:30 San Francisco
(International) 10:40
(+ 1 day) London
(Heathrow) 10 hrs
10 mins VS020



Fri 10 AUG
20:30 London
(Heathrow)

Fare breakdown 08:35
(+ 1 day) Johannesburg
(International)

Fare conditions 11 hrs
05 mins VS601


Steve