Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,839
If aisle access is a thing for you, SAA has 4/6ths of its seats with direct aisle access. BA only has 4/8ths (also, 2/4ths on the upper deck of the 747 and 4/7 on the upper deck of the A380), plus a few exception seats, with full aisle access.
SAA has incredibly thick padded and comfortable seats. Maybe the most comfortable from that standpoint in the world. BA's are ok, but not as nice.
On BA planes with upgraded IFE, their PTVs are probably better. Otherwise, basically a wash.
I find SAA has better food than BA and better still wines, but SAA has had a habit of using South African sparkling in J and I prefer BA's use of actual champagne. Booze is a wash, though I like that SAA has Dry (Bitter) Lemon on all flights to go with my gin.
I find the SAA FAs much friendlier and generally more attentive.