As has been the case for many years, I have always found it cheaper to buy the legs (YVR-??? ???-JNB) to get the cheapest fares to Africa, as opposed to buying it outright (YVR-???-JNB). Accordingly, I was looking into getting myself to JFK and then taking EK to JNB. I thought this would be advantageous as EK has a good reputation. But after reading some post, the EK reputation may not be warranted. What is everyone thoughts? (The total cost is about C$2050, which seems cheaper than what I can get on BA, Luft, KLM.)

Also, would you recommend that the airbus or boeing service out of JFK on EK. I am thinking the airbus due to novelty and the seat configuartion in Y.

I of course could fly direct form JFK, IAD or ATL to JNB or route through Asia, which I've never done.

Thanks.