kyleay

Hi All,
I have most of my flights figured out, but struggling with this one. Any suggestions for finding availability and then booking using points on South African airlines (probably around 6/28/20)? I have Amex MR, Chase UR, AA, Delta, Alaska, and Virgin Atlantic points to use.

South African is the only nonstop option I see, but I'm open to others (looks like Air Botswana might be an option). Thanks!
--Kyle

johan rebel

Will SAA be around on 6/28/20? That's the question.

Johan

kyleay

Is it looking that bad for them? It looks like that flight would be just 10k points if I'm able to find availability (through Virgin Atlantic), but so far no luck on 6/28 or 6/29 when I called. :-(
--Kyle

johan rebel

They've to all intents and purposed been technically bankrupt for years, but the government is likely to keep propping them up in one way or another for a while yet.

Johan

RCyyz

If SAA was in the US, they'd be in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings right now. You can find some news clippings in other threads on the SAA forum, but an administrator has been appointed to oversee day-to-day operations. The latest "emergency funding" from the government was something like 2 billion Rand which is only in the neighbourhood of $200 million USD. How long do you think that amount will last?

Personally, I think SAA will be reincarnated in some form. But it's absolutely clear that SAA cannot continue unchanged. If you have options, I'd recommend exploring them and placing SAA towards the bottom of your list. It's really a shame; I've only ever had great flights with even better crew on my SAA flights. I shall miss that warm South African welcome on board.

kyleay

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep that in mind and hope for the best. But that might be our only way to get to Maun (at least with points). We're trying to make it work with Victoria Falls instead, but that isn't ideal either. Cheers,
--Kyle