787 or A380 to JNB?
#2
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Near Heathrow
Programs: BAEC GGL
Posts: 24
Generally in my experience I'd go for the 380, but both questions will depend to some extent on what class you are travelling in. In F 2 A/K on the 380 can't be bettered by the 787, likewise 61 A/K in WT+ (but need to be snagged by phone as they are bassinet positions). CW not much to chose.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Herts, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HH Diamond.
Posts: 3,178
When is the 787 coming to the JNB route, AFAIK it is a mix of 380's and 747's? (which seem to be pretty full.
is it going on the 55 or 57 rotation?
(off to checn my seat is still 64k :-) )
is it going on the 55 or 57 rotation?
(off to checn my seat is still 64k :-) )
#7
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,152
London Heathrow – Johannesburg eff 28OCT18 Increase from 14 to 18 weekly, new flights operated by 787-8
https://www.routesonline.com/news/38...as-of-06jun18/
#8
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Herts, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HH Diamond.
Posts: 3,178
The flights are being increased from 14 to 18 weekly and the new flights are on the 787-8 and the flight numbers are BA51 out and BA50 back, Sun, Tues, Wed and Fri with BA 55 and 57 remaining as they are.
London Heathrow – Johannesburg eff 28OCT18 Increase from 14 to 18 weekly, new flights operated by 787-8
https://www.routesonline.com/news/38...as-of-06jun18/
London Heathrow – Johannesburg eff 28OCT18 Increase from 14 to 18 weekly, new flights operated by 787-8
https://www.routesonline.com/news/38...as-of-06jun18/
but seeing the timings, Id be on a 747 or A380 everytime
#9
Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 10,152
#10
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Herts, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL, HH Diamond.
Posts: 3,178
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,435
Take the later flight out, nice timings as you can eat in London, head to Heathrow late, board, read for bit, sleep then breakfast on board and arrive good to go. The earlier departures arrive a bit too early (unless you are a real early riser). Immigration is generally quieter the later on the day you arrive.
Coming back the early flight is a little better. Lounge food is pretty crap so dinner on board is marginally better, then sleep to London and breakfast on arrival.
Flight timings more relevant than plane type on this route IME. The 50 and 51 flight timings are not nice,
Coming back the early flight is a little better. Lounge food is pretty crap so dinner on board is marginally better, then sleep to London and breakfast on arrival.
Flight timings more relevant than plane type on this route IME. The 50 and 51 flight timings are not nice,
Last edited by Swanhunter; Jun 18, 2018 at 4:15 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: near Heathrow
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL (OWE), SA LifePlat (*G), BD Gold to the end, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,911
Timings are most important for me and the 787 flight lands in Jo'burg at 5.40am which is 3.40am UK time when the service commences in winter 2018. It doesn't make for a great nights rest.
I prefer a later departure and arrival, so on the winter schedule (both other flights are A380s in December), I'd take the 21h10 departure from Heathrow, eat in lounge, sleep on the plane, leisurely breakfast and arrive in Jo'burg at 10.15 (8.15am UK).
I prefer a later departure and arrival, so on the winter schedule (both other flights are A380s in December), I'd take the 21h10 departure from Heathrow, eat in lounge, sleep on the plane, leisurely breakfast and arrive in Jo'burg at 10.15 (8.15am UK).
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
It's a real pity; as an aircraft, I'd take the 747 any day, particularly if flying in CW. JNB going to double-daily 380s during northern winters (along with the complete withdrawal of the 747 from HKG) has put a dent in my aspirations.