Fast Track Through Johannesburg. Worth It?
#46
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: London(ish)
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 564
If you get in at the same time as other flights you may be standing in line for an hour or more to clear immigration (came through on Sept 9). The service is more than worth it - no waiting in a long line and help with your luggage and, if needed, re check in. Highly recommend this service and more than worth it.
We are flying business class? I would assume we'd get fast track security no?
#47
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Programs: MUCCI; BAEC Lifetime Gold; Marriott Bonvoy Emeritus Titanium; Hertz#1, Avis President’s Club
Posts: 3,214
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
There is a re-check facility just after customs and before exiting into the public greeting area, but domestic check-in can also be done in the main domestic check-in area in Terminal B. If the onwards connection is on BA operated by Comair, my experience is that going to the main domestic check-in area can be better overall.
You have already been given plenty of advice above for how to expedite your way through security and outbound immigration for a departing international flight.
#50
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM
Posts: 6,330
If you get in at the same time as other flights you may be standing in line for an hour or more to clear immigration (came through on Sept 9). The service is more than worth it - no waiting in a long line and help with your luggage and, if needed, re check in. Highly recommend this service and more than worth it.
An old thread with an old problem & some conflicting reports in this thread.
Arrived last week, and the line grew rapidly as there was only ONE person checking passports for the "All other Passports" lane. The one person who was checking passports prioritized people in wheelchairs, so the main line was basically not moving for about 30 minutes.
Eventually two more booths opened up, and the line started moved again. There were probably 300 people in line at that point.
Total wait time about 50 minutes.
Is the VIP fast track still a viable option?
#51
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 89
I've used the BidVest transfer service a few times recently and it is generally good. It will save time through immigration if there's a queue. They will also carry your bags between the terminals and help you recheck bags which is useful if you have a lot of luggage. Finally they will take you to the entrance of the airside lounge you are using.
One slight odd point is that I'm not sure how officially recognised it is by the airport. For instance once we got taken to the front of the 'all other passport' queue and the immigration officer sent us away to the wheelchair line (with a lot of push back from the BidVest staff member). Another time we were taken through the staff security in the domestic terminal rather than the front of the domestic normal security. You would think there would be an 'official' procedure for dealing with people using the service, but I guess it is Africa!!
One slight odd point is that I'm not sure how officially recognised it is by the airport. For instance once we got taken to the front of the 'all other passport' queue and the immigration officer sent us away to the wheelchair line (with a lot of push back from the BidVest staff member). Another time we were taken through the staff security in the domestic terminal rather than the front of the domestic normal security. You would think there would be an 'official' procedure for dealing with people using the service, but I guess it is Africa!!
#53
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: London(ish)
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 564
Just arranging to book this again for my flight next week.
Worked well last time, although there wasn't much of a queue, saying that I bet if I didn't book it this time, it would take an hour or so!
Worked well last time, although there wasn't much of a queue, saying that I bet if I didn't book it this time, it would take an hour or so!
#54
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Atlanta but Washington DC will always be home.
Programs: Marriott LTP, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold, Hyatt Explorist,, Delta Plat,
Posts: 2,070
Stupid question, how does one book the Bidvest arrival service? Can't seem to find a webpage for it.