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.

Most of the critisims I personally have with EK are against the older planes such as the 773s and 332s, neither of which fly to/from JNB and JFK. The ground service, food, IFE etc remains excellent.

Out of JFK I would take the A340-500, it's slightly more roomier in Y seat-width wise but there is less seat pitch than on the B777-300ER, so it's a matter of personal preference.

Does the fare you quoted include the YVR-JFK portion?

There is a V class UA fare with the routing IAD-DKR-JNB for about CAD 1700 return.

Cheers

The $2,050 was an approxiamate total of two tickets - YVR-JFK on CX 519 - remainder on the EK fare.

What does the V class fare provide?

Thanks.

YVR-JFK on CX is CX 888.

You may try SQ/CX consolidators from YVR to JNB via their home bases for less than what you have been quoted. But of course, you won't be flying EK.

Thanks for the hint. Please recommend any SQ or CX consolidators?

CX is around CAD1768 including tax from Vancouver. Routing is YVR-HKG-JNB vv. SQ is a little pricier at around CAD2000. Fares available at toureast.ca

Cheers

SQ's largest consolidator in Canada is Continental Travel on Broadway. They would have better fares than most. CX's fares can be purchased through any major asian TA in town.

FYI - too, usually, European carriers will have great fares from YVR too. ie BA via LHR, KL via AMS and LH via FRA.