FlySafair & flexibility for missing connection
May 18, 2023, 6:39 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX
Programs: AA PLT / 2MM
Posts: 2,113
FlySafair & flexibility for missing connection
Hi, we're landing at CPT on 5:10pm on UA 1122, and trying to get to JNB that evening.
Thinking of booking CPT-JNB on FlySafair because they have the most flights, which gives us the most flexibility in case we miss our connection. Is that smart? We won't have checked bags. Should we buy the 6:30pm flight or the 7:25pm flight?
If we miss our connection, how "flexible" will they be with flat tire rule stuff? There's also an 8:00pm and 8:50pm flight. Will they just put us on one of those, or will they try to charge us some full fare?
Thanks so much!
Thinking of booking CPT-JNB on FlySafair because they have the most flights, which gives us the most flexibility in case we miss our connection. Is that smart? We won't have checked bags. Should we buy the 6:30pm flight or the 7:25pm flight?
If we miss our connection, how "flexible" will they be with flat tire rule stuff? There's also an 8:00pm and 8:50pm flight. Will they just put us on one of those, or will they try to charge us some full fare?
Thanks so much!
May 19, 2023, 3:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,656
They will be zero flexible. You buy it, you fly it. Missed flight means buying a new ticket.
May 20, 2023, 2:52 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SE1, London
Posts: 23,430
May 20, 2023, 12:39 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
I know I can be overly conservative but I always book an overnight connection when I arrive in South Africa and connect to another airline on separate tickets. I don't know what the airport hotel situation is in CPT but it is very doable in JNB.
May 21, 2023, 7:23 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Pennsylvania
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, AC *S, Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 9,689
Agree that they are unlikely to be flexible outside of North America. I have had the odd agent go out of their way, but I wouldn't expect it. I would personally book for the latest flight of the night. What is the change fee for the ticket? If you realize you are going to miss the connection another option would be to change to a later flight while you are en-route which shouldn't be an issue as long as this is done before departure and there are seats on a later flight.