Is there any chance a Z fare on South African could be an economy ticket?
Dec 30, 2013, 3:46 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: CDG
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 1,611
Is there any chance a Z fare on South African could be an economy ticket?
Hi
I am trying to book a BUD-CPT business ticket via CAI and JNB. The third flight JNB-CPT I am looking at on a french booking site (opodo) lists the ticket as economy restricted (Z class) while the 2 first flights are in business class.
Is this an error from Opodo? ITA Matrix also shows Z fares as business class and so does South African Airways's website...
I attach a screenshot to give you a clearer view of what I am referring to.
Many thanks for your help!
Will
I am trying to book a BUD-CPT business ticket via CAI and JNB. The third flight JNB-CPT I am looking at on a french booking site (opodo) lists the ticket as economy restricted (Z class) while the 2 first flights are in business class.
Is this an error from Opodo? ITA Matrix also shows Z fares as business class and so does South African Airways's website...
I attach a screenshot to give you a clearer view of what I am referring to.
Many thanks for your help!
Will
Dec 31, 2013, 8:17 am
#3
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,273
Fear not, the Z bucket on SAA is a discounted business class fare!
See: http://www.flysaa.com/za/en/flyingSA..._Families.html
I know you have looked that up yourself, but I know it to be correct. Maybe Egyptair uses Z as an economy bucket, causing the confusion?
By the way, SA323 on 5 April is (at the moment) being operated by an Airbus 340 so you'll experience the International business class product (that is to say, the hard product, the soft product will be the same as it is on the 738).
So lets hope they don't change the equipment (which, sadly, is not impossible).
See: http://www.flysaa.com/za/en/flyingSA..._Families.html
I know you have looked that up yourself, but I know it to be correct. Maybe Egyptair uses Z as an economy bucket, causing the confusion?
By the way, SA323 on 5 April is (at the moment) being operated by an Airbus 340 so you'll experience the International business class product (that is to say, the hard product, the soft product will be the same as it is on the 738).
So lets hope they don't change the equipment (which, sadly, is not impossible).
Last edited by thijsseh; Dec 31, 2013 at 8:26 am
Dec 31, 2013, 8:42 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: CDG
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 1,611
Fear not, the Z bucket on SAA is a discounted business class fare!
See: http://www.flysaa.com/za/en/flyingSA..._Families.html
I know you have looked that up yourself, but I know it to be correct. Maybe Egyptair uses Z as an economy bucket, causing the confusion?
By the way, SA323 on 5 April is (at the moment) being operated by an Airbus 340 so you'll experience the International business class product (that is to say, the hard product, the soft product will be the same as it is on the 738).
So lets hope they don't change the equipment (which, sadly, is not impossible).
See: http://www.flysaa.com/za/en/flyingSA..._Families.html
I know you have looked that up yourself, but I know it to be correct. Maybe Egyptair uses Z as an economy bucket, causing the confusion?
By the way, SA323 on 5 April is (at the moment) being operated by an Airbus 340 so you'll experience the International business class product (that is to say, the hard product, the soft product will be the same as it is on the 738).
So lets hope they don't change the equipment (which, sadly, is not impossible).
I also checked MS and the Z fare is also a business class offering
not sure why it is showing as Y on this travel site...Yes I am choosing this flight purposely for the widebody offering :-D is there a full meal offering? How is the lounge in JNB? Is 2 hours enough?
Jan 1, 2014, 6:47 am
#5
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,273
I don't think there will be a full meal on a mid-morning flight, more like a substantial snack. The 'soft product' on domestic J is not awe inspiring 
The Domestic lounge is OK. The good thing is that there are nice showers (ask the reception for towels). The food offering is mediocre, there is a bar service although I think alcohol is only served after 10 or even 10:30. They make nice cappuccinos on demand.
Two hours should be fine for the connection. You need to collect your luggage in JNB (even if it has been labelled through to CPT) and take it through customs. You can re-check it at the counters on the left hand side after clearing customs. Luggage pilfering in JNB is still rife (my experience a few weeks ago) and you may want to 'plastic wrap' your luggage if that is available in BUD.
The Domestic lounge is OK. The good thing is that there are nice showers (ask the reception for towels). The food offering is mediocre, there is a bar service although I think alcohol is only served after 10 or even 10:30. They make nice cappuccinos on demand.
Two hours should be fine for the connection. You need to collect your luggage in JNB (even if it has been labelled through to CPT) and take it through customs. You can re-check it at the counters on the left hand side after clearing customs. Luggage pilfering in JNB is still rife (my experience a few weeks ago) and you may want to 'plastic wrap' your luggage if that is available in BUD.