Champagne no longer offered in int'l J?
Jun 7, 2016, 12:34 pm
#1
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Champagne no longer offered in int'l J?
I'll admit I don't closely follow each little change SAA implements, but I was rather surprised that the int'l J menu only featured a SA sparkling wine.
I'm pretty sure SAA served proper champagne as recently as 1-2 years ago. (And yes, I realize that a very good sparkling wine can be better than a cheap champagne, though that's hardly the case with airlines.)
Does anyone have any insights?
I'm pretty sure SAA served proper champagne as recently as 1-2 years ago. (And yes, I realize that a very good sparkling wine can be better than a cheap champagne, though that's hardly the case with airlines.)
Does anyone have any insights?
Jun 8, 2016, 5:55 am
#2
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Here is a recent business class menu if you scroll down, no Champagne to be seen, only a SA sparkling wine (which might be good of course):
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...s-review-a330/
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...s-review-a330/
Jun 9, 2016, 3:09 am
#4
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Here is a recent business class menu if you scroll down, no Champagne to be seen, only a SA sparkling wine (which might be good of course):
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...s-review-a330/
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...s-review-a330/
the menu doesn't even say which whine
and it's prob jc leroux or something cheap
that cheese plate is pretty weak and exactly what they serve in the lounge (right down to the pre packaged crackers)
all the more reason i take my bidness to tk and lh.
Jun 9, 2016, 3:53 am
#5
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Fair enough - though I'm not aware of an airline recovering by offering a more and more uncompetitive premium product (5-10 years ago their J product was among the best on the route with fully-flat J seats and excellent F&B; now it's pretty average).
Jun 9, 2016, 4:12 am
#6
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in reality it is at least 5-10 years behind the rest of world in much more than just j seats
recovering airlines with kak business class seats: all of ua, dl, aa 5 years ago, ac 10 years ago pre-xm, jl nh and tg medium haul intra-asia seats, most of air china's fleet (and they're profitable)
Jun 9, 2016, 4:34 pm
#7
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While possibly true, but more importantly, as the national carrier, SAA is fully committed to supporting the wine industry in South Africa by serving the country's vintages.
Last edited by FlyPI; Jun 9, 2016 at 4:54 pm Reason: duplicate wording
Jun 15, 2016, 12:11 pm
#8
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It would be even better if they were fully committed to supporting South African taxpayers by running an efficient and profitable airline.
Johan
Jun 17, 2016, 5:31 am
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They certainly did not have Champagne over New Year, but SA sparkling. Also, I was slightly disappointed with the SA wine choice overall - just not inspiring which is a shame when they make a big play of supporting the SA industry.
Jun 17, 2016, 9:11 pm
#10
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Cap Classique on my last SAA JNB-MRU flight in May 2016. No champers.
At least some of the wines aren't the absolute cheapest of the bunch. . . At least by comparison to some of the North American carriers which are at the absolute bottom.
At least some of the wines aren't the absolute cheapest of the bunch. . . At least by comparison to some of the North American carriers which are at the absolute bottom.
Jul 21, 2016, 6:02 pm
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When I fly "national" airlines, I actually like to be offered home country wines when those countries are known for quality wines. I would hope to have a good SA sparkling wine rather than a mediocre French champagne on my flight next month. And I look forward to an array of red and white wines over dinner. Snobism over wines is insufferable. I can understand Krug or Dom on a Gulf or Asian airline, as they don't make wine in those countries. Airlines should be ambassadors for their home food and drink.
Jul 21, 2016, 7:11 pm
#13
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When I fly "national" airlines, I actually like to be offered home country wines when those countries are known for quality wines. I would hope to have a good SA sparkling wine rather than a mediocre French champagne on my flight next month. And I look forward to an array of red and white wines over dinner. Snobism over wines is insufferable. I can understand Krug or Dom on a Gulf or Asian airline, as they don't make wine in those countries. Airlines should be ambassadors for their home food and drink.
However, when it comes to sparkling wine / champagne, it often is more of a cost issue IMO. As mentioned above, I much prefer a good sprarkling wine over a poor champagne, but IMHO it's quite rare to find high-end sparkling wine on an airline.
Jul 22, 2016, 2:02 am
#14
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SAA use LH for catering from Frankfurt, so I'm not sure you'll be getting a better cheese plate from LH.
Jul 23, 2016, 4:11 am
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