IAD - JNB next week - seat selection
 

I'm flying Tuesday IAD - ACC - JNB on SAA (hopefully their new J product... please let me know if I'm wrong for next Tuesday's flight...)

I booked via United and when I went to select my seat with them, it gave the error message: "

Should I just call SAA directly or can I only select a seat from 24-hours before departure? Seeing as it's international long haul, and in J, perhaps there is a way... thanks!

As I understand it, the new a350s do not begin service until February.

I usually book SAA flights through Air Canada. I have always had to call in to get a seat assignment.

I meant the new J cabin, which is on the A330-300.

Someone did a good travel report of the exact same route (IAD-ACC-JNB) on YouTube:
So hopefully it's the same seat. If not I'll be PISSED!

IAD-JNB on 1/21 is showing as an A330-300. It typically is that, however they sub in the older A340 (with old business seats) about 40% of the time.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c55577a86d.jpg
call their US number and they will assign a seat no problem.
18007229675


I'm on the flight in May. Unfortunately it was switched to an A340 recently. I posted about that here. Looks like the A340 may become more common on the route, but it's still random
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/sout...l#post31965679

Ah, okay. Yeah, those are very nice seats—some of the best J seats I've been in, and certainly the best SAA offers (though perhaps the a350 offers better).

The A350s dont look better. They are keeping the 2-2-2 configuration from the planes previous owner.

The A330-300s have the 1-2-1 config. If privacy is valued, these are better.

- Thanks for your help. I called the US number and have been on hold for over 20 minutes (even while selecting Business Class bookings)... welcome to African service! By the way what website did you use to see the seat map for tomorrow's flight? Thanks!

The 2 times i have called (also selecting business class bookings) they answered immediately and the call was over in 1 minute. I'm not sure what the norm is for their service - never used them before.

I used expertflyer.com to review the seat maps. I can't remember, but I think you need a paid subscription (which I have) to view seat maps. With what's open I'd take 6K - window with the seat closest to the window. See seat guru. If you care much about what side the sun will be on, run the flight details through http://sunflight.net/

Ideally you should be able to open your UA booking and find the actual SA ref number, then go to SA's website and open your booking. Try it. It doesn't work for me. My booking is an award booking through UA. On the phone SA told me its normal to not be able to access my booking until within 24hrs of the flight.

Are they? This is what our cabin looks like.
Twitter team was quick to assign us one of the couples row (1/3/5/7)

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4b5b1a83b6.jpg

I stand (partially) corrected. I was thinking of this
https://onemileatatime.com/saa-airbus-a350/

It seems that SA will have a mix of new A350s and used ones. The used ones are keeping whatever seats the previous airline had installed.

Well here's what happened:

The rep assigned me seat 4K and gave me a confirmation number - however I tried (within 24 hours) to check in and it said there was an error. When I went to check in on United it said "
We are unable to complete the check-in process at this time. Please proceed to the airport for assistance." - so I'll go to the airport tomorrow and see what's what. Hopefully I still have 4K. If not I'll be pissed...

Maybe the lessors are busy repossessing all SAA planes.

Johan