Any input of SAA biz class to JNB from ATL?
Jan 7, 2003, 4:36 pm
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 1,094
Any input of SAA biz class to JNB from ATL?
Am considering cashing in a lot of miles for 3 Business class seats ATL-JNB and JNB-JFK. Anyone have any comments on South African Airways business class? Thanks!
Jan 7, 2003, 5:00 pm
#2
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Atlanta, GA
Programs: DL 3 MM/DM, Marriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Globalist, National Exec Elite
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I have flown in F on these routes, not C. The C seats were upgraded about a year ago, but still don't offer as much space or recline as BusinessElite on Delta. The food in F is mediocre, so I would imagine it's the same in C. The wines are all South African, decent but not spectacular. The attitude of the flight attendants is usually pretty good.
On a flight this long, Y isn't really an option, and connecting via Europe to South Africa takes an extra day, so I would cash in the miles and be done with it.
On a flight this long, Y isn't really an option, and connecting via Europe to South Africa takes an extra day, so I would cash in the miles and be done with it.
Jan 7, 2003, 6:33 pm
#3
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,589
I've given up going this way (SAA ATL-JNB) and instead fly BA via LHR, much more comfortable in every way. It does take longer and cost more but in my opinion well worth it. SAA is improving and may be better next year, but not yet (it seems).
Jan 8, 2003, 9:44 am
#4
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: DL PM
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Thanks for all your comments and SAA sure gets mixed reviews but we have to take it cause I don't have enough miles to go via LHR. So, now a question of seating. Since we are a party of 3, is the 2nd row in the first or 2nd zone ok or too noisy because of the galley? Thanks again and I'll make sure to eat before boarding!
Jan 8, 2003, 12:29 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ATL
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I flew just the opposite routing (JFK-JNB, JNB-ATL) last summer in C on aircraft that had the updated seating.
The seats were OK but not quite the same seat pitch as DL B/E. The seating is 2-3-2. Here's a hint: if there is no one sitting behind you, there is a little metal tab near the ashtray that allows the seat to recline to almost flat. I saw one pax get up and go to the middle seat, which were typically unoccupied on my flights, fold it flat and had a nice nap!
The food is ordinary, with meager portions.
The outbound leg to JNB is L-O-N-G. The return leg has to stop in Cape Verde for a change of catering, crew and fuel.
The seats were OK but not quite the same seat pitch as DL B/E. The seating is 2-3-2. Here's a hint: if there is no one sitting behind you, there is a little metal tab near the ashtray that allows the seat to recline to almost flat. I saw one pax get up and go to the middle seat, which were typically unoccupied on my flights, fold it flat and had a nice nap!
The food is ordinary, with meager portions.
The outbound leg to JNB is L-O-N-G. The return leg has to stop in Cape Verde for a change of catering, crew and fuel.
Jan 8, 2003, 2:58 pm
#6
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 1,094
Thanks for the tips Keeton! We're doing ATL-JNB first so that won't be quite as long as the return to JFK which we're NOT looking forward to, especially since we have to connect to LAX also(if only Singapore flew that route!) Maybe the flts won't be full since this trip is in August and therefore winter(but high season for safaris).
Jan 8, 2003, 5:35 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Kamuela, Hawaii
Programs: AA Platinum Plus; One World Emerald
Posts: 540
I flew Atlanta to Jo'burg a year ago (before the seats were upgraded) and thought the service was fine. It might not be up to Qantas or the Asian carriers, but it was comparable to that of the US carriers -- and the flight attendants really tried. And, the wine (South African) was excellent.