I was on the phone with Gracy Travel today and they informed me that the SAA flights leaving Johannesburg are oversold in epic proportions. In fact, he told me of one client today that was trying to get on an SAA flight to Atlanta or Dulles who got to the Jo-berg airport 21/2 hours ahead of time and was 80th on the waiting list to get on an oversold flight that had over 200 oversells on it. Is anyone experiencing this now?

Last year I got to JoBurg 2 1/2 hrs. before flight time, stood in line for 2 1/2 hrs. and the guy in front of me was denied boarding as the plane was full. I was told they (SAA) had overbooked by 50 people. I know it was at least that many, as they put us in the same hotel and paid for two meals and allowed us one phone call at their expense. This year (July 30 to be exact) and knowing last years experience, I got to the airport at 11:30A for a 5:50P flight. They would not check baggage until 1P. My hunting partner recieved three boarding passes (J'Burg, Dulles, and Chicago to Houston). The ticket agent refused to give me a boarding pass for Dulles to Dallas, simply saying I didn't need it and could get it when I got there. Knew that was wrong and knew I had only two hours to make the connection at Dulles. At any rate, when we boarded at JoBurg. I heard from several on board that they had overbooked by about 70 people. Seems they are overbooking on a daily basis. Back to the boarding pass: When I got to Dulles, I was told I could not get the boarding pass at the gate and would have to go to the main terminal ticket counter to get it via shuttle. That killed my time and given the fact that Customs only had two guys on duty to dip shoes, TSA screening guns etc. I arrived at the gate at 8:25A for a 8:30 flight. I and three others were denied boarding with them stating the plane doors were closed and they would not reopen them ( I am sure they gave the standby's our seats). We were directed to Customer Service and they directed us to another CS and it took till 11AM before I got booked on another flight at 6P that eve. I found most of the United Staff rude and unconcerned about the situation. Bottom line: Get to J'Burg 4/5 hours ahead of your flight. Be sure you get all your boarding passes at J'Burg when returning. Allow more than two hours for your connection at Dulles.

quote:

When I got to Dulles, I was told I could not get the boarding pass at the gate and would have to go to the main terminal ticket counter to get it via shuttle. That killed my time and given the fact that Customs only had two guys on duty to dip shoes, TSA screening guns etc. I arrived at the gate at 8:25A for a 8:30 flight.

The SAA plane I flew home on this season was full, except for maybe 4 or 5 seats. When I arrived in Dulles, they had only two Customs agents to clear the whole plane. They added a 3rd one later. Needless to say, I missed my connection.

Regards,

Terry

We had the same problem at Dulles last Nov. We made it, but TSA guy said we couldn't and didn't want to put the bags and guns on the conveyor. Finally did though and they came through. They either need more bodies there or you need more time to make the flight.

Amen to getting there early. We arrived from Zim on our way back to the states and had a five hour layover. We used Optima to spped up the process and it worked out great. We got our boarding passes early. What turned out to be a total cluster-coitus, was boarding. We were expecting, like every other airline, to be boarded by rows, but all they did was open the flood gated and it was a mad-rush to the gate. I've never seen such a lack of organization. When coupled with their horrible service (there and back) horrible seating, SAA is but a mere shadow of it former self when I first flew them in the 70 and as late as 2001. jorge

Jorge,
Right, SAA used to be one of the best. That was when they still has the Flying Springbok on their new SP 747's tail!

Rich Elliott

Another good reason to give Delta a try. I'm officially done with SAA. First their flying cattle cars, now this. ENOUGH!!

quote:

Originally posted by Rich Elliott:
Jorge,
Right, SAA used to be one of the best. That was when they still has the Flying Springbok on their new SP 747's tail!

Rich Elliott

Ain't that the truth.

And Dulles is no better.

Sounds like they need a little competion. Maybe open up more gates to American carriers besides Delta. Of course, those American carriers would have to want to fly down there in the first place. At the very least, get rid of the Airbus and add a 747. Overbookings should only be used as a fudge for cancellations. When they are leaving that many people behind then somebody is not doing their homework.

I believe it was in 1997, the flight from JoBerg to NY was packed. The South African rugby team was playing in the states, Texas I believe, and the fans were following. At the time American Airlines was SAA's partner. American Airlines had double booked one of the planes from NY to TX.

There were some rather pissed South Africans.

Heard from a friend that the Delta flights to South Africa (in December) are already 90% booked. I hope Delta will make money on this new venture. The Airbus configuration of SAA is horrible. The most uncomfortable flight I have ever taken. Flew back in a bulkhead seat. There was about 20" between the front of the seat cushion and the bulkhead. I could not stretch my legs out. It was awful, to test it for yourself, put a chair 20" away from a wall and sit in it for 18 hours.

Regards,

Terry

Terry,

Oh, come on. How bad could it be?

And it is only going to get worse, I'm afraid. I'm dreading it already. I wonder how flexible PH's will be going to the airport repeatedly until their client shows up some flight, sooner or later.

Speaking of the Dulles connection, for flight comfort it is the way to go, as one can still fly the 747. However, the customs coming back into the country is ridiculous! In June they had a grand total of one gate agent to get us through. If my seat mates had not allowed me to butt up about 4 rows in line, I would have missed my connection. As it was, my tuffpack with about $10,000 in guns was lost for three days and didn't look like it was going to show at all. A word to the wise - get gun insurance for sure on these trips.

Terry,

I read somewhere on Delta'a website that the sear pitch in economy was the same as the first SAA Airbus 31".

tradewinds,

I saw that as well when Delta announced the service. I sent them an email pointing out the fact that SAA had increased the seat pitch and suggested that they might consider doing the same.

Regards,

Terry

I also read that they where using the 777, which would make sense, Kathy posted that the tickets she is booking says 767ER. I asked at Delta and they seemed confused. I guess time will tell.

Mike

Why is it people always like to bitch? I fly way too much for work trust me I haven't found any airlines that is better than the next. They all have delayed flights,lost luggage, forgot what courtesy to a paying client is, etc. Multiple that by a flight that takes around 17 hours in econo and they're all are bad. Hell did you ever try spending 17 straight hours in a Lazyboy? All I can manage is to watch the first half of a football game ands I'm squirming!
We all have the option of booking 1st class or business, yet we choose to go econo to spend the difference on trophy fees.

You obviously never flew SAA in it's heyday. Have you ever had a problem boarding once you have your boarding pass? Well, you will on SAA. Out of Johannesburg, they have no process, they just say board and it's a cluster to get to the jet.

And no we don't all have the "option" of booking business or tourist. For some of us children of a lesser god, a five K airline ticket is a non-starter. I've flown Lufthansa also and the difference is night and day, but then again they are blessed with Teutonic efficiency and blond, blue eyed Teutonic-Tit-Willows. jorge

It's a good thing that Delta will be starting ATLANTA to JNB service in December to help rid SAA of all those pesky passengers trying to get on the airplane.

I have flown communist Chinese airlines many times, and their service, organization and quality is far better than SAA. But of course the bathrooms are dirty.

I have flown SAA 3 times out of JHB (all return). Once to Uganda, once to Hong Kong and once to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

I can honestly say that in my personal experience they are no worse than the KLM or Lufthansa, no better, about the same. I did have one experienmce with a rude cabin staffer after I asked her for a chocolate bar? However, in my opinon they are waaaaaaayyyyy better the Northwest or Olympic Airlines (Greek)!!!