If you were flying to Zimbabwe or Tanzania in 2006 which airline would you choose and which route would you travel??

I have been to both places and used Northwest/KLM through Amsterdam. From there I flew to Arusa and on to Dar without problems of any kind. Last Month I flew through Amsterdam to Joberg(KLM handled my rifle/ammo and transfered them to the short flight on SAA to Bulawayo) and next day to Bulawayo, again without any problems what-so-ever. I was met by Afton House and they were right on time and got me to the airport early the nextday for my connecting flight. I did have all my paperwork in order but was never asked for it. I declared my rifle/ammo at checkin and didn't see them again until I arrived at my destinations. I use Gracy travel (Steve)and follow their directions exactly. I have flown SAA through Joberg in the past also but will not do so again until or unless the plane seating configurations change and they make getting rifles/ammo through customs faster/simplier.

I would fly British Airways no matter what class of plane I was flying in.

If you fly business class or above, BA is the way to go.

GUNNY

BA through London to Dar or BA through London to JIA and a seperate ticket to Zim. If you have your ducks in a row I don't think you can beat BA service whether coach, business or first. SAA sounds like shear agony and I personally have not been real impressed with KLM in any way.

Regards,

Mark

quote:

Originally posted by 577NitroExpress:

If you fly business class or above, BA is the way to go.

For the rest of us it's only slightly better than SAA (in tourist).
Dave

quote:

I don't think you can beat BA service whether coach, business or first. SAA sounds like shear agony and I personally have not been real impressed with KLM in any way.

Mark, it doesn't sound like you've ever flown on KLM if you think BA is better. Try to get BA to transfer your guns to a flight to Zimbabwe since they don't fly there and watch what happens.

Pathfinder

I have flown KLM and was not impressed. BA service has nothing to do with the UK's sanctions against Zimbabwe. BA can't by law transfer your guns to a Zim flght.

Regards,

Mark

quote:

BA can't by law transfer your guns to a Zim flght.

Mark,
Good, we agree on that and KLM makes it a hell of a lot easier to avoid the South African BS when you have to recheck your guns, etc.I would add that the KLM service, in my experience, is as good as BA.
Apoligies to Gunny since this is beginning to sound like a pissing contest but I don't think Mark or I mean it that way. It seems that we've had different experiences with the same airlines...not uncommon.

Pathfinder

I will agree to what you said and particularly about the pissing contest. Let's not go there.

Mark

For many of us who don't fly with our jobs... We cannot afford the $4000 to $6000 plane ticket..
We have to fly economy..And I think that sums it up... Economy is economy..
Regards,

Mike

Mike I always laugh at posters who fly SAA Airbus economy because of the rates but bitch about the service and seats being economy.
My company always flew us business class until a few years ago now we fly mostly economy. Anyone whom expects full recliners and personal attention in economy is a fool to begin with...how does that old adage go???? "you get what you pay for" cats

Mike

When I have to pay out of pocket for my ticket I fly coach and I still say BA has great service. When I have enough miles accumulated I fly business. My comparison of BA to KLM was based on my experience in coach. Either has to be better than SAA. If you pick SAA to save a few bucks more power to you but I feel the travel is part of the safari so if I pay a little more it's worth it to me.

Regards,

Mark

KLM was ok in my book. Not great, but not bad either. They are the only show in town if you want to fly from Europe to Masailand direct (kilimanjaro). KLM people seemed professional and courteous, and they didn't lose my damn bags like Delta did twice.

BTW I live in Peachtree City, GA "Delta Central"
the word on the streets is that Delta will have to announce bankruptcy reorganization by the end of this month. Fuel Prices are cutting their throat.

Mark and Terry,

I concur..but one is paying for 2 tickets another safari and more animals may be hunted...
I have flown the 747 main cabin and then upper deck no comparison..Then I did the airbus the seating problem is when one reclines in front of you and you are 6feet tall or taller your TV in front goes blank from the angle..
I do alot of walking back and forth...
I do not expect the same seating nor meals as if First class or business class..but wishing for a little more leg room would be bettter...


Mike

Its interesting that no one recomended SAA. My last trip on the airbus damm near killed me.

I've flown SAA three times since '98 and each time was on the 747. I'm headed to TZN again in September but, this time it will be on the Airbus. After hearing all the complaints, I feel very fortunate that I was able to book a business class seat this time. It has taken me five years of accumulating air miles and charging almost everthing to my AMEX card to do it but because of that, I'm almost looking forward to the trip this year. After this trip, I'll probably be spoiled so badly I may never want to fly coach again, especially to Africa. I burned 120,000 air miles but I unknowingly chose the right year to do it as I understand that Delta and SAA will disolve their alliance in 2006. Looks like I'll have to jump on the KLM bandwagon then.

Bull1

I travelled to Tanzania on NW/KLM. No problems but required rule busting to get business class. Common with NW. Last trip to Zim was on SAA also business. I would not fly Coach if at all possible. Either one works but SA gun cops are a pain in the ass even if you are passing through.

Bull 1, I travel a lot on Delta but had not heard of an alliance disolving. Where have you heard this. I was planning on using miles as well but in 2007 for next trip. Do not want to get screwed. Would appreciate what you or others know.

Thx,

Bear:
Splain "rule busting," please, I'm interested.

Pathfinder,

Curious as to how you were able to check bags on to Zimbabwe. We went on to Harare and because the departure was more than 13 hours after the arrival we were required to recheck our bags the next day.
If KLM is waiving the rules it would make traveling on to Zimbabwe much easier.

I am flying SAA next monday out of Dulles on 747 to Joberg and on to Bulawayo. I am scheduled to have 81A which is on the upper deck. This has always been good seating in the past. If you live other than Atlanta or NY why not connect thru Dulles. They fly 3 or 4 days a week I think. I am sure Kathi or Gracey know more and I am suprised more people are not using this routing.

I always fly Northwest/Klm via Amsterdam to Dar es salaam, its a nice trip and comfortable IMO...All our clients go that route and never had a complaint...

BTW the Dutch have decided to ease up on the permit thing, you only have to have going to Tanzania, not on return as of this week I have been told....