Re: Complaints To SAA

17 August 2004, 14:39

I will drop her a note too, and point out that Air Namibia uses an 86 cm seat pitch in Economy Class (33.86").

jim

19 August 2004, 10:44

Steve_Gracy_Travel

Not sure about Emirates as yet. They haven't flown to the US before so has never been an option due to having to change airlines which is always a problem with the firearms going missing. Also, as far as I know they are only operating from JFK at this stage and most people try and avoid JFK if they can!

Steve

17 August 2004, 03:33

Die Ou Jagter

One sent, flying British Air, it is a bit longer but cheaper and more comfortable. I haven't seen London yet so will take advantage of the lay-over and do a day tour. Oh yea the baggage is checked from Dullas to Windhoek.

17 August 2004, 05:02

Zero Drift

Jagter - I will be surprised if your rifles make it through Heathrow. Good Luck!

17 August 2004, 15:16

Rick R

Quote:

I'm still fighting with those idiots at SAA through my credit card company. They can't seem to grasp the concept that it's not proper to charge twice for one set of tickets.

Labman,

Maybe they charged you for all the time you spend sitting in one of their seats. We did get an extra 3+ hours of time to enjoy the comfy video foot rest.

Rick

17 August 2004, 15:10

Dutch

It's neither here, nor there, but anyone that thinks an extra inch of leg room makes little difference doesn't have a 36" inseam...... JMO, Dutch.

18 August 2004, 01:50

Die Ou Jagter

I just received via fax my payment request from Gracy and as part of the request was for a list of guns - make & serial #, model and calibre. I am sure this to be provided to BA. I am not worried about the up comming trip it will be a change of pace from SAA.

17 August 2004, 03:14

Aspen Hill Adventures

Tell Ms. Gordon what you think about their "new" planes and service:

Maureen Gordon Manager, Customer Care-USA
South African Airways
515 East Las Olas Boulevard
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954 769 5023
Fax: 954 769 5026

e-mail: maureengordon@flysaa.com

18 August 2004, 12:02

Steve_Gracy_Travel

With regards to traveling with British Airways via London we have had an incredible season so far. We send around 3000 clients a year to Africa and we have given British Airways a large percentage of these clients. British Airways in London have been extremely accommodating and so far we have not had a problem with transiting London. Bear in mind that travel must be into and out of the same airport, generally Heathrow, to avoid the expenses of a gun courier.

True - if traveling to Zimbabwe British Airways is a no go as the UK Government has an embargo on export of any firearms, ammunition or muntiions of war to Zimbabwe.

The great thing with British Airways is that they are offering extremely competitive fares and they have coach, premium coach and business class fares!

Hope this helps

Steve
British Airways have also put out great fares to Africa, so please contact us for a quote.

Steve Turner

17 August 2004, 06:41

jorge

I just sent her a note. Wonder if she will reply. Ann, if you read this, is there anotehr way to get to Zimbabwe like Lufthansa form Atlanta to Frankfurt then SAA from then on? You know when I went with my dad back in the late 60s we flew Miami-Rio De Janeiro, then to Angola. AH the good ol' days. jorge

18 August 2004, 17:26

KINO

One more thing does BA and KLM fly Boeing?

18 August 2004, 17:01

KINO

Steve, which would be best for traveling to Dar es Salaam without stopping in Joberg first, KLM or BA.

19 August 2004, 03:42

Steve_Gracy_Travel

British Airways to Dar Es Salaam is good service but only offered 3 times a week. The return flight from Dar Es Salaam is a morning departure and requires an overnight in London on the return to the US. This is not a problem with the firearms but does mean you need to book accommodation. Provided you stay just the one night and connect the next morning on the first flight back to the US, British Airways Security will store the firearms for you and you do not need the services of a gun courier.

Northwest/KLM offer daily service to Dar Es Salaam. Connection is Amsterdam and the flight to Dar Es Salaam does make a stop in Kilimanjaro. Return flight to Amsterdam is non-stop.

Depending on your departure city British Airways flights US to/from London are operated by Boeing 747 or 777 and the London to/from Dar Es Salaam is operated by Boeing 767.

Northwest/KLM are a little different for departure from the US. Again depending on your departure city flights to Amsterdam are operated on a range of aircraft namely, DC10 or Airbus if Northwest Airlines and Boeing 747 or MD11 if KLM. Amsterdam to Tanzania and return is operated by KLM using Boeing 767 aircraft.

Hope this helps

Steve

19 August 2004, 05:36

HunterJim

Steve,

Thanks for the Dar route briefing.

Fellow ARsters,

An illustration of why I recommend Gracy Travel and use them myself. They always have their fingers on the pulse.

jim