Anyone been on the Alt. Joe-burg in coach on the 777
I have read they are supposed to be upgrading the coach seating to something called "cozy suites"
they kind of look like the old BC seats with a
egg shape backing?
I read this on some airline seating websites.
Delta folks don't seem to know anything about it.

I made the trip last fall. The flight was long, but the entertainment system made the flight more bearable. I still prefer the Atlanta-Frankfurt-Windhoek flight over the direct flight to JNB.

try www.seatguru.com
might be there

Yup! Last week. Coach both ways. Going was good because we had bulkhead seats, but the return was a little tough since we flew out a day early and couldnt get the bulkhead seats again. They aren't bad compared to the Airbus' I have flown, but not great either. It was a full flight both ways and from talking to the flight attendants that are regularly on that route, it always is. Would be nice if they upgraded the seats, but I seriously doubt they will if they can always fill the plane up.

I flew Delta roundtrip twice last Fall and don't recall the seating being that much different from any other flight. I do prefer the non-stop flight far more than the one with the stop over in NW Africa.

I just flew a Delta &&& in early March of this year and they had not made that upgrade. Like mrfudd said, the entertainment system was huge in taking the staleness out of the flight, but I still put the head pillow under my ass to keep from going totally numb down there.

quote:

Originally posted by Luis L.:
but I still put the head pillow under my ass to keep from going totally numb down there.

I'll have to try that next flight.......

quote:

Originally posted by 404WJJeffery:

quote:

Originally posted by Luis L.:
but I still put the head pillow under my ass to keep from going totally numb down there.

I'll have to try that next flight.......

I'll be honest, it's not gonna save you compltely, but it's 1000x better than nothing down there. THAT is asking for hell on earth.

I'll be sitting in one of these seats on our trip over in August.

Boy, Graybird - I wish! I priced one of those suckers, even United's equivalent since I'm on their miles program, and I can't even get close. Well, on United I can, but it's still absurd to have to chip in $500 each direction in addition to something like 45,000 miles.

One of these days, I'll follow in your footsteps, most likely when I have no kids in the house.

quote:

45,000 miles.

If you can get BC seat for $500 and 45k miles you are a fool not to. Usually it is 340K miles and taxes, In the past I got them for 120k miles round trip and $250 in taxes.

Just paid $6k to Tanzania this Sept.

I don't think I was clear there: it's ~$45,000 + 500 to upgrade over the standard fare seats. So that's basically 4 stateside flights + $1000 in addition to whatever you regular fare is. I don't know if it's worth it considering I fly in the states a lot more than I do to Africa. If I do the business class thing, I'll probably just shell out the dough and it's going to be sometime WELL down the line.

So $2500 and 45k miles, still not bad, It cost me 80k miles to MT from TTPA and 45k from MCO to BOS, so miles are not worth much any more.

Last two years deep discount BC to Africa was $6k, I would have gladly trade 250-350k miles but nothing available.

I purchased a full fare coach seat last October. I upgraded to Business Elite using miles. Business Elite is definitely nice.

I decided to come home a few days early. Basically, they wouldn't let me change. I ended up paying for a one way ticket back early. To add insult to injury, I was not refunded my miles for the return trip!

Frankly, I never understood why. The mileage upgrade may not help is you have to leave other than when originally scheduled.

My ticket cost me 230,000 miles plus the taxes, which were only $65.00. This bought me First Class to/from Colorado/Altanta and Business Class to/from Atlanta/Joburg.

Then, I had to shell out $175 to/from Joburg/East London, RSA.

So, when all was said and done it cost me about $240.00 roundtrip for my tickets plus the 230K Delta miles.

Considering, I've used 230K miles for this trip, 130K miles for a trip to Hawaii in March with the family and another 40K mile ticket for my wife a trip to visit family all within the past 6 months and still have over 100K miles left.

I think it was a good deal! Hell, I'm almost Platinum on Delta for this year alone and we're not even halfway thru the year, and I've spent the about 6 weeks at home! I spend way too much time in an airplane.

Just got back from a trip to Africa in which we took our folks on. We flew first class Dallas to london to Jo berg and return for 160,000 miles for each person plus $1,200 or so each for taxes and fees. It was a real hassel as we could not get the dates we wanted and had to stay longer to use the mileage. It is a problem to get 4 tickets on the same flight. I do not understand as for most of the legs we were the only people in first class. It seems the airlines would rather fly empty rather than use the space for mileage users. Go figure ?????

universalman,

There are some hoops to jump through in using your mileage but it is well worth it IMO. BA's business and first class are excellent and their mileage program provides a level of comfort most of us could never afford otherwise.

Mark

I do like flying their direct flight to Jo-burg. It's long, but you get it over with without any stops. The seats in coach are a little close together for my legs (I'm 6'1", I cant imagine the guys taller than me!) but you can move around a lot during the flight so that doesn't really matter.

Beware the window seats on the 777. There is a box under the window seats which restricts foot room.I found the 777 less comfortable than the 767 on which I have flown twice. I now bring a self-inflating cushion in my carry-onto deal with ass-numbing seats;particularly useful on the Air Namibia flight Frk. to Windhoek.

Has anyone had extended check-w/Delta/Frk.when traveling w/guns ?

Stopckmaker - Can you expound on the self-inflating cushion? What brand, where to get one, cost, size etc? I'll be making that flight in a couple of months and would be most interested in obtaining anything to prevent the ass-numbing situation. Thanks.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

Larry,
I can tell you what I did, I went to the medical supply store, and got a donut pillow to sit on, its made of foam, and it has a navy cover, so you don't look completely pitiful like you're dying from a broken tail bone.

I don't give a crap what people think of me, after my last flight on SAA, my ass was hurting so bad, luckily our flight was empty, and so i stole a bunch of pillows...however, my butt still was ridiculously sore...

I think I spent 20$ for the foam donut pillow, it's pretty firm, but I think it will do better than an inflatable, I would imagine that they might be tempted to loose air.

quote:

Originally posted by graybird:
I'll be sitting in one of these seats on our trip over in August.

I flew over and back Business Elite in May and I must say that it was the cat's meow. Aside for the food, which was just okay, it was every bit as good as over 90% of the First Class seats I've occupied over the years.

And, best of all, the price was about 35% cheaper than the business class seats I bought toward the end of 2008. Can't beat that.

Larry,

I have used two different Therm-a-Rest inflatable pads from REI differing only in size. I let it inflate then let out air slowly until just before I hit bottom. They are plenty comfortable and they roll up into a small package that fits in the carry on. Therm-a-Rest has made the best backpacking pads for years.

I'll be using the Lite Seat for my next trip - I left a Camp Seat on the plane last trip - hint: pick a bright color that doesn't match the blue of the SAA seat covers.

Check these items:

Therm-a-Rest Camp Seat

Therm-a-Rest Trail Seat

Therm-a-Rest Lite Seat

Oday - Thanks a bunch man. This will be my 14th trip and was just thinking the other day - Do I really want to put my backside through this again?

I have used a Therm-a-rest sleeping pad for years. They are so old, but still work, that I haven't even looked at their other products in a long time.

The only negative side is the fact that the thought of an inflatable cushion to sit on always brings back memories of the old poo-poo cushion.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by Oday450:
Larry,

I have used two different Therm-a-Rest inflatable pads from REI differing only in size. I let it inflate then let out air slowly until just before I hit bottom. They are plenty comfortable and they roll up into a small package that fits in the carry on. Therm-a-Rest has made the best backpacking pads for years.

I'll be using the Lite Seat for my next trip - I left a Camp Seat on the plane last trip - hint: pick a bright color that doesn't match the blue of the SAA seat covers.

Check these items:

Therm-a-Rest Camp Seat

Therm-a-Rest Trail Seat

Therm-a-Rest Lite Seat

Oday thanks, that looks like a good deal. Along with their trail chare it looks like a good package for setting for Suni.

Larry Sellers:
My cushion was a gift. Cabela's or Sportsman's may have similar cushion;which are also useful in blinds.The Thermarest models noted in other replies may be better...

To repeat: Has anyone else had extended delay in check-in with Delta in Frankfurt ? They have run me through the jumps twice now as I was traveling with guns. All rules for guns and ammo followed exactly so no fault of mine !

Oday450 - I stopped in the local REI store in Albuquerque and after a brief demonstration of the Lite Seat made the purchase and am now the proud owner of one. It works well in my FJ Cruiser as well and will be taking it next week for sitting on while glassing for Bighorns in Colorado. Thanks again for the headsup on this item.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by Oday450:
Larry,

I have used two different Therm-a-Rest inflatable pads from REI differing only in size. I let it inflate then let out air slowly until just before I hit bottom. They are plenty comfortable and they roll up into a small package that fits in the carry on. Therm-a-Rest has made the best backpacking pads for years.

I'll be using the Lite Seat for my next trip - I left a Camp Seat on the plane last trip - hint: pick a bright color that doesn't match the blue of the SAA seat covers.

Check these items:

Therm-a-Rest Camp Seat

Therm-a-Rest Trail Seat

Therm-a-Rest Lite Seat

Larry,
Does the Albq. REI usually carry these? I've a long flight to the middle east coming and would really like some relief for the rear. While down in Albq. on business I can pick one up.

Cessna - Yes they do. When I was in there last week they add all three models mentioned above, the camp seat, the trail seat and the lite seat. I picked the lite seat as the other two seemed a little large for the intended use as an airline cushion.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by cessna:
Larry,
Does the Albq. REI usually carry these? I've a long flight to the middle east coming and would really like some relief for the rear. While down in Albq. on business I can pick one up.

http://skwoosh.com/category/auto-plane.html

I've a skwoosh kayak seat that has eliminated the sore arse cheeks. They market pads for aviation but I'll use my yak seat on my next long haul.

Delta 777 from Atlanta to Joberg was fine (this May). The entertainment system is the best I have seen so far in any plane. Ride was smooth. On the way over....South African crew was young, courteous and energetic. On the way back USA based crew was not as good. Delta 777 seats were better than any SA flights that I have experienced in the past. Non-stop flights from USA to RSA are the best. Love them big 777...amazing how well they fly with only 2 Jet engines !!!

collctor - Appreciate your comments. Just curious how they fly with 1 engine? Most multiengine aircraft are designed to continue flying with one or more engines disabled, just wondering about the 777?

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by collector:
Delta 777 from Atlanta to Joberg was fine (this May). The entertainment system is the best I have seen so far in any plane. Ride was smooth. On the way over....South African crew was young, courteous and energetic. On the way back USA based crew was not as good. Delta 777 seats were better than any SA flights that I have experienced in the past. Non-stop flights from USA to RSA are the best. Love them big 777...amazing how well they fly with only 2 Jet engines !!!

quote:

Just curious how they fly with 1 engine? just wondering about the 777?

They will fly at least to the crash site.

While not looking forward to flight I hope the 777 ATL to Joberg will be better than the Airbus with SAA was last year.

Mike - When are you making the trip? Looks like I'll be going in September. This will be the 1st time on the 777 Atlanta to Joberg.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by Mike70560:

quote:

Just curious how they fly with 1 engine? just wondering about the 777?

They will fly at least to the crash site.

While not looking forward to flight I hope the 777 ATL to Joberg will be better than the Airbus with SAA was last year.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
collctor - Appreciate your comments. Just curious how they fly with 1 engine? Most multiengine aircraft are designed to continue flying with one or more engines disabled, just wondering about the 777?

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by collector:
Delta 777 from Atlanta to Joberg was fine (this May). The entertainment system is the best I have seen so far in any plane. Ride was smooth. On the way over....South African crew was young, courteous and energetic. On the way back USA based crew was not as good. Delta 777 seats were better than any SA flights that I have experienced in the past. Non-stop flights from USA to RSA are the best. Love them big 777...amazing how well they fly with only 2 Jet engines !!!

The 777 was the first aircraft with ETOPS-180 approval, which means that it can fly a route and be 180 mins from a suitable emergency landing airport. As far as flying more than one engine disabled, then you will be a glider. I personally am more worried about the fly by wire than loosing an engine.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Mike - When are you making the trip? Looks like I'll be going in September. This will be the 1st time on the 777 Atlanta to Joberg.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

I fly over on Sept 4th, then over to Harare

Mike - Haven't firmed up exact departure date, but will keep you posted. Should be close to your date.

The more than one engine disabled was directed at a four engine situation. The original question was can a 777 fly with ONE engine?

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:

Originally posted by Mike70560:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Mike - When are you making the trip? Looks like I'll be going in September. This will be the 1st time on the 777 Atlanta to Joberg.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

I fly over on Sept 4th, then over to Harare

Larry,

Just being a little bit of a smarta$$ (kind of like on the Russell thread ), the crash site comment was from a Ron White show.

I found this on the internet.

"Although engine failure is extremely rare, it is not a major problem should one of them ever failed. The Boeing 777 is designed to fly for at least 3 hours on one engine for a distance up to 1320 nautical miles or 2110 kilometers. That is further than from New York to Havana in Cuba."

Where are you hunting? I will be in the Save and Moz. with Mokore.

@Larry
I believe 777 can fly with one engine (not all the way to the destination though). Here are some power (thrust) numbers for Jumbo (747) vs 777.

Jumbo Jet 747
Engines = 4
Each engine produces: 50,000 lbs of thrust
Total = 4 x 50,000 = 200,000 lbs of thrust

777
Engines = 2
Each engine produces: 111,000 lbs of thrust
Total = 2 x 111,000 = 222,000 lbs of thrust

So 777 is definitely more powerful than a 747 and more fuel efficient (newer technology). My only concern is what will happen if one engine goes down and you are in the middle of the Atlantic ? I am sure they have it figured out that the 777 is always 3 hours away from a landing strip if $hit hits the fan.


@Mike70560
Now I have done the SA Airbus thing couple of times and with the stop over in West Africa for refuleing I was not a big fan of that flight. Space in economy is really tight on the SA flights. Compare that to the Delta 777 is "much" better with no stop overs, seats are much more comfortable than SA Airbuses and the entertainment system on 777 is top notch.