I'd always assumed "Delta or SAA" to Jo-berg, but it looks like there are tons of other options I'd not considered.

I still have a way to go yet (July 2010) but but has anyone had any positive or negative experiences with KLM, Lufthansa, Virgin, SwissAir, etc.?

Thanks.

Bob,

Welcome to the forum.

You might find this link: http://www.shakariconnection.com/travel-africa.html and the links on the page useful.

If you're bringing firearms, this http://www.shakariconnection.c...l-with-firearms.html might also help.

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If you're bringing firearms, this http://www.shakariconnection.c...l-with-firearms.html might also help.

I am sure he will be taking his bow, not a firearm. Won't you, Bob?

I'm partial to flying through Europe on the way to Jo-berg and normally use the Amsterdam connection but at times Frankfurt. A time or two through Paris as well. I like the ability to get off the tim can and stretch my legs. One trip direct from the east coast just about had me climbing the walls of the dang plane.

Never had a problem one way or another, for me it is a comfort thing.

If you fly enough, they all screw up at one time or another, so there is never a guarantee. Also, airlines don't necessarily manage baggage handling staff, which may be employed by the airport rather than any specific airline, and their performance may have little relationship to the airline's performance.

That said, Paris has the most lenient rules with respect to a long transit with firearms (since you can take them out of the airport), if that's a criterion.

Also, if given the choice between being stuck in Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Paris, I would pick Paris.

Lastly, if you fly business class or above, Air France rarely has bad food and always has good wine.

Thanks guys, I have a long time to worry about this, but why wait to obsess over the details?

Yes Dal, I'll be taking my bow.

quote:

Also, if given the choice between being stuck in Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Paris, I would pick Paris.

Without doubt...

I've flown the following carriers enroute to Africa, some more than once and most in Business Class, some in Coach and once in First Class:

BA
AA/SAA
Delta/SAA
NWA/KLM
Virgin Atlantic

The best by far was the old AA/SAA route via Miami in the '90s flying the 747 in Business. It's hard to believe the service on SAA could fall so far. The worst was a BA coach leg from Kenya to England in 1995. Coach is always a risk and I strongly recommend Business Class on any airline to Africa.