I'm hoping to be flying to Jo'berg in July, and it appears that the cheapest and shortest flights are on SAA out of Washington or New York. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on whether there is any real difference between the two. I know a lot of people don't care much for SAA, but the alternatives are much longer flights. Any input will greatly appreciated. thanks.
I don,t mean this to be controversial but I overheard a conversation in an eatery in the airport in Atlanta which indicated that SAA may be decertified for flights into the US as early as March. One of these guys was saying that in their rush to make 80% of the pilot group non white was causing real havoc in the training department. The indication was that some of the applicants had no background in any form of technology and were very difficult to certify resulting in some pilots due for recertification having their qualifications lapse. This probably would not cause an interruption of service even if it did happen however because SAA is a member of the Star alliance . Either United or Lufthansa would likely fly the route maybe even with SAA airplanes. Is there anyone out there that has any info on this?
Posts: 414 | Location: Tennille, Ga | Registered: 29 December 2006
Sorry for the above post I hadn,t read Jet Drivers post below. After reading his post One would think it to be only a matter of time. The Airbuses are dreadful anyway.
Posts: 414 | Location: Tennille, Ga | Registered: 29 December 2006
Since they have to stop 1/2 way for fuel they arrive 2 hours later which will probably mean an overnite in Johannesburg instead of your destination. Creating extra hassle of clearing rifles into RSA just to overnite.
And, Delta does not have the discounted flights to the connection cities that SAA does so your connections are more expensive. [my March flights to Port Elizabeth were quoted at $2010 on Delta/SAA and $1768 on SAA all the way]
It's a dilema.
Les
Posts: 1261 | Location: Clearwater, FL and Union Pier, MI | Registered: 24 July 2003
I appreciate all of the info. I had flown to J0'berg in 2005 on SAA out of Atlanta. That trip went well, but I am a little concerned about booking trip with them again if there is a problem with the FAA. The Delta flight sounds interesting so will check it out. Thanks.
Originally posted by LHowell: Delta really isn't the same time or price.
Since they have to stop 1/2 way for fuel they arrive 2 hours later which will probably mean an overnite in Johannesburg instead of your destination. Creating extra hassle of clearing rifles into RSA just to overnite.
And, Delta does not have the discounted flights to the connection cities that SAA does so your connections are more expensive. [my March flights to Port Elizabeth were quoted at $2010 on Delta/SAA and $1768 on SAA all the way]
It's a dilema.
Les
I flew down on SAA in '05 in the A 340 and we had to stop for fuel at Sal Island in the Cape Verdes. I don't know where Delta fuels enroute, but I am guessing Sal, also. My flight was an overnighter and we got into Joburg in the AM. Don't know what the current schedules are, but I'd guess SAA is still fueling there also.
I'd think long and hard about getting on SAA, given the current situation. In other words, I wouldn't do it.
Posts: 11729 | Location: Florida | Registered: 25 October 2006
Back in the old days when SAA was banned from landing in most African countries, they had a trip from AMS to JNB that stopped on Sal Island for fuel. They were flying the great 747-200 then, I think. There was a huge duty free shop at the airport, so while the refueling was going on, the pax would disembark and load up. Now that aparteid is gone, they have landing rights in African countries. So I guess they've changed from SAL to DKR. Sal is Poutuguese territory.
Didn't know the a 340 could make it non-stop from Dulles. Must have had some good tail winds.
Don't know how you'd get to Zim, craig, if SAA gets banned Check with Gracy Travel. They'll find a way.
Personally, I'd rather be buying gas from the Portuguese than from the Senegalise, but that's just me.
Posts: 11729 | Location: Florida | Registered: 25 October 2006
I flew SAA round trip out of Dulles last September (scheduled non-stop to JNB and a scheduled one hour stop in Dakar on the way home.) Only problem was a checked duffel bag that arrived at my door a day late. No theft and no damage. Flight was on time and as comfortable as one can expect coach to be. Cabin staff pleasant. Beer cold.
I have done SAA out of both JFK and Dulles 3 times over the last 5 years. I had no problems at either aiport. JFK was a bit more intense regarding firearms but everyone was professional and 15 minutes later all was taken care of. Everyone asked me if I was hunting elephant.
Dulles the last 2 years I arrived early, cruised through no problems, and all of my luggage made it. The flight going over out of Dulles is direct, on the way back you stop in Dakar for an hour. While I enjoyed the 747, I flew the airbus last year and it wasn't that bad and I'm 6'3" and the price was right.
The danger of civilization, of course, is that you will piss away your life on nonsense
Fly out of Dulles, DC. hands down. Easier to get through customs (much easier), less human traffic, etc. I believe it might even better than flying out of Atlanta.
"An individual with experience is never at the mercies of an individual with an argument"
Posts: 1827 | Location: Palmer AK & Prescott Valley AZ | Registered: 01 February 2005
August '06 and back was no issues out of Dulles. Did stop over and back in Dakar. Flight attendants over were AWESOME....on the way back, they SUCKED. You can read this anyway you want...but color was involved....almost outright rude...condesending for sure. But going to zambia this year, I don't have much of a choice...not without overnighting over and back due to the connection to Lusaka.
Gary DRSS NRA Lifer SCI DSC
Posts: 1970 | Location: NE Georgia, USA | Registered: 21 March 2002
