MY father and I are going to South Africa next summer for our first African Safari. Right now we are looking into our options for getting to Johannesburg, and I was wondering what past experiences have been at connecting through various cities in Europe, depending on a particular airline. Options could be:

Amsterdam (Northwest/KLM)
Paris (Air France)
Frankfurt (Luftansa)
London (British Airways)

I think that about covers all the airlines that serve Johannesburg. Obviously flying Delta via Atlanta or South African Airways (& United) through Washing Dulles are options as well, but have been reading enough horror stories with United & SAA here lately that I'm not sure that's a good option. That and I try and avoid United Airlines like the plague whenever I fly domestically anyway. We will be departing Indianapolis, IN, although driving to either Chicago O'hare or Cincinnatti is not out of the question. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

forgot a couple of other options:

Madrid (Iberia)
Zurich (Swiss Airlines)

Thanks

As far as the Frankfurt route, I would recommend Lufthansa the whole way if possible. It seems baggage handling with firearms would be simpler. I know some have expressed displeasure with Lufthansa, but I found them very efficient and helpful.

Beyond that, I would highly recommend you getting in touch with Shawn and Gracy Travel.

I have been through Amsterdam and France and both worked out fine. On return we spent a cuple days in each place touring.

I had Air France from Detroit booked for 2008, but three first/business class seats opened up on Delta to joburg from Atlanta so we are going that route next year.

MIke

I have been through all but Paris with no problems.

done both Paris and Zurich with absolutely no problems. the layovers in both cases for my flights were about 12 hrs and i used the time to take the Metro in Paris and the commuter train in Zurich to go downtown and sightsee for the day. since both flight from the US were night flights arriving about 8-9 AM, i had slept on the plane going over and was fairly rested when i arrived. worked great

MDS,

I've used London, Amsterdam and Paris with no hassles at all. What I recommend is getting with a Africa travel specialist and let then advise you on the best route.

Mark

Is it me or does anyone else find ALL airlines world wide are a pain in the butt these days?
Luggae arrival on your flight at your destination seems to be a crap shoot no matter what airlines I've used. Food is horrid on all if served at all. Staff surly, seats narrow leg room no existant in economy/coach sections and for the price of first class I can pay for another safari. Thus I suck it up and white knuckle it flying SAA out of IAD for the most direct flight then I zone out on Tylenol PM & Crown Royal getting 'r done!

We just had a great experience with British airways. My son and I flew Toronto-London heathrow-Johannesburg, BA was very cooperative with the rifles, infact they made a great save for me in Toronto. I carry my guns in a red hard golf club case and I said to the BA guy where do I take my guns, he thought I said golf looking at what was obviously a golf club case. I took the case as directed over to the large baggage handling area and the guy told me I needed the form, when I went back to get it the airport employee had put the case through into the bowels of Toronto Pearson without the firearms tag. The BA employee imediately closed his wicket and got on the phone, he assured me they would find and recode the bag. When I went to board the plane as soon as I gave my name the lady told me right away they had my case on the plane and that I didn't have to worry. At least 8 different BA employees were involved in finding it and making sure t was on the plane. I was very impressed the lengths they went to recover form an honest mistake.

We also flew world traveller plus for a little more money you get a way bigger seat that reclines significantly more, I was able to sleeep almost the whole way from London to Jburg and I am 6'3" and 240 lbs. I will fly this way fromnow on when available.