Thoughts on which is a more comfy flight ( economy class ). SAA A340-600 Dulles-Johannesburg or Delta 767-400 out of Atlanta? Also, any gun hassles experienced with either?

Thanks,

Jeff

If it ain't Boeing, I ain't going. I did that A340 ride once, and I'll never do it again.

Haven't been to RSA in a couple of years, but from all reports, no real problems. FWIW, any airline can lose your guns. And often do.

The last two hunts ['06,'07] I have taken SAA flights from Dulles to Johannesburg then transferring to other SAA flights to Port Elizabeth or Harare.

I've found the seat spacing to be adequate [ it IS economy after all!] and the service on board has improved on every flight since the strike ['05?]. I have even seen the flight crews smile at passengers! [Maybe it was just me though ] The in seat entertainment is plentiful, though I find a good book to be more enjoyable.

I've not flown on the Delta service, primarily due to the issue of connections. I am a Star Alliance/ United Mileage Plus member too so that factors in as well.

quote:

Originally posted by LHowell:


I've found the seat spacing to be adequate [ it IS economy after all!]

LH

How tall are you and approximatively what build?

I am 6'4" and large framed unless they've changed their seat pitch there ain't no way I'm riding the buss to SA ever again.

surestrike

You do have me beat, I am of average height but with a little more bulk than average and a well padded seat.

Depending on when you last flew on SAA, they have changed the pitch in economy to 33"
[Seatguru.com says Deltas' seats are 31"-33"].

If I was really big I'd be reserving sooner to get those seats identified as "good" seats. However, as almost all those seats are "exit rows" or Bulkhead seats they all have the entertainment unit and tray table in the arm rest which snugs up already tight seat width.

SAA is supposed to have the Best Business class seats anywhere however.

Les

The last time I rode the Bus over to SA was in 2004.

I do have to say that the service was about on par with US economy service. Flat, a bit snarly but fairly efficient. As is expected in Economy now days.

Thanks for the input thus far, folks!Gracey has been very helpful, and we'll most likely book through them. Leaning towards Delta.

Jeff

There's really nothing about the Airbus vs. the Boeing that makes them inherently more or less comfortable. It's all about how the interior is finished and by whom. The seats in most Airbuses are done by European suppliers who seem to think that the feel of unpadded plywood is the best on one's posterior. Boeing seats, usually made by U.S. suppliers, tend to be better padded with a higher grade of foam rubber. I notice that lately BOTH Airbus and Boeing are dropping the individual air vents on some of their planes. Wicked.

Either way it is a brutal trip, part of the adventure and paying your dues I guess. If I had a choice I would go Boeing 767-400 over the airbus 340 anyday. I flew the 340 the last time from Dulles to Joberg, no real problems except poor air circulation, burned up going over, froze to death coming back, lavatories filled and quit working, service by crew was ok and food and drinks fine. Oh, I do have a choice and I will be on Delta out of Atlanta this year for the trip, not the Airbus, regardless I will pay my dues again by sitting in the box for 18 hours over the big water and be ready for Africa. drwes

quote:

The seats in most Airbuses are done by European suppliers who seem to think that the feel of unpadded plywood is the best on one's posterior.

If I ever have occasion to fly an Airbus again for a 12-hour leg, I'll jetison my carry on luggage and take a stack of 1"thick high density foam cushions. I'll sell them to other passengers for enough to pay for my trip

You'll make a killing.

I once rode Lufthansa business class out of Frankfurt to JFK. Like sitting on an iron slab with cloth over it. I couldn't beleive it. BA has very comfortable seats and business class is great and getting better.

Thanks for everyone's input. We've opted for the Delta Atlanta/JHB option, via Gracey Travel.

Jeff

Gentlemen,

Don't blame either Airbus or Boeing.

Blame the company you fly, as they are the ones who pick what configuration the aircraft has.

Some of you who might have flown within Europe might know which companyy to REALLY avoid.

There, even if you are travelling business class, you get precisely the same seat as economy.

The only difference is you get a different meal, and you MIGHT, if you argue, be allowed to take your carryon bag with you into the cabin!

quote:

There, even if you are travelling business class, you get precisely the same seat as economy.

Amen, Saeed. Amen. The only difference is that the airlines do not put a person in the middle seat in business class within Europe. Same seat width and leg room as coach, but no one sitting directly next to you.

No, it is not worth the extra money. International flights, however, in three class planes are worth it, if you can afford it.