South African Airways review by Les Anthany
2 October 2006

I recently flew SAA roundtrip from Dulles to Capetown (via) Jo'burg. This was my first experience with SAA and we flew economy. We were presently surprised. Aircraft was very nice, service was good, food was pleasant, space was adequate. The individual video units were the best and made time go by faster. The only complaint was connecting to Capetown in Jo'burg -- JNB airport is not user friendly and it was a pain to change to the domestic terminal.

South African Airways review by Nigel Bragg
27 September 2006

SAA has really won me over. I flew to Maputo with SAA, and I have to give the staff 10/10 for that flight. Flying business class to Cape Town was a pleasure from arrival at Johannesburg International to the Cape Town, and the return flight was a pleasure too. I am planning on flying long distance with SAA next year (most likely to Hong Kong) and it will be nice to compare them with Singapore Airlines and Emirates.

South African Airways review by Mark Tufts
24 September 2006

Cape Town to Durban on a new A319. Great flight and service. I really was impressed. Food good, too, which is not an often found comment about airline food. Incidentally, SAA's prices are as good these days as the low-cost carriers if you book a little bit in advance and are not fussy about exactly when you fly.

South African Airways review by Stefan Straubhaar
24 September 2006

JNB to CPT roundtrip, both legs on their 747-400. On time departures. Friendly crew. But the sandwich served on these legs could be improved a little bit. When I flew with Comair to Durban, same distance, amount of time I got a meal. Also first they serve drinks and then 30 minutes later the dry sandwich, there should be a better coordination in between. Also they should control more how much alcohol they serve to passengers, since some of them got drunk and rowdy on the flight. Overall good experience. I think the seat pitch is normal, like any other airline, although on the upper deck there is more legroom than on the lower deck.

South African Airways review by Anita Nonneman
6 September 2006

I have flown SAA for the last 12 years, first in economy class, and for the last few years in business class. The business class accomodations have been wonderful; the attentive and cordial staff, the amenities, the food and wine, and advantages of Voyager membership. Although it's a long flight, I anticipate it as the comfortable first and last legs of an always incredible journey. In the first years of travel, we flew from Cleveland, Ohio (my hometown), to Miami, Sol Island, and then directly on to Cape Town. In recent years, the Miami start has been replaced by Atlanta (a great airport), and now a change of planes is required in Johannesburg before arriving in Cape Town. Will there ever be another flight directly from Atlanta (through Sol Island) to Cape Town? I'm planning another trip in February, 2007.

South African Airways review by Martha Santos
26 August 2006

GRU (Sao Paulo)-JNB and return. Very comfortable long-haul flight in economy. Food and wine (complimentary!) were good, but the long trip was really made bearable by excellent movie choices from the inflight entertainment system. Staff is friendly, helpful, and even tried to speak some Portuguese!

South African Airways review by Michael Nissen
12 August 2006

FRA-CPT and JNB-FRA Economy Mid-July and August. Flew first time with SAA. Tickets booked online via the SAA website with seat selection. Service on the FRA-CPT leg was efficient, food fine (I ordered a special seafood meal). The return leg to FRA was another experience: the SAA check-in staff at JNB airport was not able to confirm me the selected window seat, although I checked in very early. They told me without any excuse that other passengers booking online were also able to select that seat, even after the date of my booking! So there is in any case no guarantee to get the seat. I got instead an aisle seat in the last rows of the full aircraft nearby the restrooms, that made the 10 hrs flight rather uncomfortable.

South African Airways review by Brian Elliott
24 June 2006

LHR-CPT-LHR Economy. Excellent flights on A340-600 - very clean and quiet. At 6'4" I found plenty of leg room and aircraft only half full, so able to stretch out and even sleep CPT-LHR. FA's attentive and courteous and meals excellent in both quantity and quality. IFE computer glitch outbound which was unable to be fixed in flight, despite re- booting the system five times, but limited viewing still possible. Excellent check in at both LHR and CPT and pre-flight seat reservation worked well. Will use SAA on any future flights to SA.

South African Airways review by Reny Varkey
18 June 2006

Bombay-Johannesburg business class. The seats were comfortable, although slightly short of the seat pitch you expect on business class. Was promised flatbed seats on booking, but seats were old style - they reclined well. There was adequate space between the seats so you were not at all bothered by your fellow passengers. Service was good as was the wine. Food bland and mediocre with small portions, and not in adequate quantities. The arrival lounge in JNB for business class passengers was excellent and comfy with good clean showers and a hot petit breakfast and coffee. Overall a pleasant experience.

South African Airways review by Els van den Berkhof
1 June 2006

Frankfurt to Cape Town. The only reason I booked flights on SAA was because my husband is born in South Africa. But what a great experience it was! Our connecting flight was in Frankfurt and due to a technical problem there was a delay. But once inside business class everything was forgotten. What a treat to be able to sleep in the fully flat bed. The shell (back of the seat) is fixed, so whatever position the people in front of you sit or sleep inn, it doesn't bother you. Compared to KLM and BA the food was very good and the cabin crew on both our flights real friendly and welcoming, with an extra bonus for us that we could speak afrikaans. Without a doubt we will travel with SAA next time.

South African Airways review by Jo Francis
9 May 2006

If only SAA would get their online booking system up and running efficiently! It has been a severe test of loyalty since the (so- called) computer upgrade/Star Alliance get together on 17 March 2006. Voyager members must be deserting in droves due to lack of seats for upgrade to members and inefficiency online. How do we use our miles if we cannot access the booking system?

South African Airways review by Ron Kuhlmann
18 April 2006

LHR-CPT C-class. Magnificent flight. The A-340-600 interior was very attrictivly laid out and the seats and amenities were first rate. It was all the more welcome considering the hassles of Heathrow, which were many and varied. The crew was superb and managed to be both attentive and unobtrusive. The overall experience set a new benchmark for premium class travel. CPT-JNB-CPT C-class. Nice flights in both directions. Food was tasty and the crews in both directions were friendly and cheerful. The outbound was delayed quite a bit due to both weather and power failures in JNB. Lounge facilities at both airports were comfortable. Both flights left a good impression.

South African Airways review by Jon Passmore
12 April 2006

Traveled Hong Kong to Johanesburg (return) on SAA recently on the A340-600 in business class. Check in was fine in both directions, if a bit slow. Lounge was great, but all flights were slightly delayed and there was never any updates to the passengers (considering i had connections to make this became an issue). Lack of food in the lounges in Jburg, only chips and cakes. The full flat bed it brilliant and I had the best sleep ever on a plane (much better than BA). The shell design and privacy screen means that you are never disturbed by your neighbour. IFE was good, but half way through the flight the AVOD gave up and needed to be totally reset (which they said would take 5 minutes and took almost an hour). Thankfully no problems on the return journey. Food was rather ordinary and very small portions. Overall SAA have got a fantastic product here but what drags them down is service (or lack of it). Had to ask for everything twice and i cant recall the cabin crew smiling once. Always receive much better service on Thai and Singapore (even in economy). Would travel with SAA again, but only for the flat bed.

South African Airways review by Mark Purcell
7 April 2006

JFK-DKR-JFK Economy Mid-March Airbus 340-300e. Booking and seat selection on SAA's web site went smoothly, but e-mail questions to customer service took days or weeks for a reply. Check-in a bit slow as is seems everyone but me were baggage overweight and therefore having to transact for extra charges. Boarding was a bit chaotic but satisfactory. Relatively on time departure out of JFK, although I agree with earlier posts about the patchwork nature of that airport---allow extra time for navigation and confirm terminal location with SAA as mine was changed without notification a week before my departure. Despite some earlier warning posts about seat pitch, my 6'2" frame was comfortable with the legroom. although huskier builds will find seat width problematic. FA's JKF-DKR were more present and available than on the return leg, but that may have been due to clock time of flights. My IFE console into DKR has an isolated minor problem, but no glitches upon return. Meal service and quality was satisfactory both ways, but I would still grab a bite before boarding. Departure DKR-JFK was delayed due to extra carry-on security check at boarding that did not occur with an international carrier that departed out of the same gate previously (this should be construed as an observation rather than a complaint). Baggage handling OK both ways. All in all, I think I may a wise choice and would patronize SAA again for my next visit.

South African Airways review by Chris Di Maio
13 March 2006

Flew SAA from JFK-JNB and back from JNB-JFK with a stopover in Dakar. I will say the Airbus 340-300e was rather large and I actually wondered if it could take offi from JFK. Anyway our flight was Packed because the JFL-ATL-JNB FLight was cancelled due to massive ice storms in Atlanta. The flight was packed to maximum capacity. The service was quite good, the food was suprisingly tasty (and airline food usually sucks). The seats for Economy were quite comfortable, for an Airbus Seat (my wife would disagree, but I was fine). The IFE was quite good and very diverse, all new release movies, so I caught up on all my movie watching for the entire flight, both ways. Drinks were copious, but the only thing that I would say is DON'T USE THE BATHROOMS for Serious Business....They get a bit clogged and stinky after 8 hours on a 16 hour flight. JNB to JFK was great.....Plane was empty and we had tons of room in Economy. One thing when you land in Dakar. They will strip the entire plane and they'll check each seat about 6 times to make sure that there isn't anything bad. They look like they just came off the streets of Dakar and most don't speak english, mostly French. A one hour dealy turned into 3 hours and then we took off again. Another thing the last two to three hours on the flight from Dakar to JFK, be prepared for SERIOUS TURBULENCE. It can get a little scary, but from what I've been told its pretty normal. Other than that, its nothing out of the oridinary when it comes to international travel. Great Airline and Staff couldn't have been nicer to us and I'll fly them again without question.

South African Airways review by Ernest Ford
16 February 2006

Last year on our first trip with SAA. I was critical of our seats to LHR from CPT - they were the most uncomfortable I'd experienced in 40yrs of flying economy. We decided to give it another try this year as we enjoyed SAfrica so much, and we were very happy with our seats both ways. Unfortunately going to CPT. we were unable to sleep much, due to crying babies! Our return flight was perfect, we slept most of the way. The FA's were friendly and attentive, drinks plentiful, and the inflight entertainment on PTV screens was fine once one had worked out how to operate the handset!

South African Airways review by Biagio Rocco
15 February 2006

LHR-JHB-LHR in Economy. I did not wait long in line to get checked in. Airbus A340-600 cabin was clean and modern, and plenty of storage. SAA play local music so it gets you in the mood for SA. Seats were spacious for economy and you get an amenity kit with socks toothbrush etc. The food was okay (but could definitely be improved) and drink was plentiful. Crew come around during the night and serve water/juices. In addition a trolley is put out with bottles of mineral water, juices, biscuits (sweet and savoury) cheeses and peanuts in case one is still feeling hungry. Toilets kept clean throughout the flight. The inflight entertainment had a good selection and one could choose from 15 movie titles. The crew was fairly attentive but I feel they could have done less joking about (loudly) in the galley. On the return trip got a seat on the upper deck of the B747-400 and service was were flawless - I guess it depends on crew you get.

South African Airways review by P Stockl
6 February 2006

FRA-CPT and JNB-FRA. Together these were some of the best economy flights I have taken and the best I have taken to South Africa from Europe (Have also taken SAA from London, as well as BA, Lufthansa and Virgin Atlantic). This was in large part down to the fantastic IFE system on the A340-600; it's an enormous touch-screen affair with excellent content on demand, including a novel position for the now quite ubiquitous outside camera view; in the tail looking forward; very, very impressive! My long legs appreciated the extra few inches of seat pitch over the alternative airline on this route (Lufthansa). Overall very comfortable, including the seats, considering it was over 11 hours of cattle class. Both flights were on time, and despite being completely full the service from the mostly well-presented FAs was always delivered with a smile and a query whether I would like anything else. The food was the only point that was merely average, with the usual meagre semi- identifiable pulp. If this were improved I don't think you could get me to fly anyone else to SA. Can't wait until they are fully in the Star Alliance later this year.

South African Airways review by Michelle Walsh
27 January 2006

IAD-JNB-ATL. Booked online with SAA. After reading all the horror reports on Dulles airport I was sceptical but very pleasantly surprised. The airport was clean and organized and I had no problems getting to my departure terminal. The 747 flight to JNB was comfortable and the crew very polite and efficient. Return flight JNB to Atlanta was on the new A340-600 - it was somewhat cramped and only just bearable for such a long flight. The crew from JNB to Isle Del Sol was great - however the crew from Isle Del Sol to Atlanta was barely to be seen, they had the "out of sight out of mind" approach. Overall we had a great experience with SAA and always do our best to fly with them. I do have one complaint about luggage. Flying on an international flight into JNB you are allowed 2 suitcases of 32 kgs each. We found that staying over in JNB for 4 days to sightsee and then moving onto Durban and Cape Town - they wanted to charge us excess luggage even though we had our international tickets to prove that we were international visitors. Apparently the rule is that you have to fly locally on the same day as arriving in JNB. This seems somewhat unfair - how are tourists meant to travel the country and spend a few days in each place if they are going to get charge for excess luggage for every internal flight they take?

South African Airways review by Patrick Jensen
14 January 2006

CPH-FRA-JNB return on economy and very satisfied. We flew the new A340-600 and both service and seats were very good. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout. We sat on 49A/C and the seats were more than adequate compared to other major carriers. The fact that you could stretch out your leg along the fuselage next to the seat in front of you as opposed to underneath it as normal was wonderful on such a long flight. We had a good nights sleep and arrived the nest morning well rested. JNB is a great airport. The arrivals area is still under construction, but looking forward to its completion. The departure area is among the better we have ever tried. Especially the smoking lounge is amazing. Looks more like a business class lounge! Great service and chairs. Finally, we smokers have a better deal than non smokers! Overall, we would definitely fly SAA again over some of the major European carriers.

South African Airways review by Douglas Humphrey
30 December 2005

LHR-CPT and return. Being 6`4" and recently had a hip replacement and DVT as result of operation and having read recent reviews of seat comfort for this airline I was more than a bit concerned about my flight. Having been told at booking time that I could not book upper deck seats in economy for some reason which was not given it came as a very pleasant surprise to find on check in that we had been allocated the upper deck in which I found plenty of legroom and for someone my height that is unusual - maybe a bit narrow but you can't have everything. Food average, service fine, check in ok I would use SAA again if guaranteed upper deck economy. Friends who travelled on same flight but downstairs economy said it was very cramped. Make sure you get upper seats.

South African Airways review by H Albertse
13 December 2005

I have just completed a sector on SAA from Johannesburg to Washington DC and have nothing but praise for SAA check-in, ground-staff and cabin crew on this particular flight. The in-flight service was excellent and the flatbed seats in Business Class only a pleasure. However, the selection of 15 movies was not all that good, especially on a very long flight (about 18 hours). With regards to Rathin Roy's earlier comments on SAA, I would just like to point the following facts out: It is no fault of SAA that Terminal 3 at JFK is a horrible mess - that would be the Port Authority of New York / New Jersey and Delta Airlines responsibility, as Terminal 3 is their terminal and falls under their jurisdiction. SAA simply uses Terminal 3 due to its codeshare agreement with Delta. Hopefully SAA will change terminals at JFK when the airline finally enters Star Alliance and ends its codeshare agreement with Delta in the year 2006. There is more than adequate road signage when you are about to enter JFK Airport that directs you to the SAA departures-and arrivals area, in fact there is an entrance just to the right of SAA's check- in desks and to the left of their departure gate. Personally I have been dropped off there about three times and did not experience any trouble in finding the SAA check-in area. SAA check-in and boarding at JFK Airport is handled by Delta staff and not SAA staff. Why the Delta staff was not able to credit FF-mileage to Rathin Roy’s Skyteam-or Lufthansa FF accounts, is a matter that he / she will have to take up with those respective FF schemes. . With regards to the boarding process - it is unfortunate that passengers have to deal with inconsiderate and rude gate agents – although again not quite SAA's mistake. As I pointed out previously, Delta handles all SAA check-in and ground staff functions at JFK, as well as at Atlanta Hartsfield International, while SAA check-in at Washington Dulles International check-in is handled by SAS, to my knowledge. The point that I am trying to make, is that it is unfair to blame an airline (SAA in this instance) for mistakes made by staff of another airline or handling company. Admittedly SAA chose to make use of Delta staff albeit - however it is sad to see and hear about cases where SAA passengers are treated badly by staff of other companies in which I am sure, SAA has faith in. Hopefully we as passengers on SAA will in the future see even more improvements with regards to the overall product that they deliver. Nonetheless, I would still classify SAA as a world-class airline, compared to many other first-world carriers who are sadly lagging behind.

South African Airways review by Stephan Holowaty
10 December 2005

ZRH-JNB-CPT-ZRH Business Class. Overall, a very good experience. However, ZRH-JNB-ZRH was an old A340-200 - not the "new" SAA Business Class which they showed us on the in-flight movie. Seats not bad & spacious leg room, but far from flat beds. The best on the seats is the in-seat power supply for European and US power supplies which don't need an adapter. Unluckily, the power supplies didn't work properly on the return flight which easily can lead to a major disaster when you count on being able to work on that 10-hour-flight. IFE was poor, the movie selection uninspiring and the audio quality really bad. FAs great, especially on the return sector when they even addressed all passengers by their name. Catering was some of the best I ever had on an airline, especially on the outgoing sector, even though they weren't able to serve my first (seafood) choice any more. Crews and catering clearly made up for some shortcomings on seats, IFE and boarding procedures in JNB. Finally, airports: JNB departure an absolute catastrophe with chaotic boarding (using busses for the transfer to the plane) and obviously incompetent staff (both SAA gate staff and airport operator). ZRH a long, long walk from the Star Alliance lounge to the gate in another terminal.

South African Airways review by P Rosamond
3 December 2005

My husband and I flew on 9 November 2005 from LHR to CPT Business Class. We were very happy overall with service, meals and sky-beds. However, our return from JNB was not so good. The flight was initially delayed due to an incoming adjoining flight from Durban being delayed. By the time we eventually boarded there was a heavy storm raging and the pilot informed us that he was unable to take off and we would need to wait on the runway for it subside. After about 20 minutes he decided it wasn't going to subside for at least an hour and decided to take off from another runway in another direction. Although I appreciate that there was a reason for the delay and the pilot was very good at keeping us informed by the time we eventually took off we were almost three hours late and it was almost 1 am. By this time most people were very tired and several decided to go straight to sleep and miss the evening meal - my husband included. However, on waking the next morning - expecting breakfast - we were given an announcement by the pilot informing us that they were one FA short, which meant that due to the rest periods they were obliged to take, they would not have time to serve the full breakfast. All we were given was lukewarm coffee and a bread roll. This was very disappointing after an otherwise good flight. Often on aircraft one is unable to hear the pilot announcements with the noise but on the SA flight it was very clear, as was the sound on the televisions which again is not always very good on some aircraft. The only other comment I have to make is that one of the toilets was not left in a very clean state after being used by one of the FAs.

South African Airways review by Richard Heaps
3 December 2005

Heathrow to Windhoek via Johannesburg. Managed to get top deck economy which was fantastic as loads of leg room, although space for hand baggage is limited due to shallow overhead lockers. Late landing so tight transfer but made it, although luggage didn't. Had to wait 4 hrs in Windhoek for luggage to arrive on the next flight, although to be fair it was delivered to my hotel. Inflight entertainment was good, and the food average airline fare. Good magazine, and staff helpful although didn't see that much of them later on in the flight. Would fly SAA again regionally in Africa. Feel Virgin was better on long haul though.

South African Airways review by Rathin Roy
2 December 2005

JFK-DKR in Economy class. Delta codeshare flight on SAA - had to run from pillar to post with my bags to find the right check in area as the whole Terminal is a horrible mess with no signposting. Check-in at Delta terminal was pleasant but they were unable to credit me FFPs on either Skyteam (Flying Blue) or Lufthansa Senator (with whom SAA has an arrangement according to their website). They had no idea why this was the case. Boarding was sloppy - an extremely arrogant check in agent kept herding people into "sections" of the boarding area to permit sequential boarding, and was distinctly rude to older passengers who had difficulty moving per his instructions. Despite this nonsensical fuss, boarding was excruciatingly slow, staff were casual about completing formalities, and plane was 30 minutes late out of gate at a crowded time in JFK - hence takeoff delayed by 90 minutes. Very good seat for economy. Good food for economy with choice of chicken in something white and lamb curry. I chose the curry. Socks and eyeshades provided. Bathroom spacious but dirty. Service - I divide airlines into those that respond to the seat call button and those who expect all economy passengers to walk to the galley for service. SAA certainly belongs to the latter category. However the in flight attendants were largely helpful, especially the junior ones The senior cabin crew were the opposite, rude, opinionated and unwilling to provide service. IFE had an onboard camera which was meaningless as it was switched on only 40 minutes after takeoff and switched off 30 minutes before. I would fly SAA economy again if the routing suited, but there is definite room for improvement.

South African Airways review by Daniel du Plooy
17 October 2005

Recently flew between DBN and JHB return. I had a 'kosher' meal both ways and was extremely impressed with the quality, although the other passengers did not get the same standard. FA's were friendly and booking on flysaa.com was a pleasure - their prices were actually better than kulula.

South African Airways review by Casper van der Walt
2 October 2005

I flew the "new" South African Airways A340-600 from Hong Kong to JNB and back to Hong Kong last month. I must say that the service was actually not that bad, the food OK and the inflight entertainment exellent (big private screens in front of each seat!). Most of the cabin attendants were friendly and they were serving drinks through out the nearly 14 hour flight. Seats are not THAT bad either, same as BA or other major European carrier but it gets VERY uncomfortable on such a long flight if you can't sleep. Although I prefer Emirates above SAA, I will fly them again.

South African Airways review by Michael Preston
28 September 2005

PAR-JNB C class, JNB-LHR-JNB C class, CPT-LHR Y class. The most interesting feature of these 4 flights was the contrasting and inconsistent attitude of the cabin crews. With the exception of the 02 SEP flight, of which more later, the crews could not do enough and were constantly on hand, relaxed and chatty, to see that passengers were comfortable and happy. On the 20 AUG flight the (mainly black) attendants made a huge fuss of a couple of young children, thoroughly spoiling them and hugging them and their parents on arrival, a lovely gesture. I requested a couple of bottles of duty free wine, and the one I wanted not being available, I was presented with two bottles from first class. On the LHR JNB 02 SEP 'C' class flight the crew were sullen and unhelpful, doing the bare minimum and that with bad grace. Breakfast was served two hours before landing, and the small girl next to me missed hers. When she woke, her mother asked if she could have a roll and a cup of tea. She was rudely told that breakfast was ‘over’ and if the child was hungry why had she not been woken when everyone else had their breakfast. The kindest thing I can say about this FA is that she is clearly not a mother and probably doesn’t deserve to become one. I also noticed after waiting for the toilets for a long time that one of them had been occupied for over 10 minutes by a female FA. I also noticed that the inflight announcements made by a male FA were almost unintelligible due to his strong accent. The business class flatbed seats are comfortable on recline, although to find a good sleeping position requires understanding of the adjustment of the lumbar support and correct positioning. The lovely duvets also help one to relax. On all 3 business class sectors, the otherwise excellent IFE packed up, frustratingly in the middle of a film, and although it was reset, which took about half an hour each time, this left me with little incentive to carry on watching. The food, considering the excellence and abundance of South African food generally, could only be described as mediocre, with the exception of the steak which I did not enjoy on the PAR JNB, which was small, dry, overdone, tough, and tasteless. And this from the airline of the country which has (arguably!) the best beef in the world. However, the good choice of excellent SA wines was a sort of compensation. The main reason I would not travel PAR JNB on SAA again is the awful CDG airport and in particular the scruffy and distant terminal 1 from which the SAA flight leaves, at the same time as a flight to China, making the satellite very crowded. On the CPT LHR economy flight, I can only say that this was the most cramped and uncomfortable longhaul flight I have ever experienced. Even the seats on the shorthaul BMI flight I took from LHR, and the Nationwide Airlines JNB-CPT, were more comfortable and spacious. The SAA seat pitch and size are a disgrace and I fail to understand how anyone of even average size (and many South Africans are large!) can fit into them, let alone endure them for 12 hours. On the plus side, the IFE worked, unlike the business class flights, and I enjoyed some excellent entertainment and a meal which was not significantly worse than the rather disappointing business class meals. Despite the disappointed aspects mentioned above, I will always be happy to travel on SAA, although hopefully they will heed the comments that I and others have made about the Y class seating and do something about it.

South African Airways review by R S Mamtora
6 September 2005

Business Class: JNB to BLZ, SAA's A319 short haul Business class has more seats then other airlines 25 as opposed to 12 on other airlines; the result is the seat comfort is only a small improvement over economy and so is the meal service. Basically it’s not worth the extra premium. SAA needs to look at other airlines in region like Air Mauritius who use the same plane but with only 12 seats in Business class and their seats offer much more space in every sense, you get the feeling that having paid a premium you’re getting premium service in return, the same cannot be said of SAA Shot haul Business class.

South African Airways review by Henry Relling
29 August 2005

I recently booked on flysaa.com and must agree with HJ Albertse (25 June) that if you are at the right time online, SAA offers really good fares. I booked a flight for me and a buddie from DUR to JNB and only paid R800 (+/- $130) - for both of us ! I also flew SAA to ZRH in February this year and must say that the service was great. Also nice to be served in Afrikaans! I wish SAA could install seatback IFE screens on their A340-200's in economy. One thing I would've appreciated over the mainscreen movies. Overall, my choice of airline!

South African Airways review by Zac Pencikowski
24 August 2005

IAD-JNB return. Used the information gleaned from the comments posted here to arrange very comfortable economy flights. Tricks I used were booking tickets through an SAA agent over the phone, who was able to give me seat assignments which held up through check-in, booking seats in the upper deck of our 747, which indeed had sufficient legroom for the long trip and had extra storage bins next to the windows, and asking the SAA agent to book us a window and an aisle seat, which resulted in the two of us having an empty seat between us for each of the flights. At least a bit of luck was involved in getting the empty seat between us, though, as on the flight back to the U.S. another couple who had booked a window and an aisle had someone stuck between them. However, as a number of people deplaned in Ghana where the plane refueled (as opposed to the flight from Dulles to JNB, where a good number of people boarded the plane in Ghana and empty window/aisle seats were quickly filled), people were able to spread out a bit and most middle seats were empty. Food was fine (although I would recommend ordering a vegetarian meal -- my wife did and her meal seemed fresher), and seats and video devices all functioned normally and adequately. I would also recommend booking seats in the front portion of the upper deck (up to row 83 on our plane) just because there's less traffic of people going to/from bathrooms and galley in the rear. Agree that the security checks in Ghana were strange -- two guys basically tore apart the empty seat between us looking for bad stuff.

South African Airways review by Synnøve Haagenrud
19 August 2005

LHR-JNB and CPT-LHR in Economy Class. The most uncomfortable two flights I've ever experienced! Asked for a seat on the upper deck at check-in both times, but was told the seats were already allocated and couldn't be changed, despite us coming early for check-in. The legroom for the seats on lower deck was non-existant - forget trying to retrieve anything from the floor whilst in your seat, and forget trying to get out of your seat any other way than first standing up in your own seat, and then climbing across your neighbour before reaching the aisle! What a contrast when transferring to shorter haul connecting flights with other airlines, but also domestic SAA flights - finally there was room to move and release the leg cramps! The food from UK to SA was actually quite good, as flight-food goes, but the food coming back from SA was disgusting! Again, what a contrast to all the fantastic food we'd eaten during our 2 weeks in SA! I was unable to sleep because I was so uncomfortable, and the fact that my In-seat-entertainment system stopped working about half-way on both flights did not help the time pass more quickly. On a positive note - the FAs were friendly and helpful and kept coming through the cabin offering drinks to those of us that couldn't sleep.

South African Airways review by C Ahlers
19 August 2005

JNB-GRU-JNB on the new airbus A343 in Economy. Seats are very uncomfortable, little legroom and very narrow seating area. Cabin crew generally polite but don't go out of their way to make the flight a pleasant one. Food from SA not worth mentioning, from Brazil generally better. Only English spoken despite at least 50% of pax Portugese (Angola; Mozambique & Brazil). Would be happier if VARIG served the route, much prefer them to SAA.

South African Airways review by Ernst du Toit
12 August 2005

Zurich to JHB in business class. Seated just behind the toilets, I hardly had any sleep. The FA's use the toilets in business class to dress and undress throughout the night. Just before breakfast it was impossible to get to a toilet, as the staff was once again using it for their dressing purposes. When I approached the purser about this, his comment was "where else must they get dressed?" Even though the BC passengers were queing for a toilet, the FA's seemed to have preference in using the toilets. I timed one of the FA's - she occupied the toilet for more than 18 min. I have flown on many airlines and this is the first time I experienced being second to the FA's.

South African Airways review by Robert Blyth
2 August 2005

CPT-LHR on 1 July 2005 with econonmy seats in upper deck. Cannot agree with those who say that upper deck has adequate legroom. Thus not a comfortable flight. Seats are not properly serviced and recline when not required because of faulty maintenance. Evening meal the worst ever on SAA with whom I have flown many miles. Today 1 August 2005 have tried for four hours to reach SAA office in London to reconfirm onward reservations without success. Had to phone my travel agent in Cape Town to get reconfirmation. Surely with the problems in hand SAA would have taken extra steps to meet client needs. Top managment needs a full shake-up. CEO should be made to fly economy class in a middle seat.

South African Airways review by David Greyling
1 August 2005

This is the worst airline in the business. This is my third time flying SAA, and the second time I’ve been let down, I had to stay behind because of over booking the first time which they compensated me for - but now again because of the strikes I’m missing the first tri-nation game. I will never again let myself down by flying SAA.

South African Airways review by Douglas Wells
1 August 2005

I just returned from a weeks business trip to Johannesburg and Durban. Unfortunately just in the middle of the SAA labor strike. Fortunately I was able to book a return on Lufthansa, although at a $1500 premium. I could find no-one at the airport, the local customer service lines, or in the US who could tell me what my options were, or the status of flights. I was finally told that my ticket did not guarantee me a seat and everything was being handled on a first come first basis. Despite the fact that I was holding a $7,200 business class return and the flight to JFK was leaving as scheduled. Never again. There are too many reasonable options to trust your luck with SAA.

South African Airways review by Barry Wright
22 July 2005

First Class on SAA from LHR to CPT and back from JNB. This is the most spacious cabin and absolutely most comfortable seat for sitting and for sleeping. It includes an electronic ottoman which allows for a very long and completely flat bed. The service, food and outstanding wine selection was unsurpassed. The SAA product overall surpasses BA and ANA. LH is a very close second in my opinion. The SAA Cycad Premium (First Class ) Lounge in JNB was wonderful with excellent fresh food prepared to order.

South African Airways review by Craig Thomas
12 July 2005

Windhoek - Johannesburg in Business Class - SA075/12JUL. Welcomed on board with a glass of sparking wine and offered a newspaper before take-off. Lunch was very appetising - fish option was superb; fish was tender and moist and side vegetables were still somewhat crunchy and tasty (a change from the normal over-cooked vegetables served). Crew topped up my wine glass throughout the flight - when complimenting the purser on the quality of the fish meal, he replied that catering from Windhoek tends to be much better than on the outward flight from Johannesburg. I can certainly attest to the fact that the caterers in Windhoek do a superb job.

South African Airways review by Jason Zehmke
12 July 2005

I have yet to come even close to the friendly service of the SAA Flight staff. They were on par with the much praised Singapore Airlines staff. I am 6'2" and had no problem with the leg room in economy. All in all it was a great experience, topped off by the SAA Voyager lounge in Johannesburg where for R100 ($15) you can get a hot shower and free drinks and sandwiches before connecting onto a domestic destination. Great stuff SAA - very impressed.

South African Airways review by Gene Weatherby
10 July 2005

The seats on international flights are too close. On the flight to Washington there were many of us that were in great discomfort because there was no room to move our legs. Even my wife who is small felt short of room. I will take the return trip which is already booked, but will not travel SAA internationally again.

South African Airways review by Coen Bakkers
29 June 2005

Flew ZRH-JNB and then JNB-FRA on both A340-200 and -600. I must agree that leg space is among the worst I have seen. Singapore airlines on their 747-400 as well as Emirates on their A330-200 is much better, and that even in Economy. I choose SAA because I was told that compared to the crappy service of Lufthansa on long haul flights, SAA was good. The service and the food was was of the best I have seen on my +225 flights now. The cabing crew was relaxed and friendly on both flights. SAA has the funniest safety briefing movie I have see so far.

South African Airways review by Ivan Lawson

29 June 2005

CPT to FRA 06-16-2005 Economy..Check in in Cape Town was very pleasant even although 5 in our party. We were each asigned aisle seats giving lots of room for all of us to have a good nap. Seat pitch is bad and if flight was full it would have been very uncomfortable. The IFE is awesome. Food was OK for economy and FA were a smiling happy lot passing out drinks all night long to those you cannot sleep.

South African Airways review by Carol Foote

28 June 2005

Had the best flight yet UK to SA (Richards Bay )return June 2005. I do this trip annually. On both flights I was seated upstairs (economy) and legroom was excellent - could stretch my legs out straight and not cramped when dinner was served even though passenger in seat in front of me was reclined throughout journey - normally this would have irritated me. Food great on outward flight from Uk but dissappointing from SA. Couldn't fault domestic flight and lunch box was delicious both ways. Only thing I have found is that the cabin crew are super efficient to the degree it interprets as 'icy' I wish they could chill out a little! On saying that wouldn't hesitate to fly with them again and I have gone the Virgin and BA route in the past!

South African Airways review by H J Albertse

25 June 2005

Some people just seem to want it all. The cheapest airfares, including lots of legroom and for a “grand finale” a sumptuous meal. Mr. Nigel Bragg, if you do some research on the internet and pay a visit to www.flysaa.com, you will find the lowest fares available. Most of the time they equal and even beat the fares of so-called low-cost carriers like 1Time and Kulula.com. You also get complimentary drinks, snacks and a pre- allocated seat. Maybe it’s time you travelled on a domestic USA flight and experience the kind of treatment they dish out – “no food at all” or “food to buy” on transcontinental flights lasting longer than 5 hours! During the past 6 months I have flown almost 70000km’s on international SAA flights - twice to the USA and once to the UK, both in Economy and Business Class. Being an extremely critical person myself, I find your comments about SAA quite strange as I have experienced exemplary service on all these flights. Accolades to South African Airways and its staff!

South African Airways review by Nigel Bragg

4 June 2005

Variety of in domestic flights. Friendly air staff, moderate food, not much leg room unless you get into business class. Not the cheapest option either. I won't dream of flying them internationally, but for domestic, they will do providing my employer pays.

South African Airways review by John S Mills

4 June 2005

LHR to JNB overnight on 05may 05 ,after asking for special seating requirement we were allotted seats on the upper deck the leg room was adequate, the food passable but no evidence of cabin crew after lights out. The return journey was a different story although asking for similar seating requirements as outward journey we were allotted seats on the lower deck where the leg room was non existent, making the 10hr flight most uncomfortable especially for my wife who has a problem with her knee, the food on this flight was atrocious.

South African Airways review by Kingsley Utande

23 May 2005

LOS-JNB-LOS economy. Check -in at Lagos airport was pretty swift even though I was a bit late due to Lagos' horrible traffic. Was given the window seat I requested for on the upper deck of the 747-400, and was pleasantly surprised by the leg room. The FA's were very pleasant and totally unlike what I've experienced with other airlines (esp. the Europeans on their routes). The meal was just okay, but the best part of the flight for me was the IFE on demand. It beat others hands down. Arrived JNB ahead of schedule which was rather surprising considering that take-off from Lagos was delayed. But luggage took rather long in coming at JNB, and to worsen matters, no-one checks your tags to confirm that the luggage you're leaving with is yours. The return leg from JNB was okay. check-in was swift too, though I suspect it's because I was at the airport 4 hours early. Was given another window seat in upper deck again and was very pleased. Pity that SAA don't have a nice seating area by the boarding gate, and boarding was orderly though without preference for the first and business class pax. Flight was smooth, and FAs very pleasant with a constant supply of food and drink all through. My only grouse being that the in-flight map couldn't be accessed from the IFE. I found the pre-flight safety video/cartoon very amusing but informative. Arrived Lagos on schedule, but again, the late luggage arrival problem, of which the fault is actually from the infrastructure at that airport. On the whole, a very enjoyable flight, and I'll definitely fly SAA again as long I'm put on the upper deck if flying economy.