BA6416 CPT-JNB 3 DEC 10 (ECONOMY)
Posted: 01 Jan 2011, 19:41The choice of flights between the two cities is incredible - which, given the lack of "surface" options is understandable.
Surprisingly, the difference in fares was neglible, with BA and Mango at the cheaper end and SAA being the most expensive. The options were:
Kulula.com is the major budget airline in South Africa, who happen to be the sister company to Comair (who fly as British Airways.)
1time.co.za (there was something unsettling about their website though), Mango (South African Airways budget brand) and a plethora of SAA subbrands whose websites all pointed to the same SAA flights.
Fares where all within a few rand of each other at the time I booked, so I opted for BA, as I am slowly building up miles with them.
Another "hands help up in horror" moment when I told my friends in Cape Town I was using public transport to go to the airport. Cape Town has started building guided busways to ease congestion, and as part of this public transport push started a frequent express service to the airport. The cost was 50RAND (£5) and the bus station in Cape Town felt more like a train station, with platforms and ticket check before boarding.
Before long I was at the wonderful Cape Town Airport.
Light, spacious, bright and a joy to use. Like all airports should be!
I arrived at the BA Bag Drop early, and was told to come back in an hour (11.00am for a 2.00pm departure isn't that early, is it?) so headed to Mugg&Bean for some breakfast.
Security was a breeze, and I headed for the BidAir lounge.
It was very nice. Somehow I was unable to get a good pic, but you can see how bright and clean it was.
To get here, you walk past the SLOW lounge, which BA use. It looked lovely.
In memory of my iPhone.
There were nice views from the lounge. If you like planes.
Before long it was time to board. The flight was packed. Given the frequency of flights on this route I was really surprised - all the departing flights to Jo'burg looked heavily booked.
Found my seat (config was 3-3) and all three seats were occupied - but it really looked like BA had forgotten to 'widen' the middle seat, and a large gentleman was wedged in. He said he'd complain to BA in writing, but I wondered why he didn't ask the crew for help. He also said the 2.00pm flight was always busy as it was a safe connection for lots of international departures from Jo'burg.
As well as Highlife magazine, there was also Comair's own inflight magazine "horizon", to read, which was arguably better.
My carry-on bag sits in my seat - there wasn't enough room in the middle seat for it!
A sandwich was served (proudly announced as being from Woolworths, which in South Africa sits equal, or just above Marks & Spencer / Waitrose) and it was quite nice.
Due to turbulence on the previous flight, we were told that there would be no hot drinks served, but I noted two drinks runs! On a two hour flight! And more on request, but I resisted. The rest of the flight was uneventful.
Arrival in Jo'burg was on time, no turbulence, and again I was impressed by the airport - like a broken record now but CPT and JNB arrivals put T3 to shame. I was met by a lady with my name on a board
who would drive me to my little B&B for the night. This one: 