Flights to Cape Town - a simple question

We will be flying to Cape Town in March - travelling UC.
We really want direct flights - not via Joburg.
The best times flights seemto be on a code share type - with South African Airways - flight VS8221 out and VS8220 back
Previously we have only flown Virgin to the US and back.
So can anyone explain the facts with these 'shared' flights.
Are the cabins of the same standard - flat beds etc?
Can you use the LHR clib house etc.
Is seat selection available as per Virgin flifghts?
Any such info would be very helpful.
Clearly BA are their own flights there and back - so we know what we would get!
But I would prefer Virgin service if SAA are equal
Many thanks
Fairphil

[mcmbenjamin]

SAS is great. Flat beds but at an angle. No LHR CH, different terminal. Might be cheaper to book directly with SAS.

[honey lamb]

Erm, I hate to be picky but SAS is Scandian Airlines service and not South African Airways, which is of course SAA [|:)]

Thanks Honey Lamb
I clearly meant SAA - hope that makes it clear
Same questions apply
Particlarly - can passengers on flight VS 8221 use the club house
Sorry for the confusion
Fairphil

quote:Originally posted by Fairphil
Thanks Honey Lamb
I clearly meant SAA - hope that makes it clear
Same questions apply
Particlarly - can passengers on flight VS 8221 use the club house
Sorry for the confusion
Fairphil



They cannot use the Clubhouse as South African Airways departs from Terminal 1 at Heathrow.

I've just been to CPT and back with VS (in UC). I found the times fine as they're both night flights and you get a full day either end. The SAA First lounge (which VS uses in CPT) is truly rubbish and IMHO not a patch on the BA lounge (which I ended up in for a bit-long story).I'd consider BA if I was to travel this route again.I didn't have a particularly good time on either flight (coming back was much much worse though).As soon as I get a response from VS customer services I'll post my reports.
DL