V-Flyer

Time to head home after a brief but good trip to South Africa. JNB airport was its normal chaotic self, too little space between the check in desks and walkways. It just leads to queues of people and much pushing in. VS at JNB only have 6 desks I think,so only 2 allocated to UC / PE checkin. Took me about 15 minutes to finally get my boarding pass. Security and immigration were very efficient and I was in the lounge quite quickly.

I love the JNB lounge, it's quite small but the service is superb, food excellent and facilities great. I had some crispy prawns, a few beers and some biltong before heading to the gate.

Had to get a bus to the plane (quite normal at JNB) but I was on the plane with no issues.

VS have moved the LHR 747 to the LHR - JNB route earlier than normal or maybe this a more permanent move? I prefer the A340's and think PE has 1 or 2 more inches of legroom but maybe thats in my head!!

Left almost on time after a glass of bubbly. Excellent service on board for drinks and meal. I had a curry, with a lasagne and steak also on the menu. Brandy and Baileys was offered soon after the meal so I though it would rude to turn 1 down....

I managed to get quite a bit of sleep for once, woke up about 3am ish and the cabin lights soon followed. Breakfast was inedible to be honest but unless you are in UC then brekkie is always poor.

Circled quite a while but landed on time, quickly at the gate and off. The IRIS queues were long as I think the machines were playing up and I got waved through the queue for Cabin crew to have my passport checked. My bag was off quite quickly after the UC bags and I headed to Revivals.

After a long shower getting the dirt and grunge of a few days fishing off me I was helping myself to a cooked breakfast and a cup of tea. Relaxed for a few minutes before facing the bus to work!!

A very good flight, staff excellent, no real complaints apart from JNB airport but that's not VS fault. JNB airport has improved so much in the last 10 years but the area before departures is still not great. I just hope South Africa can get that airport ready for 2010 or they have issues. Thanks VS and see you in a couple of weeks!!

Excellent return TR quick and to the point, cant wait to travel this saturday now.

Cheers

Alex

I have to admit that JNB's international departures has improved a lot. The fact that the Gautrain terminal is being built soon, and that the whole terminal space has had to shift westwards by around 60 feet to accomodate that change has probably got something to do with it.

2007 was disastrous for me, 2006 was ok.

S.