South African Airways

Someone on Business Traveller mentioned that they are in trouble.

I found a link which mentioned that they had to be bailed out over Christmas to pay their fuel bills.

http://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/ano ... or-saa.htm

Is the article scare mongering?

I hope it isn't true. I'm planning a trip to Cape Town in April and would have preferred to fly direct with SAA.

It's very likely to be true though as they've had financial trouble for a while, but I'm sure they'll be bailed out again.

I hope it isn't true. I'm planning a trip to Cape Town in April and would have preferred to fly direct with SAA.

It's very likely to be true though as they've had financial trouble for a while, but I'm sure they'll be bailed out again.

For the past six / seven years...

Yup, SAA get continual bail outs from the SA Government.

It is one of the major sore points for their competition in the country.

It all boils down to poor management and everyone in the higher echelons enjoying inflated salaries and bonuses.

I'm sure they will still be flying at the end of the year.

I was very anti SAA for many years having endured some very bad service but I was forced to fly them last year and what a surprise. Both to and from JNB, the flights were superb. Absolutely chokkers but the service was good, the interior of the planes (which they have had for a few years now - the older A340s) were spotless, the food was as good as any airline food and all this in economy. On top of this, the seat pitch is bigger than on VS or BA.

May be it happened but overall SAA is a good air lines, I traveled many time with SAA and found very good in services. If you have to go around South Africa than SA express is the best idea.

Just to bump this thread.

I am doing an escorted tour of South Africa in July and August. This involves flights with SAA from Heathrow to Cape Town via Johannesburg, Durban to Johannesburg and Johannesburg to Heathrow.

On their website they state clearly only one piece of carry on baggage is allowed. It also states you are allowed one additional personal item such as "Purses, baby changing bags, laptops in a thin satchel and slim line brief cases."

Would a small bag that goes over my shoulder such as this count as a personal item?

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Marks-an ... 1364143958

I would like to use the bag over my shoulder to carry essential documents in and then have a small piece of luggage to carry a small amount of clothing in case my checked bag gets delayed or goes missing.

Thanks.

Don't worry, you'll be OK.

The amount of carry on bags that are carried onto a plane are unbelievable.

You're bag will pail into insignificance when compared to others carrying the kitchen sink on board!

Enjoy S.A. ... What a beautiful country

Paul

Thanks for the info.

Have you ever used SAA before? If so, how do they compare to VS?? The entertainment system from their website looks pretty comparable to V Port but what are the crew like? Or the food? I am flying in economy.

Thanks for the info.

Have you ever used SAA before? If so, how do they compare to VS?? The entertainment system from their website looks pretty comparable to V Port but what are the crew like? Or the food? I am flying in economy.

I only use SAA for the domestic legs of my trips so I cant compare the longhaul to VS.

However, if the domestic service is anything to go by, it should be a good experience.

Enjoy