Qf63 syd > jnb

[Comoman]

Unfortunately I beg to differ - been twice through ORT over last 12 months and both times zip cut and bag pilfered leaving JNB. No valuables of any sort in bag. Both on SAA to Perth. Maybe that's the difference - SAA use different terminal and maybe different security.

The bag repair shop in Mt Lawley (?) knows me well. When reporting it to Qantas baggage services (on behalf of SAA) they weren't remotely surprised.

 

[JohnM]

Unfortunately I beg to differ - been twice through ORT over last 12 months and both times zip cut and bag pilfered leaving JNB. No valuables of any sort in bag. Both on SAA to Perth. Maybe that's the difference - SAA use different terminal and maybe different security.

The bag repair shop in Mt Lawley (?) knows me well. When reporting it to Qantas baggage services (on behalf of SAA) they weren't remotely surprised.

That's no good. I've only travelled QF or BA out of OTA. Doing the round trip on the SAA QF codeshare in August, though.

Did you have a lock on your bag? I regard locks as useless, especially for zippered bags and a come-on that something valuable is inside. Never use them.

 

[Comoman]

Also I'm a little concerned with the apparent "blaseness" of some people over security in South Africa. Safety there is a problem - no don't wear obvious jewellery as I read earlier.

Don't be under illusions - be very careful. Crime is a real real issue - unfortunately most of it is violent.

And yes am speaking from experience.

 

[Comoman]

That's no good. I've only travelled QF or BA out of OTA. Doing the round trip on the SAA QF codeshare in August, though.

Did you have a lock on your bag? I regard locks as useless, especially for zippered bags and a come-on that something valuable is inside. Never use them.

Yes I did have a small padlock. Valid point re: padlock being pointless with a zip though.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Also I'm a little concerned with the apparent "blaseness" of some people over security in South Africa. Safety there is a problem - no don't wear obvious jewellery as I read earlier.

Don't be under illusions - be very careful. Crime is a real real issue - unfortunately most of it is violent.

And yes am speaking from experience.

Im really sorry to hear about your misfortunes. Like anywhere in this world it's imperative to have your wits about yourself & know the surroundings. But I'll do my best to play it safe with so not so touristy looking clothing ( ie wearing a cork hat outside the airport).

 

[Flying mermaid]

Unfortunately I beg to differ - been twice through ORT over last 12 months and both times zip cut and bag pilfered leaving JNB. No valuables of any sort in bag. Both on SAA to Perth. Maybe that's the difference - SAA use different terminal and maybe different security.

The bag repair shop in Mt Lawley (?) knows me well. When reporting it to Qantas baggage services (on behalf of SAA) they weren't remotely surprised.

I had read before I went that BA had really beefed up their security in JHB and sometimes it is just good luck. However my brother and sister-in-law live in Johannesburg and fly monthly and they advised not wasting my time with shrink wrap. I am not downplaying the risks, but then they are always there for tourists, as you tend to blithely wander into places where the locals know not to go. I am not sure I would take my jewellery with me when I go again - I have a fairly fancy engagement ring, but my sister-in-law seemed to quite happily wear diamonds out without thinking twice about it. Of course South Africa is violent and Johannesburg particularly so, but it was nowhere as bad as I thought it might be. Even in sleepy Canberra you can be the victim of violent crime if you are unlucky.

I spent 36 years refusing to go back to South Africa - initially because of Apartheid and then because of the crime, but I really enjoyed the trip last year and am busy planning another for next year. Sensible precautions and a little bit of luck and I am sure the OP will be fine and have a wonderful time.

 

[love_the_life]

I have done the SYD - JNB flight and it is a long one if you are in Y (as we were; travelling with other family members). It is interesting in that it flies the great circle to miss the head winds - down over Tasmania and across the top of the sheet ice in Antarctica. But the food offering was abysmal. One meal (lunch) pretty soon after leaving, a snack bag with apple, water and sweets, then a couple of hours before landing a light refreshment. People were getting very "ansi" as it was a very long time with out the offer of tea/coffee/ etc. When we went they did not offer ice-cream or water through the flight; you had to make do with the so called snack pack.
The flight back with tail winds was more direct and a lot quicker.

 

[Comoman]

Don't want to be alarmist but check out the following re ORT airport:

Robbers shoot at Nigerian envoy | News24

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

I have done the SYD - JNB flight and it is a long one if you are in Y (as we were; travelling with other family members). It is interesting in that it flies the great circle to miss the head winds - down over Tasmania and across the top of the sheet ice in Antarctica. But the food offering was abysmal. One meal (lunch) pretty soon after leaving, a snack bag with apple, water and sweets, then a couple of hours before landing a light refreshment. People were getting very "ansi" as it was a very long time with out the offer of tea/coffee/ etc. When we went they did not offer ice-cream or water through the flight; you had to make do with the so called snack pack.
The flight back with tail winds was more direct and a lot quicker.

Thanks Very interesting flight path indeed this route takes if things Havent changed since you last took this route. For such a long journey i would not usually opt for a window seat, but i may do on this occassion this scenery may be quite worthwhile albeit for an hour or so over Antarctica. I flew a few years back i flew ANC > FRA (Anchorage to Frankfurt) & that went straight over the North Pole & Greenland, it was a perfect clear dayi managed to see some great Icebergs i have to say from the window seat.

Sound like i might have in to Gorge in the Lounge if the food is lacking on this flight. Lol

 

[Flying mermaid]

Don't want to be alarmist but check out the following re ORT airport:

Robbers shoot at Nigerian envoy | News24

Possibly driving at night? I gather night driving is risky - we went out to dinner one night and as far as I can see the restaurant was chosen based on not having to drive too far at night. We were a bit friendly with a family who migrated to Australia from Natal - they had had some really bad experiences and were terrified at the thought of going out at night to Carols by Candlelight. When they visited us, I sent my kids out with their kids to find some Kangaroos in the reserve next to our house. My kids were really puzzled by their behaviour and thought they were scared of Kangaroos, but I gather they were just terrified to be walking in a deserted area. So yes some bad things can happen - on the other hand we spent a week on a secure estate in Natal called Zimbali and wandered around on our own, even at dusk photographing monkeys and deer and never had any issues. I would imagine an envoy was probably followed and targetted specifically. I agree that South Africa can be very violent, but I also know many people who visit there annually and never have any problems and I have friends who have been robbed and beaten up in Europe. Africa is not to be taken lightly, but I don't think it is any more dangerous than say South America - can find plenty of horror stories there as well!

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Possibly driving at night? I gather night driving is risky - we went out to dinner one night and as far as I can see the restaurant was chosen based on not having to drive too far at night. We were a bit friendly with a family who migrated to Australia from Natal - they had had some really bad experiences and were terrified at the thought of going out at night to Carols by Candlelight. When they visited us, I sent my kids out with their kids to find some Kangaroos in the reserve next to our house. My kids were really puzzled by their behaviour and thought they were scared of Kangaroos, but I gather they were just terrified to be walking in a deserted area. So yes some bad things can happen - on the other hand we spent a week on a secure estate in Natal called Zimbali and wandered around on our own, even at dusk photographing monkeys and deer and never had any issues. I would imagine an envoy was probably followed and targetted specifically. I agree that South Africa can be very violent, but I also know many people who visit there annually and never have any problems and I have friends who have been robbed and beaten up in Europe. Africa is not to be taken lightly, but I don't think it is any more dangerous than say South America - can find plenty of horror stories there as well!

I agree whole heartily with your comments. Everything needs to be taken into perspective with regards to crime.

 

[zig]

I travelled through JNB 4 times last year and my luggage was untouched, however everything of value was with me in my carryon luggage. I also limited the valuables that I took with me, all jewellery etc was left at home - really the only valuables in my carryon were electronic, ie. ipad, camera, iphone etc.

The SLOW lounge in CPT was very comfortable (although small) with a good food selection. If the QP were as good, I'd be a happier domestic flyer.

LVI has to be one of the worst airports I have been to. There were no functioning toilets in the entire airport on the day I flew out.... or running water..... thank goodness for alcohol hand sanitiser. I used the lounge as I had access via the Priority Pass, it was so dire that I thought I might be better out with the masses, however a G&T kept me in the lounge.

I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip, South Africa is wonderful and I can't wait to go back.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

I travelled through JNB 4 times last year and my luggage was untouched, however everything of value was within me in my carryon luggage. I also limited the valuables that I took with me, all jewellery etc was left at home - really the only valuables in my carryon were electronic, ie. ipad, camera, iphone etc.

The SLOW lounge in CPT was very comfortable (although small) with a good food selection. If the QP were as good, I'd be a happier domestic flyer.

LVI has to be one of the worst airports I have been to. There were no functioning toilets in the entire airport on the day I flew out.... or running water..... thank goodness for alcohol hand sanitiser. I used the lounge as I had access via the Priority Pass, it was so dire that I thought I might be better out with the masses, however a G&T kept me in the lounge.

I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip, South Africa is wonderful and I can't wait to go back.

Thanks for your comments. I'll keep my expectations low in LVT by the sounds of things, although it sounds like BA have done a decent job with the domestic lounges in South Africa it appears.

 

[Danger]

I have done the SYD - JNB flight and it is a long one if you are in Y (as we were; travelling with other family members). It is interesting in that it flies the great circle to miss the head winds - down over Tasmania and across the top of the sheet ice in Antarctica. But the food offering was abysmal. One meal (lunch) pretty soon after leaving, a snack bag with apple, water and sweets, then a couple of hours before landing a light refreshment. People were getting very "ansi" as it was a very long time with out the offer of tea/coffee/ etc. When we went they did not offer ice-cream or water through the flight; you had to make do with the so called snack pack.
The flight back with tail winds was more direct and a lot quicker.

Wow. I didn't think the food offering would be that bad on such a long flight. I'd be asking for any leftovers.

 

[twhetherington]

Hi All,

I flew this route on the 6th May 2013.

Older style 747, my first long haul fight ever, and i found it uncomfortable, and there was no one sitting beside me.

The on-board media was very old, and very bad, the headphone connections were old and crackly/bad connection/only one side worked.

I could never hear the captains announcements as it was either too low volume or old speakers in the roof.

There was a large meal into the second hour, and then there was a small meal into the 10th hour...

I found O R Tambo airport to be ok, i did not have my bag shrink wrapped and at 4pm local time there were more than one 747 at the gates so immigration was a huge line-up, go to the toilet as soon as you leave the gate!

I was picked up by a contact so i cannot comment on public transport to/from the airport into the city.

10,269 points earned on this leg.

Yes, try and get a window seat, you fly parallel to the south pole for at least 2 hours and you can take photos of the in-flight map screen for memorabilia and also out the window when you fly over iceberg country.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Hi All,

I flew this route on the 6th May 2013.

Older style 747, my first long haul fight ever, and i found it uncomfortable, and there was no one sitting beside me.

The on-board media was very old, and very bad, the headphone connections were old and crackly/bad connection/only one side worked.

I could never hear the captains announcements as it was either too low volume or old speakers in the roof.

There was a large meal into the second hour, and then there was a small meal into the 10th hour...

I found O R Tambo airport to be ok, i did not have my bag shrink wrapped and at 4pm local time there were more than one 747 at the gates so immigration was a huge line-up, go to the toilet as soon as you leave the gate!

I was picked up by a contact so i cannot comment on public transport to/from the airport into the city.

10,269 points earned on this leg.

Yes, try and get a window seat, you fly parallel to the south pole for at least 2 hours and you can take photos of the in-flight map screen for memorabilia and also out the window when you fly over iceberg country.

Thank you for your very detailed trip report! From what a number of other people have stated on this thread previouslyQantas use a very old 747 on this route, which in turn has meant ill keep my expectations somewhat low, especially on the comfort factor. I recently heard from a number of people in the tourism industry that South African airlines as part of the code share on this route buy 40% Of the seats on the aircraft , & in turn Qantas buys 40% of the seats on South African airlines flight JNB > PER. This has me thinking why their is no flight from Cape Town to an Australian port such as Sydney. Maybe it's due to a lack of demand?

 

[mannej]

Lets be realistic here...long haul economy no matter what the carrier or aircraft isn't ever going to be comfortable.
The 747's are showing their age, however they are better than the likes of United who have even less IFE on their jumbos which fly similar lengths

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

Lets be realistic here...long haul economy no matter what the carrier or aircraft isn't ever going to be comfortable.
The 747's are showing their age, however they are better than the likes of United who have even less IFE on their jumbos which fly similar lengths

Fair point . I agree with your comments regarding United, even the CEO has been on the record stating the product united uses to Australia is below par. This is my first time I've flown long - Haul international with Qantas in over 5 years, as I previously when I had no status i tended to book the cheapest airfare with no loyalty to anyone. Qantas had certainly won me over nowadays with their great domestic service & trans Tasman service. Looks like a nice little earner with the QFF points on this leg also.

 

[twhetherington]

Thank you for your very detailed trip report!

No Problems!


Just make sure the Ipad is fully charged... I made a bad decision to watch 2 seasons of 'Mad Men', which did nothing for the cigarette & bourbon cravings.

Enjoy a great view of the Icebergs, also I have a BOSE ANR headset to block out the old 747 noise (and crying children)

Remember to bring a jumper/jacket as its actually quite cold here at night at the moment!

 

[markis10]

No Problems!


Just make sure the Ipad is fully charged... I made a bad decision to watch 2 seasons of 'Mad Men', which did nothing for the cigarette & bourbon cravings.

Enjoy a great view of the Icebergs, also I have a BOSE ANR headset to block out the old 747 noise (and crying children)

Remember to bring a jumper/jacket as its actually quite cold here at night at the moment!

Its not always one of the old aircraft, although Qantas do seem to have a predilection for putting them on QF63 going by the flight tracker at Qantas source, I wondered what was keeping Qantas's first 744 busy!

06/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJE B747-400 56J/40W/275Y
07/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJC B747-400 56J/40W/275Y
08/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJU B747-400 58J/36W/270Y
09/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJL B747-400 14F/52J/32W/255Y
10/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJM B747-400 14F/52J/32W/255Y
11/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJL B747-400 14F/52J/32W/255Y
12/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJA B747-400 56J/40W/275Y
13/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJM B747-400 14F/52J/32W/255Y
14/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJT B747-400 58J/36W/270Y
15/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJA B747-400 56J/40W/275Y
16/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OEE B747-400ER 58J/36W/270Y
17/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJC B747-400 56J/40W/275Y
18/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OEB B747-400 14F/66J/40W/183Y
19/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJM B747-400 14F/52J/32W/255Y
20/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJL B747-400 14F/52J/32W/255Y
21/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJU B747-400 58J/36W/270Y
22/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJM B747-400 14F/52J/32W/255Y
23/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJS B747-400 58J/36W/270Y
24/05/2013 QF63 Sydney Johannesburg VH-OJA B747-400 56J/40W/275Y