Flying to Johannesburg - QF or SAA?

[LadyC]

I am planning on going on a safari next year and want to use points to get to Johannesburg. Using my QFF points, I can either go via Sydney with QF or via Perth with SAA. I'm thinking QF would be the preferred airline but SAA arrives at a better time. I'm going to try and get a J seat (hence booking now) - any feedback on either airline in J would be much appreciated.

 

[Danger]

I've flown SA J two or three times across the Indian Ocean and was very impressed, apart from the less than energetic/excited crew. The seat is outstanding, fully flat (at least on the A340). Great amenity kits. Big TV. Nice food. I'd do it again without a second thought.

 

[mannej]

Atleast you don't back track going via PER.

 

[markis10]

Dont forget a JASA option:

 

[LadyC]

Thanks markis10, I hadn't! Those JASAs sell out mighty fast on the SYD-JNB leg which is prompting this question about the SAA option via Perth

 

[drron]

We have JASAs SYD-JNB and FASAs JNB-SYD.But we booked these the day they became available.within a week or 2 the minimum cost JASAs had gone.
And Markis our FASAs only cost 126000 points.

 

[kpc]

Another option if you have KrisFlyer miles (or can TF credit card points to KrisFlyer miles) is SQ, albeit a "slight" detour via Sin. Next month I have booked Syd-Sin-(Jnb)-Cpt in J for my +1 for 123250 KrisFlyer miles and about $870 taxes / surcharges. I think it has gone up a little since.

 

[browski]

Personaly, I prefer the SYD-JNB option on QF because of the preferred arrival time into JNB - 4.15pm (the SAA flight arrives at 5.00AM)
Alternatively Air Mauritius has the cheapest flights ex-Perth and it is a nice place for a stopover.

 

[markis10]

We have JASAs SYD-JNB and FASAs JNB-SYD.But we booked these the day they became available.within a week or 2 the minimum cost JASAs had gone.
And Markis our FASAs only cost 126000 points.

Very nice Doc, way to go!

 

[Sprucegoose]

I am planning on going on a safari next year and want to use points to get to Johannesburg. Using my QFF points, I can either go via Sydney with QF or via Perth with SAA. I'm thinking QF would be the preferred airline but SAA arrives at a better time. I'm going to try and get a J seat (hence booking now) - any feedback on either airline in J would be much appreciated.

Having done this trip over 30 times, I always felt the best arrival time was QF. SAA was always changing and I believe it is very early in the morning. QF is the better product overall, howver if it is just a seat you are after then SAA will satisify. Reduce your expectations in all other areas.

What is your connecting with the Safari? Its a long flight, the QF arrival time allows for a light supper then bed. Ideal to recalibrate the time clock.

Book the Safari at the height of the dry season, better viewing. Look at Zambia as well.

 

[zig]

I did FASAs SYD-JNB rtn this year as there were no JASAs available. The JASAs on the direct flight seem to be limited and disappear quickly. There were plenty of JASAs available going via Perth, but I didn't like the arrival time into JNB. As others have mentioned I think the QF arrival time into JNB is much better.

Edit - I booked 8 months out and like drron got the FASA for 126000

 

[LadyC]

Having done this trip over 30 times, I always felt the best arrival time was QF. SAA was always changing and I believe it is very early in the morning. QF is the better product overall, howver if it is just a seat you are after then SAA will satisify. Reduce your expectations in all other areas.

What is your connecting with the Safari? Its a long flight, the QF arrival time allows for a light supper then bed. Ideal to recalibrate the time clock.

Book the Safari at the height of the dry season, better viewing. Look at Zambia as well.

The safari I am looking at doing starts in Victoria Falls and goes west then south to Capetown. So if I get the QF flight, I'll have to stay overnight in JNB before flying to VFA. I'm planning on going late July/early August which I believe is the best time. It sounds like QF is getting the thumbs up.

 

[LadyC]

Another option if you have KrisFlyer miles (or can TF credit card points to KrisFlyer miles) is SQ, albeit a "slight" detour via Sin. Next month I have booked Syd-Sin-(Jnb)-Cpt in J for my +1 for 123250 KrisFlyer miles and about $870 taxes / surcharges. I think it has gone up a little since.

I would like to do this but not enough KrisFlyer Miles. But I did join Avancia Lifemiles and am eligible for their current promotion. I think it is hard to get SQ but I can get TG flights and could come back via BKK - I am definitely toying with this as my return leg.

 

[Canny man]

I've just come back from JNB on QF, but have also flown SAA.
SAA J is fine and I had no complaints about food, cabin or service.
Nevertheless, my preference is QF because:

I can start the trip in the Flounge with enough time for breakfast, champagne and a spa treatment.
My Opup success from J to F is outstanding (upgraded both ways last week) and even old cabin F on QF is a real treat
I can have a good enough sleep (helped by point above) on board the plane to be functional when I arrive
The arrival time works for me, as does the departure on the return (6.15pm)

Unless you really, really want to hang around the airport and wait for a connecting flight with the SAA option, I'd overnight, stay in Sandton (fast train or arrange a car), and go for a meal in Nelson Mandella Square (the Butcher Shop is fantastic if you are a carnivore and sells wine that goes for over $120 in Oz for around $40). There are plenty hotels of good quality at OK prices there. I stayed at the Radisson Blue last time and was very impressed.

If you're on more of a budget then the City Lodge, Lynwood is pretty good, cheap (around $100 per night), and in a safe little area with a number of nice restaurants within a minute or two walk.

 

[infinity]

The safari I am looking at doing starts in Victoria Falls and goes west then south to Capetown. So if I get the QF flight, I'll have to stay overnight in JNB before flying to VFA. I'm planning on going late July/early August which I believe is the best time. It sounds like QF is getting the thumbs up.

I have done a similar trip several times

QF 63 from SYD is best option, flying west non stop in daylight is kind on the body.
FASA or Classic F tix are generally available, but this flight code shares with SAA so very few JASA J classic ever come up,
Y+ is also an option on this flight
You generally need to overnight in JNB if going to VFA/LIV after arriving on QF63
you can get to Cape Town by getting off QF 63 and onto a BA/Commair flight. Makes for a long day but did this in April this year.
Cape Town and the wine country is great
If you are brave go for a shark dive with Great Whites out of Simon's Town on False Bay!!

 

[infinity]

I've just come back from JNB on QF, but have also flown SAA.
SAA J is fine and I had no complaints about food, cabin or service.
Nevertheless, my preference is QF because:

I can start the trip in the Flounge with enough time for breakfast, champagne and a spa treatment.
My Opup success from J to F is outstanding (upgraded both ways last week) and even old cabin F on QF is a real treat
I can have a good enough sleep (helped by point above) on board the plane to be functional when I arrive
The arrival time works for me, as does the departure on the return (6.15pm)

Unless you really, really want to hang around the airport and wait for a connecting flight with the SAA option, I'd overnight, stay in Sandton (fast train or arrange a car), and go for a meal in Nelson Mandella Square (the Butcher Shop is fantastic if you are a carnivore and sells wine that goes for over $120 in Oz for around $40). There are plenty hotels of good quality at OK prices there. I stayed at the Radisson Blue last time and was very impressed.

If you're on more of a budget then the City Lodge, Lynwood is pretty good, cheap (around $100 per night), and in a safe little area with a number of nice restaurants within a minute or two walk.

I concur with all your suggestions

 

[Flying mermaid]

We did SYD-JHB in June with Qantas - absolutely no complaints - service was really good and food excellent. The First cabin was half empty, so plenty of opportunity for upgrades I would have thought.

 

[LadyC]

Thanks for the feedback everyone - I booked my JASA there for late July going via Sydney. Now I need to organise the return leg

 

[I hate Alan]

We did SYD-JHB in June with Qantas - absolutely no complaints - service was really good and food excellent. The First cabin was half empty, so plenty of opportunity for upgrades I would have thought.

Whats the cost in points to upgrade to F?

 

[Flying mermaid]

Whats the cost in points to upgrade to F?

I haven,t done it, but I checked my activity statement and going on the no of miles it should be 35000 each way - seems a good deal to me.