British Airways in South Africa

South Africa's British Airways (BA-ZA)is a franchise of UK's British Airways (BA-UK) operated by Comair. BA-ZA looks more or less correct, but it is not the same. They don't run up to Europe, but they do run around southern Africa and are full Oneworld alliance members, so I was able to book a flight with American miles.  I wanted to get from Cape Town to Denver, but the BA-UK flight from CPT wasn't available for mileage awards. BA-UK had space in first on the A380 in JNB, so I booked CPT-JNB-LHR-DEN on a single American award in first class.

BA-ZA Uses 737's

The Uber from the Westin (great hotel) to the Cape Town airport was about $10. Crazy cheap since the city's airport bus is $7.50. It also took no time at all and I arrived about 2.5 hours before my flight. This was a problem since the staff won't check you in until 2 hours prior. They are inflexible in this policy, so I killed a half hour and checked in. I wanted to check my bag to Denver, but due to an industrial action, bags weren't making connections in JNB. Begrudgingly I agreed it would be best to pick up my bag at JNB and recheck it. I also only received a boarding pass for my first segment.

SLOW Lounge CPT Domestic - Amazing

Security was a breeze, liquids of any size allowed and helpful private staff.  I strolled around the domestic terminal to enjoy the views and then went to the SLOW lounge (another Comair owned brand). This is the best domestic airline lounge I ever visited. It was two floors with sweeping views of the field. The design was modern and relaxing with ample food on both levels. They also had baristas on both levels. The lounge was impeccably clean and well maintained.  The Loo With a View was a fun and silly idea.  The food spread was great and rotated over to lunch around 10:30. Ample beer and soda options offered too. I left with fully charged devices and a full stomach.

Business Class Seats and Space

The 737-400 to JNB was parked at a stand gate and bus boarding process was slightly unruly. I made it on board and enjoyed a row to myself. The interior felt dated and cramped, but the staff was cheerful and hustled. The views departing CPT are stunning and that was the extent of the inflight entertainment.

Um? Lunch?

Lunch looked less than appealing. I think it was beef. The Johnnie Walker Black and Coke were perfect. I also enjoyed the cheese dessert option. Lunch didn’t bother me since I filled up in the lounge and planned on going direct to the BA-UK lounge at JNB to refill.  Interesting trip, but enjoyable.

Fairwiew Makes Good Wine Too

Fuel Stop Text

Arrival change for fuel stop
As of 6:48 Jun 14
UA1105 DEN-EWR will arrive
late.
Departs: 7:55a
Now arrives: 3:14p
Subject to change

Thanks United.  How a 737 can't make it 1,600 miles with a tail wind is baffling. It forced me to rearrange flights to get to my final destination before midnight. I don't get too stressed from irregular operations, but this one was an exception.

Not Cool

Coup Fizzles

We need coups more often, it'll increase the odds of success and help others learn how to do it better. With the lack of recent pan-European wars, they are also the best movie plot starting point.

Back to Normal

Happy Bastille Day!

Vive la Air France!

Air France A318 at GVA

Cool Photo

Happy travels.

Even a Short Hop Sounds Fun

Happy Airshow Week

The Farnborough Airshow opens today and Boeing and Airbus are fighting for the biggest PR splash.  Airbus has a big website for the show and Boeing released their 20 year aircraft forecast. Expect new product announcements (nothing new, but enhancements to the current line up) and purchase announcements.

Boeing 20 Forecast

Wow- Cool 787 Video

Post 747

This is my 747th post, so I thought I'd share a photo to commemorate the occasion.

I Love the 747

Fun SPG Moments

The best aspect of points programs is how they make the unattainable a reality. SPG's Moments auctions are a great example of experiences that can only be had with points (they also have a bunch of show and sports tickets available). I liked the VIP at the Farnborough Airshow experience, but couldn't make it out.  Good value on some listings too.

Qatar & SPG Make an Amazing Experience

Happy 4th

Yay America!

Not a Spin Off of British Airways

Yay America?

Good Luck

If you want a four day weekend, travel will be simpler and cheaper if you fly Saturday and Tuesday. Avoid the Friday to Monday trip pairing.

Make Your Own Luck and Avoid CRJ's

Happy Canada Day

A happy Canada Day to my friends up north.

A319 to Toronto

South African Airways Johannesburg to Cape Town

The ground experience in JNB leaves something to be desired, even for transoceanic business class customers. The customs agents arrived at their well after the aircraft landed. Contrary to what was said onboard, they wanted filled out immigration cards from everyone too. Once I got through that issue, I went to the SSA business class arrivals lounge for a shower. It was closed. I waited for 15 for it to open, even though it appeared fully staffed. The shower/changing room was nice, but the coffee machine was broken and the food spread unappealing.

Arrivals Lounge Look

Slightly dejected, I worked my way through security and to the domestic lounge. The food spread was ample, English style breakfast options mainly, and the coffee machines was manned by baristas. I enjoyed some caffeine and eggs while waiting for my departure to Cape Town. The view was wonderful and I enjoy watching aircraft land with the sunrise.

SAA Business Class breakfast

SAA A320 Business Class Seat

There are 24 business class (like first class in the USA) seats onboard the A320. This is twice the number United carries, so award space is always ample. The cabin was less than half full, so there was plenty of room to spread out.  The crew was very friendly and I felt like they were genuinely excited to fly with me that morning. The breakfast, my third of the morning, was tasty and was nice to pick at. Sadly, it was too early for alcohol.  It's a pretty arrival on the way into CPT and I was glued to my window for the final 30 minutes of flight.

SAA 737

QANTAS Bonus Miles Citi Transfer

If you've made a series of poor life choices and have over 1,000,000 Citi Thank You points, QANTAS will give you a 30% bonus when you transfer points to miles.

QANTAS A330

Fun London City Airport (LCY) Video

London City Airport is a great option if you are going to London.  Here's a video to make my case. It's from the early 90's and still works.

Air Berlin Mileage Earning Is Very German

airberlin is changing their mileage program in a very German way.  Check out the new earning methods, it seems delightfully complicated.

airberlin Uses 737's Like Miami Air

Good Sign for the Airline Industry

The airline business must be doing well. 3.5% on an unsecured loan is a great rate.  United had trouble with secured loans at 12% only a few years ago.

WestJet is Canada's Southwest

CALGARY, June 13, 2016 /CNW/ - WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA) today announced that it has priced an offering of US$400 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% senior unsecured notes due June 16, 2021 (the "Notes"). The offering is expected to close on or about June 16, 2016. WestJet intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which includes the purchase of aircraft.

Happy Weekend

United is running a sale for European award flights in coach - only 45,000 round trip. The big caveat is that all travel must be on United.  The sale is for premier status members with the Chase Visa card.  I'll pass.

Limited Destinations and Lousy Seats in Back

Fun Spotting

I enjoy airport hotels with a view of the field, so the Sheraton Providence Airport was enjoyable.  Here's an extra view from the room photo.

I Can't Quite Tell The State

Southwest 1027 - Nice Paint

I had some fun spotting at my hotel yesterday. I also had my scanner going and enjoyed the ATC comment "Southwest 1027 - nice paint."

Southwest 737-300 Leaving PVD

Hertz Rental Email

This is my first Hertz rental confirmation email. I'm not sure if this is new or I just never signed up, but it's reassuring to see when landing that your car is waiting.  It's also nice to know you can, in theory, change from a Chrysler minivan. Sadly there were no lateral moves offered and the Gold Choice area was cleaned out.

Nice New Feature

South African Airways’ Business Class Was Cool

South African Airways introduced the Airbus A340-600 in 2003. An obsolete jet now (the world prefers two engines); it was the height of innovation 12 years ago.  The interior was also state of the art with 42 angled flat seats in business class and 275 seats in coach. Every seat came with its own on demand video screen.  The A340 has an impressive range and can route anywhere because it isn’t bound by ETOPS restrictions.  

Upright Business Class Seat

Think back and recall what other airlines were flying in 2003.  United’s 777 flagship aircraft featured Lazy Boy style recliners in business class and a TV with 9 channels of looping video content. First class was a flat bed with on demand video because a flight attendant brought around video tape cartridges for the system.  ATA was an airline and flying L-1011’s while Northwest was going strong.  SAA looked like a cool foreign carrier with a top notch product.

Seat Fully Flat

Leg Room in Row 1

The average onboard experience has progressed in the last decade and SAA’s aircraft feels antiquated.  Flat beds not parallel to the floor are being removed and direct aisle access is the new norm.  The seats onboard are in good shape and reasonably comfortable.  Everything works as designed, TV’s were thicker and fuzzier back then, and there were no personal space issues even with a full business class cabin.

Breakfast 10 Hours After Take Off

Dinner Immediately After Take Off

I did enjoy my 11 hour flight from Perth to Johannesburg. The service and catering were great.  Dinner and breakfast were both satisfying and the wine list was wonderful.  I was easily able to sleep for 6+ hours and left the aircraft relaxed, rested, and excited for my wine tour the next day. The ground experience in JNB left much to be desired, but that’s a story for later.

United Bonus Miles

An exclusive offer, just for you: Fly your way to 50,000 bonus award miles

My travel is way down this year and I received an email from United offering me 50,000 bonus miles if I spend $6,500 on airfare flown before November 30.  I don’t know if others are getting emails like this and what their targets are, but keep your eyes open for an offer to your inbox. This all seems to follow United’s new “what have you spend lately” take on loyalty.

Spending Milestones

Upgrades are more Difficult These Days

Happy Friday

I finally have a trip scheduled for next week.

I Get To See EWR - Twice!

ACJ350 XWB Idea

I'm not sure who would buy it, but Airbus is trying to sell private versions of the A350.  It seems like an odd product because the 747 has the most style for a head of state and the 787 is good value. I prefer the ACJ319, but the 747 looks cooler.

747 Style Can't Be Topped

American Devalues AAdvantage

In a shock to no one, American announced they are changing the AAdvantage miles program. It'll will be just like, more or less, United and Delta. No real change for me since I don't fly American, but here's a more detailed analysis.

They Both Follow Delta's Moves

BA 0003

Thanks Mom for the pictures of British Airways flight 3.  The Club World London City service on a A318 had 8 passengers and 5 flight attendants. That's a better ratio than in Lufthansa first.

LCY Airport is a Great Option for London

Onboard BA's A318

QANTAS A330 Sydney to Perth

QANTAS's new business suite is the best premium cabin seat I've flown domestically.  It's also better than all seats I've flown, but Lufthnsa's A380 first and British Airways' A380 first. The seats are new and go full flat. Every seat has direct aisle access and a huge TV.

A330 Business Class Cabin

Seat Fully Reclined

The A330 seats are much better than the QANTAS A380 I took in from Dallas.  Now that I am certain QANTAS knows what a good seat is, they should start refitting their A380 fleet immediately. 

Lamb Entree - Outstanding

The food was the best of my trip and the service polite and efficient.  This flight surpassed my expectations the most of any this year.

Staggered Cabin Configuration

I Loved This Flight

Another View

Starter Plate

Even QANTAS uses A330 in marketing as their flagship product. The A380 is from a different era.

Email Ad Imagery

Happy June

Did you survive Memorial Day travels?

Happy Bank Holiday

Sights in Tucson

There's not much to look at in Tucson airport. It's new, clean, and over built. Outside there terminal, there are many interesting aircraft, like a Lockheed L-1011, a fleet of CRJ's, and the Rolls Royce engine test 747-200.

Engine Test Bed

There's Also Saguaro Cactus Blooms

Fun Photo

Good luck with Memorial Day travel this week. 

Connecting in SFO isn't a Bad Idea

QANTAS 73H to Auckland

It's a tight squeeze on QANTAS's 737's in business class.  The seat is ok and there's a TV in arm rest.  The food, drink, and crew service were fine, but try for a widebody if you can.  Air New Zealand, Emirates, and LAN all fly large planes with flat beds on the 4 hour hop over the Tasman.

Full Recline

Seat in Front is Upright

OK I Suppose