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