BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8275 posts, RR: 56 Posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 8903 times:
Dear readers, welcome to part 2 of my trip to Africa, this part being the journey home, travelling from JNB to LHR via CPT.
22/11/2010
SA333
JNB-CPT
A340-313E ZS-SXD – 2nd A340-300 flight and 11th A340 flight.
Built 2004
Seat 64A Economy
Sch Dep 12:00 Sch Arr 14:10
Act Dep 11:58 Act Arr 13:35
After a couple of hours spotting it was time to check-in for the flight to CPT.
Viewing area
Various operators offer numerous daily flights from JNB to CPT however the lunch time SA333 departure is operated by A340's, so this became the flight of choice due to the operating equipment and for a few hours spotting in CPT prior to heading home.
I booked this flight on expedia rather than on the SAA website, the latter website was not particularly user friendly, the seat cost about £75.00, a pretty reasonable fare for a 2 odd hour flight.
I checked-in using a self service kiosk, it was straight forward to use, much easier to work with than the LH one a few days prior, an aisle seat had been allocated by the system but I was easily able to choose a window seat, fingers crossed the aisle next to me would remain open. Whilst looking at the seat map it indicated the aircraft was an A340-300, not the -600 I had expected, no matter for me, this would only be my second flight on the -300 model.
Boarding pass in hand I did a quick check of the ramp from the viewing deck, good move, made 2 more aircraft, before heading through security. Admittedly I was quite early but I figured I could have a walk around the terminal area and see what was happening around the hangers.
Security was quick and easy, before i knew it i was airside and being acousted by a guy who want to shine my shoes, they are all scuffed he said, a good shine will help them, I told him this is how casual brown shoes are supposed to look, thanks but no thanks.
Here are a few views airside.
Hmm, look at this
A bit closer
Yes, an Air Namibia A319 on the Bulgarian register, interesting!
A little digging reveals it used to be D-ABGE and is now the Namibian Government aircraft.
My plane would depart from gate E3, so after walk around the C &D gates I headed down to E to see what it was all about
upon arrival I discovered it is just a big bussing gate area, given I had plenty of time I headed back upstairs to grab a pint, yes early I know but some would call this a holiday so it's allowed.
View from the E gate area
A pint before 11
Boarding for SA333 showed up on the FID's at 11:10, so I dutifully headed down to the gate area only to discover boarding had yet to start, a quick trip to the boys and the first boarding call came at 11:14.
Interesting advert
The queue at the gate was pretty small considering it was an A340
boarding pass scanned we proceeded out to the waiting bus, unlike most european airports, we were not crammed in before the bus closed its doors and headed to the plane, makes a nice change. The drive out to the plane yielded me another new aircraft, so id done better than expected this morning.
The bus pulled up alongside ZS-SXD, this would be my ride to CPT.
I hung back allowing the rest of the passengers to board so I could take a few shots from the ramp, no issue taking pictures at all, nice.
Up the steps to door 2L and greeted by 2 male FA's, boarding pass inspected and the direction of my seat was indicated.
The first cabin I passed through was a small J cabin consisting of 2 rows, nice and snug IMO,
then into the first Y cabin before heading into the last Y cabin where my seat was located.
Initial impressions were of a nice clean and well maintained cabin, the legroom was excellent and the seat very comfortable.
Not much happened for a while then more passengers began to board, despite the extra passengers, the load was very light, the seat next to me remained open, yay!
The flight deck gave us a quick welcome, advise we would be pushing back soon and the expected flight time would be 1h 55 minutes.
Shortly after that @ 11:58 we pushed back and safety demo played on the IFE screens, once complete the crew passed through the cabin and proceeded to close all the seat belts in the open seats, not seen that happen before.
Taxi to the active was quite short, only 1 aircraft in front of us today, a company A340-200 off to an unknown destination.
As the other A340 'raced' down the runway we pulled into position and came to a halt awaiting ATC clearance, note the TAAG 743 behind the building, clearance given we started the roll
wheels up after a 49 second roll at 12:10.
I know some people on this forum have it in for the A340, the -200 & 300 in particular for it's poor climb performance, however apart from the economal side of the plane, on days like today where visibility is good, the views of the ground below can be superb.
Around 30 minutes into the flight a drinks service started, soft drinks, beer and wine
followed shortly by a meal service. The meal choices were announced over the intercom however the person on the mike was not that clear and all I understood was rice!
The cart arrived at my seat, the offerings were advised by the FA as either beef or chicken, the usual staple airline economy meals, I took the beef which was actually a beef curry - interesting to note the cutlery was plastic.
In addition to the curry was a small salad thing which consisted of some kind of smoked meat in a marinade with a few bits of veg, was actually pretty tasty. Cake followed desert, the weak point of the meal really as it did not really taste of much. All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
The meal trays were clear away pretty promptly and my empty wine bottle replaced with a full one without even having to ask, I'm beginning to like this airline, hopefully the next flight will be just as good.
I spent the remained of the flight reading my book whilst sipping on my glass of red and of course enjoying the peace and quite that you find within the cabin of the 340, oh and I had the odd peek out of the window at the scenery below.
Descent started @ 13:32, the crew doing. The usual run through to remove any remaining service items.
I must say I found the views into CPT much more captivating than those into JNB a few days previously.
SXD touched down early at 13:56 and pulled on to stand just 5 minutes later.
On stand
Since I was in no hurry I let pretty much everybody else de-board before I left the aircraft, thanking the crew as I left.
All in all this was a a great flight, if this is what SAA are offering on this route, the locos must be very cheap to get people aboard their services.
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8275 posts, RR: 56 Reply 1, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 8954 times:
Next stop the observation deck with a few pictures along the way.
Overview of the terminal
SXD again
Across the ramp was a parked up A340-200, I assume this would be operating SA220 tonight.
A340-200 production was limited to just 28 examples. South African Airways has the honour of the largest fleet of the type with 6 examples, these all being former Lufthansa machines.
The A340-200 is the shortest version of the A340 family and the only version where the wingspan is actually greater than the length of the fuselage!
22/11/2010
SA220
CPT-LHR
A340-211 ZS-SLA – 1st A340-200 flight & 12th A340 flight
Built 1992
Seat 57A Economy
Sch Dep 20:20 Sch Arr 06:55
Act Dep 20:39 Act Arr 06:43
I spent the long layover spotting, drinking coffee and taking a few pictures
Around 3pm en-route for coffee I decided to check-in, having only hand luggage this was possible, my pre-reserved window seat of 57A remained good, I've no idea if this seat is any good or where it is actually located, I forgot to have a look.
At about 5pm I decided to clear security, the main reason the big lines at the BA check-in area, the 1st of the 2 daily BA flights left 20 minutes after mine, I figured it best to get ahead of the queue in security.
A wise decision, a short line and through in no time, same for passport control, waited all of 30 seconds if that for an agent to become free, an exit stamp in passport and I headed to the 'shopping' area.
Airside
There are plenty of shops selling the usual 'crap' that tourists buy when they leave a country, a large duty free though then prices there were pretty much on a par with the supermarkets special offers at home, at least for booze, so I never bothered, just something else to carry.
Qatar arriving from DOH via JNB:-
What airside lacks is a bar/pub, you can have a drink at the Dulce Cafe but it's nothing like relaxing in a bar.
I ordered a toasted sandwich and a Castle beer, followed by another beer as I write this up and pass the time to boarding, CPT is not a busy airport!
Interesting arrival:-
I noted my aircraft pulled on to stand at 18:50, just 1 and a half hours to departure now - how full will it be?
Time in hand I order another drink, switching to wine this time.
I like a number of other passengers watched with interest as the IL-76 unloaded it's goods:-
To kill a bit more time I hit the shops again in search of something to bring back for the wife, in the end i found a tee shirt which I thought would be acceptable, we are both hard to buy for and don't tend to buy souveners just for the sake of it.
Getting darker outside
A look at the departure board indicated our flight was assigned to gate 6, no actual announcement had been made to board yet but with nothing much else so do I headed to the gate.
Upon arrival it was clear boarding had not started, here are a few pictures of the plane and the gate area
A pre-board was announced @ 19:43 for those passengers with children, those needing extra time and for Gold's etc.
No other announcements were made, looking around, somebody, ie another passenger, decided to get into the queue to board, it seemed that everybody had been watching and all got up to, I followed suit, not wanting to miss out on my precious overhead space above my seat!
Initially there was 1 queue that divided at the counter to be served by the next avaliable of the 2 agents, all quite civilised, however at some point this ended and 2 queues formed, one for each agent, makes sense I guess, it just amused me at how unorganised the whole boarding process was.
Eventually i had my passport and BP check, then free to board the plane, did my customary touching of the fuselage before being greeted by 2 young and fairly attractive female FA's, a hello, quick scan of the BP and directed on where to go for my seat.
Despite row 57 sounding like it is a million miles down the back of the plane, it is actually about the 13th row of economy on the first Y cabin on the plane, just 2 rows behind it before you find the loo.
Seems I already had a seat mate in 57B, a largish lady if I may say so, once in my seat the legroom was a disaster, well compared to the earlier 343 flight, it was very tight, guess the standard 31" you tend to find, such a shame these don’t have the same legroom as the 343 & 346 fleet.
Yes, the -200!
Looking around, the cabin walls still had the old LH finish to them, even the postcard holder’s remained, though lacking any content. The centre section lighting was very yellow with age.
the lighting above the window seats has a very square effect finish unlike the nice curves on today’s interiors.
the seat buckle was a very old design too
The arm rest 'IFE' controls were quite primitive as you would expect given no seat back IFE, loved the red no smoking symbol which serves as a reminder not to light up!
My seat mate was quite alright once I started taking to her, generally I don't talk to my seat mates, normally I bury myself in my book, but I did tonight for some reason, during the conversation I said if the 2 seats in the aisle opposite us remained free I would make a move for them, she advised she had the same idea and if I was ok with it she would grab them, fine by me I said as I liked the window.
We killed a bit of time chatting, it became clear that nobody else was going to board so she headed over to the centre section, good girl!
The flight deck introduced themselves, forgot to take note of the names, they advised this was one of SAA's older planes which was due to be phased out soon and lacked any individual IFE, interesting of the flight crew to advise of this, it that supposed to make us feel better? - flight time was advised of some 12 hours.
Amenity kits were handed out, unexpected but most welcome:-
The socks are held together with this piece of metal, not a great idea, somebody could easily stand on it if not disposed of correctly
An announcement was then made about the cabin having to be sprayed before departure, it was advised the department of health advised there was no risk to health from the spray but those with contact lenses might want to cover their eyes, moments later both aisles had a FA walk through with both hands aloft spraying 2 cans of 'stuff'. - I have to say the smell was pretty strong, quite a few people including me were coughing as a result of it.
Outside
Push back occurred a tad late @ 20:39, no announcement made as to the delay in departure. During push back the safety video was play and members of the crew came through fastening the seat belts in empty seats. During the video the volume kept varying at one point becoming quite loud before dropping down to almost inaudible, also of note the centre monitor at the front of the cabin was almost unwatchable.
As the aircraft headed out towards the runway all the cabin lights were extinguished, when I say all, I do mean all, it was pitch black, just like a power cut - normally the crew warn you first and advise you to turn on the overhead reading light if required, not today!
Nothing else on approach so we taxi
straight onto the active runway, there is only one, and slowly turn on the gas, I forgot to time the roll but it was almost a minute, wheels up @ 20:49.
Sorry for so few exterior pictures, the entire flight was in darkness.
During climb it was announced the crew would perform a pre-dinner drinks service during which you should choose a drink to take with your dinner, after the drinks service an international dinner service would begin, yes, International Dinner Service, that made the meal service sound really special, at least I thought so.
The meal choices for our International Dinner Service tonight were, yes you guessed it, beef or chicken, the beef was a curry with rice and the chicken option being chicken breast with roast potato wedges and stir fry vegetables, hmm, I like the sound of the chicken, after already having had a curry today Chicken would be a nice change.
We were advised the duty free sales would follow the dinner.
We were also advised that there was to be no sleeping in the aisles or in front of the cabin doors, congregating in the galleys was a not allowed either, we were advised those that instigate this would persecuted, seems he got his words mixed up!
Well the drinks service started, when it got to my row I asked for a G&T with a red wine to go with dinner, the latter was fine but she was out of gin, she promised to return with it and left me with a plastic cup with ice and a slice of lime, then finished the rows behind and returned to the forward galley.
I fully expected to have to go chase it up but low and behold she returned a minute or 2 later with Tanqueray Gin and a can of Schwepps, 10 out of 10 for remembering.
Dinner service commenced pretty much as soon as she got back to the galley, service was front to rear, by the time she got to me the chicken option had gone, so I had to settle with beef curry again, at least it was a different curry to the one earlier today.
The salad had olives, tomato and other stuff in some kind of marinade, was not that keen on the marinate to be honest. The beef was ok, had a small kick to the sauce which was quite nice. The desert cake just tasted of sweet sugar so never finished it.
To be honest I was a little disappointed, I think the meal I had earlier on the domestic flight was actually better than this, I guess the announcement of International dinner service made it sound more exciting, perhaps the crackers and cheese made it international?
Also, why are the trays so small these days? I remember when they used to fit the width of the tray table and you had room to leave your buttered roll on the tray, ah the good old days!
A tea and coffee run was done, I took another red wine, after this service was complete the trays were collected, all in all quite efficient.
I did a couple of runs to the forward galley for more wine whilst typing this up, did a bit of reading then called it a night.
Despite the tight surroundings I think I got about 6 hours sleep, I suspect being knackered after this trip and a few glasses of wine helped. I needed the blanket, it was pretty cold onboard.
The main cabin lights came on around 2 hours before scheduled arrival, with breakfast being served around half an hour later.
Unlike the previous meal service, the cart started from the rear of our cabin section, choice was sausage and egg or cold meats with cheese, I chose the former.
The fruit salad was small but refreshing, the sausage and egg was luke warm at best, by the time those at the front of the cabin got there breakfast it would have been cold for sure. The tea/coffee run started once the breakfast run was complete, this time the cart worked front to rear, bit of a shame this, I as I suspect most others, would prefer to have their beverage choice with breakfast, though I suppose those at the front of the cabin were ok since they had only just had their breakfast delivered, by the time it got to me breakfast had long finished, if fact I'm typing this report whilst awaiting the cart.
During the service the FA serving my aisle dropped a meal, unfortunately she did a poor job of clearing it up, so you had to dodge bits of egg in the aisle.
The cart arrived and I requested black coffee, well I've got to say it was revolting, I think they just place a couple of spoonfuls of some cheap mass produced coffee powder into the serving jug an added hot water, very nasty stuff!
Having made myself drink the vile black liquid I joined a small queue for the loo, there are 2 behind me as I have already advised, these serve both economy sections, unfortunately 1 of the 2 was inop so waiting times can be longer, especially if other passengers take their time in there, I actually thought the lady that went in in front of me had died, she took that long in there!
Whilst waiting for my turn the front office came on the mike, wished us a good mooring, hope we slept well and enjoyed breakfast. They advised we would begin a shallow descent and subject to no delays by ATC we would land in around 40 minutes. Weather they advised was -1 with a chance of snow later, what!
Approach took us over London on a 27R approach, wheels touched down @ 06:43, 9 minutes later the engines were shut down on stand.
Door 1L opened up pretty quickly allowing us to deplane, this allowed a quick peek @ J on this old bird
I don’t remember that much about arrivals other than it was a hell of a walk from the plane to the immigration area, it was almost a ‘Polderban’ experience – most will get that.
So, that’s it really, end of a mission, and mission achieved without any problems.
Another A380 operator added and the A340-200 added to the flown log, all in all a good if tiring trip.
SAA overall were pretty good, though the in-flight intercontinental product, mainly the meals, is weaker than say the LH economy product. I’m ignoring the lack of AVOID IFE on this flight since the rest of the longhaul fleet have it as will the 332’s when they enter service early in the new year.
Well I hope you enjoyed my last jolly of the year, just dull domestic flights left for the rest of the year.
As always, feel free to drop a line with any comments or questions.
Since we are almost there, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year ahead – looking forward to more travelling next year for us all.
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1053 posts, RR: 16 Reply 2, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 8851 times:
Hi Mark - another great instalment from you.
It's always a great feeling when the doors are closed and the seat next to you remains free! yay. Thanks for posting. Nice to see some pics of the action at JNB and CPT - I did not realise CPT was not that busy (perhaps during the day only?) I wonder whether they have a very busy period in the evenings? Merry Christmas and (lots of) safe flying in 2011!
Rogerbcn From Andorra, joined Sep 2006, 1140 posts, RR: 19 Reply 3, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 8721 times:
Hola Mark!
Thanks for these two great reports to a new continent. I have read and enjoyed both.
Glad you have been on all A380 carriers so far, you have beaten many of us, I have not ridden any yet... let's hope for next year.
I have noticed that you have gone back to the good all times when you showed your empty plates after dinner, good boy
LH A380 looks great, it is really nice to see such a great plane in those beautiful livery and the comfort you described seemed adequate to me, despite the length of the flight.
SA A343 is a great plane to fly a domestic route. Really SA must be one of the last airlines to serve hot meals in Economy in such a short flight; when you think many airlines give you cold plates even in C, there is something that must be wrong in this industry. Glad you had an empty seat next to you. It is really something that makes the flight most enjoyable, especially when flying Y. When in C I tend to use the two monitors to see films or listen to music in one and keep the in flight map in the other.
Flying an A340-200 is really a great pleasure, AR usually sends its own to BCN so there are quite a few chances to catch one from here. It is really nice to see a not much covered airline here. The episode in the bathroom was very good, without being dramatic I think it has to be quite sad to die in a plane toilet, I'd much prefer to die in much more style, sitting in one of the arm chairs, aka First...
Hope 2011 brings you much more flying, new airplanes and airlines... All the best to you and Mrs.BA319-131.
Salut!
Roger
"At reise er at leve" H.C. Andersen (Travelling is Living)
AI151 From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2009, 303 posts, RR: 17 Reply 4, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 8680 times:
Hi Mark, definitely was worth the wait for the second part. Absolutely loved it, even more so as I got an insight of the A342. Also don't get to read that many SAA TR's here either.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): I booked this flight on expedia rather than on the SAA website, the latter website was not particularly user friendly, the seat cost about £75.00, a pretty reasonable fare for a 2 odd hour flight.
I thought maybe you might have indulged yourself and go in Business Class on this small sector.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): Yes, an Air Namibia A319 on the Bulgarian register, interesting!
WOW! Something you hardly see everyday. Always good to see a variety of aircraft that you wouldn't see in the UK.
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): The A340-200 is the shortest version of the A340 family and the only version where the wingspan is actually greater than the length of the fuselage!
That's another new thing I learned today about the wingspan!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): We killed a bit of time chatting, it became clear that nobody else was going to board so she headed over to the centre section, good girl!
Loved the sarcasm in the 'good girl' comment! LOL!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): Since we are almost there, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year ahead – looking forward to more travelling next year for us all.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to yourself and Mrs BA319-131. Thanks for all the TR's this year and looking forward to plenty more next year.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6211 posts, RR: 79 Reply 5, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 8643 times:
Hi Mark,
great second part of your South Africa series, reading was a pleasure as usual.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): Initial impressions were of a nice clean and well maintained cabin, the legroom was excellent and the seat very comfortable.
That looks very good.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): In addition to the curry was a small salad thing which consisted of some kind of smoked meat in a marinade with a few bits of veg, was actually pretty tasty. Cake followed desert, the weak point of the meal really as it did not really taste of much. All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): The cart arrived and I requested black coffee, well I've got to say it was revolting, I think they just place a couple of spoonfuls of some cheap mass produced coffee powder into the serving jug an added hot water, very nasty stuff!
That's nasty indeed!
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 3): when you think many airlines give you cold plates even in C, there is something that must be wrong in this industry.
Hola Roger, I'd say one should blame all those people who try to get everything cheaper and cheaper and cheaper. Low cost carriers with crappy products have been growing and growing - so we shouldn't wonder why other carriers have been under pressure and been forced to cut back.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): the legroom was excellent and the seat very comfortable.
Wow, SeatGuru says 34 inch and it shows!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): We killed a bit of time chatting, it became clear that nobody else was going to board so she headed over to the centre section, good girl!
It is always nice to have such cooperating seatmate.
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): To kill a bit more time I hit the shops again in search of something to bring back for the wife, in the end i found a tee shirt which I thought would be acceptable, we are both hard to buy for and don't tend to buy souveners just for the sake of it.
Does Mrs BA319-131 like it?
Thanks for sharing. I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
FLIEGER67 From Bulgaria, joined Sep 2003, 4420 posts, RR: 56 Reply 7, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 8112 times:
Hi, Mark,
great pictures and story.
Such a good idea to catch in these couple of A340´s for you´re return and especially the A342,
missing in my log also, till now.
CPT and surroundings looks really nice.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
Since we are almost there, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year ahead – looking forward to more travelling next year for us all.
Lot´s of interesting flights for you and Merry Christmas retour,
Markus(FLIEGER67)
stylo777 From Turkey, joined Feb 2006, 2874 posts, RR: 12 Reply 9, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 13 hours ago) and read 7945 times:
Hey Mark,
great report and such a coincidence that you took exactly the two aircrafts types and airlines on your trip which I am going to take too in January. if everything goes right for me it will be FRA-JNB LH/380 and JNB-EZE SA/342. I was really wondering how the 342 will be so your report popped up perfectly.
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 490 posts, RR: 3 Reply 10, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 7789 times:
Hi Mark
Great pictures & trip report. I'm glad you were able to fly on the rare A342. Maybe it's about time I took the AR Example across the tasman.
SA domestic product looks very good, pretty rare to see a hot meal on domestic flights nowadays but the Long-Haul Product doesn't look particularly great. I guess you really need to try out one of their A343 or A346's to get a better sense of their product.
It's great that JNB & CPT offer observation decks.
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): Since we are almost there, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year ahead – looking forward to more travelling next year for us all.
Merry Christmas to you as well and I look forward to many more great reports by you.
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1759 posts, RR: 25 Reply 11, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 7573 times:
Great report, Mark!
Wow, what a difference in the condition of the aircraft from your flight to CPT, and then to LHR! The service and food looks pretty good on SAA, but definitely not up to the standards for such a long flight, with no PTV's!!
chepos From Puerto Rico, joined Dec 2000, 5990 posts, RR: 12 Reply 12, posted (2 years 6 months 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 7528 times:
Again an enjoyable trip report, I like the fact they announce sleeping is not allowed in the aisle (quite amusing). I am surprised such a full meal is offered on a domestic flight which is less than 2 hours long, but on the contrary it seems similar as the dinner service on a 12 hour intercontinental flight. Go figure!
Hope you enjoyed your short time in S. Africa and have an enjoyable X-mass. Hope to have more exciting trip reports in 2011.
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8275 posts, RR: 56 Reply 13, posted (2 years 6 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 7269 times:
Hi All,
Just a selection of replies and comments:-
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 2): It's always a great feeling when the doors are closed and the seat next to you remains free! yay
- Indeed, one of the best parts of flying, at least for me, is that extra space when the seat is empty
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 2): I did not realise CPT was not that busy (perhaps during the day only?)
- No, I thought it might have had more traffic, was a tad dissapointed.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 2): Merry Christmas and (lots of) safe flying in 2011!
- Thanks and lets hope so!
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 3): Thanks for these two great reports to a new continent. I have read and enjoyed both.
- Hi Roger, glad you enjoyed.
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 3): Glad you have been on all A380 carriers so far, you have beaten many of us, I have not ridden any yet... let's hope for next year
- I have indeed been lucky, hopefully 2011 will give you cause to be on one.
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 3): I have noticed that you have gone back to the good all times when you showed your empty plates after dinner, good boy
- Ha, thanks, I'll try and remember, guess it's a sign of how good the meal was.
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 3): LH A380 looks great, it is really nice to see such a great plane in those beautiful livery and the comfort you described seemed adequate to me, despite the length of the flight.
- Yep, the 380 looks mighty fine in LH colours. As you say the comfort is adequate though not sure how it would be if the seat in front was reclined for the entire journey.
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 3): Flying an A340-200 is really a great pleasure, AR usually sends its own to BCN so there are quite a few chances to catch one from here
- Interesting, never knew AR flew them into BCN.
Quoting Rogerbcn (Reply 3): All the best to you and Mrs.BA319-131
- Thanks Roger.
Quoting AI151 (Reply 4): Hi Mark, definitely was worth the wait for the second part. Absolutely loved it, even more so as I got an insight of the A342. Also don't get to read that many SAA SA Linhas Aereas">TR's here either.
- Thanks Sandeep, glad you enjoyed. Your right about SAA, not thant many SA Linhas Aereas">TR's, especially longhaul, the last one was a J one by Alex if I recall correctly.
Quoting AI151 (Reply 4): I thought maybe you might have indulged yourself and go in Business Class on this small sector.
- I thought about it but it wasa over 4 times the cost of Y, not a smart move for such a short flight and then to step into Y for 12 hours
Quoting AI151 (Reply 4): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
Yes, an Air Namibia A319 on the Bulgarian register, interesting!
WOW! Something you hardly see everyday. Always good to see a variety of aircraft that you wouldn't see in the UK
- Yep, not what I expected to see. JNB was a spotters dream, long time since I've seen so many old machines, fantastic!
Quoting AI151 (Reply 4): Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1):
The A340-200 is the shortest version of the A340 family and the only version where the wingspan is actually greater than the length of the fuselage!
That's another new thing I learned today about the wingspan!
- As they say, everyday is a school day!
Quoting AI151 (Reply 4): Loved the sarcasm in the 'good girl' comment! LOL!
-
Quoting AI151 (Reply 4): Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to yourself and Mrs BA319-131
- Most kind, thanks.
Quoting AI151 (Reply 4): Thanks for all the SA Linhas Aereas">TR's this year and looking forward to plenty more next year.
- Let's hope so.......................
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 5): great second part of your South Africa series, reading was a pleasure as usual.
- Thanks PH.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 5): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
In addition to the curry was a small salad thing which consisted of some kind of smoked meat in a marinade with a few bits of veg, was actually pretty tasty. Cake followed desert, the weak point of the meal really as it did not really taste of much. All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Excellent follow up of your LH A388 trip. It was a truly enjoyable read on this cold snowy weekend. Congratulations with your A342 ride!
- Great, glad you enjoyed Suryo - speacking of Snowy, we have had some 6 to 8 inches here, I'm 12 miles to the north of LHR.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
the legroom was excellent and the seat very comfortable.
Wow, SeatGuru says 34 inch and it shows!
- It was most impressive, don't think I've ever been on a longhaul aircratf that has legroom like that in Y.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1):
To kill a bit more time I hit the shops again in search of something to bring back for the wife, in the end i found a tee shirt which I thought would be acceptable, we are both hard to buy for and don't tend to buy souveners just for the sake of it.
Does Mrs BA319-131 like it?
- I think so, no seen it since I came back but we are in winter clothes weather!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 6): I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 7): Such a good idea to catch in these couple of A340´s for you´re return and especially the A342,
missing in my log also, till now.
- I know, figured they were pretty rare enough to do something about it, especially since the SAA ones start leaving leaving the fleet in Q1 2011.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 7): CPT and surroundings looks really nice.
- I thought so too, much nicer feel than JNB.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 7): Lot´s of interesting flights for you and Merry Christmas retour,
- Thanks, and to you and the family.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 8): So far How was your 1st experience in Africa?
- Hard to say since I saw nothing but airports, however CPT felt better than JNB, at least for me, not sure why.
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 8): thank you so much for spotting the latest Rwandair 737 SA) and Rheintalflug (Austria)">WE, delivered in August
Quoting stylo777 (Reply 9): if everything goes right for me it will be FRA-JNB LH/380 and JNB-EZE SA/342. I was really wondering how the 342 will be so your report popped up perfectly.
- Sounds superb! - well enjoy and hopefully your not put off by my comments on the 342!
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 10): Great pictures & trip report. I'm glad you were able to fly on the rare A342
- Thanks, glad you enjoyed. The 342 was the icing on the cake for the whole trip really, so happy to have her on the flown list.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 10): Maybe it's about time I took the AR Example across the tasman.
- Indeed, follow in the footsteps of NZ107!
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 10): SA domestic product looks very good, pretty rare to see a hot meal on domestic flights nowadays but the Long-Haul Product doesn't look particularly great. I guess you really need to try out one of their A343 or A346's to get a better sense of their product
- I think the only differentce between the 342 and the other 2 models is the laco of AVOID/PTV and the tighter seating, Seatguru shows the 343 & 346 as having the same legroom.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 10): It's great that JNB & CPT offer observation decks.
- It is nice to see, especially @ CPT which is a much newer airport, shows the designers have understood people do like to look at the activity outside, either as a hobby,curiosity or seeing friends and family depart or arrive.
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 10): Merry Christmas to you as well and I look forward to many more great reports by you.
- Thanks, fingers crossed 2011 brings a few more in.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 11): Wow, what a difference in the condition of the aircraft from your flight to CPT, and then to LHR! The service and food looks pretty good on SAA, but definitely not up to the standards for such a long flight, with no PTV's!!
- Indeed, will all change when those 332's come on line next year.
Quoting chepos (Reply 12): I like the fact they announce sleeping is not allowed in the aisle (quite amusing).
- I thought that was quite amusing too!
Quoting chepos (Reply 12): I am surprised such a full meal is offered on a domestic flight which is less than 2 hours long, but on the contrary it seems similar as the dinner service on a 12 hour intercontinental flight. Go figure!
- Yep, odd!
Quoting chepos (Reply 12): Hope you enjoyed your short time in S. Africa
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5696 posts, RR: 39 Reply 14, posted (2 years 6 months 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 7172 times:
Hi Mark,
Great to see the second part up promptly! Yet another great report from you! It's always nice to get widebodies on domestic hops, that's for sure. A343 doesn't quite match up to the A346 but I'm quite surprised it was only your 2nd flight on an A343! But great to know you finally got the long awaited A342! I guess it's one type us A.Net TRers have all seemed to jump on this year! Thanks for sharing, pics were great as well.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): I hung back allowing the rest of the passengers to board so I could take a few shots from the ramp, no issue taking pictures at all, nice.
Always nice boarding a heavy via stairs.. You forget how big it actually is until you start walking up to the door! I had my first experience climbing the stairs to a widebody (777) a week ago.. Boy was that a fun experience! Oh, it wasn't a flight.. Just a NZ hangar visit.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): the legroom was excellent and the seat very comfortable.
Looks just as impressive as the amount of legroom I had on NZ! Not bad at all!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): In addition to the curry was a small salad thing which consisted of some kind of smoked meat in a marinade with a few bits of veg, was actually pretty tasty. Cake followed desert, the weak point of the meal really as it did not really taste of much. All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
A choice on a domestic flight? Wow! Doesn't look too bad either.
Great pics from CPT! At least they get widebodies for a quiet airport! And the Il-76 was an interesting spot!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): Amenity kits were handed out, unexpected but most welcome:-
Something I wish NZ would keep on doing.. Just something small like that makes some difference!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): The socks are held together with this piece of metal, not a great idea, somebody could easily stand on it if not disposed of correctly
I must say I've seen those bits of metal holding socks together in amenity kits before..
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): The salad had olives, tomato and other stuff in some kind of marinade, was not that keen on the marinate to be honest. The beef was ok, had a small kick to the sauce which was quite nice. The desert cake just tasted of sweet sugar so never finished it.
Interesting.. Too bad it didn't taste that great, and a shame about breakfast being cold.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): Also, why are the trays so small these days? I remember when they used to fit the width of the tray table and you had room to leave your buttered roll on the tray, ah the good old days!
Yeah, I'd like to know that too.. There seems to have been ample space in the past for full trays and 2 meals and I doubt they've cut down on galley space.. I'm glad EK still have those humungous trays!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): Unlike the previous meal service, the cart started from the rear of our cabin section
Something I've been told NZ does if one of the meal options run out during service.. They reverse it so that those who didn't get a choice had a choice for breakfast. I think it's a great idea, especially if you happen to be sitting in the middle of the cabin!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): So, that’s it really, end of a mission, and mission achieved without any problems.Another A380 operator added and the A340-200 added to the flown log, all in all a good if tiring trip.SAA overall were pretty good, though the in-flight intercontinental product, mainly the meals, is weaker than say the LH economy product. I’m ignoring the lack of AVOID IFE on this flight since the rest of the longhaul fleet have it as will the 332’s when they enter service early in the new year.
Mission successful it seems! An all Airbus journey for you - my last trans Tasman trip could have been the same had I not tried to seek a flight on the 734..
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): Since we are almost there, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year ahead – looking forward to more travelling next year for us all.
Oh yes, I can't believe it's already less than a week away already. Where has this year gone!? Merry Christmas to you too, happy New Year and all the best!
Thanks again, looking forward to more from you in the future!
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8275 posts, RR: 56 Reply 15, posted (2 years 6 months 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 7107 times:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Great to see the second part up promptly!
- Thanks Nicholas, would have been up sooner but I've been too busy to sort the pictures until now, that's the bit that seems to take the time, oh and a final proof to make sure everything works, you can never tell!
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Yet another great report from you!
- Very kind, thanks
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): It's always nice to get widebodies on domestic hops, that's for sure
- Totally right, something almost non existant here in the UK nowdays
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): A343 doesn't quite match up to the A346 but I'm quite surprised it was only your 2nd flight on an A343!
- Indeed right, the 346 is a long beast! - the 1st was an Air China machine from PEK-PVG some years back.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): great to know you finally got the long awaited A342
- Yep, good job too!
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): I guess it's one type us A.Net TRers have all seemed to jump on this year!
- I think the realisation iks out there that the days could be numbered and thus future opportunities rare.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Thanks for sharing, pics were great as well.
- Thanks, not a patch on yours but I don't generally carry the 'big' camera.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Always nice boarding a heavy via stairs.. You forget how big it actually is until you start walking up to the door!
- Ype, one of the best ways to get yourself aboard, always fun when It's a big bird - yet to board a 380 via stairs, one day I imagine.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): I had my first experience climbing the stairs to a widebody (777) a week ago.. Boy was that a fun experience! Oh, it wasn't a flight.. Just a NZ hangar visit.
- Nice, a story to be posted?
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): A choice on a domestic flight? Wow! Doesn't look too bad either.
- Yep, who would have thought?
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Great pics from CPT! At least they get widebodies for a quiet airport! And the Il-76 was an interesting spot!
- They seem to get a BA 744, BA 772 and a LH 346, along with some SAA 342/343 traffic. Re the IL-76, amasing how many people were interested in it.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
Amenity kits were handed out, unexpected but most welcome:-
Something I wish NZ would keep on doing.. Just something small like that makes some difference!
- I like the socks, that's the best part of it for me.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
The socks are held together with this piece of metal, not a great idea, somebody could easily stand on it if not disposed of correctly
I must say I've seen those bits of metal holding socks together in amenity kits before..
- Ha, your more attentive than me then!
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
Also, why are the trays so small these days? I remember when they used to fit the width of the tray table and you had room to leave your buttered roll on the tray, ah the good old days!
Yeah, I'd like to know that too.. There seems to have been ample space in the past for full trays and 2 meals and I doubt they've cut down on galley space.. I'm glad EK still have those humungous trays!
- GFlad it's not just me that missed the bigger trays!
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
Unlike the previous meal service, the cart started from the rear of our cabin section
Something I've been told NZ does if one of the meal options run out during service.. They reverse it so that those who didn't get a choice had a choice for breakfast. I think it's a great idea, especially if you happen to be sitting in the middle of the cabin!
- Could well be, never really considered that before.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 14): Mission successful it seems! An all Airbus journey for you
- Most of the year has been on an Airbus, 47, perhaps 49 by year end vs 14 Boeings, 1 Fokker 70, 1 Saab 2000, 1 Embraer E170, 1 Canadair CRJ-900 and 2 DC-9-50's.
Have a great Christmas and New Year - I'm sure we have some great travels ahead of us!
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 16, posted (2 years 6 months 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 6965 times:
Hi Mark.
Nice to see the second part up already, a very enjoyable read and some nice pictures from South Africa.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): I booked this flight on expedia rather than on the SAA website, the latter website was not particularly user friendly, the seat cost about £75.00, a pretty reasonable fare for a 2 odd hour flight.
Not bad at all, especially considering the quality of the service and the fact that you get to fly on a widebody!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): Initial impressions were of a nice clean and well maintained cabin, the legroom was excellent and the seat very comfortable.
Yep, looks very good!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): I know some people on this forum have it in for the A340, the -200 & 300 in particular for it's poor climb performance, however apart from the economal side of the plane, on days like today where visibility is good, the views of the ground below can be superb.
I agree, love it myself for that particular reason. Your shots definitely show that.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): In addition to the curry was a small salad thing which consisted of some kind of smoked meat in a marinade with a few bits of veg, was actually pretty tasty. Cake followed desert, the weak point of the meal really as it did not really taste of much. All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
Pretty impressive actually! Looks very good, made me hungry. I wonder what the competition on this route serves, Comair mainly as I guess all the others are locos. BTW do you know if QR has fifth freedom rights on this route?
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): The meal trays were clear away pretty promptly and my empty wine bottle replaced with a full one without even having to ask, I'm beginning to like this airline, hopefully the next flight will be just as good.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): I like a number of other passengers watched with interest as the IL-76 unloaded it's goods:-
Is that a portatoilet, by any chance? It sure as hell looks like one!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): I don’t remember that much about arrivals other than it was a hell of a walk from the plane to the immigration area, it was almost a ‘Polderban’ experience – most will get that.
Well, at least from Polderbaan you are sitting on your more or less comfortable seat, not walking. But I guess it is good to stretch your legs after spending more than 12 hours in economy...
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5696 posts, RR: 39 Reply 17, posted (2 years 6 months 21 hours ago) and read 6781 times:
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 15): I've been too busy to sort the pictures until now, that's the bit that seems to take the time, oh and a final proof to make sure everything works, you can never tell!
I do the pictures first and write later using the pictures.. But either way, it takes a while!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 15): I think the realisation iks out there that the days could be numbered and thus future opportunities rare.
Well I think you've just noticed one up.. I'm expecting one more but it probably won't be up until next year!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 15): Thanks, not a patch on yours but I don't generally carry the 'big' camera.
But it's noteworthy that you don't need a DSLR to be able to take good pictures and publish them in TRs! I just do anyway because that's what I've become used to and I don't mind lugging around my camera.
Unfortunately there wasn't too much of a story to be told. But when I get most of the pictures up, I'll PM you a link to have a look at them and how wonderfully close I got to the 772!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 15): Re the IL-76, amasing how many people were interested in it.
It's a very peculiar sight I must say! Il-76s don't come down here too often..
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 15): Have a great Christmas and New Year - I'm sure we have some great travels ahead of us!
BZNPilot From Belgium, joined Feb 2006, 257 posts, RR: 3 Reply 19, posted (2 years 6 months 17 hours ago) and read 6648 times:
Hi Mark,
Another fantastic report from you. I really enjoyed both parts. Thank you for posting.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): however the lunch time SA333 departure is operated by A340's, so this became the flight of choice due to the operating equipment and for a few hours spotting in CPT prior to heading home.
Good choice, I would have definitely done the same.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): I headed back upstairs to grab a pint, yes early I know but some would call this a holiday so it's allowed.
Great example of the detail you put into your reports! Excellent.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
Looks pretty nice, especially for a relatively short hop. Certainly beats the Y class offerings on domestic US and intra-European flights.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
The meal trays were clear away pretty promptly and my empty wine bottle replaced with a full one without even having to ask
Ha! Funny how we airplane geeks think alike. I always to that too...a quick rub of my right hand on the metal to the right of the door.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): they advised this was one of SAA's older planes which was due to be phased out soon and lacked any individual IFE, interesting of the flight crew to advise of this, it that supposed to make us feel better?
It is surprising they put it in that context...an honest explanation, I guess, but not the best way to calm any anxious passengers.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): members of the crew came through fastening the seat belts in empty seats.
I've never seen this done before. Since they did it on both flights, it seems it's SAA policy? I wonder what the reasoning is, given that other airlines don't seem to do this?
Happy holidays to you and yours, and here's to more flights in 2011!
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1544 posts, RR: 54 Reply 20, posted (2 years 5 months 4 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 6322 times:
Superb TR Mark! A fantastic follow-up with excellent detail!
Glad that we both seemed churn at our respective A342 TR's almost simultaneously
SAA's A342 definitely seemed to be in better condition that Aerolineas' but by next year, RJ will have the most advanced and updated versions as they get a nice upgrade to personal IFE's and such.
The meal out of JNB definitely looked like it was of better quality that whatever was loaded onboard at CPT. But overall, i think SAA's meals look decent!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): once complete the crew passed through the cabin and proceeded to close all the seat belts in the open seats, not seen that happen before
Unique!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): In addition to the curry was a small salad thing which consisted of some kind of smoked meat in a marinade with a few bits of veg, was actually pretty tasty. Cake followed desert, the weak point of the meal really as it did not really taste of much. All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): Amenity kits were handed out, unexpected but most welcome:-
Great touch!
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1): During the service the FA serving my aisle dropped a meal, unfortunately she did a poor job of clearing it up, so you had to dodge bits of egg in the aisle.
Nasty! .. Something like this left unattended is just wrong!
Thanks a lot for sharing!
Cheers,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6111 posts, RR: 56 Reply 21, posted (2 years 5 months 4 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 6218 times:
Hi Mark!
Great report with great pictures! Both flights look very nice although you seemed to have gotten similiar meals, they both look great! I don't drink coffee but get the idea of nasty it must have been.
Spotting at CPT must have been very slow; JNB wasn't amazingly busy when was there. I think the TAAG 743 is actually a SA 743 that was leased to TAAG for a while, D2-TEC.
All in all, a very successful trip for you with one more 380 along with your first ride on a 342! Looking forward to your adventure in South America in a few months ?
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 25102 posts, RR: 60 Reply 22, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 6011 times:
Hey Mark, interesting insight into SAA. Shame you didnt get the 1st AC on the second flight, the PTV would have been nice on the long run. Meals look just ok , maybe dinner in the restaurant before boarding next time
Looking forward to more in 2011
Happy Christmas
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2953 posts, RR: 7 Reply 23, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 5954 times:
Hi Mark,
many thanks for a fascinating continuation to your South African series!
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): lunch time SA333 departure is operated by A340's, so this became the flight of choice due to the operating equipment
The very same reason for my choice last year I hear that once SA gets its A330s, one of these will be used for SA333. Not as good, but still more interesting than an A319 or B737.
Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter): The queue at the gate was pretty small considering it was an A340
On most SA internal flights, the meal is a sandwich or wrap - I've yet to work out if the hot meal is due to the A340 or the slightly longer flight of CPT-DUR (my other flights have all been JNB-DUR or CPT-DUR).
Looks like some interesting aircraft spotted on the ground too.
Shame it was night the whole return flight. As far as I'm aware, there are no northbound daylight flights from SA to Europe, and only KL southbound (and a seasonal BA some days).
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8275 posts, RR: 56 Reply 24, posted (2 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 5859 times:
Hi all, a few selected replies and comments.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 16): Nice to see the second part up already, a very enjoyable read and some nice pictures from South Africa.
- Hi P, glad you enjoyed the final sectors.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 16): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
I booked this flight on expedia rather than on the SAA website, the latter website was not particularly user friendly, the seat cost about £75.00, a pretty reasonable fare for a 2 odd hour flight.
Not bad at all, especially considering the quality of the service and the fact that you get to fly on a widebody!
- Your not wrong, thought it was a steal.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 16): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
I know some people on this forum have it in for the A340, the -200 & 300 in particular for it's poor climb performance, however apart from the economal side of the plane, on days like today where visibility is good, the views of the ground below can be superb.
I agree, love it myself for that particular reason. Your shots definitely show that.
- Great, glad it's not just me that has no problem with the climb
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 16): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
In addition to the curry was a small salad thing which consisted of some kind of smoked meat in a marinade with a few bits of veg, was actually pretty tasty. Cake followed desert, the weak point of the meal really as it did not really taste of much. All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
Pretty impressive actually! Looks very good, made me hungry. I wonder what the competition on this route serves, Comair mainly as I guess all the others are locos. BTW do you know if QR has fifth freedom rights on this route?
- I imagine Comair(BA) provide something prettyy similar, the locos I imagine must be BOB, never checked what their fares are, must be dirt cheap.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 16): Is that a portatoilet, by any chance? It sure as hell looks like one!
- I think it is, thought it was an odd 'import'!
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 17): Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 15):
I've been too busy to sort the pictures until now, that's the bit that seems to take the time, oh and a final proof to make sure everything works, you can never tell!
I do the pictures first and write later using the pictures.. But either way, it takes a while!
- Hmm, not thought of that, I do the text and add pictures later.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 17): Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 15):
Thanks, not a patch on yours but I don't generally carry the 'big' camera.
But it's noteworthy that you don't need a DSLR to be able to take good pictures and publish them in TRs! I just do anyway because that's what I've become used to and I don't mind lugging around my camera.
- Your are too kind, I'll buy dinner when I finally make it to NZ!
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 17): Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 15):
Nice, a story to be posted?
Unfortunately there wasn't too much of a story to be told. But when I get most of the pictures up, I'll PM you a link to have a look at them and how wonderfully close I got to the 772!
- Great, looking forward to it
Quoting debonair (Reply 18): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
Yes, an Air Namibia A319 on the Bulgarian register, interesting!
A little digging reveals it used to be D-ABGE and is now the Namibian Government aircraft.
Hi, not true at all...
As AirNamibia is short of a/c, so they are leasing some a/c in- as you can see on air Namibias web-page; nothing to do with Government of Namibia.
- Interesting, airframes.org indicate it is for govermnent use.
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 19): Another fantastic report from you. I really enjoyed both parts. Thank you for posting.
- Most kind John, thanks
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 19): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
I headed back upstairs to grab a pint, yes early I know but some would call this a holiday so it's allowed.
Exactly my style of reasoning
- Good to see I am not alone with this line of reasoning
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 19): That legroom does look quite generous. Shame that wasn't also the case on your long-haul back to England
- Don't I know it!
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 19): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
All in all though, what a great meal for a 2 hour domestic flight!
Looks pretty nice, especially for a relatively short hop. Certainly beats the Y class offerings on domestic US and intra-European flights.
- Indeed, an excellent offering, I doubt it will last as the rest of the world becomes 'cheap' like the US & Europe.
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 19): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
did my customary touching of the fuselage
Ha! Funny how we airplane geeks think alike. I always to that too...a quick rub of my right hand on the metal to the right of the door.
- Glad it's not just me, don't know why I do it, just like to touch what I'm flying.
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 19): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
members of the crew came through fastening the seat belts in empty seats.
I've never seen this done before. Since they did it on both flights, it seems it's SAA policy? I wonder what the reasoning is, given that other airlines don't seem to do this?
- Never seen this before either, must be SAA policy.
Quoting BZNPilot (Reply 19): Happy holidays to you and yours, and here's to more flights in 2011!
- Thanks, you too.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 20): Superb SA Linhas Aereas">TR Mark! A fantastic follow-up with excellent detail!
- Thanks Roni
Quoting ronerone (Reply 20): Glad that we both seemed churn at our respective A342 SA Linhas Aereas">TR's almost simultaneously
- Indeed, almost as is we knew how rare these ,machines are.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 20): by next year, RJ will have the most advanced and updated versions as they get a nice upgrade to personal IFE's and such.
- Really? I assumed there would be no updates given the 787 was to replace them, that said, when will RJ finally get theirs?
Quoting ronerone (Reply 20): The meal out of JNB definitely looked like it was of better quality that whatever was loaded onboard at CPT. But overall, i think SAA's meals look decent!
- True and true, can't really complain, unless you paid a full fare!
Quoting ronerone (Reply 20): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
Air Namibia
Now THAT is one airline i need to try!
- I await your report
Quoting ronerone (Reply 20): Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1):
Overview of the terminal
Definitely looks nicer than JNB. I found JNB to be ultra-dull and depressing in a way.
- JNB is old and dates, that said, has something that CPT lacks.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 20): Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 1):
During the service the FA serving my aisle dropped a meal, unfortunately she did a poor job of clearing it up, so you had to dodge bits of egg in the aisle.
Nasty! .. Something like this left unattended is just wrong!
- Indeed, gives the wrong impression, something sort of similar happend on a bmi flight with 'sick' recently......
Quoting The777Man (Reply 21): Great report with great pictures! Both flights look very nice although you seemed to have gotten similiar meals, they both look great! I don't drink coffee but get the idea of nasty it must have been.
- Thanks Lars, food was indeed fine, coffee ws dire and I love a good cup!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 21): Spotting at CPT must have been very slow; JNB wasn't amazingly busy when was there
- JNB was great to start, a tad slow on day 2 but still made somereasonable numbers.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 21): Looking forward to your adventure in South America in a few months ?
- Thanks, roll on Feb!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 22): Shame you didnt get the 1st AC on the second flight, the PTV would have been nice on the long run.
- PTV's, who needs em?
Quoting OA260 (Reply 22): Meals look just ok , maybe dinner in the restaurant before boarding next time
- Not a bad idea, a few drinks and sleep without the worry of food, like it! - That said, I need to provide info to A.NET to make it right.
Quoting signol (Reply 23): many thanks for a fascinating continuation to your South African series!
- Thanks, glad you enjoyed.
Quoting signol (Reply 23): hear that once SA gets its A330s, one of these will be used for SA333. Not as good, but still more interesting than an A319 or B737.
- Indee, will be the only widebody on the route, nice!
Quoting signol (Reply 23): Quoting BA319-131 (Thread starter):
I took the beef which was actually a beef curry
On most SA internal flights, the meal is a sandwich or wrap - I've yet to work out if the hot meal is due to the A340 or the slightly longer flight of CPT-DUR (my other flights have all been JNB-DUR or CPT-DUR).
- Interesting, if you ever find out, let us know.
Quoting signol (Reply 23): Shame it was night the whole return flight
- It's alright for me, arrived early am and went to work after a shower, so a holiday day saved.
25 MSS658: Nice return trip as well. I'm quite surprised that SA flies their A342 on such a prime route as CPT-LHR. But if course as a planespotters part of view
26 sw733: We are full of surprises in Namibia Well, maybe not YOU Nice report! Glad you made it to Africa, the best continent in the world!
27 ba319-131: [quote=MSS658,reply=25] Nice return trip as well. I'm quite surprised that SA flies their A342 on such a prime route as CPT-LHR. But if course as a pl
28 airbuseric: Hi Mark, great report! Like the way SA served on the domestic leg, for a 2 hour flight definitely good! Shame to see the dissappointing service on the
29 LH4116: Hey Mark, great report! To me this was quite an unusual report from you, since I'm not used to you flying Economy Class. It did however give a good in
30 ojas: Hi Mark, Nice sequel to the LH A380. Tell me about it, I've been looking around for A342s myself. But the thing is I don't want to travel all teh way
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