Kulula Cape Town - Lanseria flight review |
2 Jun 2011 |
For a long time it was only Kulula flying from Lanseria Airport. Happily, since 1 June Mango are also flying the route. I say happily, as it seems like Mango and Kulula have entered into some kind of price war, and I bought my Cape Town to Lanseria ticket for R389 (to which I added a R20 donation to the Smile Foundation, but ultimately only paid R89 in total, thanks to Kulula Moolah I'd built up through spending on my Kulula credit card).
Parked near President's plane
The South African presidential plane was parked 2 adrift from us, and they were extra strict - couldn't even peak out of one of the boarding doors to take a photo. You can see the SA coat of arms on it on the tailfin behind the Comair British Airways plane.
Choosing seats online
I like the fact that Kulula say that "If your flight number has 3 digits, you can choose your own seat and check-in online 24 hours prior to departure", but I prefer Mango's system that you can choose seats online at the point of booking (on the downside Mango charges you for it). See full comparison of Mango v Kulula (and 1time, Velvet Sky). In the end I forgot to choose my seat online, and ended up choosing it when Ichecked in. I used the automated check-in machine at CPT (first time with Kulula) and luckily there were still a few window seats available near the back of the plane (there was a bit of a queue at the Kulula check-in).
Kulula and Mango Lanseria together
Looks like ACSA has arranged the Lanseria Airport flights together, with Mango's Cape Town - Lanseria flight left from gate A11, and Kulula's from gate A12.
Plane was fairly empty
The plane was fairly empty, which was nice for space, but circumstantial evidence that airlines in general are struggling to fill up is building up. The fact that Mango is now operating thrice-daily Lanseria - Cape Town flights wont have helped Kulula's cause. Over the last few weeks I've seen a lot of flight specials by 1time, Kulula, Mango and Velvet Sky. Our previous 2 reviews of Cape Town Johannesburg flights with Velvet Sky have also been in empty aircraft.
Food
I tried the Avo and salad sandwich (R35), which was a bit bland for my tastebuds, but no doubt it's nutritious. Don't be surprised by the size of the drinks - 200ml grapetizer (R10), and 330ml sparkling water (R10). The potato sticks were R15.
Free newspaper at Lanseria Airport
It was lekker to get a free copy of the Business Day, Sowetan and The Times at the baggage collection area at Lanseria Airport. There's not much to do there while you wait for ACSA to deliver your luggage, so a good spot to leave free newspapers.
Photos from the flight
We can see Lion's head on the left and Signal Hill (popular spot for paragliding in Cape Town), Robben Island on the right. The suburb to the right is Tableview and at the bottom right is Du Noon. In the middle we can see the Caltex Oil Refinery.
I'm sure somebody will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think these are the Swartberg Mountains.
Add-ons available for your booking |
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Make a donation |
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Flight reservation details
Kulula sent me an email with these details in it:
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kulula.com travel itinerary
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kulula.com computer generated copy of tax invoice
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| Important travel info
Bring to the airport Bring your booking reference and ID book, drivers licence or passport to check-in for your flight/s. Check-inOnline check-in opens 24 hours before the departure of your flight and closes 2 hours before departure. Seats may change if there is an aircraft change. Print your boarding pass at home and drop your bag at the ‘fast bag drop off’ zone. Airport check-in opens 90 minutes before take-off and closes sharply 30 min before your flight departs.
You're allowed 1 free weighing up to a maximum of 20kg at check-in. Any excess weight over 20kg will cost an additional R25 per kilo at the airport. Save some money and purchase excess baggage at reduced rates (up to 50% discount) up to 24 hours prior to departure via our website or Contact Centre. Excess baggage is non-refundable after payment - so consider carefully before adding extra weight to your booking. Excess baggage is non-refundable after payment - so consider carefully before adding extra weight to your booking. Read our hilarious onboard magazine, the khuluma. This is guest edited by South Africa's top comedians. You can even take it home with you if you like. Onboard munchies – Take some cash or a credit card along and let our friendly crew hook you up with some yummy food from Woolies. We have all sorts to settle any craving. Changing your bookingThe fee for changing a booking will cost you R130 per person per sector. Bookings made via our Contact Centre or Airport Ticket Sales are charged at an additional R50 per person per sector (all fees are inclusive of vat), PLUS the difference between your old fare and the new fare available. Our tickets are non-refundable. If you can't make your flight, please don't forget to contact us more than 48 hours before scheduled departure to change your booking to another date, cause if you miss it without changing it first, you'll lose the full value of your ticket. What a waste! Name changesIf the person's name on the ticket needs to be changed, it will cost you R150 per name change online. It's cheaper to make these changes online and it's simple too. All you have to do is click on 'manage my bookings' and have your flight reference number handy. Changes made through the Contact Centre or Airport Ticket Sales will be charged an additional R50 service fee (inclusive of vat). Please note that only future dated bookings can be changed. Dangerous articles (such as compressed gases, corrosives, explosives, flammable liquids and solids, radioactive materials, oxidising materials, poisons and infectious substances) must not be carried in baggage. Ask us if you are unsure what items are regarded as dangerous, 'cause we can't allow you to travel with this sort of stuff in your bags. Unaccompanied minorsKids under 12 have to travel with at least one adult aged 16 years or older and unfortunately we don't accept unaccompanied minors, sorry. |
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Pre flight info
On the 31st May 2011, Kulula sent me the following info:
Hi Bob
The crew of MN456 can't wait to welcome you, our favourite jetsetter onboard and will do their best to make your flight as comfy as possible.
| You'll be departing from Cape Town International Airport. If you're not sure how to get there we have created a page with maps and directions to help you out. |
| You can check-in online 24 hours before your flight departs, but no later than 2 hours prior to departure. Print your boarding pass at home and drop your bag at the ‘fast bag drop off’ zone located at the check-in counters. The airport check-in counters open 90 minutes before your flight departs and close 30 minutes prior to departure. |
It's not a good idea to check-in valuables like cameras, money, jewellery or anything else that's important to you. Bring along your flight reference number, driver’s license, green ID book or passport.
The weather man predicts the following at your destination |
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| Thursday 2 Jun 2011 / Clear skies High: 18 | Low: -1 | Rain: No rain |
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Booking reference: abc
Flight details
MN456 Cape Town >>> Lanseria (Jo'burg) |
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Time |
Date |
Airport |
Stops |
Flight |
Airline |
Depart |
08:50:00 |
Thursday, 02 Jun 2011 |
Cape Town |
0 |
MN456 |
kulula |
Arrive |
10:45:00 |
Thursday, 02 Jun 2011 |
Lanseria (Jo'burg) |
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Travellers details |
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Name(s) |
Age group |
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Robert Baker |
Adult |
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If you can't close your suitcase, don't panic!
| Pack another bag and save some bucks by purchasing excess baggage online. Now you can pack in those extra pair of shoes. Give me more kg's Remember, kulula credit cardholders get an additional 5kgs free baggage by waving their super cool green credit card at the check-in counters. |
Take advantage of Kulula's services when you arrive at your destination. Hire a car with kulula discounts and 200km free per day. |
Do you need place to stay? Kulula have partnered with some of the best hotels in South Africa to offer fans great service, comfy beds and discounts. Book it all online & in real time. |
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Onboard entertainment
Why not enjoy your very own copy of our onboard magazine, khuluma. Every month it's guest edited by one of South Africa's funniest comedians. There are interesting facts, great things to do and awesome articles to enjoy. |
Onboard munchies
You'll be able to enjoy a Woolies quality meal onboard. We have something for everyone so bring some cash or your credit card to buy drinks and snacks. |
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See you onboard!
Your buddies at
kulula.com