SAA CPT to JNB return |
Feb 2009 |
I had originally thought that by using my Voyager miles this would be a free flight on SAA , but I ended up paying R1451 (thanks to the "taxes" which had to be paid) - after this experience, I'm starting to think that it's much more efficient to use Voyager miles for upgrades than for purchasing tickets.
Flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
"Sir, what is your first name?"
Check-in went smoothly - after handing in my identification document I was asked what my first name was, which I thought was a bit odd - not sure if the check-in lady was trying to get on first-name terms with me or whether this is some new layer of security checks.
More bandwidth
I'd run out of bandwidth, so bought 250mb on ACSA's Always On network, for R140. I can use this anytime over the next 12 months, and for frequent fliers it's one of the better deals at Cape Town International Airport. Their wireless network is pretty quick too.
Sports Cafe
At Cape Town International I had a bit of time to burn, so went and ate at the Sports Cafe. Here's what prices are currently looking like (will be interesting to recheck these prices during Soccer World Cup 2010).
Garlic bread |
R12.50 |
Extra cheese |
R9.95 |
Appletizer |
R10.95 |
The flight
For two hours I rubbed shoulders and arms with one big mamma who was spilling over into my seat. I was regretting taking a window seat, but then again I did get some nice photos.
Return flight - my cup overfloweth
We are 3 - Mommy, Daddy and baby; and at the check-in desk they didn't seat us together - on pressing the issue, the SAA check-in guy told us that the flight was full - so, to our 2 middle seats we went. Having got there, a very kind gentleman offered to give up his aisle seat for our middle seat. We sat and a Brazilian lass who could only speak broken english sat next to us. Then the next act of kindness (of God, some may say) - somebody missed their connecting flight, and a row had opened up at which a brilliant Air Hostess by the name of Charlene (thank you thank you) seated us. I don't know what the meaning of life is, but I have a feeling it has something to do with helping each other - for all the bad in the world, the generosity of Charlene and the unknown passenger who gave up his seat has overwhelmed me today.
Flight details
Thank you for making your Voyager Award reservation on flysaa.com - Book by Miles!
Please find below important details of your reservation. It is important to print a copy of this mail and
to have it available throughout your journey, along with positive identification.
At check-in you will be required to present positive identification.
We trust that you will have a pleasant trip and utilise our online services in future in order to access
the Voyager Book by Miles facility and comprehensive array of services and benefits.
BOOKING DETAILS
Reference Number : XYZ
Airfare : Miles 27100
VAT & Taxes : ZAR 801
Total : ZAR 801
PAYMENT & DELIVERY DETAILS
Payment method : Credit Card
Delivery method : Electronic Ticket
Note : Your electronic ticket will be available
on the date of your flight. Merely go
directly to check-in and present a
positive form of identification to receive
FLIGHT DETAILS
Flight No Departing Arriving Class Aircraft
SA336 CPT at 13:50, 20 FEB
2009
JNB at 15:50, 20 FEB
2009
(Y) 738
SA317 JNB at 09:00, 22 FEB
2009
CPT at 11:10, 22 FEB
2009
(Y) 738
South African Airways (Proprietary) Limited Reg. No. 1997/022444/07
a boarding pass.
South African Airways (Proprietary) Limited Reg. No. 1997/022444/07
IMPORTANT NOTES
Changing or Cancelling your Reservation(subject to rules and conditions)
Changes and cancellations for domestic flights can be done conveniently around the clock via
flysaa.com.
For changes and cancellations for international flights or further questions regarding your online
booking dial 0861 FLYSAA/0861 359722 from within South Africa, or visit our Customer Care page
for other SAA Office contacts. Calls will be charged at Standard Rates.
Check-in times
Domestic : one and a half hours
USA flights : three hours
Other international : two and a half hours
South African Airways (Proprietary) Limited Reg. No. 1997/022444/07