South African Airways Business Class Review
Today we shall regale you with our recent adventure in the business class cabin of South African Airways, as we journeyed from Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). What began as a routine economy class booking transformed into an unexpectedly delightful experience, courtesy of a timely and reasonable upgrade offer.
Originally booked in economy class, we received an intriguing proposition when checking in online the night before my flight. South African Airways offered me the opportunity to upgrade to business class for the modest sum of $25. Given the promotion, which included a 20% discount on the standard bidding price, we considered this an offer too good to refuse. Thus, I placed my bid of $25 and was pleased to receive an email the next morning confirming that my bid had been accepted. With the upgrade came a plethora of business class benefits: lounge access, additional baggage allowance, a dedicated check-in counter, and priority boarding.
Arriving at the airport at approximately noon for my 14:00 departure, I was greeted by a premium check-in area adorned with a plush red carpet and stanchions, allowing me to bypass the usual queue. Check-in completed, I proceeded to the immigration point with some anticipation. Alas, my enthusiasm was somewhat tempered by the sight of approximately 95 passengers and only three immigration officers. The resulting delay of nearly 65 minutes tested my patience, but I opted against seeking another security checkpoint, fearing a similar predicament.
Once my passport was stamped, I hastened to the South African Airways lounge, located conveniently next to the Emirates Lounge. This haven provided a comfortable respite, whether for relaxation or last-minute work before the flight. South African Airways Flight 071 to Cape Town was scheduled to board at Gate A3, a mere eight-minute walk from the lounge. After a restful 35 minutes, I prepared to depart for the gate, only to learn of a 15-minute delay in boarding. Thus, I waited a while longer for my fly really cool moment. Eventually, the boarding process commenced, albeit with a slight hiccup as all passengers, including business class and Voyager elite members, used the same door and jet bridge, causing a bit of a bottleneck.
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Onboard SAA Business Class?
Once onboard, I settled into Seat 4A, a window seat as is my preference, and was pleased to find the adjacent seat unoccupied. The business class cabin on this Airbus A320-200, registered ZS-SZB and delivered to SAA in July 2013, features a 2-2 configuration, in contrast to the 3-3 setup of economy class. With 114 economy and 24 business class seats, the cabin offered a generous 39-inch pitch, comfortable leather seats with wide armrests, ample legroom, and a satisfying recline.
Despite the comfort, some wear and tear were evident—the leather appeared aged, and the leg rest, though functional, would fold too easily under weight. However, these minor inconveniences were outweighed by the overall cleanliness of the cabin and the amiability of the crew. Notably, the business class seats are equipped with power points for charging smartphones. Yet, a slight drawback exists as the Type G sockets require an adapter for most laptops purchased in South Africa, which use Type D.
In conclusion, my impromptu upgrade to South African Airways business class transformed an ordinary flight into a fly really cool memorable journey. Despite minor imperfections, the overall experience was marked by comfort, convenience, and exceptional service. Until next time, may your travels be smooth, your upgrades plentiful, and your adventures enriching. Safe travels, dear friends.
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