T RIED AND TE ST E D FL IGHT
recent releases), 67 TV programmes, 15 games, 14 radio stations and 160 albums. The IFE can be controlled by touchscreen or using a trackpad/button on controls under a cover by the seat. Next to the screen there is a space for your own tablet.
chenin blanc or unoaked chardonnay. The wines were not detailed on the menu, so I went for chardonnay which was good. Canapés were served with the drink. When the flight attendants came to take
The same applies to 1A – not a quiet option. So if travelling alone, I would opt for a window seat (A or K) as these have more privacy. The middle seats (D and G) are better for those travelling together. As these seats are not in line with the window seats, it would be hard to talk across the aisle if you wanted to. As to which row to choose, I would opt
for the middle of the first cabin (rows 3-5) as these seats are further from the galleys which were noisy (both are used), as well as further from the toilets and the likely positioning of bassinets in row 1 and 9. The rear cabin is also right in front of economy and bassinets are likely to be placed on the wall directly behind row 12.
THE FL IGH T Shortly after take-off there was a drinks service and menus were handed out. I opted for a glass of white wine and was offered either a South African
bus ine s s tr a v el ler .c om
the food order, they realised that the wrong menus had been loaded, so then went to the galley to see what they had. They returned a while later offering a choice of three starters (soup, tuna or salad) and four mains (beef, chicken, fish or vegetarian pasta). Descriptions were limited due to the lack of menus, but I opted for the chicken. This was a chicken breast served with rice, what I think were onion bhaji (or similar), chickpeas with some spicy sauce and garnish. It was tasty, fresh and nicely presented. For dessert I was offered trifle, cheesecake or cheese. I went for the cheese and crackers, which included three cheeses, grapes and dates. I was offered a glass of port as an accompaniment. The food tray was promptly taken away, and shortly afterwards a small box of chocolates was offered. At this point I reclined the seat, made the
bed (the duvet and mattress cover being stored in the feet area, or under the seat in front) and went to sleep. The bed was comfortable and very generous in size. Having slept well, I woke an hour and
15 minutes before landing and was almost immediately offered a towel and a choice of juices, shortly after which breakfast was served. Though menus were lacking, I was offered a choice of cereal, muesli, yoghurt, fresh fruit, pastries and cheese omelette and sausage, among other options. I didn’t use the IFE, which has a 15-inch
screen and noise-cancelling headphones. On offer were 82 movies (including several
A RRIVA L We landed at 0715 and were at the gate just seven minutes later. From there it was a very short walk to immigration. I had no luggage so walked through the baggage hall to the SAA Arrivals lounge, just after customs. There is a small lounge area with seven tables and 15 chairs, and four large shower cubicles. I showered and changed, then did some work in the lounge, which was empty when I arrived. There was a coffee machine, a good selection of teas, fruit, yoghurt, cheese, pastries, toast, cereal, crisps and hot food including eggs, bacon and tomatoes.
VERDIC T This flight boasts a very generous-sized seat that provides plenty of space for sleeping and working, with service given by a warm and cheerful crew. Julian Gregory
85
BE ST FOR
The capacious seat. P R ICE
The internet rate for a
return business class flight from Heathrow to Johannesburg in July 2018 costs £5,812.
F L IGHT TIME 10 hour 40 minutes.
C ONF IGUR A TION 1-2-1
S E AT P ITCH 45in/115cm
C ONT A C T
flysaa.com
JUNE 2 0 18
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