Trip Report: JNB-CPT, CPT-JNB
In addition to my flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg, I got to fly South African Airways two more times, from Johannesburg (JNB) to Cape Town (CPT) and back. Overall, I'm pretty impressed by SAA. Buying my ticket online was super fast, and you could see all of the price options and fare rules in one screen. My frequent flyer number was always inputted correctly, and my miles posted to United in a couple day's time. Luggage in both JNB and CPT arrived on the carousel before I got there. All flights were on-time. Service was okay; like on US airlines it's variable according to the individual.
In Johannesburg, I used the SAA Baobab Lounge in the domestic terminal. It was a really pretty lounge, I guess in an "Afro-chic" style. The food was not self-serve besides cookies and muffins placed out front. You had to ask the attendants behind the counter for drinks, sandwiches, nuts, etc. I guess this cuts down on passengers (like me) who like to stock up from the lounge!
I guess I shouldn't be surprised by now, but it's still a nice surprise to get a hot meal on a flight less than 2 hours long. Plus you get a choice! JNB-CPT, it was fish or beef. I had the fish, which was in a nice, light curry sauce. They also give you a lot of beverages as you can see. No going thirsty on SAA.
In Cape Town, there was another Baobab Lounge, in much the same style. And it had exactly the same food and food setup as Johannesburg. Downside is that there's no natural light (maybe because of the construction to get a new terminal ready for the 2010 World Cup?).
Again, there was a choice of meals on the return flight - chicken or beef. My meal, beef with green beans and eggplant, was a bit more ordinary this time.
