Boo for SAA's business class
July 05, 2006 Edition 1 found at thestar.co.za/
I note an advert on June 24, 2006 claiming that South African Airways' business class was placed second in the World Airline Awards, ahead of Qantas. What hogwash!
First of all, when you board the flight, either in business or first class, you are offered sparkling wine. Who in these classes drinks that over the French champagne served by all other airlines, including Qantas?
On a recent flight to Perth, our plane took off at 4.45pm. They started serving dinner at 5.10pm with half a small glass of champagne. Dinner was over by 5.50pm and we were not offered port with the cheese. I had three half glasses of champagne. The lights were turned off at 6.15pm and the cabin staff were not seen again. They did not even take away the glasses.
SAA also advertises a business class seat that folds flat. We had short-haul jumbo seats not intended for long distances, which did not fully recline. In fact, in future I think I would rather walk than fly SAA.
In contrast, the Qantas flight from Sydney to Joburg was superb: first- class attention by the cabin crew, superb meals, one did not have to beg for drinks, and the beds folded down horizontally.
I am a South African who has been flying SAA for 32 years. What happens to the champagne, liqueurs, etc not served on board? Are they taken home by the staff?
RF Baudinet
Johannesburg
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