Flight Review – South African Airways : Sydney to Johannesburg

Carrier: Qantas codeshare SAA

Aircraft: Boeing 747-400

Flight Number: SA7701 - Departing 10:00am

Duration: 14 hrs 15 mins

Class: Y - Economy

Configuration: 3-4-3

Check in experience:
Checking in was busy due to Qantas checking in a number of flights through the same check-in desks. Despite this the process was efficient and the que moved quickly. The check-in staff assisted with seat allocation and were friendly. On time performance: The flight was scheduled to depart at 10:00am and did so on time. The flight was smooth and time was gained on the flight so we arrived earlier than scheduled.

Seat/Cabin conditions:
The plane appeared very new. Single beam seat design provided excellent leg room, with a 78.7cm (31in) seat pitch and seat width of to 44.9cm (17.7in) and 15.2cm (6in) recline. The seat base and ergonomic cushions made it a comfortable flight. It helped that the flight was not full so there were many empty seats allowing you to spread out.

Meals & Snacks:
Meals and drinks were served promptly, and presented well. Lunch was served shortly after take off, consisting of salad, chicken or tuna selection and chocolate snack. The dinner meal was a filling choice of beef casserol or pork with vegetarian option also available. Beverages were served throughout the flight along with a choice of snacks. For those people who were still hungry, Qantas offered a self-service snack bar.

Service:
The staff were courteous and engaging which was pleasantly welcomed on such a long flight. All cabin crew encountered were more than happy to assist and even continued to bring me frozen orange iceblocks to sooth my sore throat. Even after 14 hours in the air, the cabin crew displayed light hearted humour.

Entertainment:
Each seat had large in-seat screens offering over 1500 entertainment including the digital games, Lonely Planet destination guides and a dedicated kids section. you can create your own individual playlists and access PC power and USB ports. There was a wide selection of movies that kept me entertained in the long flight.