Flight crew on-board Qantas/SAA flight

Carrier: Qantas codeshare SAA

Aircraft: Boeing 747-400

Flight Number: SA7700 - Departing 06:15pm

Duration: 11 hrs 55 mins

Class: Y - Economy

Configuration: 3-4-3

Check in experience:
I was able to check in at George domestic airport for my flight all the way through to Sydney, which helped with the eight hour wait after arriving at Johannesburg airport.  Even though the luggage was checked all the way through, I was able to leave the airport and go into the city.

On time performance:
The flight departed at the scheduled time.  Despite bad weather in Sydney on arrival, we landed on time.

Seat/Cabin conditions:
Although the plane was slightly old and tired, it was clean.  Seats in economy class have 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.  A dinner was served shortly after take-off consisting of salad, roast pork loin with vegetables and a chocolate cake dessert.  Beverages were served throughout the flight along with a choice of snacks. Breakfast was a choice of a hot cooked meal or cold continental breakfast.  For those people who were still hungry, Qantas offered a self-service snack bar.

Service:
As the flight was rather empty, the staff were able to assist quickly and frequently.  All staff encountered were polite and friendly, with a few even chatting about my trip and their time spent in South Africa.