Monday, June 13, 2016

South African Airways’ Business Class Was Cool

South African Airways introduced the Airbus A340-600 in 2003. An obsolete jet now (the world prefers two engines); it was the height of innovation 12 years ago.  The interior was also state of the art with 42 angled flat seats in business class and 275 seats in coach. Every seat came with its own on demand video screen.  The A340 has an impressive range and can route anywhere because it isn’t bound by ETOPS restrictions.  
Upright Business Class Seat
Think back and recall what other airlines were flying in 2003.  United’s 777 flagship aircraft featured Lazy Boy style recliners in business class and a TV with 9 channels of looping video content. First class was a flat bed with on demand video because a flight attendant brought around video tape cartridges for the system.  ATA was an airline and flying L-1011’s while Northwest was going strong.  SAA looked like a cool foreign carrier with a top notch product.
Seat Fully Flat
Leg Room in Row 1
The average onboard experience has progressed in the last decade and SAA’s aircraft feels antiquated.  Flat beds not parallel to the floor are being removed and direct aisle access is the new norm.  The seats onboard are in good shape and reasonably comfortable.  Everything works as designed, TV’s were thicker and fuzzier back then, and there were no personal space issues even with a full business class cabin.

Breakfast 10 Hours After Take Off
Dinner Immediately After Take Off
I did enjoy my 11 hour flight from Perth to Johannesburg. The service and catering were great.  Dinner and breakfast were both satisfying and the wine list was wonderful.  I was easily able to sleep for 6+ hours and left the aircraft relaxed, rested, and excited for my wine tour the next day. The ground experience in JNB left much to be desired, but that’s a story for later.

Saturday, June 11, 2016

United Bonus Miles

An exclusive offer, just for you: Fly your way to 50,000 bonus award miles


My travel is way down this year and I received an email from United offering me 50,000 bonus miles if I spend $6,500 on airfare flown before November 30.  I don’t know if others are getting emails like this and what their targets are, but keep your eyes open for an offer to your inbox. This all seems to follow United’s new “what have you spend lately” take on loyalty.
Spending Milestones
Upgrades are more Difficult These Days

Friday, June 10, 2016

Happy Friday

I finally have a trip scheduled for next week.
I Get To See EWR - Twice!

Thursday, June 9, 2016

ACJ350 XWB Idea

I'm not sure who would buy it, but Airbus is trying to sell private versions of the A350.  It seems like an odd product because the 747 has the most style for a head of state and the 787 is good value. I prefer the ACJ319, but the 747 looks cooler.
747 Style Can't Be Topped

Monday, June 6, 2016

American Devalues AAdvantage

In a shock to no one, American announced they are changing the AAdvantage miles program. It'll will be just like, more or less, United and Delta. No real change for me since I don't fly American, but here's a more detailed analysis.
They Both Follow Delta's Moves

Sunday, June 5, 2016

BA 0003

Thanks Mom for the pictures of British Airways flight 3.  The Club World London City service on a A318 had 8 passengers and 5 flight attendants. That's a better ratio than in Lufthansa first.
LCY Airport is a Great Option for London
Onboard BA's A318

Thursday, June 2, 2016

QANTAS A330 Sydney to Perth

QANTAS's new business suite is the best premium cabin seat I've flown domestically.  It's also better than all seats I've flown, but Lufthnsa's A380 first and British Airways' A380 first. The seats are new and go full flat. Every seat has direct aisle access and a huge TV.
A330 Business Class Cabin
Seat Fully Reclined
The A330 seats are much better than the QANTAS A380 I took in from Dallas.  Now that I am certain QANTAS knows what a good seat is, they should start refitting their A380 fleet immediately. 
Lamb Entree - Outstanding
The food was the best of my trip and the service polite and efficient.  This flight surpassed my expectations the most of any this year.
Staggered Cabin Configuration
I Loved This Flight
Another View
Starter Plate
Even QANTAS uses A330 in marketing as their flagship product. The A380 is from a different era.
Email Ad Imagery