By Annette O'Neil
Founded in 1934 and completely overhauled in 2007, South African Airlines has one of the longest track records in the business. Headquartered in Johannesburg's Tambo International Airport, it handles the lion's share of domestic passenger flight in South
Africa. The airline has experienced a sea change in recent years. It was once plagued by problems with undertrained and undermotivated staff; now it boasts what is arguably the best service on the continent.
Wows and Woes
Flight attendants will not wake sleeping passengers when passing with the Duty Free cart; so look alive if you're interested in making a purchase.
Safety instructions are given with a generous dose of charm, delivered in a fabulous Afrikaans accent.
Insider Tips
If possible, book through a third party. Though once-dismaying customer service flaws have for the most part been remedied, SAA is somewhat infamous for its problematic accounting system.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I've spent what seems like a significant portion of my life in the air, but I don't think I've ever had a gentler landing than the SAA flight that ever-so-deftly deposited me in East London. I'd be hard-pressed to tell you when the wheels touched the tarmac.
Bottom Line
South African Airlines has successfully turned the tables on bad service and lackluster amenities to become something of a Cinderella story among airlines.
About the Author:
Annette O'Neil graduated from the University of Southern California with degrees in cinema, global communication and geology. A writer for more than a decade, O'Neil has written copy, content and editorial articles for hundreds of clients and publications, including Yoga Awakening Africa and Whole Life Times.
