On the Ground: I checked in at Durban (DUR) for a South African Airways flight connecting through Johannesburg to New York. The check-in was quick, and the agent priority-tagged and checked my bag through to JFK. In Johannesburg I visited the Baobab Business Class Lounge, which is separate from the Cycad First Class Lounge. Staff greeted me warmly and explained the layout. The lounge is spacious with several seating areas, including a designated smokers’ section; a business center with computer terminals; an audio-video room; a children’s play area; three self-serve food stations; a staffed bar; secure luggage storage; and rainfall showers. Complimentary WiFi was available. Food offerings ranged from snacks, fruit, cheeses and crackers to soup, sandwiches, hot entrées and desserts. Business-class passengers were escorted to the front of the secondary security line and boarded through a separate ramp and entrance.
Pre-Flight: Boarding began with flight attendants welcoming passengers with a glass of sparkling wine and offering a selection of newspapers and magazines plus a menu. The cabin was configured 2-2-2; my seat was in the center section in the last row. I adjusted the lumbar support and tried the massage feature, which delivered a gentle rolling vibration. Although my seat was adjacent to the galley, noise was not an issue. The amenity kit included the usual items: socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a combo brush/comb, lip balm and moisturizer, ear plugs and a sleep mask.
In-Flight: After takeoff I made myself comfortable, raised the leg rest, reclined slightly and put on the provided headset. At cruising altitude I intended to work for a few hours with my laptop. I had asked lounge staff in Johannesburg about cabin power and was told a U.S. plug would work and that adapters were available on board; that information proved incorrect. Instead of working, I explored the AVOD entertainment system, which offered around 15 movies plus TV shows, music and games.
For drinks I enjoyed a South African Sauvignon Blanc with canapés and nuts before a multi-course dinner: soup, salad, an entrée, dessert and a selection of South African cheeses. I finished the savory courses with truffles and a cup of rooibos tea. Later I prepared my seat for sleep, reclining it into a fully flat bed and adding the mattress pad, a full-sized pillow and a duvet. I adjusted the flexible reading light, browsed a few magazines and slept soundly for about six hours. On waking, a flight attendant offered juice, tea and a hot snack to tide me over until breakfast. I accompanied the snack with a hot chocolate spiked with Amarula, a South African cream liqueur I enjoyed during my trip. Breakfast arrived as another multi-course offering with fresh fruit, yogurt and muesli, a selection of baked goods and an omelet served with potatoes and bacon.
The Experience: Overall, the flight was comfortable for a nearly 16-hour journey. The meals were satisfying, the entertainment selection was adequate, and the lie-flat bed with mattress pad and duvet allowed for restful sleep. Service from the cabin crew was attentive and courteous, and the lounge before departure made the connection through Johannesburg smooth and relaxing. My last sips of Amarula were a pleasant reminder of the trip.
GT Checklist
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged bags
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous flight attendants
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Extensive on-demand menu
- Self-serve in-flight pantry
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Mattress and comforter
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors