SA Airlink

1016 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

4/5

Review type

Airline

Location

Date of travel

September, 2015

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

Partner

Reasons for trip

It wasn’t until we reached Johannesburg airport for our SA Airlink flight to Maun, that we noticed our itinerary showed we’d been allocated separate seats. Fortunately the helpful check-in girl changed them for us. We checked the return journey and were pleased to be sat together.

Whilst expecting to board at 11am, there was no signs of movement until 11.15am. We sat on the bus and, assuming it would be a short drive to the plane, gallantly gave up our seats to an elderly American couple – a big mistake as we waited for over 20 minutes without explanation for the bus to move. Consequently, we took off 30 minutes late.

Our meal choice was beef wrapped around a cream cheese and vegetable mousse with couscous-stuffed pepper or filo tart with coronation chicken, pasta and stir-fried vegetables. Although the dishes were served cold they were surprisingly tasty. We declined pudding but managed the cheese and biscuits and chocolate. The supply of wine flowed and we were soon gently snoozing.

On our return trip, the business class desk at Maun was deserted and we were told we’d have to join a huge and rapidly expanding queue. We insisted we’d paid for business class service and someone eventually came over and checked us in. When the boarding cards were handed over, I noticed we weren’t sat together. We were told the configuration had changed but I stood my ground. The girl insisted everyone had already checked in and said it was a full flight but after she’d huffed and she’d puffed, she eventually found us seats together. When we got on board there were three rows of business class: no one was sat together, apart from us and there were empty seats.

We took off at 30 minutes late again. The choice of meal was chicken or ostrich and we were last to be served with Roy being the only one to brave ostrich which he said was very good.

On landing we had the usual announcements with the final comment “God Bless you all” – I can’t imagine British Airways allowing that!

To note – SA Airlink is a regional airline and privately owned business that operates as a franchise of South African Airways.

Helen Jackson

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.