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Anyone travel recently on a buddy pass on Delta to Joburg? My Delta emplyee friend told me that Delta STRONGLY discourages non-rev folks flying to SA. They are saying that non revers are being left in connecting cities. I am wondering if we should take the chance or not even risk it. Flights are leaving with empty seats because of weight and balance issues. I am looking for anyone with firsthand experience....
Happy Travels
we went late June--flights looked great--wide open BE all 4 legs. That changed quickly during week of travel. With the high ratio of no-shows, we made it in BE 20yrs seniority S2. The S3B parent sitting behind us--not so lucky--was removed in Dakar on his return trip--good thing he had experience with bumping and the city/hotels/transport. That was 07 when there were no embargoes.
I would tread very cautiously--the fees are pretty high, too--about $150 airport charges, taxes, etc PLUS the mileage for S4.
If your buddy really wants to go, make sure they have all the info and wherewithall to make it to a hotel in Dakar and prepare for possibility of several days delay. Or--have alt route (good ol' Plan http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...DIR#>/cool.gif to get elsewhere to get home sooner. I'm not sure about any visa on arrival fees, tho--what about yellow fever? It's technically required for travel from YF zone to SA, but I don't know if it's enforced, but if they deplane in DAkar it could be an issue. I do know that Accra has $100 visa on arrival fee and SA requires a full unused passport page with 30 days validity after return date...blah blah blah.
I know it's disheartening, but that's the experience I can share.
Good luck and keep us posted what happens--or doesn't!
http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...R#>/unsure.gif The dates I want to go atl-dak-jnb next week show 70% loaded in the front and about 50% in coach in both segments. Ive been there twice before on SAA. Does dl really take on alot of cargo in dak? Or did the s4 really cut it too close with the loads on that segment? Will they give you an idea on loads at the gate in jnb before you board?
They gave us the loads at JNB counter. You have to wait there until they give you clearance to get seat--another frustration to get thru security from that point. The other nonrev started in Joburg and was removed for rev pax DKR/ATL leg.
Those numbers sound really good--and yes, they take on massive amts of cargo everywhere in Africa. The overbooking is pretty astonishing and then there's the no-show factor, last minute purchases, etc.
Good luck!
so--who went to JNB?? I watched the flights--did you go??