Boarded almost 48 hrs later after a scheduling change on my initial flight that was not communicated either by kayak of SAA.
I had booked a ticket for a 6:40 am departure in July 2025, but it appears there was a change to 8;00 am, which meant I missed my connecting flight which departed 10 m minutes before I landed. I had seen this problem only the previous day and try to resolve it with South African air, but they are very uncooperative on the phone. All they could say was all flights were fully booked and I ended up buying paying $2,000+ to secure a ticket for my family to ensure we got out of South Africa by Monday, which am currently pursuing with the airline.
Excellent airline. Even with 1.5 hour flight, we got light meal on board
South African Airways on the outside, a very old shabby Qatar Airways plane on the inside
The food options were beef or veg, No alternatives for Hindus, that don't eat beef...
Flight was on time Seats ( business class) are terrible- you keep on slipping down as it doesn’t lie flat Food service is like economy class. Meals ( still wrapped in plastic) are just dropped in front of you
On time flight; otherwise not impressed by the check- in- purchased business class and the aircraft was downgraded; no refund given for the difference. Told I could access the lounge due to the above and was questioned by the lounge check- in person who was not friendly
Flight was cancelled with no notification until I reached the check-in desk at the airport. I also got downgraded and they lost my luggage.
Very bad. Linda the hostess was very rude all the time
Very bad, Linda the hostess was very rude all the time
A bit chaotic boarding flight but over all good experience.
The crew were amazing. They should improve the inflight entertainment
I had a memorable experience. I dont have any comments at this time regarding waht could be better.
The crew was not helping us in the airports ..Very bad experience..the washrooms are not meeting the expectations..need more good service... The hotel service was good but there is a very long wait time which wasted time to go through..
Our first flight was delayed and when we got off that plane, nobody was really helping to direct us to the next gate. It was very frustrating. One staff simply said hurry, which wasn’t helpful. We had to go a long way to get to the next gate. Another issue on the plane itself was the bathrooms were disgusting and filthy and it didn’t seem like anybody was checking on them were cleaning them and it was a long flight. There was urine on the floor and they stunk. Also, the screen in front of my seat did not work, and I tried different headphones and still had no sound. You would think somehow those things are reviewed occasionally for working order.
Checking in wasn't organized, too many so-called diplomats were jumping line while everyone was waiting in line. They should have their own line not to impede on other passengers that was also waiting to be served. We all paid money and there should be no discrimination because everyone's money should have the same value diplomat or not! If they want to give diplomats some special treatment then let them create their own check in desk and not treat other passengers some that are (elderly, some with children, pregnant women) making them stand longer in line than necessary just because people are jumping line 😡
It was an old aircraft, stiff seats almost wooden chairs with thin cushions. Food was ok.
Traveling with Ethiopian is always a good experience. I also enjoy the stay at skylight hotel in Addis
The flight is packed and it feels like the space per individual has gotten smaller. Excruciating for a 14hr flight.
Were not told that carryon laggage has to be only 12 kgs but my bag was heavier asked to pay an additional $550.00. I could have upgraded to a bussiness class for that price and no one at the gate to upgrade but able to take money for the extra weight. I felt like this was a setup scam.
Everything was good. But from Frankfurt to Seattle in airplane entertainment system didn't work good.
Flight was cancelled due to maintenance issues. It was a nightmare to get an alternate flight back home.
Service and food were excellent. Incredibly friendly and competent staff. Flight was delayed over and hour and I had to run between terminals to get my connecting flight.
Missed it by a couple minutes and couldn’t find an alternative flight so had to spend the night in DC and after much shuffling from 1 airline to another managed to get a United to Frankfurt.
I ordered Hindu meal and expecting a vegetarian food. Instead I got Chicken. Also entertainment system was so bad and slow I was never able to use it
There were only 2 toilets and one of them did not work in business class. We are not allowed to cross classes so had to wait in line to use the toilets!! The entertainment touch display was finicky and did not work all the time.
Layover time was not sufficient as the gate was too far, I had to literally run and was out of my breath. This was main drawback. The crew was wonderful and so is their service. I loved interacting with them.
They didn’t have my special meal I requested. It seemed like they just put a sticker on a veg meal for me. I had a little bit of it but it didn’t taste good and I got sick from eating it by the time I boarded my Frankfurt to NY flight
I tried both on line and by calling the Customer Service line to arrange for a special meal as i have food intolerances. I was under the impression from your service representative that I was successful. I was not. I cannot eat spicy foods and get very ill if i eat bell peppers. I could not eat either menu choice and no special meal was actually ordered. ( your representative tried to order it for a flight that did not have meal service!!! - found this out later). Your wonderful cabin crew managed to put together a fruit, salad, roll and cheese tray for me so I had something to eat. WHY WOULD YOU SERVE SPICY FOOD, WITH NO MILDER OPTION,ON AN INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT???
boarding and flight very smooth. Crew very friendly and efficiant. Everything worked well