Enjoying business class travel to Johannesburg from New York

Johannesburg has for quite some time been on my priority list. After much dilly dallying I finally made my wishes come true. I got an opportunity to travel to Johannesburg from New York on South African Airways in March this year. The journey was exciting indeed.
 
I was in a fix on which airline to book my tickets. Why not South African Airways? I asked myself. I just wanted to experience how it would be like when I travel in the airline’s business class. What will be my experience, after all? The very thought that South African Airways was resuming its nonstop service to Johannesburg from New York on March 9 excited me. I decided to take the inaugural flight.

I boarded the aircraft. It was an Airbus A346. My flight departed from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport at 11.15 am. The overnight journey was a bit tiresome, but nevertheless enjoyable. I asked myself why not I share my travel experience with our readers so that they can get an insight into the services and amenities provided by South African Airways to its premium customers.

South African Airways is serving Johannesburg-New York JFK route with an Airbus A346. This aircraft was somewhat bigger than the Airbus A343, presently being offered on Johannesburg-Washington Dulles route. The seats were better. It transformed into a lie-flat bed during the night. The seat had a 180 degree recline allowing a comfortable sleep. I would say that the seat was just perfect for an overnight travel.

I was served sumptuous meals twice during my flight. However, considering the 16 hours long duration of the flight, it seemed insufficient to me. The food quality was awesome, and this satisfied my hunger pangs. The meals comprised of canapés, soup, beef fillet, grilled chicken, Cabernet Sauvignon, smoked cheese, tomato frittata, cold chicken salad and cinnamon crumpets. I would indeed say that the food and wine served by the airline were simply superlative.

Your in-flight experience is simply incomplete without entertainment. I kept myself engaged and entertained through the good entertainment system that the airline offered. A wide choice of movies and TV programs were available to choose from. I watched a few thrilling movies. These were enough to keep my boredom away, and I finally reached Johannesburg the next day at 8.00 am.

After I arrived at Johannesburg’s O. R. Tambo International Airport I decided to make use of the business class lounge to freshen up. I spent some time here and then headed to my hotel in the city. Let me give you a peak into the lounge at the city’s airport. South African Airways maintains a huge Baobab business class lounge. It was incredible and offered all the amenities that most lounges for premium travelers usually offer. The services at the lounge were fine.