Delta flight 200 ATL-JNB

Terminal E was the international terminal before they built F, they still run international thru E too.

Made it back yesterday. Flight 200/201 on Delta I thought was more comfortable than SAA flights I have been on but lets just say Delta is on my Shitlist for now.
Arrive at airport Delta only allows 2 checked bags (SAA-3) so I am charged $200 for the 3rd bag we arrive at JNB my $200 bag DID NOT, which contained my ammo and broadheads along with hunting boots. Since we forwarded on to ELS and I was not there to remove ammo as it was in checked bag which is legal in US but not there they held my bag additional day then confinscated ammo so it was day 4 before my bag showed up and with the delay we couldn't go buy ammo on Sun so I borrowed some ammo for the hunt. It gets better.
On return in Atlanta we go through customs and TSA agent checks gun case doesn't need me to be present to check bow caseso we continue to gate when I arrived in Dallas my bow case had zipties and they had cut my locks off which in doing so they damaged my case by breaking the plastic tabs that the locks go into, the style of locks I use the damage was totally un nessesary to boot so we are going round and round as to who is reimberssing me for bow case. But the 4 days I did get to hunt were great.

Are the departure times in Atlanta usually on schedule or running late? I'm looking at a trip in September and I can do one of two things for the second leg from Joburg to Windhoek. First option, there would be a two hour layover in Joburg, then into Windhoek on SAA. Second option, arrive on flight 2oo, spend the night in Joburg, and fly out at dawn heading to Windhoek on Air Namibia. Traveling with a bow case, no firearms. I get different opinions, of course, with many saying two hours is enough to catch the flight, others say the plane is often running late and the lines are long at Joburg. My luggage would go from plane to plane on option one, on option two, I'd have to collect my luggage before leaving the airport upon arrival in Joburg and check in back in the next morning. I know there are horror stories for both options, but I'm still willing to read them.

Dee S said:

Are the departure times in Atlanta usually on schedule or running late? I'm looking at a trip in September and I can do one of two things for the second leg from Joburg to Windhoek. First option, there would be a two hour layover in Joburg, then into Windhoek on SAA. Second option, arrive on flight 2oo, spend the night in Joburg, and fly out at dawn heading to Windhoek on Air Namibia. Traveling with a bow case, no firearms. I get different opinions, of course, with many saying two hours is enough to catch the flight, others say the plane is often running late and the lines are long at Joburg. My luggage would go from plane to plane on option one, on option two, I'd have to collect my luggage before leaving the airport upon arrival in Joburg and check in back in the next morning. I know there are horror stories for both options, but I'm still willing to read them.

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IMO, spend the night in Joburg and try to relax from the 15 hour flight from ATL.

redassnavajo said:

Any feedback on flight 200? Wheels up in 55 days so first time on the direct flight from Atlanta to JNB. How is the food service? 2005 I took Delta ,2014 United . United had way better service but 9 yrs difference. thanks in advance.

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redassnavajo said:

Any feedback on flight 200? Wheels up in 55 days so first time on the direct flight from Atlanta to JNB. How is the food service? 2005 I took Delta ,2014 United . United had way better service but 9 yrs difference. thanks in advance.

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I have taken this flight a few times .the food isn't that great but its airline food what do you expect.its along flight but not all that bad I sit in economy comfort same seat coming and going always.took south africian out of Washington wasn't that impressed.

I too would spend the night in Joberg. On both of my trips so far I have spent the night in Joberg and then continued on the next day. I am going again this fall and will do the same. I highly recommend Africa Sky Guest Lodge.

Dee S said:

Are the departure times in Atlanta usually on schedule or running late? I'm looking at a trip in September and I can do one of two things for the second leg from Joburg to Windhoek. First option, there would be a two hour layover in Joburg, then into Windhoek on SAA. Second option, arrive on flight 2oo, spend the night in Joburg, and fly out at dawn heading to Windhoek on Air Namibia. Traveling with a bow case, no firearms. I get different opinions, of course, with many saying two hours is enough to catch the flight, others say the plane is often running late and the lines are long at Joburg. My luggage would go from plane to plane on option one, on option two, I'd have to collect my luggage before leaving the airport upon arrival in Joburg and check in back in the next morning. I know there are horror stories for both options, but I'm still willing to read them.

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I would not be comfortable with a 2 hour layover. Spend the night. City Lodge is easy, Africa Sky is outstanding, the intercontinental seems overpriced to me. However, if you stay at City Lodge, walk over to the Intercontinental for dinner and eat at Quills.

I know it’s not what you want to hear or ideal.... but stay in Joberg. AfricaSky or Afton House. Get full belly, good rest, relax, get on Africa time. I know it sucks, because you want to be in blind or field ASAP. But don’t put that kind of stress or pressure on the logistics

Agree with all the comments about spending the night in Joberg and continue on the next day to Windhoek. City Lodge, connected to the airport, is the most economical and hassle free option, especially with the early morning departure the next day. https://clhg.com/hotels/152/City-Lodge-Hotel-OR-Tambo-International-Airport. I've stayed there several times and no complaints. Clean, quiet rooms and great breakfast.

When I travel with my wife, her favorite place to stay in Joberg is the African Rock Hotel (https://www.africanrockhotels.com/ ). Calvin is always waiting in the airport lobby and drives us the short 10-15 minute drive to an upscale, gated residential neighborhood in Kempton Park.

375 Ruger Fan said:

Agree with all the comments about spending the night in Joberg and continue on the next day to Windhoek. City Lodge, connected to the airport, is the most economical and hassle free option, especially with the early morning departure the next day. https://clhg.com/hotels/152/City-Lodge-Hotel-OR-Tambo-International-Airport. I've stayed there several times and no complaints. Clean, quiet rooms and great breakfast.

When I travel with my wife, her favorite place to stay in Joberg is the African Rock Hotel (https://www.africanrockhotels.com/ ). Calvin is always waiting in the airport lobby and drives us the short 10-15 minute drive to an upscale, gated residential neighborhood in Kempton Park.

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That is a great point & suggestion. Matter of fact, Marriott has an affiliate/sister property that adjoins the airport. Super nice options, right there with good foods & no travel.

On one of our trips it took 2 hrs just to get through immigration at Joburg., 2 hrs ins not enough time, you might make it sometimes as I got through in 20 minutes before also but it's a crap shoot!

Dee S said:

Are the departure times in Atlanta usually on schedule or running late? I'm looking at a trip in September and I can do one of two things for the second leg from Joburg to Windhoek. First option, there would be a two hour layover in Joburg, then into Windhoek on SAA. Second option, arrive on flight 2oo, spend the night in Joburg, and fly out at dawn heading to Windhoek on Air Namibia. Traveling with a bow case, no firearms. I get different opinions, of course, with many saying two hours is enough to catch the flight, others say the plane is often running late and the lines are long at Joburg. My luggage would go from plane to plane on option one, on option two, I'd have to collect my luggage before leaving the airport upon arrival in Joburg and check in back in the next morning. I know there are horror stories for both options, but I'm still willing to read them.

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If I could choose I’d go with option 2.

A little more expensive, a little longer time (maybe), but way more peaceful and a lot less stress.
I come in quite a few times each year and I try for the Delta flights, but I am coming home, so I take the chance to make the last flight for the day to in my case PE. I say I have about a 80% success rate.
For a hunting trip, travel to Namibia, I wouldn’t chance it. I know some do, but 2 hrs is very short for the layover after the long flight.

I understand you have to clear immigration and check bags back in etc, but in the whole set of things it is calmer and more peaceful.
It gives you some extra time to rest, get over the jetlag etc.
I usually stay at Intercontinental, since I grab the first available room when I miss the connection, but there are other options around as well if you plan ahead.
Intercontinental and City Lodge are both “in” the connecting buildings to the terminal with a short walk.

What ever you choose all the best, enjoy the hunt.

Dee S said:

Are the departure times in Atlanta usually on schedule or running late? I'm looking at a trip in September and I can do one of two things for the second leg from Joburg to Windhoek. First option, there would be a two hour layover in Joburg, then into Windhoek on SAA. Second option, arrive on flight 2oo, spend the night in Joburg, and fly out at dawn heading to Windhoek on Air Namibia. Traveling with a bow case, no firearms. I get different opinions, of course, with many saying two hours is enough to catch the flight, others say the plane is often running late and the lines are long at Joburg. My luggage would go from plane to plane on option one, on option two, I'd have to collect my luggage before leaving the airport upon arrival in Joburg and check in back in the next morning. I know there are horror stories for both options, but I'm still willing to read them.

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I have taken that flight six times and I can tell you that it was late once. However you need to consider this. The baggage people often confuse a bow case with rifle cases, strange I know, but it does happen. If it does happen to you the bow case will go to the police station at OR Tambo where you would have to retrieve it and then recheck on the next air line. My advice would be why chance it? Spend the night and fly out the next morning if your time schedule permits.

Another vote for staying overnight. Two hours, you are pushing the envelope, and it's a thin one.
Another vote for City Lodge, Across the street, breakfast included, totally hassle free. Five times there, never a glitch. One time at Afton House was enough for me. The other venues? I don't venture into Joburg. I'm in SA to hunt, don't really want to put myself at risk for petty crime.
My PH, a former member of the SA shooting team and sixth generation South African, told me Do not go in to Joburg.
YMMV.

Related thread:
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/johannesburg-warning.39540/

@Dee S , I see that you are headed back already. Last time, you took Qatar and avoided JNB, why not this time too? I will agree with everyone here, 2 hours is too short at JNB, too many problems can occur there. Stay at City Lodge at the airport.

City lodge is great but if you want to pamper yourself try Africa Sky. They will meet you at arrivals and get you on your flight the next day. It’s about 10 minutes and they take care of everything. A real African oasis.

Dee S said:

Are the departure times in Atlanta usually on schedule or running late? I'm looking at a trip in September and I can do one of two things for the second leg from Joburg to Windhoek. First option, there would be a two hour layover in Joburg, then into Windhoek on SAA. Second option, arrive on flight 2oo, spend the night in Joburg, and fly out at dawn heading to Windhoek on Air Namibia. Traveling with a bow case, no firearms. I get different opinions, of course, with many saying two hours is enough to catch the flight, others say the plane is often running late and the lines are long at Joburg. My luggage would go from plane to plane on option one, on option two, I'd have to collect my luggage before leaving the airport upon arrival in Joburg and check in back in the next morning. I know there are horror stories for both options, but I'm still willing to read them.

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I can't see why if not traveling with firearms why a 2 hour layover would not be enough. I'm presuming you wouldn't need to clear immigration in Joburg. You should be transferring to another international flight like anywhere else. As someone mentioned however, a bow case could be seen as a firearm case. As such there's a risk there that it doesn't make the flight to Windhoek. So I'd be inclined to agree with others that a night in Joburg may be the more prudent thing to do.

I've another option for you to consider, Qatar airways. I see you're in San Antonio. I ran a San Antonio to Windhoek search on Orbitz. It came up with a San Antonio to Dallas to Doha to Windhoek route. This had a fairly long layover however at DFW.

But if you're willing to make the drive from San Antonio to Houston, it gets better. That route is Houston to Doha to Windhoek. You have a long layover in Doha, but there is a hotel on the air side of security that you can do short room rentals at. Get a shower and a long nap. Get up and take your next flight that goes direct to Windhoek. You fly only on Qatar Airways planes. Your luggage will be checked all the way through to Windhoek. You will only go through immigration in Namibia. One less stop along the way.

Take a look on Orbitz and you'll see the details.

If you are traveling for pleasure or using the outfitters rifles 2 hours is doable. But one problem in those 2 hours and you will be booking the next flight out.

Also when traveling with a bow in a bow case 2 hours might be a crap shoot. As was mentioned some baggage handlers look at it and send it right along with the rifle cases, then that 2 hours is shot.

I'd spend the night.

The Delta flight gets into JNB late afternoon, around 4 to 5 pm. Two hour layover and then 3 hour flight to WDH. So you get to WDH around 10pm, out the door 11pm and there ain't much nearby. Getting to a hotel in town makes for a late, late night.

I did an international connection in JNB back in July and had just under 2 hours. I barely made it, you do have to go through passport control, an abbreviated version of immigration. SAA lost my check bag for a week and this trip to Angola was 100% SAA.

Overnight in JNB is what I would do.

Thanks for the input, you guys are always helpful. Appreciate it.
Trip would probably be 12-14 days in country. I plan on using a couple of days for excursions, doesn't matter where in that time period.
Of course, this is all contingent on my budget, so who knows what will happen.
I did fly Qatar last time and would have no qualms about flying them again, absolutely no issues with them at all, but, they went up on their prices. Last time, $1200 each, from Houston to Windhoek, one stop in Doha. Same trip now, $1800. Then add the cost of a hotel on the layovers, cab, etc.
It'll be a miracle for me to make this trip happen in such a short turn around, and my wife isn't real thrilled about it either. I'd be packing light and traveling alone this time.
I see a lot of overtime hours in my future.......