Flying to Johannesburg?

[TakeMeLord]

Do you prefer the non stop from Atlanta, or fly through Europe, or other?

 

[Firebird]

I always fly delta so through Atlanta. It’s not bad and I’ve never had any problems. My only advice would be to get comfort plus seating at a minimum!

 

[Rubberhead]

The one time I did it, it was straight through Atlanta to Jo'burg. I'd do it the same way again, fewer risks.

 

[Andrew62]

If I fly from the US to JNB, I avoid Europe and the 9-10 hour layover. I’d rather land at 6pm, get a hotel room, eat a steak dinner and get some sleep. I’ve noticed most flights through Europe get you to JNB at 9-10 am. If you’re the type of person who can sleep on a plane, maybe consider Europe. For me, I’m all about getting there asap.

I’ll be flying United next Friday, Pit-Newark-JNB.

 

[Hogpatrol]

Have flown the Atlanta route on Delta a few times. Unless you're a top tier skymiles member, no guarantee the seat you book will be the one you get. BTDT. Last three out of Newark, shorter flight but standard delays of an hour or more to takeoff.

 

[ru4elk]

Flown thru Amsterdam once and did not like... flown direct from Atlanta multiple times and prefer. Flight is long, but better than two long flights and a layover. And if you bringing guns, stay away from Europe!

 

[trperk1]

Non stop as I wouldn't want the headache traveling with a rifle would be if you had an unexpected delay in Europe

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I have flown Delta, United and Qatar.
Qatar Q suite when was cheap right after Covid was great. Short layover.
I would not fly it in coach.
United 1 time in business and it wasn’t worth it or gun hassle.
Delta now only as they know how to handle guns and shorter travel time is always the best. Comfort plus at a minimum on seats. I have never been bumped out of my seat choices on Delta. In fact already booked 2026 June flights thru Travel Express
Jennifer got me good price on Comfort and seat I wanted.

 

[Denvir Tire]

Flying with rifle or not?
Now that I'm bringing a rifle every trip, I fly direct from ERW to Joburg. Usual arrival is early evening, spend the night in Joburg, Afton or African Sky, and start the day and safari well rested.
Flying for years without rifle, take the "RedEye" overnight to London, Frankfurt, etc., arrive early morning, spend the day downtown, museums or shopping, and then late night flight to SA.
Two vacations in one