Flying to Johannesburg?

[Safari Dave]

Even though I live in Georgia, I had to fly United, ATL-Newark-JNB back in 2021 because of Covid.


It wasn't too bad.

Hopefully, it will be Delta ATL-JNB next time.

Thankfully, I got to see this dude in a faux leopard fez in Newark 4 year ago this week:

Maybe it was good mojo.

It did turn out to be a terrific trip, even though the "China-Virus" caused a few hiccups...

 

[Moe324]

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.

Good luck I have flown that same flight twice and both times everything is fine leaving Pittsburgh but once in Newark I have been delayed on the runway for 2+ hrs each time.

 

[Moe324]

I have flown over 4 time. 2 times direct from Newark with United. Then 2 times via Europe. If you have the extra time sometimes you can schedule to spend some time sight seeing in Europe without it costing anymore. I did that coming home in 2023, stopped in Amsterdam and then went via train to paris for 3 days before going back and flying home. In 2022 my flight to Europe got cancelled so they put me on one to Cairo with a 10 hour layover. So I went and saw the pyramids. When I got back to the airport my flight out was cancelled. So they sent me to athens Greece with a 8 hour layover. So I went to the acropolis. Got back to airport and my flight out was 4 hours delayed. In the end United gave me a $1600 voucher for all the troubles. I used that to fly direct in 2024.

 

[Rumrunner]

Only time I have gone was from DFW to Doha on Qatar, business class. The flight was fantastic, great service and food. My son and I had a layover in Doha so we got a room in the airport hotel and slept for about 5 hours then another 8 1/2 hour flight to Joburg. Return flight had about a 4 hour layover in Doha. Qatar knows how to do business class but the extra time was grueling. important to note we were not traveling with firearms.
In 2027 I plan to go DFW to ATL to JNB on Delta and will have firearms.

 

[Scott CWO]

If SA is not my destination, I avoid Joberg and SA gun permits as much as possible. Just booked through Frankfurt today to Namibia. If going to Tanzania or Zambia, I go through Doha.

 

[Andrew62]

Good luck I have flown that same flight twice and both times everything is fine leaving Pittsburgh but once in Newark I have been delayed on the runway for 2+ hrs each time.

I hate to hear that for you, it messes up everyone waiting for you on the other end, sometimes causes a loss of a day of hunting. For me, I have been fortunate to not have any drama flying Pit-Newark-JNB, I've done it many times. The one thing I do encounter, and it is frustrating, is I buy my ticket for this route, then United changes the 2 hour layover in Newark to 5 to 7 hours. Nothing more frustrating than having a 1 hour flight then a 7 hour layover before a 15 hour flight!!

Earlier this year I flew from Dulles to Vic Falls, missed the connecting flight in Ethiopia, had a 23 hour layover there, hopefully, I will have better luck on this next trip.

 

[wesheltonj]

Seat prices equal, the direct flight. Not equal but close, again the direct. Not close, take the layover. I have laid over in London twice with guns - zero problems. The carrier takes your gun from the plane and drives to T5 to store your gun until your next flight. Then drives your gun to your next flight and loads it on the plane. Very safe and secure.

I have laid over twice with guns in Doha. Also very safe and secure.

 

[JimP]

I have flown over twice. Once direct when SAA was flying in 2015 and again on Qatar in 2022. The extra time on Qatar was a pain in the rear, if I go back it'll be direct out of Atlanta, no it's and's or but's.

 

[Troubleshooter]

Only time I have gone was from DFW to Doha on Qatar, business class. The flight was fantastic, great service and food. My son and I had a layover in Doha so we got a room in the airport hotel and slept for about 5 hours then another 8 1/2 hour flight to Joburg. Return flight had about a 4 hour layover in Doha. Qatar knows how to do business class but the extra time was grueling.

I have flown over twice. Once direct when SAA was flying in 2015 and again on Qatar in 2022. The extra time on Qatar was a pain in the rear, if I go back it'll be direct out of Atlanta, no it's and's or but's.

I was impressed by Qatar Airways and they definitely ensure that your firearms are on the flight. I just wish that they offered a direct flight without having the layover in Doha.

A couple of years back, I flew QA to Windhoek (via Doha) and was able to avoid the hassle of Johannesburg entirely. Unfortunately it is my understanding that they no longer offer that route, so a transit through Jo'burg is now required.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

If SA is not my destination, I avoid Joberg and SA gun permits as much as possible. Just booked through Frankfurt today to Namibia. If going to Tanzania or Zambia, I go through Doha.

Agree with your logic and decision process. However, I did the Lufthansa through Frankfort to Windhoek option 6 weeks ago and it was a disaster. Despite a 13 hour layover in FRA, my bag didn't show up in Windhoek. It took Lufthansa 10 days to get me my bag, despite me having an AirTag in the bag and telling them exactly where the bag was located in the FRA Terminal 1. On my return trip, with a 4 hour connection in FRA, Lufthansa got my bag on the flight, but not my rifle case. When I arrived in Houston, the Lufthansa rep told me it would be on the next days flight and they would put it on a United flight and United would deliver it to my house. They lied! I received a call from Lufthansa the next day, telling me my rifle case arrived in Houston, but since it was locked, they couldn't clear it through customs. I had to drive 200 miles to Houston to clear and claim my rifles.

I will think long and hard before booking a Lufthansa flight through Frankfurt. YMMV.

 

[Sourdough]

Another one for Atlanta to Joberg direct on Delta.

 

[Bandera]

The Atlanta to J’Burg is the way to go.
If it is possible we always fly Delta. I have very good service with Delta. Minimal delays. Through good luck traveling have avoided cancelation.
I have flown with a connecting flight through ATL and driven to ATL to fly to JNB.
I prefer the connecting flight route. It should be a 4 hour drive to ATL that can take 6 to 7 hours depending on traffic. Then there is parking in ATL.

 

[cwickgo9]

I'm on the ATL - JOB train. That's the only way to go, especially if you're taking your guns with you. If you can afford the business/first class great, but if not, the next ones down (double economy and half business costs) it is well worth it. Especially if you buy your flight well in advance and pick your seats in the mid-exit aisle to give you even more room.

 

[Hatchetjack]

Quatar , Seattle to Doha then joberg . Best way I’ve tried

 

[fourfive8]

After my recent experience this July, I’ve no love for Qatar Air nor their plastic banana city and airport. If you can afford business/first class go for it on any airline or route that you may like. Flights and schedules can get equally screwed up, no matter your seat class and price paid

No easy way for long, international travels/flights. IMO, Delta ATL to JNB remains best of no super choices. One thing I guarantee is none of the airlines give a rat’s butt about your inconvenience or lost time or lost $ if your flights or connections go south. It’s best to stay with one airline or partner group and plan for enough connection time. An experienced travel agent can help. In the end… “You pays you money and you takes you chances”.

 

[Altitude sickness]

I didn’t enjoy the long layover in Doha or the cattle hauling bus system to the tarmac. Too many travelers overwhelming the current Doha infrastructure. Almost as bad as some U.S. airports

If going to that region Dubai is much better.

BUT, BUT, Qatar or Emirates air will not separate your firearm from you. They are fanatical in their policy that the firearm must be on the plane with you.

 

[Hogpatrol]

It was long but Emirates to Joburg through Dubai was very pleasant. Go business and the layover allows time for a shower and a good meal in their lounge in Dubai.

 

[Philip Glass]

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

I have been to Africa many, many different ways. Price, schedule, and ease of traveling with rifles has me only using Qatar and Delta in recent years. Two years ago I went twice on Delta and it was the nicest overall experience. The difference for me was that by driving to San Antonio (3hr) and checking in directly with Delta I was able to check in each time with absolutely no hassle! No gun hustle with TsA locks, no TSA line, no problems.
This is a contrast with any other route where I have to originate in AA and transfer. I have been on Qatar in business class many times lately and it is quite an experience. There is little better in the air. The check in experience is truly terrible even in business. After that it is fabulous. For next years safari to Zim I will be watching prices for both Delta Comfort & Premium Select and Qatar business. It is hard to find any kind of a deal so I am going to assume I'll be Delta Comfort+.
That said just make sure to take your own rifles and use a TA.

 

[Philip Glass]

I didn’t enjoy the long layover in Doha or the cattle hauling bus system to the tarmac. Too many travelers overwhelming the current Doha infrastructure. Almost as bad as some U.S. airports

If going to that region Dubai is much better.

BUT, BUT, Qatar or Emirates air will not separate your firearm from you. They are fanatical in their policy that the firearm must be on the plane with you.

I don't get how Doha gets airport of the year awards. You can have all the lounges and Lambo's you want in your airport but if you board by bus you are out of the conversation of the best in the world.
Very true on the firearms with them.

 

[Philip Glass]

Just heard from a bud in Joburg who's on his way home via Delta to Atlanta. United cancelled the flight to Newark, everyone scrambling for alternatives. Wonder what happens to guns.

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Again! What a mess. My friend had this happen two months ago. It was an " I told you so" moment.