Air routing to Capetown from US east coast

ME3 = Middle East Three = Emirates, Qatar, Etihad

Thanks much!

South African Airlines pulled out of Atlanta right after we used them for our first trip to S. Africa (I don't remember year, maybe 2007?); we thought they were absolutely wonderful in Business Class, but we weren't internationally experienced. The next time we went, we flew Delta and it was okay. Delta is where our miles always were, so that's who we flew; in fact, my husband flew SAA on Delta miles.

Even then, SAA was said to be in financial trouble, though.

SAA is not a top rated airline. We flew them from Dulles to Johannesburg with a one hour fuel stop in Dakar with a security check on the airplane. The crew were nice but the food was just awful and the seats were lie flat but hard as a rock. We also used our Delta miles so the price was right. We flew Delta a few years later in Biz class but it was typical Delta service not bad but not memorable.

We've had two different cruises starting/finishing in Cape Town. Both times, the routing was on Emirates in business: from CapeTown to Dubai non-stop, then 8 or so hours in Dubai where Emirates put us up in the airport hotel, then non-stop to Orlando, where we were met by the driver and escorted home. Next time, going the other way, were picked up at home, driven to Orlando airport, then non-stop to Dubai, another 8 hours or so at the airport hotel, then non-stop to CapeTown. The stays in the hotel mid-flights really broke up the trip and made them much more acceptable.

We've had two different cruises starting/finishing in Cape Town. Both times, the routing was on Emirates in business: from CapeTown to Dubai non-stop, then 8 or so hours in Dubai where Emirates put us up in the airport hotel, then non-stop to Orlando, where we were met by the driver and escorted home. Next time, going the other way, were picked up at home, driven to Orlando airport, then non-stop to Dubai, another 8 hours or so at the airport hotel, then non-stop to CapeTown. The stays in the hotel mid-flights really broke up the trip and made them much more acceptable.

You probably stayed at the Meridian which is a lovely airport hotel. Emirates does a super job taking care of their premium class flyers. The limo service is super!

SAA is not a top rated airline. We flew them from Dulles to Johannesburg with a one hour fuel stop in Dakar with a security check on the airplane. The crew were nice but the food was just awful and the seats were lie flat but hard as a rock. We also used our Delta miles so the price was right. We flew Delta a few years later in Biz class but it was typical Delta service not bad but not memorable.

Our SAA experience was similar, and also used miles. We actually skipped dinner because our flight (JNB-MUC) was an evening departure, so we had previously snacked in the SAA Lounge.

One great thing about flying SAA are the wonderful South African wines they serve onboard. :D

Yes, the South African wines are the best. We will be back in Cape Town in October to visit friends...can't wait. :D