Airlines services within South Africa

[Charlie P]

I've been trying to book with Airlink for a couple of days but it refuses saying it can't process my card info. I've even downloaded their app and tried booking that way with the same results. The card company is not seeing any of this activity. Is anyone else having this issue or have any ideas? I called Airlink's US office and they say it is likely the card processor on the website but there is nothing they can do about it. They want me to give them the details so they can book it then to fill out forms, copy ID's and mail it all in order to process the payment. I don't like the idea of all that information floating around plus the extended time it would take to have solid confirmations.

I flew Airlink last August from JNB to PLZ and had no major complaints. A few years ago I had booked with South African Airlines which subbed the flights out to Airlink but SAA went bankrupt keeping my money and I had to rebook directly with Airlink is how I came to know of them.

I see British Airways also flies the route so does anyone have opinions about them verses Airlink? Looks like they are less expensive but won't let you pick seats until 48 hrs before departure which by that time I'll already be in the air headed their way on Delta. I don't like the idea of having to chase seats in that situation and my wife would not like the idea of being separated although it is a fairly short flight.

Headed back to the eastern cape with my wife on our second Safari in May if we can get all these details sorted. Thanks for any advice that is given!

 

[JimP]

I'd just call Jennifer at Travel Express, or the folks at Travel With Guns.

Then sit back and let them do the work, for the little that they charge letting them do the work is well worth it.

 

[Andrew62]

It’s been 2 months, but I had no issues purchasing flights from JNB to PE!

 

[Charlie P]

I'd just call Jennifer at Travel Express, or the folks at Travel With Guns.

Then sit back and let them do the work, for the little that they charge letting them do the work is well worth it.

Thanks for the advice. For my last trip Travel Express told me they were not taking new clients but that was before Lori passed. I then passed through Hamilton on another trip and tried to meet with Jennifer but she does not have a public office to do so. I went with Gracy Travel for my last Safari flights and they charged $600 to book a couple of flights, then I still had to book the upgrades and seat picking myself. United delayed my flight by a day at the last minute and Gracey did handle the rebooking of the Airlink leg but that also cost me like doing an all new booking.

 

[Anbessa Gedai]

Just a few days ago I booked a flight JNB>MUB on Airlink on the Cheaptickets website, with no problem. If memory serves Cheaptickets is owned by Expedia, and you might also try booking and paying via their site.

 

[375Fox]

Thanks for the advice. For my last trip Travel Express told me they were not taking new clients but that was before Lori passed. I then passed through Hamilton on another trip and tried to meet with Jennifer but she does not have a public office to do so. I went with Gracy Travel for my last Safari flights and they charged $600 to book a couple of flights, then I still had to book the upgrades and seat picking myself. United delayed my flight by a day at the last minute and Gracey did handle the rebooking of the Airlink leg but that also cost me like doing an all new booking.

@TRAVEL EXPRESS had to rebook me multiple times getting to South Africa in March 2020 then the mess trying to get home, all for the original service fee. I will not use Gracy ever again over similar issues you describe (although their people on ground in Johannesburg are great). I would ask Jennifer if she is taking new clients. I’m sure she would be now since she exhibited at shows and the Covid travel mess is somewhat behind us.

 

[kesha]

I booked on Airlink last week and had same issues I contacted my bank tried again and was successful.
Airlink I believe is only airline domestically that take firearms, not sure if BA does I would confirm before booking. I booked a flight for my son on BA and it let me pick seats just costs more.

 

[Fred Gunner]

 

[Philip Glass]

I've been trying to book with Airlink for a couple of days but it refuses saying it can't process my card info. I've even downloaded their app and tried booking that way with the same results. The card company is not seeing any of this activity. Is anyone else having this issue or have any ideas? I called Airlink's US office and they say it is likely the card processor on the website but there is nothing they can do about it. They want me to give them the details so they can book it then to fill out forms, copy ID's and mail it all in order to process the payment. I don't like the idea of all that information floating around plus the extended time it would take to have solid confirmations.

I flew Airlink last August from JNB to PLZ and had no major complaints. A few years ago I had booked with South African Airlines which subbed the flights out to Airlink but SAA went bankrupt keeping my money and I had to rebook directly with Airlink is how I came to know of them.

I see British Airways also flies the route so does anyone have opinions about them verses Airlink? Looks like they are less expensive but won't let you pick seats until 48 hrs before departure which by that time I'll already be in the air headed their way on Delta. I don't like the idea of having to chase seats in that situation and my wife would not like the idea of being separated although it is a fairly short flight.

Headed back to the eastern cape with my wife on our second Safari in May if we can get all these details sorted. Thanks for any advice that is given!

You can deal with the frustration or use a travel agent and it’s all done. If you book the BA flight it will be on Comair and they don’t take guns. The you are screwed. Also if you use Mango you are screwed as they don’t take guns either. It’s Africa. Just use an agent and all will be well.
Sorry for the trouble you are going through. My time is just too valuable and the agency fee is worth it for me.
Philip

 

[Philip Glass]

Thanks for the advice. For my last trip Travel Express told me they were not taking new clients but that was before Lori passed. I then passed through Hamilton on another trip and tried to meet with Jennifer but she does not have a public office to do so. I went with Gracy Travel for my last Safari flights and they charged $600 to book a couple of flights, then I still had to book the upgrades and seat picking myself. United delayed my flight by a day at the last minute and Gracey did handle the rebooking of the Airlink leg but that also cost me like doing an all new booking.

Use TWG and your troubles will end.

 

[Philip Glass]

I booked on Airlink last week and had same issues I contacted my bank tried again and was successful.
Airlink I believe is only airline domestically that take firearms, not sure if BA does I would confirm before booking. I booked a flight for my son on BA and it let me pick seats just costs more.

BA is Comair and does NOT take guns.

 

[Charlie P]

Wanted to clean this up for anyone else which has the same issue as myself. I was using a Capital One Card trying to make the booking. It was a Visa with no issues. Capital One was not seeing anything from Airlink on the attempted bookings. I do have a local bank card for back-up that I've not used since 2013. It also is a Visa. I used it and the purchase went through with no problems. I'm not sure where the glitch is in the electronic world but there is one.

Thanks again to everyone that took the time to give me advice.

 

[Dudders]

Just for Information British airways are using airlink for some of the domestic flights in south africa and other african countries.

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I booked with Jennifer 2 months ago to So Africa and leave in one month no issues with her

 

[Charlie P]

E

I booked with Jennifer 2 months ago to So Africa and leave in one month no issues with her

Emailed her yesterday. She currently is running 5-6 weeks behind so that would have put us at the last moment trying to make reservations if we had got in line. She stated business is as good as it's ever been. I'm happy for her but that just wouldn't have worked out for us. I'll just have to get her involved earlier next time.