Delta flight 200 ATL-JNB

[PHOENIX PHIL]

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.......

What I saw was just under $1400, but I’m sure the days selected would matter.

 

[wesheltonj]

I see leaving Sept 5 return sept 20 for example, $1100 on BA and $1440 on Qatar from Houston .

 

[Dee S]

Yeah, for some reason the early part of Sept is cheaper, but I'm a bow hunter and have to hunt the dark of the moon. Sept 28th. Check Sept 21st through Oct 7th time frame.

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

I see leaving Sept 5 return sept 20 for example, $1100 on BA and $1440 on Qatar from Houston .

BA would hit up firearms for a charge, but I don’t think archery gear would.

 

[Dee S]

Oh, I could go cheaper, if I wanted more layovers, changed carriers, and flew a European airline (Air France for example), but I'd prefer Qatar, as I know they have no problems with my bow or bow case, or Delta, as they haul a lot of hunters everyday to Joburg. I found those flights from Houston to Joburg for $880, add another $275 for the Joburg to Windhoek. I even called Air France the other day, was off and on hold for about 20 minutes before they told me they would allow the bow case, even in Paris, but it would be an extra charge. They don't have anything in print/website mentioning archery under 'sports equipment' hence the long hold time, she had to call 'upstairs' for clarification.

 

[wesheltonj]

Qatar is currently $1800 for Sept 28. BA is $1100.

 

[JimP]

If you can adjust your schedule to fly mid week you should be able to save money. Fridays to Mondays the airlines usually up their prices but Tuesday through Thursday they come down some.

 

[Dee S]

We'll see what happens I guess with the prices.

 

[1dirthawker]

@Matt Perchick said:

I highly recommend Africa Sky Guest Lodge.

+1

great outfit. will pick you up, feed you, have a great room and drop you back off at airport.

 

[Philip Glass]

I was researching the Delta 777 upgrade and there is nothing much to report. Delta says it will upgrade all 777’s this year to include the new Delta One Suites and true Premium Economy. I am sure the PE product will be expensive but at least it will be an option versus the $10K Delta One ticket. I did read that if you buy PE you will automatically get your other Delta domestic flights as business class. That’s interesting! So looks like 2020 at this point.
Regards,
Philip

 

[Dee S]

I upgraded to the Economy Plus for the Atlanta to Joburg flight. Bought the tickets while they were reasonable. Now to come up with the money for the rest of it. Lol

 

[WAB]

IMO economy comfort is worth the money. Biz is not.

 

[Dee S]

You’re right. It is Economy Comfort. Maybe the plane will have been upgraded by then to the Premium section? That would be nice.

 

[Dee S]

Decided to stay overnight in Joburg and booked a room with Afton Safari Lodge. It was a toss up between Afton and Africa Sky, but Afton came with high recommendations from so many hunters I know personally and they have a long history of staying there. I don't think I could have gone wrong either way, but I could only choose one. Thanks again for the input. I should actually have enough time to do some exploring, maybe? Heard about a gift shop named Combanos and there's supposedly a really nice bow shop not too far away?

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Decided to stay overnight in Joburg and booked a room with Afton Safari Lodge. It was a toss up between Afton and Africa Sky, but Afton came with high recommendations from so many hunters I know personally and they have a long history of staying there. I don't think I could have gone wrong either way, but I could only choose one. Thanks again for the input. I should actually have enough time to do some exploring, maybe? Heard about a gift shop named Combanos and there's supposedly a really nice bow shop not too far away?

Afton can arrange for you to be taken to Combanos, I highly recommend you take advantage of them providing you a driver for such things. Have a great trip!

 

[jeff]

Combanos is worth seeing and a good place to pickup a few gifts!