Delta from Atlanta to Joberg

[swashington]

Both Qatar and Emirates will tag you as having “special” checked luggage…. i.e. your firearms. They’re quite obsessed in ensuring your bags and you don’t get separated. Trust me, this is a good thing. It would be the last reason I’d be hesitant to use either.

My flights with both put Delta and for that matter any other airline I’ve been on to shame. The layover in Doha or Dubai along with cost are the factors to consider in your decision. The layover and cost however needs to be balanced out that with Delta you arrive in the evening and are all but guaranteed to have an overnight in Joburg. I love RSA, but I care not to spend any more time in Joburg than I absolutely must.

Just did a search for Emirates business class for May 6th of next year and it is a total round trip flight for two at $5728.10. That is much less expensive than Delta. Just more time getting each way. That includes access to the lounge in Dubai. I am blown away at the seats and amenities compared to what Delta offers.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Book it !!

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Just did a search for Emirates business class for May 6th of next year and it is a total round trip flight for two at $5728.10. That is much less expensive than Delta. Just more time getting each way. That includes access to the lounge in Dubai. I am blown away at the seats and amenities compared to what Delta offers.

If that is total cost, or about $2900 per ticket, you'd be wise to book that as fast as your fingers can type it. I'd encourage you to use a TA, such as PWP travel as was recommended by @Altitude sickness a couple posts ago. They will make all the paperwork easier for you and have the contacts with the airlines to ensure all is ready to go when you show up to check in with your rifles.

 

[wesheltonj]

Just did a search for Emirates business class for May 6th of next year and it is a total round trip flight for two at $5728.10. That is much less expensive than Delta. Just more time getting each way. That includes access to the lounge in Dubai. I am blown away at the seats and amenities compared to what Delta offers.

I would book that yesterday if that for 2. That would be an unbelievable price. Firearms are very easy in Emirates, everything is online.

 

[swashington]

I would book but need another month to go by for early June departure. Otherwise my CC would be hot right now from use.

 

[Goose Cracker]

I'm in 21H premium select in 5 weeks. Will report how it went when I arrive

I'm in 21H on Sunday!

 

[xbr897]

The flights from Miami to Dubai don't list a premium economy but the business class is amazing and cheaper than Delta. Just have a 5 hour layover in Dubai. How much of a hassle is it to have your firearms with you in your layover in Dubai?

One thing to be careful of when travelling with firearms is to look at how many carriers are involved in your flights. Some airlines will not take firearms as checked luggage if the itinerary contains flights with more than just them. Qatar, for example, will not even consider your request to travel with a firearm if the ticket has flights on anyone else. A knowledgeable travel agent can help with their knowledge around best carriers for firearms travel and any booking restrictions.

 

[everett]

I lucked out on my flight home last night. When I was leaving Windhoek for Jo’burg, I noticed a big block of seats (4 rows) in the main cabin(economy) blocked out as unavailable on the Delta app. Moved my seat to the row in front of them. They had additional cargo weight, so had cut a bunch of passengers. Once airborne, they let some of us move to those rows. Had three seats to myself to actually lie down on.

You certainly can’t plan on this, but certainly worth checking Delta app regularly in case the opportunity does come up.

 

[everett]

 

[jpr9954]

For those who have flown Delta to Johannesburg on Flight 200, what is the temperature like on the plane? I'm wondering if I should pack a lightweight fleece in my carry-on.

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I have never needed on the flight itself. I do pack one in my carryon tho, depending on month of arrival I have needed when landed. Mid June and July could be cool when arriving.

 

[everett]

I’m cold natured and never needed one. They will also give you a small blanket with pillow for the flight.

 

[samson7x]

So which seat do I want with this new Delta seat map? I'm poor so economy for me. Is row 37 a good choice?

 

[jimbo1972]

Delta changed the seating layout on all of their A350's to Johannesburg. They added 8 additional Delta One seats which shifted some stuff around. This change goes into effect on June 20, 2024 so I'd be very careful about booking a seat that you think has extra leg room but doesn't now. Who knows what they did to the back of the plane in the economy seating so it would be very prudent to not take any chances until you see people showing pictures of the full layout of the plane.

My guess is this is now row 37 but I am just speculating based on the seat layout on Delta's website. I did comfort + exactly one time, and then gave up because it was brutal.

They had to do this to be able to cut weight and still maintain profit. Flying out of higher attitude Joberg last year in hot weather used too much fuel forcing to divert for fuel. This will reduce weight.

 

[The35Whelen]

Delta Premium Select seats are nice but I’d argue against getting the bulkhead seats. I’m 6’5” and flew Prem Sel window bulkhead from Minneapolis to Tokyo and couldn’t stretch my legs out. Also, the leg rest is worthless if you’re similarly built. I switched to Pre Sel second row aisle coming back and it was much more comfortable.

 

[MLindsay]

I am flying twice this year in row 30 comfort plus bulkhead

 

[Philip Glass]

For those who have flown Delta to Johannesburg on Flight 200, what is the temperature like on the plane? I'm wondering if I should pack a lightweight fleece in my carry-on.

It can be terribly cold on planes. I Take a hoody and don't wear shorts. one time my son and I arrived in JNB and there was no heat! Our jackets were packed And he had shorts on. You live and learn.
I found out from my flight attendant sister-in-law that most planes do not have a thermostat! No wonder it is hot or cold all the time!
As far as airports go I've been quite hot on trips lately.

 

[Philip Glass]

So which seat do I want with this new Delta seat map? I'm poor so economy for me. Is row 37 a good choice?

As close to the front as possible.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Remember there is usually a trade off for the seats with what appears to be additional leg room. 19D and 25 D and G for example.

My wife and I had 25 A and C on Qatar air flight 726 no one in seat B


The poor people in D and G had no seat back screen or table. As you know their screen and table come out of the arm rest and stick out into the isle for every doofus to run into or hover over while stretching their legs. Also the beverage cart slams into them multiple times per service.

The same for the forward bulkhead seats. They look good on paper, but you’re either going to be sitting next to a baby because that’s where the baby changing stations are, and you also get a table and screen for everybody to run into. also, in those seats people cut port and starboard to use the bathrooms on the other side. Even stewardesses cut across.

me personally those seats are a no go, I don’t want anybody’s butt in my face or anybody walking in my personal space.

 

[jimbo1972]

Seat bought months in advance is switched at the gate. BTDT. I went from the bulkhead premium economy to a back row window seat. Sixteen hours like that was fun. The fine print is the airline owes you a seat IF the weathers ok, the planes ok, and a myriad of other variables. I wouldn't fly Delta if it were free. YMMV.
I've flown Delta, Air France, South African Airways, United, and Qatar from the U.S. to Joberg. Qatar was the best. When United started flying out of EWR, I switched and never looked back.

I was warned by my booking company Trophy Worldwide Adventures (Cabelas booking company) not to go through Newark due to the problems their clients have been having recently with getting firearms to their final destination. Have you heard anything about this?