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In recent months I've had multiple return trips between London and Cape Town, giving me the chance to compare the three mainline carriers servicing the route. And a lucrative route it is too, with flights usually full. It may seem like hometown bias but South African Airways comes out tops, the other two being British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. At the end it all boils down to service and the SAA staff have worked it out. For one thing, they are genuinely hospitable, South African-style. I usually find the BA staff are rather cool, as if they're doing the job but would rather not be. It's efficient but not friendly or warm. They don't engage and hate criticism. As a customer you feel a bit lucky to be there. The Virgin staff are better - they are selected to meet the Virgin image of being sassy and in tune. They're energetic and the on-flight entertainment is outstanding. However, they take absolutely ages to bring the food. By the time you get to the main course, hours have passed and you'd like to be snoozing off, especially if you have work the next day. Don't dream of complaining, it doesn't go down well. SAA serve the food early and fast and they let you know that your needs are important. The QSL is from the old Virgin Radio in the UK, heard on 1215 AM in Johannesburg in 1993.
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In recent months I've had multiple return trips between London and Cape Town, giving me the chance to compare the three mainline carriers servicing the route. And a lucrative route it is too, with flights usually full. It may seem like hometown bias but South African Airways comes out tops, the other two being British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. At the end it all boils down to service and the SAA staff have worked it out. For one thing, they are genuinely hospitable, South African-style. I usually find the BA staff are rather cool, as if they're doing the job but would rather not be. It's efficient but not friendly or warm. They don't engage and hate criticism. As a customer you feel a bit lucky to be there. The Virgin staff are better - they are selected to meet the Virgin image of being sassy and in tune. They're energetic and the on-flight entertainment is outstanding. However, they take absolutely ages to bring the food. By the time you get to the main course, hours have passed and you'd like to be snoozing off, especially if you have work the next day. Don't dream of complaining, it doesn't go down well. SAA serve the food early and fast and they let you know that your needs are important. The QSL is from the old Virgin Radio in the UK, heard on 1215 AM in Johannesburg in 1993.
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