South African Airways A350 Business Class to New York JFK

I am not traveling now and encourage you to do the same. Please #StayHome. Here's a video with my thoughts on the current travel situation:
jeb.flights/travel
This trip on South African Airways A350 in Business Class occurred on February 20, 2020, before the current travel restrictions went into place. Also, in the time since I traveled, South African Airways has allegedly begun discussions to lay off all of its staff. It looks like South African Airways may have flown its final flight. I hope that’s not true.
At the time I flew, South African Airways operated four A350’s. Two originally from Hainan Airlines and two from Air Mauritius.
In this video, I’ll share the trip in the South African Airways A350 from Cape Town to Johannesburg and the longer flight on to New York.
We’ll explore the seat, the food, the service, and the overall experience of flying in Business Class with South African Airways in their A350.
Here’s a link to the unedited take-off and landing footage:
• SAA A350 CPT-JNB-JFK F...
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Music:
Whisper of the Pines - Howard Harper-Barnes
A Place for Us - Howard Harper-Barnes
End of the Beginning - Fabien Tell
Try Try Try - Airae
A Deeper Sleep - Ecobel
Barefoot (Instrumental Version) - Slowfly

[@GreenerGrass]

I took this flight in February 2020. As of today (April 2020), there are rumors that SAA may not survive. There are other rumors that the airline will reorganize as a new national airline. What do you think will happen?

[@arnaumj]

I think they will go into the point in which they are about to go bankrupt thats to the current situation but they will survive,Hopefully

[@afcgeo882]

Update... unions are not having it. No surprise there. The unions in SA have no interest in the company’s future.

[@benwingreeff2652]

Jeb there is a new airline coming that will operate B777-300ER and A320S I'm not sure if it's a replacement for SAA. The airline routes are SAA routes plus more.

[@anewzim]

Personally, I think they will bail them out, or restructure SAA operations or look for a possible merger. SAA is too big, has an extensive network with huge value and is too important politically for it to be dumped. My thoughts

[@tstidm4]

I think it gets reorganized and the Unions get broken to do so. This will mean a worst experience like a RyanAir if they flew a Baltimore to London Stanstead. It will mean no meals on their long haul routes for example.

[@CaptainB105]

My Dad is a first officer for South African Airways for 19 years and currently operates SAAs A350s thank you for flying South African Airways

[@autorotat895]

Not anymore lol

[@lionelwalton6784]

@@autorotat895 ....... That comment WASN'T called for.....

[@asto7795]

AutoRotat8 yes it’s funny when someone can’t provide for their family anymore 😂😂😂😂💀💀💀😂💀💀💀

[@autorotat895]

Asto that’s guys been making a SHITLOAD of money for atleast 10 years of his life , so if he hasn’t figured it out sucks for him

[@sithabelamandlawenkosiwodu6298]

Wait...your dad's been a first officer for 19 years? 😬

[@jameslangford4198]

Jeb, I admire that even when a flight isn't perfect, that you're always grateful to be flying.

[@amirflorant3672]

Josh Cahill left the chat

[@locoHAWAIIANkane]

Here here! Some people like Sam C. I particularly find him so annoying and walks around with a chip on his shoulder. Jeb is ALWAYS professional and TRULY does understand his reach and his capabilities.

[@OfficialSouthAfricanAirways]

Sawobuna A350! We are proud to announce the official return of our Airbus A350. We hope to see you all onboard soon.

[@RMurray2207]

When will it return?

[@levisweidan4639]

As a South African it is deeply sad to se the incapability of the government to run a SOE. I have had so many great memories with them and I will miss the a lot.

[@danuschkanayger6457]

I'm a South African Airways employee... This is a heartbreaking yet soothing video to watch.. Thanks for the beautiful video ❤

[@cherylafrica3428]

Hi danuscka I'm so sorry for what happened at saa my son was a flight attendant at saa and was so passionate about his job I feel it for you guys it's very painful and depressing but have faith I'm I'm praying for all the employees of saa and believe me it may not happen now but you are all going to be reinstated with God nothing is impossible I love saa as much you guys be strong and believe God bless

[@danuschkanayger6457]

@@cherylafrica3428 Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.. Many blessings for you and your son, and yes it has been an honour to work for our national airline, it's refreshing to hear the amount of passion he has

[@danuschkanayger6457]

@Distant Lion Thank you, we patiently waiting, we all miss being up in the air 🙂

[@cherylafrica3428]

@@danuschkanayger6457 hi danuschka it will get better thank goodness the corrupt people are gone well I sincerely hope so remember God is watching and he's biding his time all good things come to an end or should I say all bad things I really miss flying with saa had fantastic flights with you guys with God nothing is impossible I'm persistent in my prayers for saa and it's employees my son is still not over the whole thing of saa the pandemic just added to the problems of saa remember if God is for you who can be against you no weapon formed against you and the crew shall prosper as the airline grow strong again and take to the skies you guys will be called back I'm so confident that it's going to happen trust believe and stay prayerful I'm very persistent in my prayers for saa God bless you 💝🙏✈👍

[@nicoangelobado9913]

Hi Danuscka, best wishes and much love from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@ianuccelli330]

I hope that South African doesn't go under.

[@zakelwe]

If the service is not very good then why? Someone else will take up the reigns and hopefully do a better job.

[@howdareyouhowdareyou7970]

Andrew Watson it used to be one of the best airlines ever but corruption, greed and mismanagement had crippled it

[@Alex-om1be]

Same, I love their logo

[@Chorizo727]

Lol too late

[@theman-yx7yu]

Guys, my country’s airline is unfortunately dead. RIP SAA

[@justinongking1793]

QANTAS 747😭😭😭😭😭The nostalgia.

[@htfkid2000]

Gone forever.

[@bdp6542]

HTFCirno2000 well no, qantas has placed their B747s in storage, not retirement. The last from from Santiago was merely the last 747 flight of the Covid 19 situation

[@CreativeEm]

@@bdp6542 they have retired them. Decision was made pre-Covid 19, and as such, has nothing to do with the pandemic

[@simonscoggins1154]

Have done QF62 and QF63 3 times now on the Queen of the sky’s. Sad to see it go, however the last time 3 years ago it was a getting to be a tired old bird.

[@Calebs_Aviation]

So sad! I’ll miss the Jumbo flying kangaroo! 🦘 😢😢

[@djrobbio7895]

After watching this video two things are apparent: 1) I need to get back to South Africa (and I'll be doing so next year!). The country is beyond beautiful; the people friendly; and I enjoyed eating twice my body weight in meat. Cape Town was amazing; the warm weather in Durban in the middle of the winter was refreshing; and the mild temperatures of Johannesburg and Nelspruit were perfect for a light jacket or pullover. It's an amazing country filled with history, and a place that should be on everybody's bucket list. 2) I'm going to miss South African Airways. All the flying I did on them while in South Africa (JNB-CPT; JNB-MQP; JNB-DUR; JNB-LVI) I couldn't get over the level of service and hospitality which was above and beyond anything I'm used to or have come to expect in economy class here in the States. They'll be missed.

[@dirkburger8338]

Hi Jeb… Thank you for your amazing videos, and yes, Thank You for bringing back the tears and pulling on the heart strings. As an SAA employee of 30 years (and still one until we have another round of announcements on the 1st of May), starting my career as a mail room worker, and currently being a ground compliance trainer to my many colleagues (and friends) worldwide, I just want to apologize that you never experienced the SAA that I grew up with as a very inexperienced 19 year old, finding my wet feet around an established airline in a very different era, going through many changes and challenges. I trust that you will have many more blessed travels with amazing and interesting airlines around the universe, and I will be on the look-out for that honest Jeb-Score reviews. Dirk

[@eisbeinGermany]

did u keep your job a

[@gbb0131]

Always love seeing the Qantas 747.. My 1st long hall was LA - Sydney back in 1988 on the 747.

[@SpaceBaron]

Jeb, greetings from Pretoria, South Africa and thank you for visiting my country! It is really heart warming to see your videos! Sadly SAA has gone the way of the Mauritius Dodo. It will be officially closed on the 30th of April 2020; the last day of business. BTW, you MUST visit Mauritius; you have no choice in the matter! Ha ha ha! I was there and the pictures does not do it justice. You have to see it for yourself! The Mauritians say the God created Mauritius first and then copied Heaven after it! It really is that beautiful. One of the must see places on the Island is Bois Cheri, the tea factory/museum.

[@badgerattoadhall]

@James Murphy did you use your personal account?

[@deanl4575]

Badger at Toad Hall Uhh, the uploader’s name is Jeb Brooks... James, it’s pretty obvious you are not the uploader...

[@xrvsm7457]

avakrob Pretoria is beautiful, very peaceful and quiet. If you visit Johannesburg, it’s only about a 30 minute drive away, and there are tons of really amazing gems there! Cape Town is a must, but another large city is Durban, which is beautiful from the outside. Most of these South African cities aren’t the safest in the skyscraper area, so I would definitely avoid it. Durban, more specifically Ballito is really nice and there is a few nice things to do there. I would say the three must visit cities of South Africa are Cape Town, Joburg and Durban (but that one is definitely debatable) overall beautiful country with lots of amazing culture

[@shahimagesyt]

Its sad they just got their A350s and I never got to see them or fly on them. But can't wait for the trip report jeb!

[@WhoDeyNati513]

“Air Mouse”, while hitting a picture of a Pikachu...😂😂😂

[@samsunited4965]

He is the only reason i don’t get bored of aviation so thx

[@maro134]

I'm really very sad, too. I flew with them last October from my home Country Germany to Johannesburg. It is really a shame that such an Airline will be lost.

[@EyesonEnforcement911]

Jeb, those were some phenomenal words at the end of your video! Very inspirational my friend. Keep on dishing up fantastic videos for us! Especially during these tough times. All the best to ya, Mr. Brooks !

[@debbieheim3694]

I’m happy you got to film this and also happy you do railroad videos too. Thanks so much!👏👏👏

[@fistosravenscroft6651]

How time flies, I watched this video minutes after you uploaded it, I had a notification. So much has happened since

[@rsybing]

I love these videos because you're so honest about the warts of any particular trip but you always sound like a not-entitled, happy traveler no matter what. Great work on this!

[@khumoaviator4060]

A lovely review of an amazing airline🖤Thank you Jeb, we will forever cherish the flying Springbok🙏🏾🖤

[@benbowles1014]

Great video, Jeb. Looking forward to seeing you and Dennis again soon.

[@nicholastaylor7075]

Another great video by Jeb Brooks! Keep up the great work and stay safe!

[@DelhiBelly1620]

Well done Jeb. Always a pleasure watching your videos.

[@zukomntonintshi8941]

Beautiful review as always Jeb from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@EthanBenjamin]

Being South African, most of my international flights have inlcuded a trip with South African. No other airlines seem to have crew as friendly and welcoming as South African. Really gonna miss it if it doesn't make it through

[@ideostudios7176]

I am zambian and I can attest to that, one of the best pilots

[@omaransari9211]

While I've never flown SAA, I can attest that every South African I've met has been incredibly warm and welcoming. I'm certain that would be seen in the hospitality of the crew. I hope SAA can keep flying so I can experience it one day.

[@cherylafrica3428]

What is a country without a national carrier please saa arise from the ashes to many political interference

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Nice Jeb! I enjoyed the footage of the aircraft taxiing at the start. The A350 always looks good but that SA Airways livery looks great! No overhead air vents :o :(

[@goladyybugg77711]

Missing you so much South African Airways!💖😥..after years of seeing to commercial ads on tv.ill never forget what a wonderful experience I had on route london to capetown..your flight attendants are very warm and friendly xxx

[@juninhofreekick4912]

Jeb, this review is oozing with positivity. How our world needs that at this moment and always.

[@jayd1426]

Great job Jeb. I learn from you when making my trip reports!

[@fredrick8691]

Thanks for such a great vid and showcase of SAA!

[@alismith6353]

Hi Jeb, great video and sentiments. Hope you and your family are keeping safe and look forward to seeing you in the skies again someday!

[@guyshaw]

Thank you Jeb. Great video. They keep getting better and better! Proud South African ex Cape Town now living in Durban on the east coast.

[@liamhosking2947]

I am so happy you are going to make a SAA A350 video! 😆 I hope it’s not the end for them. 🙏 Can’t wait for the premier at 9 AM my time! 😀 I hope it was a great and fun flight to JFK back in February! 👍 Stay Safe!

[@bayareaaviation17]

That Qantas 747!!!! I miss it 😭

[@leifdehio2151]

SAA has a special place in my heart because they they took me to a very special holiday location in 2008 and 2012. I've always felt that love for Africa, having spent parts of my youth in East Africa, but spending time on the Southern tip of Africa was simply magical!

[@LtNduati]

Jeb's calmness is exactly what I needed today, especially after a flight delay. I love when people get upset that their flight is being delayed because of a technical fault. I'm fine with the delay to fix something. If they want to get on a broken airplane they can, I'll wait lmfao.

[@garystewart1820]

Great video Jen loved every second of it thank you !

[@calebsourcandy]

Even tho a lot of people don’t like SAA because of their mechanical problems but they are a really good airline. My older cousin is a captain for A320/A319 I hope we don’t have to say goodbye

[@patrickandrews7893]

Jeb, I was just loving your video/digi clips showing the airport in NYC, & the airport in South Africa: EXCELLENT FEATURE!!!!!

[@markrichmond4796]

You will love Mauritius Jeb, one of the best holidays I have ever had, stayed at a place called Trou aux Biches, you literally walked 5meters into the water and you were snorkeling over coral reef! Went there in the early 80s, flying on a Zambia Airways B737 from Lusaka. The return flight was a couple of hours late, so drinks on return were free, and poured from full size bottles, with no measure...just say when! I had just turned 19😀 Brilliant!

[@bergziege2126]

Mark Richmond it’s an absolutely beautiful place. I’ve been there just a year ago and the Landings and Starts are beautiful. I hope he’ll fly there soon.

[@steveharrison1765]

Looked a great flight, I'd love to visit South Africa looks a stunning country.

[@sachudasawmy4580]

Hi Jeb! I'm from Mauritius. I've been watching your videos since I discovered your channel last year. You really got me wanting to fly more and even 1st or business class one day. It felt great to hear you talk about Mauritius and its airline! Thank you! I'm in hospitality(which is not doing good at all of late) and I hope to welcome you on the island after all this. Thanks again and keep posting such incredible videos!

[@abhishekkalra1573]

I took my (almost) first ever flight with SAA. In July 2014, I was hired by a South African company and flew from Delhi to Johannesburg (via Mumbai) (Del-Mumbai was Air India flight code shared by SAA) I was so pleasantly happy experiencing South African hospitality which was a very positive start to my journey in SA :) Sad to see it go away :(

[@brad6106]

Great review! You are the definition of a class act Jeb!

[@tshifhiwarudolphmphephu6854]

Thanks Jeb, seems like you enjoyed your journey to New York. Waiting for more videos once we're able to fly again. 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@auggith]

I will certainly miss SAA. Thank you for a very wonderful video

[@Papershields001]

I admire your ability to keep a positive attitude when faced with a delay like that Jeb. I would be going crazy if they were closing the airport and I had to sit and wait without knowing when the plane will be airworthy again.

[@robertmakwarimba2665]

Great video! Like the background sound and good commentary. Sad to see the airline close down.

[@brianjreintjes]

Great video again. In 1998 I flew several times on SAA from JNB to JFK on 744's, we stopped in Sal Cape Verde, interesting stopover.

[@dreLECLAIR1]

Really loved watching this video! Hope you will be able to make a video about travelling to Mauritius soon!

[@ryanhunter616]

I always enjoy your videos

[@JasonB95]

Great video Jeb! Loved the graphics and the music. Sad to know that SAA is likely seeing it's last days though. Never got to fly them.

[@richardfrancis5406]

Super awesome video....thanks and Cape Town I so much want to visit it looks so incredible!

[@hunterpfeiffer5861]

great vid man keep up the good work

[@ethanward1344]

You’re the best Jeb Brooks!

[@bobfaircloth]

So very much appreciate your perspective on this one...and as always. A fan.

[@gumball3D]

Love your positive attitude in this video.

[@seansaunders3840]

I love watching your videos. They are well thought out, and always make me feel more comfortable about travel. I am sad that you are grounded for a bit, but I can’t wait for you to travel again. I can’t wait for us all to be able to travel again. Best wishes, and I hope that you are safe.

[@marcpaynter]

Fantastic video. As a South African myself, it's tough to see our once very prosperous national airline now suffer. Very sad indeed. Keep up the great work Jeb - I've been watching your videos for such a long time. Thanks again for this one and the others you've made in SA.

[@eisbeinGermany]

and all due to corruption by anc cadres

[@coloradorockies4854]

Amazing video Jeb!

[@RajKumar-nn4wp]

Man I don't usually subscribe after seeing only one video, but I did it now. Never seen a humble review. You don't complain for silly reasons and I like it. The video is great mate.

[@BishopF22]

Hey Jeb, awesome video! I’m originally from South Africa and live in the States now, so sad to see SAA maybe coming to an end but thanks for the great reminder of Cape Town being the best city on earth.

[@teddynebel]

loved the timelaps at the end

[@amore9914]

Wow! Thanks for this great video! I am randomly watching this video after watching James Asquith's vlog on traveling in an African Business Class. Definitely worth watching too! Good luck with your next vlog 😊😊

[@bobverhaagen9558]

Cool video Jeb! Hope we will get back in the sky soon! Stay safe in the meantime...

[@DOMINICAAVIATION]

Wonderful video. So sad that another airlines has bitten the dust. Take care and have a great day

[@thenorthlinerfoundation9885]

Well done Jeb. See you in the skies Jeb!

[@avioncamper]

Jeb, another great video ! Sad about SAA.

[@d3kingg387]

Good job Jeb !

[@WianPotgieter]

Thank you for this. I doubt I'd ever be able go on this class flight, especially on an SAA flight. I'll miss this airline.

[@realunitedfly]

Jeb! I’ve been employed with a major US airline for over 20 years! Thank your for your amazing reports and attention to detail, but moreover your consideration for the harsh reality our industry faces! Your concern is greatly appreciated. I hope to see you one day soon in the Friendly Skies of United where we can make up that flight to Frankfurt! Thank you again! Be well!

[@kellieashman6908]

I’m Australian and wherever I’ve been in the world and I see a Qantas aircraft, my heart skips a beat

[@AndresVargas-wv6zb]

Amazing Video Jeb, hope we can fly very soon!

[@bergziege2126]

I’m looking forward to your visiting Mauritius! It’s an beautiful Island and the airport is magnificent. I’ve been there twice and the Landing and starts are beautiful! I hope you can visit it soon!

[@lochie9959]

i love your vids mate

[@jaydenjames9458]

Thank you Jeb for promoting our part of the world.. It was really a treat watching you fly in the A350... So sad SAA has to close. Unfortunately thats what happens when inexperienced people run airline.. And when politics gets involved.. Having said that wish you the best and please come and visit soon..

[@aidenpilot3119]

My favorite Airline in the World, will miss them ❤️

[@tonynz9954]

RIP SAA. A once proud airline.

[@TheHilarygrant]

That is one of the best liveries that I have ever seen. Mainly just for the tail livery

[@anthonysogluizzo598]

Love this! What a cool video! (:

[@aads1001]

Mauritius is a lovely place to visit and especially fun to fly on Air Mauritius' A340's

[@victoriagirowetz]

You are the best i love your vids 😁

[@JoshDoesTravel]

Definitely will miss SAA. Never flew on them, but always wanted to fly their route from IAD to Johannesburg (not to mention getting those MilagePlus miles).

[@pankajevandutta4226]

Mr Brooks great video.

[@Unplugged_Bits]

Well curated video bro, I have clicked that red button!

[@GreenerGrass]

Thanks!!!

[@norwegianairspotter8686]

What an Amazing video thanks for the amazing work you do I have Been following and enjoying your videos for over a year now would love to have you here in Norway when the restrictions are over 😊

[@drwinsutanto9821]

Excellent report. Really exceptionally well presented

[@jaydenjames9458]

Yes real bad... JEB because of your character and your love for flying you could not state the obvious..

[@avia_galaxy2091]

I was actually planning to go to New York for my birthday. But however due to COVID-19 I did not get a good birthday but i'm still grateful to at least celebrate my birthday. Also I love your trip reports.

[@jonahp8271]

Glad you like Cape Town! It’s always flattering when people pay compliments to your home 🇿🇦♥️ as for SAA, it was already on its knees financially before this, and I’m worried when I leave quarantine as I’m about to write my Comm License exams and finish the hours for my CPL. Scary times everyone, let’s hope for a better 2021!

[@ExaltedDuck]

I love those windowed jetways. For many of us, airports aren't something we get to see all so often, so to have the opportunity to take it all in really adds to the excitement and wonder. Those should be everywhere.

[@shah-e-alamnoormamode5657]

@Jeb Brooks.. I am from Mauritius, trust me you won't regret visiting this small island. It's nature beautyand people are marvellous. So waiting for your visit here and fingers crossed to see your videos of Mauritius one day.

[@DrRchannel71]

excellent footage

[@alexboshaw]

love that 747! Will miss them when they are all gone

[@karamsaviation2813]

It was such a good airline!

[@AlmostMonumental27]

JB, you should definitely whisk over and down to Mauritius - I did so at Christmas 2019, and chose Emirates out of JFK, natch. It’s my favorite in business, and a courtesy stopover in Dubai always delights. But with the connection via ATL from/to BHM, it was a friendly little 45 hours aloft. At least I had four flights upstairs on the A380 in business with the lie-flat seats and onboard cocktail lounges. I suffered through an SAA A340 from Dulles to Johannesbug in 2013 with a stop in Dakar and an add-on B737 continuing to Cape Town, all in the back end, sadly. But I took Kenyan onward to Nairobi then Emirates home the rest of the way to salvage. I did make the acquaintances of a couple of really nice SAA flight attendants on the outbound, Noland and his bride, and I wish them well. SAA’s demise is a Huge blow. One last thing: even being an A350, that aircraft is kitted out awfully, looks horribly bland, and the food is presented so unattractively. What do/did you pay for? I’d have chosen other alternatives, from Lufthansa via Frankfurt, to AirFrance’s lie flat business modules via CDG to, my default anything, Emirates business. But your attitude is always commendable. My dad would admire that. Cheers!

[@redstoneholiday6222]

Jeb is so wholesome!

[@EdwardTravels]

I never will forget my flight from Jberg to the USA with a stop in Dakar. I think our flight time with the layover was 21 hours From there I had to fly into Seattle. Thankfully, I was in business class and we had lay flat seats. It took about a week for my body to feel back to normal after that flight

[@marknagle1912]

Stay safe J.B and see you again soon

[@benb6478]

Jeb now that you are home can you make a video of your watch collection? I love seeing them in your videos.