In South Africa and flew the FlySafair flight from Johannesburg to George.

I was in South Africa and flew the FlySafair flight from Johannesburg to George.

South African airways has been through difficult times over the past few years. Corruption, lower standards, inconsistent maintenance, these are all reasons that caused SA Airways to be on the verge of liquidation and to stop flying internationally. 

The domestic market seems to be great as there are at least 8 airlines that fly domestically. SAA, SA Airlink, FlySafair, Mango, Kulula, 1Time, SA Express, Nationwide and British Airways.

https://www.flysafair.co.za

I chose FlySafair as I had heard good things about their consistency and the flight times to George suited my plans. 

The flight:

Boarding at OR Tambo is by bus and then walking to the plane. I always enjoy boarding like this as it gives you the chance to see various planes and engines up close. 

This version of the 737-800 has no divider or cupboard on the right as you board. 

Normal 737-800 space for my knees. There is no business class seating on these domestic flights.

Safety instructions and in flight menu:

I like this idea of having the safety instructions on the tray in front of you. There is no way you can miss looking at them. 

The Inflight Delight menu has quite a few items for purchase. 

Drinks options were wine for R60 (about $3.50), Sprits mixed for R50 (about $3) and beer for R45 and R40 (about $2.50). In dollar terms that is really great value, for eg. gin and tonic or brandy and coke for $3.00!

The food menu was also varied and really good value. Sandwiches and meat snacks for R50, chips for R30 (less than $2), candy bars and tea or coffee for R25 (about $1.50), sodas also for R25.

Most foodstuff is really good value in South Africa if you are from the US or Europe or the UK. The exchange rate is great!

There is a FlySafair folded magazine with information about the flight, safety procedures, airplane facts, seating arrangements and the FlySafair app. 

Arriving in George:

George is a smaller airport that can handle some bigger planes. You leave the plane going down the stairs and walking across the tarmac. Nice to be able to get some good views of the plane again. 

FlySafair is the official domestic carrier of the national rugby team of South Africa, the Springboks.

This is the ceiling in the arrivals hall in George with boards advertising the really good local golf courses.

Conclusion:

I had a very pleasant flight with FlySafair. The flight was comfortable, the snacks were great and boarding and leaving the plane was fun.