suites for LHR-JNB in Sept?

I fly 601 on Sept 6 from LHR to JNB then 602 on Sept 16 from JNB to LHR. Is there any chance that suites will be available by then? Is there a better way to find out than calling the toll-free number? I am grateful that the agents have been friendly when answering the question for me over the past few weeks.

I know this is a frequent question but with all project underway it is difficult to know whether I should just give up all hope for suites.

This post indicates 2005 so chances aren't good.. however a/c changes often happen so you might get lucky!!

I wouldn't bet on it though..

Thanks for your help.

The LHR-JNB flights did swap from Airbus to Boeing equipment last Northern Winter/Southern Summer.

If they do this again, the JNB route will get suites, as all the LHR 747 fleet should be refurbished with Suites by then. However, last year, I don't think the 747s put an appearance in on JNB until some time in October.

In recent weeks, an A340-600 has occasionally been turned out for the JNB flight, instead of the more usual A340-300. If this trend continues, then your chance of suites is increased very slightly, but as not all A346s are upgraded yet, it's a long shot.

Cheers,
Mike

Would I be able to call on the day of departure and find out of there was an equipment change?

quote:Originally posted by Xeno
Would I be able to call on the day of departure and find out of there was an equipment change?

They might be able to tell you -- they certainly will be able to tell you on check in. I believe a 747-400 may operate one flight a week to JNB in the peak season, presumably at the weekend.

BC

I am out on the 601 on 5th November and the seat planner on VS is giving me a 747 - but no suites!!

Correction to my date which is outbound on Monday, Sept 6, not 4.

I am trying to change my return date to Sept 17. I am told that there is no open space yet for an award ticket. Any point in calling back to check on this?

Xeno

Sorry, unlikely I'm afraid as it's planned to be a 343 on those dates. There's a small chance of a 346 being substituted on the day but I wouldn't hold out too much hope! [:(]


MarkJ

From 31Oct to 11Dec VS601 is planned to be a 744 on Wed/Fri/Sun with a 343 on the other days. It should be Suite equipped too as all the LHR based a/c will have been done by then.

Cheers

When I return to LHR from JNB the morning of September 17 the hope was to use Revivals then check into a nearby hotel. At the moment, it appears that a local will pick me up at LHR.

Is there some way to guess how much time it might take to get the basic services in Revivals that morning so I can tell my friend what time to show up?

Thanks.

quote:Originally posted by Xeno
Is there some way to guess how much time it might take to get the basic services in Revivals that morning so I can tell my friend what time to show up?

If you just want a shower, some clothes straightened up, a caffeine fix and a quick bite to eat, I usually bank on 30 minutes, after clearing customs. It depends how busy the showers are.

Obviously, add more time if you want any V-Touch service or more food!

I've been lucky to get a shower straight away the couple of times I've used Revivals.

Cheers,
Mike