Craig

On our forthcoming trip to South Africa, we are flying to Johannesburg from Washington Dulles and then connecting to Capetown. I assume we go through immigration and customs at JNB and then recheck our bags to CPT. We are flying business class so we will be first off the aircraft. There is 1 hour 50 minutes between flights. Is this enough time?

Also, what is the procedure on our return from Port Elizabeth where we will again connect through JNB?

I am also posting this on the Air Travel Forum, to cover all the bases...

sdb2

I usually suggest ~2:15-2:30 to make the connection arriving JNB and departing for CPT. Being in Business will cut time off that and I think you'll be OK.

You don't say with whom you'll be flying. If the same airline on one locator (for example, with SAA, in which case bags can be checked through), you'll still need to go through I&C and collect your bags but on one locator there's a quick drop for luggage as there are at many US airports when arriving back. Otherwise you'll take bags up stairs and check-in for the next leg.

Again, if on the same locator I believe your bags can be checked through from PE to IAD. If you have a boarding pass for JNB to IAD you'll need to still go through Passport control and security at JNB to get to the gate. If not on same locator, you'll need to collect bags and check-in for JNB-IAD. I would leave an absolute minimum of 2 hrs to do that; 3 hrs would be better. At the gate there'll be a second security check of you and your carry-ons.

Craig

We're on SAA all the way through from IAD to CPT. We start out on United from Hartford, CT but they should be able to check the bags all the way. Nice to know there is a bag drop. Do you know whether there is a dedicated security for transiting passengers or do we go through security again with all the other passengers?

sdb2

Arriving in JNB and after I&C and quick drop (hopefully it will be quick!), you'll enter the Intl Arrivals Hall, then head upstairs for Security along with every one else. I've never experienced long waits there. I think you'll find things go smoothly.

christabir

With connections, I do everything I can to take carry on only. In biz class you can take more than in coach. Take less, much less, you'll be happier. I've done three weeks in SA with just a small duffel and much smaller backpack - in coach. We have then used our luggage allowance for gifts for kids in SA and if it was "misplaced" could be delivered to the community by the airline.

imasportsluvr

I am on a British Airways flight from London to Cape Town via JNB. My flight in JNB are only 2 hours 5 minutes apart and I'm worried about that. I found SDB2's replies to be very helpful but I'm not sure what you mean by "quick drop." Even though I've flown internationally several times, I always forget the process. Can you please "dumb it down" and explain to me, step by step, what will happen in Jo'berg. Thanks for your patience -- I'm a little OCD when it comes to traveling - I need to know exactly what to expect to remain calm.

sdb2

Ima, look at this link and scroll go pics.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/afric...sburg-jnb.html