Which is the best airline to fly to Johannesburg from London Heathrow and to return from Cape Town - either business class or premium economy?

We flew South African Airways and service was great - direct flights so no luggage problems.

British Airways has flat beds in business class from London to Johannesburg, and I think to/from Cape Town as well. Sleeping during that long flight is awfully nice.

I'm flying Virgin in Upper to Cape Town and back from Jo'burg. I think all 3 airlines are very good, VS might be better with the entertainment and the bar service, it's quite nice to sit at the bar and have cocktails.

I'd go with Virgin or BA - take a look at each of their schedules and see which suits. They both have good business class products - personally I prefer Virgin's as I find the entertainment system better and prefer their seat configuration. Both have flat beds in business class. Both have great lounges at LHR.

Both have a premium economy product. Again I'd go with VS on this one but there's not much in it.

Thank you all for the info!

Just returned a week ago from a visit to SA--flew in BA WT+. There should be a special circle in hell for whoever designed those hard seats!