Help-Flying Standby
 

My boyfriend and I were lucky enough to have been given buddy passes to fly anywhere in the world and we've chosen Johannesburg. We only have a general idea of when we want to go (Nov 07) but since we will be flying standby I'm afraid to make any pre-bookings for hotels/tours in the instance we cant fly out on a particular day/week. How hard would it be to make safari arrangements once we arrive in Africa? Ideally I would like to do a Botswana area safari and see Cape Town in the 2+- weeks we plan to be there. Any ideas where I should start planning? All thoughts would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!

Not an answer to your question but on the subject. I use to have a relative that worked for an airline and would often fly on buddy passes. The airline employee should be able to access the airline intra-net to check on the loads for your expected flights to see the likley hood that you will get a seat. You can check now to see how full these flights are typically and as you get closer you can check your specific flights.

We planned to go to Australia on buddy passes to find we could get from the East Coast to the West Coast of the US but we could not get from the West Cost to Australia; all of the flights from the West Coast were full or overbooked, Turns out these flights get any open seats turned over to price line.

Good Luck

I worked for an airline and spouse still does. It's a different lifestyle :) Go for it. Plan the hell out of the trip US side before you even head to the airport. build in contingincies, and 1-2 backup plans. develop a rapport with specific ground operators, exactly what you want, where they are located on a map, numbers they can be contacted, people you want to talk to. If they like you, even if they can't help you, they often will set you up with their buddy. Typically we email in advance for the more important factors to the trip to guage openess or feasability.

Of the 10 years we've been doing it (6 very actively), we've rarely encountered booked rooms, etc. well... new years even in puerta plata we almost ended sleeping up in the car, but it all worked out in the end....

It takes a certain type of personality to fly standby. Get absolutely planned and organized, then head to the airport and smile at every issue that is thrown your way. Go with the flow and most importantly, remember to be appreciateive of the airline staff and don't breath down their neck as you start wanting to panic ;)

Best of luck,
Melissa

Another comment re buddy (or non-rev passes), as friend flies this way often... know that you can pay a fee and get a firm seat. Check this out to see if the airline whose passes you are using allows you to do this. JNB is long way to go, hoping to get a seat, instead spending time in airports as flights aren't available. Especially, when there is usually only 1/flight a day from wherever to JNB.

You can probably book something (safari or city) once in JNB, but options may be limited and Botswana is generally expensive with limited accommodations. Capetown should be easier to book once on the ground, with more options at various price ranges, but no guarantee.

And remember for Botswana or Capetown, you'll have additional flights... whether to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Livingston, Zambia for Chobe Botswana; Maun, Botswana for the Okavongo Delta area. And, of course, flights to/from Capetown.

A lot will depend on your overall budget for your trip, flexibility once on the ground, not only the benefit of "buddy passes."

I flew stand-by for 20yrs-make sure you look at all "gateways" for your itinerary, especially if you have any problems getting back!

we fly on bddy passes regularly as well. what we do is plan the "fixed" part of the trip that would be hard to book on the spot (such as the safari) and then add 3-5 days "fudge" factor. i.e. try to go fo your 1st flight a few days early and if you get on from the 1st time, then you have couple extra day in whatever city (obviously, you have to be happy to be there). if not, then you have several days in a row to try to get on. i wouldn't leave safari unbooked till arrival. i'd book it ahead and then plan to hang out in Cape Town for couple days if you are lucky. also, we plan our flights carefully - check loads, fly midweek or satruday, try to take advantage of really light days (dec 25th, etc). if you are smart about it and give yourself some room, then you'll be ok.
it's definitely not for everyone.
as for other flights (JNB-CPT, for example), we check what the scene looks like. if there are lots of cheap flights, then we don't bother to book ahead. or in asia, many airlines have the same price weather you book 2 months ahead or same day. or else, we check change penalties. many foreign airlines are a lot more flexible than what we're used to in US (was in india last year, and all domestic tickets were free to change up to 2 hrs before departures. and these were $50 flights).
have fun! the best part, is if you plan carefully and a little lucky, you get to fly in business all the way to JNB for next to nothing! for me, that's worth all the uncertainty and hassles!

It won't be hard to make safari arrangements once you arrive in Jo'burg. You'll find tourist information offices and plenty of travel agents who can help you. The options are more varied than if you book from the US, because you can deal locally. Of course, you do have to have a few days wiggle room. But my husband and I have gone to Jo'burg, walked into a travel agency, and booked a fabulous Botswana safari on the spot.

But be sure to make your bookings just as soon as you arrive, so you'll have as much flexibility as possible.

Also, you should have no problems making hotel reservations once you arrive, since you wont' be hitting it in the middle of the Christmas or school holidays.

Lucky you! Have a great time!

Celia