Review: Johannesburg to Livingstone, Zambia in British Airways Comair Economy Class

Back in South Africa and still waiting for our document, we booked a trip to Victoria Falls. After failing in on our first attempt to fly to Livingstone due to improper vaccination records, it was time for take two.

We had checked in online, but still had to check-in our bag and pick up boarding passes for the two-hour journey north to Zambia. That was accomplished in short order at JNB and this time, our vaccination cards were in order.

I no longer have status in the oneworld alliance and though JNB sports a handful of Priority Pass properties, I was not allowed a complimentary guest (but am now with my Chase Sapphire Reserve). So after check-in we enjoyed some coffee at Mug & Bean, a South African coffee shop similar to a Coco’s or Perkin’s in the USA.

The check-in agent warned us the boarding gate was far, but we underestimated how far it actually was. Clearing security, passport control, and walking all the way to the gate took a good 20 minutes, bringing us to the gate just as the final call was being made for the flight.

British Airways JNB to LVI - 1

British Airways JNB to LVI - 2

The BA-liveried 737-400 was 60% full in economy class, and empty in business class. Though operated by Comair, FAs were in uniforms identical to what other British Airways crews would wear. Seats are identical to the pre-slimline seats British Airways had on its shorthaul fleet and quite comfortable.

British Airways JNB to LVI - 12

British Airways JNB to LVI - 13

Hot Meal on a Short Flight

After pushback, a hot lunch was served – either a vegetarian pilaf or chicken. I thought the chicken and rice were decent, but Heidi grimaced in disgust as she tried the food, taking one bite and then handing it over to me. The meal was served with a mint chocolate dessert and a small chocolate bar. Bar service was available, with complimentary beer and wine, but no hard drinks available.

British Airways JNB to LVI - 3

British Airways JNB to LVI - 4

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British Airways JNB to LVI - 10

I thought the meal was fine, but my wife did not seem to like it... — I thought the meal was fine, but my wife did not seem to like it…

With no in-flight-entertainment, I passed the rest of the flight working on this trip report. The crew was actually rather lackluster, disappearing after meal service in the rear galley, even pulling the curtain so no passengers would bother them. We did not see them again until we neared Livingstone.

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British Airways JNB to LVI - 17

CONCLUSION

For 4,500 Avios and $40, this flight was a steal…and even featured a hot meal, so even with the mediocre service I still had a satisfactory experience.

As an aside, visa processes for each country will be outlined in a separate post, but just to note here that a single entry visa into Zambia is 50 USD that can be paid by USD or credit card upon arrival.

British Airways JNB to LVI - 18