I'm starting to look at flights for my trip to South Africa next year. I know the two standard routes are through Atlanta on Delta then nonstop to Joburg, or South African Airways through NYC then nonstop to Joburg. However, it's A LOT cheaper to fly Emirates from Houston to Dubai then nonstop to Joburg and a nicer airline. Prices are under $1,000 for that route and others like it through the middle east, either to Dubai or Doha in Qatar, etc. versus $1,600+ to go Atlanta or NYC.

I won't be traveling with a rifle or gun of any kind. Just archery equipment. Any reason not to take those cheaper middle east flights?

Fly Emirates, hear nothing but rave reviews. I’ve done the SAA one and the Delta route, doing Emirates next time. Careful with SAA if you do use them, on the way back I believe they stop in Senegal to refuel and spray the plane interior with bug spray. Makes for an even longer flight home.

Dad and I flew Qatar Airways through Doha. It was by far the nicest airline experience I’ve had.

Flown Emirates twice to South Africa. Fantastic experience both times. I flew with rifles and they were extremely easy to deal with on that as well. I did a three day layover in Dubai on one of the trips and really enjoyed the city. The police kept my rifle in locker the air port. I am sure they would do the same with your archery equipment. Do not hesitate to take Emirates.

Do not fly British Airways no matter how cheap it seems. They are a nightmare.

Take Emirates! I flew them NYC-DUB and the flight was long but enjoyable. They had 21 flight attendants for our 747 and took excellent care of us.

Stay in Dubai for a day or two on your way back and see the sights. The place is amazing.

George

If you can get a price for under a grand now, be sure to buy it right away!!!! Emirates is probably one of the best airlines out there right now, or at least everyone that I know who has flown them have all said this.

The two times that I've gone, I flew into Europe for an all day layover. It was nice, but it does add to how long it takes to get there. First time was to Namibia and the best price that I could find at that time went though Paris. Landed at first light and saw the sun rising over Paris. My buddy and I spent the day walking around Paris and seeing pretty much all of the sites there. Then we landed in Windhoek the next morning and our outfitter picked us up and drove us to the ranch.

The next time I went with my wife and we landed in London first thing in the morning. We spent most of the day walking along the Thames, having lunch in a pub and seeing everything we wanted to there. Then we landed in Johannesburg first thing in the morning and we where able to catch a commuter flight to where our outfitter picked us up. We didn't want to stay in a hotel for the night in Johannesburg, so it was important to us to land there in the morning. Most of the flights we looked at landed in the afternoon or evening, and that meant we would have to get from the airport, to a hotel, and then back to the airport to catch that commuter flight.

SAA did this when we went to Africa in 2011. PIA going & coming!!!!

I flew Emirates to Dubai then jo Berger and it doesnt take much longer then going hou, atl, joburg and Emirates is top notch all the way, nice looking hostesses, good food and service, Dubai was an easy airport to pass through as well. I flew South African airways the 1st time and it left more to be desired but still gets you their.

I've done Emirates to Joberg out of Houston and flight was very good. The Hou flight is a double decker A380 with lots of space. How are you getting tickets for under $1K? You must be flying off season, either April-May or Sept-Oct huh ?

Two thumbs up from myself for Emirates. That airline is exceptional. Etihad were also incredible, biggest economy seats we have ever experienced and I am 6'2"

Thanks for the feedback guys. Looks like Emirates is the way to go. I've flown Emirates from Houston to Dubai several times since I work in the oil business and have gone there for work. I just didn't know about their Africa leg or how they handled traveling with weapons, even though it's just a bow.

I'll be booking Emirates!

I would pay the extra and fly Delta from Atlanta. I have flown Delta to Johannesburg before and I am using again in October. Shortest is always best to me.