Is everyone happy for me to look into this?
I will contact a few air lines etc. And see what we can get
Other than the SSAA travel, I will also try our work travel agent as my work is a part of Siemens, Thiess etc. Maybe able to get a deal.
Or do people want to do this themselves?
I would prefer to use Qantas as I amy use points like Annie and Stuart to get to sth Africa, so will be trying to get the deal using them, but wont discount using some other airline if the cost or baggage allowance is alot better.
I do think it is a bit early to get any sort of deal on air travel, but will see what I can get if the rest of you want me to do this.
Let me know
Michael
However, I get extra baggage allowance already from Qantas so I will be flying with them.
Rob.
BB Administrator
I will be flying Qantas guys.
Barry.
Barry
Qantas for me. I have never had a problem with them, and they seem to turn a blind eye to a little extra baggage if its sporting goods. That is for domestic travel, but International might be a different story.
I don’t have any direct stake in this, as I will already be in SA so will not be travelling with the team. It looks like there will be multiple arrivals this trip, as the Elliotts are also likely to be in town running training courses and depending on the airline chosen, there may be some team members coming direct from Perth and others from Sydney.
As far as I know, there are only two airlines flying directly between SA and Australia – Qantas and South African Airlines. Of the two, Qantas is probably the only viable option as their service is better and South African are red-hot on excess baggage. However it is certainly work talking to both. Qantas has given the team extra baggage allowance in the past and SA may in this case (though its worth noting the SA team usually fly Emirates to matches).
There are plenty of other airlines that offer flights from Australia to Joburg, but they all involve flights via their local hub, either Asia or the Middle East. This is going to add both time to the travel and also the need for permits to transit with Firearms. If these airlines are prepared to give concessions on baggage, it may be worth the extra travelling time. In previous discussions with the SA team, I know Emirates have given them 30kg, plus whatever weight their gun case comes in at which is obviously and excellent deal.
For what its worth, Qantas does not require any permission if not flying with Ammo. I’m not sure about SA airlines policy for travel with firearms. As for flight times, depending on conditions on the day, direct Perth to Joburg is around 9 hour flight time and Sydney direct is a 14-15 hours.
I am going to fill out a form requesting sponsorship from Qantas.
Does anyone know how many people are going to be travelling?
And when do you anticipate travelling?
I was personally looking at going over a couple of days before the first practice day.
Stuart and Annie, when are you looking at going as I will apply for all and see what I can get.
I would like this info as quick as possible so I can make the application and start to annoy them to see what I can get.
Departing from
Melbourne - 2 people?
Perth - 2 people?
Sydney - 4 people?
Brisbane - 10 people??
I will fill the form out as soon as I have an idea on numbers.
Michael
I will talk to Dave and let you know when we are travelling
Craig
Michael,
Put me down for 2 people, leaving from sydney, about the same time as you and coming back straight after the match.
rob.
BB Administrator
Michael,
Put me down for two people leaving from Sydney around the same time as Carnell and also coming back after the match.
Barry.
Barry
Yep,
Agree with all points said here. Fergus summed it up fairly well.
We (the Elliotts) do not know just yet what dates we will leave as this depends on training courses. Roland tells me they have applied for funding so who knows how long that will take. My best guess at this stage is to leave Australia about June 7th or 14th.
We would like to stay for about a week afterwards to sightsee. See what the others want. That makes a return about July 5th.
I have looked at using our Qantas Frequent Flyer points and it's OK in early June but coming back in July on points is a problem it appears.
Annie & Stuart Elliott
www.benchrest.com.au
Thanks Michael, Gavin and Sue, Karen and myself look to be leaving AM on the 16th June and leaving JoBurg PM on the 5th July. I suppose wherever we fly direct from to SA we have to leave from Brisbane. I saw some flight center flights for $2300. Qantas was $2800. But as you say, we may be too far out to get a good deal as yet. Qantas is always good.
Phil
OK, I will fill out Qantas paper work for sponsorship and see what we can get if anything.
Will offer them space on team shirts etc.
Stuart, I may give you a call if I need some help filling this form out
Michael
Hi Michael
On my side there are 2 adults and a child and we will be flying Qantas if that helps in bringing up the numbers.
I just thought I would advise that this is on hold for around 10-14 days.
The SSAA board have to approve of the competitors in the teams and any sponsorship deal.
I have been advised this should happen within the next couple of weeks.
I have completed all the paperwork to apply for sponsorship, so I will submit on everyones behalf when we have approval.
Michael
Hi All,
I can inform you that our bid for sponsorship with Qantas has failed.
Apparently they receive 1000 applications a week.
Michael
Hi All,
I can inform you there is no point in purchasing tickets in a group as the pricing for Group Travel is significantly dearer than if we all purchased our tickets individually.
Prices ranged up to around $700 dollars dearer.
All they gave me was a 50% discount on excess baggage, which when it is 50% of $50.00 per kilo is doesn't sound as attractive.
I have called the SSAA travel agent and will wait and see what they can get but I believe we will be booking our own tickets due to cost and sending some of our gear prior.
Michael
Thanks for looking into it Michael. At least we now know a bit better where we stand.
In summary it looks like we might as well just shop for the best deal, use our FF point or whatever and look at freight options to send the extra stuff over. 23kg isn't much.
Stuart
Annie & Stuart Elliott
www.benchrest.com.au
This is really easy for this trip.
Sydney- J'Burg direct return, economy 84,000 points.
Rob.
BB Administrator
Annie and I have booked our flights and accomodation. June 10 to July 8th.
I sent an email to everyone with information that Roland Thomesen sent us on a freight carrier and the shuttle bus service from Joburg. Has someone else got some time to sit down, digest all this and give us all some advise. I am really tied up at the moment.
Annie & Stuart Elliott
www.benchrest.com.au