BACKGROUND: fastjet flies once daily between Johannesburg and Tanzania’s capital city of Dar es Salaam, departing at 14h10 and landing at 18h35 local time (GMT +3). The return flight leaves at 10h40 local time arrives at O.R Tambo International Airport at 13h20. The Tanzanian-based airline has a fleet of six Airbus A319 aircraft and operates international routes to six African countries. It also flies to three local destinations from Dar es Salaam – Mwanza and Kilimanjaro in the northern parts of the country, and to Mbeya in the south-western region. There is also a route between Mwanza and Kilimanjaro.
CHECK-IN: The four yellow fastjet banners made it easy to find the airline’s check-in counters at ORTIA’s international departures terminal. Two fastjet staff, in branded camisoles, walked up and down the queue answering passengers’ questions and assisting with cabin luggage tags. I waited no longer than 15 minutes before reaching one of the two assigned check-in counters. As fastjet is a low-cost airline, each passenger has a free seven kilogram cabin luggage allowance and can check in two bags at 20 kilograms each for an additional charge of $15 per bag. The luggage allowances can either be bought online while purchasing a ticket or at the nearby Swissport counter. Excess weight is charged at $6 per kilogram, although they do allow leeway for up to one additional kilogram. Be sure to carry the credit card used to purchase the ticket or a photocopy therefore, as it may be requested at check-in on your return flight.
LOUNGE & BOARDING: While fastjet offers lounge access at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania and Entebbe International Airport in Uganda for an additional charge of $28, there is no facility to book lounge access at ORTIA when organising your flight. However, you can buy your way into a lounge at international departures if you need somewhere to work before your flight. Just as with domestic flights, boarding starts 40 minutes before takeoff, although passengers are advised to arrive three hours before departure. Filling the plane didn’t take long and
THE SEAT: fastjet’s Airbus A319 has a three-seat configuration – each seat is 18 inches wide – on either side of the aisle. The 25 rows make for a capacity of 156 passengers. Should you not be flying Smart Class, which should be your first choice in terms of convenience, the next best option is to be seated in the quick exit seats in the third and fourth row from the front. This means you will be served your food and will disembark the aircraft with priority. These seats are also located within close proximity to the galley and lavatory. Alternatively, choose the extra legroom seats that are situated in the middle of the 24-metre-long cabin. While there is no in-flight entertainment, each seat pocket has a copy of Travelsmart, the in-flight magazine, which features a selection of articles about the six countries within which fastjet operates.
THE FLIGHT: While we took off a few minutes later than scheduled, due to the delayed arrival of the aircraft from Dar es Salaam, but we made up the time during our 3h40 flight and even arrived 10 minutes ahead of schedule. The lunchtime food offering was simple yet varied, from beef and chicken samoosas to pre-packed sandwiches as well as a variety of snacks like chips, savoury biscuits, nuts and chocolates. The breakfast menu on the return flight included a fruit platter with yoghurt and two small pastries or a Spanish-style omelette. There was a variety of drinks on offer from hot beverages such as tea and coffee to beers, cold drinks, fruit juice and water. All of which were reasonably priced and can be paid for in South African rands, Tanzanian shillings or US dollars.
ARRIVAL: The aircraft parked right in front of the terminal building and it was a short walk of no more than 100 metres to baggage claim and immigration – South Africans don’t require a visa and a yellow fever certificate is no longer a prerequisite for travel in the region.
VERDICT: fastjet is an affordable way to travel through south-eastern Africa, with the option of upgrading.
Iga Motylska
CONTACT
W: www.fastjet.com
E: customer.southafrica@fastjet.com
T: +27 11 289 8090