Monday, December 17, 2007

Best Travel Tackling Techniques: O.R. Tambo Johannesburg Airport

I can say I'm a O.R. Tambo regular. Fly out Friday, Fly in Monday. I actually have started find there is a group of vigilante weekend warriors who do the trip as I do to Durban. In the last three months, I share some of the wonderful tidbits that have helped me kill through 30-90 minute wait (either because your cheap flight is delayed or you got to the airport so dang early just in case there is an accident on the road that could be backed up for hours).

1) The Keg and Aviator: Yes, the best way to kill time at O.R. Tambo is finding a nice pint and cheese nachos and just let the hair down. Actually x-nay the nachos - they are kinda not fun and will not meet your expectations. Tucked away at the far end of the restaurant floor, it's worth the few steps further. Do not let them seat you near the entrance; ask to be seated near the back with the flat-screen TVs and people and catch the most recent sport highlights. Sit at one of the long lounge tables, so much room, and it's usually never full. Killer.

2) Sushi at the Ocean Basket: Okay so they may take FOREVER to deliver a few maki rolls, but who cares? The craving must be satisfied and if you are lucky, you might have the women who delivers you the soft rock hits of the 80s on her synthesizer and voice. YEOW.

3) Wi-Fi internet: love it. Sit just about anywhere and time kill on Facebook and digg and other random websites. The phasing out can be so easy.

4) Hand Luggage only: Okay for within country travel, it's worth it. You stare at the long queues and feel the luggage getting heavier and heavier.

5) Lastly, Shaded Parking # 3: Totally wicked find. While not as cheap as Supersaver parking in butt-f* no-where, Shaded Parking #3 is half the price of the other covered lots and it's still close enough to walk if you feel like. The bonus is of course the free shuttle that takes you right to your vehicle or any of the departure gates. love it. I wish I clued into this one 2 months earlier.

2 comments:

SouthAfrica said...

Thanks so much for your post, and sharing your ideas - I loved reading it and am going to include a reference to this blog in next week's cheap flight South Africa newsletter.

Wimpie said...

I thought it worth the mention seeing that you are a frequent flyer, also i understand that there is the hole thing about cheap parking at the airport. But the safety of the vehicles is not guaranteed.
I run an alternative storage company, that provides the same service ACSA does, for not that much higher than what they charge, and we pick your vehicle up at the drop off and give it back to you at the same place, no need to wait for the bus that seems to be always late or getting wet when you get into your car. if your willing to try something new, you can go to our website and test it out.
www.virgostorage.co.za
for the best MEET & GREET - Alternative Airport Parking @ OR Tambo International