They call this plane an old chugger, but the welcome is purely five-star

South African tourism is booming, and it's shaping up as a winner in the current geopolitical climate as travellers look to avoid the Middle East hubs. The state-owned airline has been propped up in recent years by government funds, but says its ageing fleet of A340s will get a shake-up in 2026/27 - our fingers are crossed.

CHECKING IN: I started my journey in Melbourne on a separate ticket, so on arrival at Perth Airport, I have to collect my bags and check them in again, with plenty of time in the lounge it shares with Air New Zealand. There are 38 lie-flat seats in business, but no-one else in the queue to check-in. My ticket allows 16kg in the cabin in two bags, and 32kg checked in.

THE FLIGHT: Departing Perth at 23.50pm and rolling into Jo'berg at 5.15am, the flight time of 11 hours 25 minutes is enough for a decent sleep. However, the trade winds are good to us and we're outrageously ahead of schedule, touching down an hour early. I've plenty of time to collect luggage and transfer to a domestic flight, and I've still had a full night's sleep.

THE CLASS: I can count on one hand the times I've sat in seat 1A, further whittled down when it's a business-class seat (because 1A in Jetstar has poor braggability). The seat configuration is 2-2-2, but even with a little spacer between you and your neighbour, they're going to see you sleep. So I'm super-chuffed to have a vacant seat beside me on an otherwise full flight. I'm going the whole hog for a good night's sleep: eye mask, earbuds, even changing into loungy pyjamas - disclaimer, they're from Another Airline; no free pjs on SAA. The seat creaks and groans as it migrates, begrudgingly, from upright to cradle to lie-flat, but is ultimately quite comfortable when it unfolds itself. We're tucked in with a padded base and duvet on top. The cute little toiletries bag has face cream and lip balm by Dove.

FOOD AND DRINK: Straight off the mark, SAA helps me overlook its tired ol' aircraft with the take-off drink - hello Moet! And five gold stars for serving dinner and breakfast close to take-off and landing, so the meal service isn't cutting into precious sleep time. Portions are generous; dinner is soup followed by snapper in saffron sauce with potatoes, and breakfast has eggs benedict with spinach, and a bowl of fresh fruit. I can't believe we're still doing water in plastic bottles. Surely there's a better way?

ENTERTAINMENT: The A340-300 is an old chugger, and its age shows in the entertainment structure. The screen is milky and I cannot find a USB outlet. However, it's showing the latest Superman movie, though the screen isn't enticing me to watch it. Its Sawubona magazine is well worth the read for its African travel features.