Often referred to as the best-kept secret of Africa, Namibia is now breaking free from all ‘hearsays’ and proving itself as the beautiful destination with diverse and contrasting landscapes, ageless deserts, magnificent canyons as well as a vibrant cultural scene. It’s a perfect place for those who want to get away from the popular tourist path and try something new. The country’s beautiful attractions ensure plenty of things to see and do during your stay.
Flying Air Nambia Airbus A319-100 From Lagos
Gone were those days when it was more expensive and stressful to fly directly from Lagos to Namibia. Well, there were many airlines plying the route but you will have to stop-over in a particular destination. But the good news is that Air Namibia now flies from Lagos or Accra to Namibia directly. No Stop-over! This means that your flight to Namibia will be as refreshing as it can get, within 4.5 hours you will get to Windhoek. Now imagine flying in Business Class, that’s a refined comfort for your journey.
I visited Namibia a few weeks ago and I had an amazing experience flying Business Class in Airbus A319-100 Aircraft as a guest of Air Namibia. Being a frequent traveller, I know the kind of distress that comes from travelling economy whether it’s a short-haul or long-haul flight. Long-haul flights are even the worst, I always try to sleep and when I finally do, I always wake up with neck pains.
My flight from Lagos to Windhoek, Namibia on Air Namibia Airline was not really a long-haul flight and I got to enjoy myself in the Business Class cabin. I’ll like to share my first-hand experience with you – what’s it’s like to fly Air Namibia Business Class.
Overview
- Route: Lagos to Windhoek, Namibia
- Flight Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Aircraft: Airbus A319-100 Aircraft
- Class: Business Class
- Checked Baggage: Two pieces up to 32kg each
Air Namibia Itinerary
- Flight: Air Namibia – SW 508
- Departure/Arrival City: Murtala Mohammed Int’l Airport (LOS)/ Hosea Kutako Int’l Airport (WDH)
- Dep/Arr Time: 11:35 pm (On-Time)/ 5:25 am (On-Time)
Check-In
Every business class journey with any airline begins from the destination you are departing from. Even though my check-in was eventful, I still had the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a Business Class check-in. After I had checked in along with the group I was travelling with, we were given our boarding passes and exclusive passes to a very luxury lounge (Sahcol Pemium Lounge) at MM1 Airport.
When we got to the lounge, there were complimentary food and beverages, as well as access to free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating for a relaxing visit before our flight. We settled down into the plush chairs, before going around helping ourselves to the array of food and drinks on offer. Unfortunately, we didn’t stay for long before we were called that our flight was boarding. However, I’m definitely checking in early next time I’m visiting Namibia so that I can spend some time in the lounge.
The Seats
First of all, you need to understand that the aircraft is Airbus A319-100 for short-haul flights, so don’t expect to see the Business Class flatbed seats. You will see those on Air Namibia Airbus A330-200 Aircrafts if you are flying to long-haul destinations in Europe. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t get some fulfilment on the extra dough you spent on flying Business Class for short-haul flights.
After boarding the Air Namibia A319-100 from Lagos to Windhoek, we were seated in the Business class seats, which are arranged in a two-two configuration with enough personal space for each passenger. The leather seats were comfortable with two arm-rests – one has a tray table hidden inside it. The seats have a recline function for maximum relaxation. Even when the passenger in front of me reclined his seat, I was still able to stretch my legs comfortably (not that they are long anyways, but I had lots of space for extra stretching).
In-flight Entertainment & Service
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Shortly after we had settled in for the ride, the beautiful air hostess went around asking passengers in the cabin to choose their preferred drinks. I usually have motion sickness when flying so my ears were blocked to all those offerings since we just boarded and had not even taken off.
My travel companions ordered their drinks – some had juice while some had wine. There wasn’t really a dedicated in-flight entertainment for every passenger since it was a short-haul flight. It’s either you read the in-flight magazine – ‘Flamingo Magazine’ or look up to watch the documentary about Namibia on the general screen.
After the plane had taken off, I was more relaxed, I was happy to ask for a chilled glass of juice to relax my nerves. Then I was given a duvet cover that kept me on cloud 9 during my sleep. I had not slept that long when I heard fish, beef or chicken from my sleep. My stomach started growling for food; so, I requested for the fish meal. I was served a platter of starters first, then the main course after. The fish meal was served in a dish with some carrots, white rice, and zucchini, accompanied by a bread roll, cheese, butter, a piece of cake as well as salad. I enjoyed the meal and some minutes after, we were served another drink. I don’t think you can ever find fault in Air Namibia cabin crew’ service, they were helpful and professional in every way, no fake platitudes.
The only glitch? I didn’t enjoy the seat’s recline feature because mine wasn’t working well. But trust me, the passenger beside me slept all through the flight. However, I had a lovely time, between the tasty meals and drinks, the in-flight overnight bag kit, and the pleasantries from the Cabin crew. I was awake for most of my flight so I was able to soak in and enjoy the refined comfort of the Business Class cabin.
Conclusion
If you are planning to visit Namibia or even other destinations Air Namibia flies to, you should go for a Business Class flight – it should be a part of everyone’s holiday experience. The service is fantastic, the environment is almost deluxe and the meals are of super standard.
There are many reasons why you should fly Air Namibia. The airline flies directly from Lagos to Windhoek, and they also fly to destinations you love visiting including Frankfurt, Accra, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Victoria Falls, and Lusaka. The flight prices are competitive, falls within the low and average price range compare to other airlines. They sometimes offer promotional and sales fares to their top destinations. Moreover, you can join the Frequent Flyer program – Reward$ to earn miles from all your future travels on Air Namibia.
Have you ever flown with Air Namibia? Share your experience with us in the comment below.
