Flight to Zimbabwe

[iamcarley]

does anyone know how much a return flight to zimbabwe should/would be, approximately? in june/july :) thanks x

[Buenchico]

The only direct flights seem to be with Air Zimbabwe, from Gatwick to Harare. Their website is offering return flights on that route 'from £300, excluding taxes' but I keep getting error messages when I try to search for specific flights and prices:
http://www.airzimbabwe.aero/

This site claims to be an 'authorised dealer' for Air Zimbabwe. They're offering (for some random June/July dates which I chose) a return fare of £439 plus taxes. (I can't check on the taxes because the site doesn't offer online booking. You have to phone up):
http://www.airzimbabweuk.com/

Flights with other airlines require connection. BA, for example, will take you via Jo'burg, with a much higher fare. (The cheapest I've found is £927.23 but that does include all taxes and charges)

From the BA site, these would appear to be the charges which you might need to add to the Air Zimbabwe fare:
UK Air Passenger Duty £75.00
UK Passenger Service Charge £30.63
Zimbabwe Passenger Service Charge £21.60
(I would hope that Air Zimbabwe don't try to hide any fuel surcharges, or other airline charges, under 'Taxes')

Chris

[chris1957au]

jUST CHECK ON travelbag.com

South African Airlines mid june return mid July out of london 881 pounds, BA 899,lUTHANSA 917, Virgin Atlantic 990, then KLM AND BMI NEARLY 3000, THAT FLYING ECONOMY CLASS, Hope that helps

Chris r

[iamcarley]

oh, thanks eddie, no ive never heard of google! what a great little website, must use it more often...

not that i should have to explain - as this site is DESIGNED to ask questions (which some on here seem to forget) - but i was asking for advice as to how much i should be paying, as varying websites have presented me with prices at both ends of the price scale, and thought the lesser priced ones might be a con or something...

If the majority of users on here used google to find answers to questions, this site would be almost redundant, so i dont really get your sarcasm, sorry!

but thanks for the advice...

[iamcarley]

thanks chris, great travel advice as always!

[iamcarley]

thanks chris r :)

[kayakamina]

Be very careful travelling with Air Zimbabwe as they have serious debt problems and have had several aircraft seized for non-payment to creditors.
I believe that a flight from Gatwick was severly delayed because of unpaid fuel and landing fees.

[iamcarley]

really! thanks for the warning, ill definitely look into it :)

[Euphemia]

I would be worried about the safety and level of maintenance of the Air Zimbabwean fleet.

[jno]

yes, I'd avoid Air Zim

http://www.newzimbabw...flights/business.aspx

http://www.ttglive.co...20Zimbabwe%20bookings

[iamcarley]

you are joking about the whip round??

[mungbeanz]

You want to go on a holiday to Zimbabwe?

[razza]

I would avoid Zimbabwe,full stop.

[jno]

depends where you want to go in Zimbabwe. I'd tend to avoid Harare but tourist areas like the game reserves and Victoria Falls are supposed to be pretty safe.

Full FCO advice here

http://www.fco.gov.uk...haran-africa/zimbabwe

Sorry, that doesn't actually answer your question.

[237SJ]

Go via Nairobi with Kenya Airways. It`s not cheap though. The less competition on a route, the more expensive it is £700 to 900 poss. No point in going via South Africa and backtracking to Harare. Avoid Air Zimbabwe - their safety is iffy.

[carmalee]

I used to live there - if I had to go for a visit I would but would be very aware and awake all the time - if it was for a holiday or whatever I'd look for another destination. Medical care is almost non existent and there are shortages across the board. Wouldn't touch Air Zim even if I were to be given a free 1st class ticket.

[iamcarley]

thanks everyone