Mango

Africa Based Discount Carrier

South Africa’s Mango is the classic wolf in sheep’s clothing. It appears to be a small discount airline, with friendly staff operating only four 737s to Jo’burg, Cape Town, Durban and the Bond villain-sounding Bloemfontein. The truth is that it was started by government-owned SAA, causing uproar from the other low-cost outfits who, for some bizarre reason, objected to their taxes being used to fund a competitor.

Although technically a stand-alone carrier, Mango has been accused in the past of offering subsidized tickets. Whilst this is bad for the market, it’s great for consumers. Within the tiny route network, the cheapest tickets are good value, and include a 20kg baggage allowance, on-line seat choice, and cheap refreshments. However, with a passenger capacity of 187, noise-cancelling headphones are essential.

Mango also has two unbreakable rules. Firstly, the card used to pay must be presented at check-in. And second, refunds are only given to the dead. Search!