Yesterday, on October 26, 2022, I had the privilege of being on Lift Airlines’ inaugural flight from OR Tambo International Airport to King Shaka International Airport.
As I made my way to the airport, I was slightly anxious about arriving on time. My journey was delayed due to a broken bus blocking the middle lane of the N3 near William Nicol, and the right lane was closed for several kilometers shortly after that. Fortunately, there was no line at the check-in counter, and my Premium seat allowed me to breeze through security. It was also a bonus that the boarding gate was almost directly across from security.
Thanks to my Premium ticket, I was the first in line for priority boarding, allowing me to be the third passenger on board, following the two passengers who required assistance. Everyone on this nearly full flight boarded through the front entrance, which took a little while, but I was comfortable in my spacious seat during the wait.
The Airbus A320, Lift’s fourth generation aircraft, features 12 Premium seats and 150 economy seats. The first three rows maintain a standard 3-3 configuration, with the six middle seats converted into additional tray spaces. Passengers enjoy a generous 37 inches of legroom—quite spacious for a low-cost airline. The seats in the Premium section also provide more comfort with decent padding and adjustable headrests.
Initially seated in 1C, I requested a seatbelt extender and was promptly moved to a more suitable seat discreetly. I hadn’t considered that being unable to fit into a standard seatbelt could be a potential hindrance during an emergency evacuation, but I was more than happy to switch seats with a passenger two rows back.
We pushed back slightly behind schedule, but the passengers seemed to be in high spirits. The friendly cabin crew celebrated the occasion by offering cupcakes to everyone on board before the catering service commenced. A Premium ticket includes beverages served in glasses and a light snack presented on ceramic dishware. The drink menu features sparkling wine, gin, whiskey, mimosas, as well as tea, coffee, and soft drinks. I chose a filter coffee from Vida e Café, which was surprisingly good. The snack platter included hummus with a warm mini pita, a piece of watermelon with a dollop of curry mayo, and a delightful cheesecake topped with berries and compote. Naturally, I enjoyed every bite of the snack.
We had just enough time to clear away the plates and glasses before beginning our descent, and we landed right on time to enthusiastic applause from the passengers. Upon arrival, the aircraft was welcomed with a water cannon by the ground crew, and shortly after that, we began to disembark.
Overall, it was a truly pleasant journey. While I’m not convinced that a Premium seat is necessary for a short flight, I found the entire experience enjoyable, and it’s great to know that this option is available.
