Posted by Leander Schaerlaeckens

CAPE TOWN, South Africa -- The terminal was the nicest I've been in, the line short and the staff helpful.

My reservation was found and my bag taken without any trouble. And it was done by a person, not an infuriatingly stubborn computer.

I was handed a free newspaper.

I was not handed a bill. My luggage -- all of it -- would join me on my cross-country trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town for free. There was no fuss about weight limitations, no surcharges, no extra taxes and no carry-on quota.

Once on the plane, I was asked if I'd like to move to an exit row seat. Nobody asked me for money for the extra legroom.

Even though the flight was only about an hour and 45 minutes, I was served a full meal: a breakfast of scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, spinach and sausage. The food was ample. And it was not disgusting. Far from it.

I was served a drink twice.

We took off and landed on time. Early, in fact. There were no overbookings and no lame excuses for delays or cancellations.

The luggage came promptly and unscathed.

It was as enjoyable as economy class-flying could possibly be.

Thank you, South African Airlines. My faith in mankind has been restored.

And take notice, American Airlines.