SAA has a serious lack of customer services

<p> </p> <p>We arrived earlier at the Cape Town airport to board a flight back to Johannesburg. The staff at the SAA counters were rude and refused to let us check our bags in at 12pm when our flight was scheduled for 3pm. It is my understanding that one can arrive earlier and wait in the lounge, but we were not permitted to to even check our luggage in to get to that point. We then attempted to get an earlier flight, which was not possible, and were then forced to wait at the Mug & Bean until 2pm, so that we could check in an hour in advance. I am a star alliance member and was given the run around. Other airlines have much friendlier and helpful staff, with great customer service. SAA seriously needs to send their staff on a course to teach them how to smile and treat customers with respect. </p> <p>Dr V Hansrajh </p>