SAA - what a bad experience with cancelled international flight

<p>Me, my wife and sister were scheduled to fly back from Perth to OR Tambo on 2 April 2017 (SA281). We arrived at the airport and waited in line from 20:30 with check-in supposed to start at 21:00. At 22:00, still waiting for check-in to start, we were told that the flight was cancelled due to 4 sick crew members. We were then given the option of waiting to have transport and accommodation organised for us, but saw quickly that that would take a VERY long time, seeing as the process hadn't started at 23:00 yet. So out of our own pockets we paid for transportation to the place we stayed at and obviously had to pay for the accommodation again. Just as well, seeing as some of the other people told us they only got to the hotel and finished eating at 03:00 the next morning....... </p> <p>And so we missed our connecting flight from JHB to DBN with another airline) because of the cancelled SAA flight. I phoned SAA to find out if they would be willing to find us space on one of their flights, but was told the connecting flight was not their concern, seeing as it was another airline. So because of their cancelled flight we had to pay for a taxi, accommodation and a domestic flight in SA again.</p> <p>Things happen, I understand, but surely SAA can then pay for our taxi and accommodation (accommodation $150 for 3 people, probably much cheaper than they paid......)? And at least looked for spare seats for me and my wife on a flight that was flying in any case?</p> <p>I didn't even mention the extra day's leave we had to take and lost income for my wife - appointments she had to cancel.</p> <p> </p> <p>Sad. Can understand why SAA loses billions each year. And has lost 3 customers now.</p>