I do not think Asaks bag are hard enough on the bottom.Based on what I am reading they put a HARD BASE on the bottom of the bag when they wrap it. Our Asaks bags are NOT firm unless packed.
My interpretation (and I could be wrong) "unpacked and laying on one flat side" - like a regular bag on a major flat hard side. I have no Asak bags like that and I think I have all the models there are - I love those bags.
If you want to take an ASAKS you need to get the airport you are leaving from to wrap it with a HARD bottom. In JNB they are prepared but in any other airport maybe not! Trying to find out if SZK and HDS can wrap a bag cannot get an answer to that question either. Ralph IF you can get your asaks wrapped with a hard base in LHR to arrive that way in JNB you will be in the clear. Your safari you need to check it to SZK like that. Then your worries are over.
Your flights flights Mala Mala to Makanyi no issues, the flight from HDS to Tswalu - no issues and the flight Tswalu to Fireblade Aviation terminal no issues. Get it wrapped again when you leave JNB to return to the USA.
Group Two has to fly into JNB - to SZK and then HDS to JNB - so they have a problem if HDS wont wrap their bag with a hard bottom. You would think they would be prepared but I have never seen a wrapping station in SZK or HDS?
Mitch the flights in South Africa have been accepting wheeled duffel bags for a long time so what you have Mitch is no problem for the small flights in South Africa. You are set and in my opinion a two wheel duffle is much better. My two wheel duffle Asaks bag constantly falls over and it does not have one flat side. Only hard on the base with the wheels. A 2 wheel with a "hard side" where the handle is attached is the BEST BET.
However, I am into 4 wheels now they are so much easier, So I am taking a bit of a risk in the planes. But on our planes we have 8 people in a 12 person plane in almost all cases I think this wont be an issue. How can they not take me and the bags?? These bags should arrive today just hope that side with the handles is hard enough as it is a soft sided duffle type.
https://www.amazon.com/Lucas-Lightweight-Midsize-Softside-Expandable/dp/B01LYK8ZRF/ref=sr_1_3?crid=AHUBO981H15&keywords=lucas+24+suitcase+spinner+lightweight&qid=1556031410&s=gateway&sprefix=lucas+24%22+%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-3
WHAT A PAIN
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