Pan Am will always remain my favorite. Juan Trippe was an amazing man. I never flew SAA but I've flown many, My favorite will remain "Red Tail" airlines though.
They used to slow down on purpose around NY City and other cities to give you the full view.
Give me a window seat please.
I didn't find PanAm to be special at least not in economy. My favorite 747 was the Braniff 747-100 they flew to Hawaii. It had 9 abreast seating configured 2-4-3 in economy so it was very comfortable. They served 5 star restaurant quality meals in first class and their normal 727 first class meals in economy. They also had a an area in each cabin with club seating.