About South African Airways

As South Africa's state-owned flag carrier airline, the hub of South African Airways is located in Airways Park at O.R Tambo International Airport. In April 2006, the airline joined Star Alliance, making it the first African airline to become a member of one of the three airline alliances.

South African Airways has a 28-strong fleet, which transports customers to over 40 destinations across the continents. Splitting efforts between local and internationa destinations, South African Airways offers flights to Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, and North and South America.

Some of the most popular cities that travellers can visit via booking a seat on a South African Airways flight include Melbourne, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Paris, Tel Aviv, Rome, New York, and London.

South African Airways' frequent flyer program, Voyager, was set up to reward flyers that choose to frequently travel with the airline or any of their codeshare partners. Once you have enough points, they can be exchanged for discounts and other benefits.

IATA Code	SA
Airline Hub	O.R. Tambo International
Fleet Size	29
Number of Destinations	19
Airline Punctuality	9.3 out of 10’ rating
Alliance	Star Alliance
Loyalty Program	Voyager Miles
Inflight Magazine	Sawubona
Airline Website	https://www.flysaa.com/

Further information

Check-in information

South African Airways has the online check-in and airport counter check-in options.

Online Check-in:

Domestic Flights: Online check-in opens between 24 hours and closes 90 minutes before flight departure time.

International Flights:

Online check-in opens 120 minutes prior to departure time.

Check-in at the Airport counters:

South African Airways recommends passengers checking in at least 90 minutes before their domestic scheduled flight departure.

For international flights, passengers must check-in two and a half hours before scheduled flight departure. For flights from Johannesburg to the US, passengers must check-in three hours before flight departure time.

Food on board

South African Airways offer its passenger meals and complimentary drinks, according to routes flown and class of service. Famous Chef Siba Mtongana, Chef Song, and Chef Coco prepare signature meals for passengers on board.

Méthode Cap Classique bubbly and South African wines have been selected to compliment the chefs’ meals. Special meals should be ordered at least 48 hours before departure time.

Cabin classes

South African Airways has two cabin classes: Economy Class and Business Class.

Economy Class:

For Short-Haul Route Economy Class

The airline offers entertainment, adjustable headrests, and comfortable seats.On board the A330-300 Economy Class, is fitted with slim-line seats, extra personal space, state-of-the-art on-demand inflight entertainment system, and generous legroom.

For Long-Haul Route Economy Class

The airline offers USB ports and personal 10-inch screens. Also, extra space, generous legroom, a handy amenity kit with eye shades, socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste is offered.

Business Class:

For Short-Haul Route Business Class

The airline offers its passengers plenty of legroom, USB, and laptop charging points. Also, a handy coat hook, spacious legroom with leg rests, easily adjustable headrest with adaptable ears, and ample stowage space is available.

For Long-Haul Route Business Class

The airline offers flat bed and seats with power outlets. The airline offers noise cancellation headsets. On Board the A330-300, a flat-bed of about 2 metres long when fully extended is provided, and each seat has personal stowage.

The airline serves Business Class passengers a welcoming drink on board, and an amenity bag with indulgent cosmetics and travel necessities. South African Airways exquisite à la carte menu includes South African cheese board and complimentary wines.

In-flight Cabin Entertainment

Passengers on long haul, regional and international flights get audio video on demand. Economy and Business class passengers enjoy hundreds of movies, TV features, games, radio stations and lots more.

Baggage information

The airline permits one carry-on baggage not exceeding 8kg and maximum dimensions of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (L x W x H). In addition, one person item is allowed on board for passengers.

Class of Travel Carry-on Allowance :

Business Class - Two pieces of carry-on not exceeding 32 kg each.

Economy Class - One piece of carry-on not exceeding 23kg.

Checked baggage

Economy class - The airline permits one checked baggage, not weighing more than 23 kg

Business class - The airline allows two pieces of baggage, not weighing more than 32kg.

The checked baggage should not exceed the sum of 158cm.