South Africa’s pride and joy of the travel industry, South African Airways, have effectively become one of the main airline travel providers in Africa. South African Airlines provide the largest air travel network in Africa and travel to even more locations, simultaneously internationally as well as domestically within South Africa, than any of their competitors.

 

South African Airways

South African Airways Airbus A330-300

The fleet’s latest A330-300’s comfortable interiors and relaxed atmosphere will make you feel right at home

south african airways business class

South African Airways Business Class

A recent upgrade has produced an interior that is upmarket and comfortable

South African Airways Food

South African Airways Food

Recently South Africa’s Reuben Riffel and Benny Masekwameng came on-board to create stunning dishes for business class travelers

South African Airways, otherwise referred to as SAA, originally known as Union Airways until 1934 when the South African government took over all assets and liabilities and renamed it South African Airlines (SAA). It is the national flag carrier for South Africa with headquarters based at Airways Park, OR Tambo International Airport. South African Airways are very proud to remain the national air carrier of the South African public, and are dedicated to the very best criteria in every single thing that they actually do. From comfortable hospitality as well as luxurious airport terminal lounges to in flight eating produced by celebrated culinary experts, this airline deliver a world class encounter every time.

South African Airways boasts a fleet of 58 aircraft that operate from its OR Tambo International Airport hub to 38 destinations worldwide with 24 in Africa. SAAs domestic market operates a total of 554 flights per week including code-shared flights between Lanseria to Cape Town and Durban with more frequencies offered than any other airline in South Africa.

SAA flights is a Star Alliance member and has code share agreements with 29 other airlines. With Mango as its low cost carrier, both SAA Airways and Mango flights hold first and second place as South Africa’s most timeous airlines.

For loyal customers SAA flights offer their Voyager frequent flyer programme where miles are earned on both local and international flights including flights with South African Airlink, South African Express Airways and Airlink Swaziland. The more you fly, the more prominent your Voyager status becomes affording you additional benefits when flying or with their growing partner network, an exchange of miles for awards within three calendar years.

 

south african airways

Inside A South African Airways Flight

 

Not only do South African Airlines offer domestic flights South Africa but are also fairly competitive in the global market when it comes to international flights to the consumer market. They are a proud carrier in the South African market and are consistently bringing families and friends together both locally and internationally flying from popular destinations such as Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town daily. South African Airways flies to 38 destinations worldwide from its hub at OR Tambo International Airport, using a fleet of 54 aircraft.

How much can you expect to pay for SAA flights during the course of a year? We at Domestic Flights are always on the lookout for the best prices on SAA airlines online bookings for you. By comparing over 4 million flights annually we are able to show you the prices in the table below. Some of the more popular routes searched include; South African Airways Flights from Cape Town to George, Flights from Johannesburg to Durban and SAA Flights from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

Popular South African Airways Domestic Flights

Prices based on live searches up till 17 May 00:00 and are subject to change.

 

Popular South African Airways International Flights

Route Airline Logo Airline Price Direction
South African Airways Flights To Maseru From Johannesburg South African Airways R2 029
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South African Airways Flights To Johannesburg From Maseru South African Airways R2 229
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South African Airways Flights To Johannesburg From Gaberone South African Airways R2 449
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South African Airways Flights To Johannesburg From Maputo South African Airways R3 019
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South African Airways Flights To Cape Town From Walvis Bay South African Airways R3 049
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South African Airways Flights To Walvis Bay From Cape Town South African Airways R3 109
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South African Airways Flights To Maputo From Johannesburg South African Airways R3 119
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South African Airways Flights To Cape Town From Windhoek South African Airways R3 179
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South African Airways Flights To Windhoek From Cape Town South African Airways R3 179
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South African Airways Flights To Bulawayo From Johannesburg South African Airways R3 279
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Prices based on live searches up till 17 May 00:00 and are subject to change.
Popular South African Airways Routes and Flight Times
Departure Airport/CityAirport CodeArrival Airport/CityAirport CodeFlight Time (Hr)
OR TamboJNBDurbanDUR1.05
OR TamboJNBCape TownCPT2.1
OR TamboJNBGeorgeGRJ1.55
OR TamboJNBPort ElizabethPLZ1.4
OR TamboJNBEast LondonELS1.3
OR TamboJNBBloemfonteinBFN1.00n
OR TamboJNBKimberleyHRE1.35
OR TamboJNBMthathaUTT1.15
OR TamboJNBNelspruitn(Kruger Mpumalanga International) MQP0.5
OR TamboJNBPhalaborwaPHW1.1
OR TamboJNBPolokwanePTG.50
OR TamboJNBRichards BayRCB1.15
OR TamboJNBUpingtonUTN1.3
LanseriaHLACape TownCPT2.15
DurbanDUROR TamboJNB1.05
DurbanDURCape TownCPT2.1
DurbanDURPort ElizabethPLZ1.2
DurbanDUREast LondonWDH1.05
DurbanDURBloemfonteinBFN1.05
DurbanDURGeorgeGRJ1.5
Cape TownCPTOR TamboJNB2.1
Cape TownCPTLanseriaHLE1.55
Cape TownCPTDurbanDUR2.1
Cape TownCPTPort ElizabethPLZ1.4
Cape TownCPTBloemfonteinBFN1.3
Cape TownCPTEast LondonELS1.25
Cape TownCPTGeorgeGRJ0.5
Cape TownCPTKimberleyKIM1.35
South African Airways Baggage Allowance

Checked Baggage

If you are flying a domestic flight Economy Class then your baggage is not permitted to exceed 23kg(1 item only)  whereas Business Class travellers are not permitted to exceed 32kg(1 item only). If exceeding 32kg (70lb), the piece of baggage must be checked as Cargo at specified cargo rated. If you are flying internationally then you are permitted to carry 2 items of baggage with the same weight restrictions as above. Children and Infants paying at least 50% of the adult fare are entitled to the same baggage allowance as adults. Infants not entitled to a seat shall only be permitted to 1 piece of luggage at 10kg and collapsible buggy or car seat.

 

Carry-on Baggage

In additions to the checked baggage allowance, each passenger is permitted to carry, without additional charges, hand baggage suitable for placement in the closed overhead rack or under the passenger’s seat with maximum dimensions specified by the carrier subject to space availability and may not weigh more than 8kg.

Travelling on SAA With Children

If your child has to travel alone, take advantage of SAA’s Unaccompanied Minors service. A child aged between five and 11 years travelling without a parent or guardian 16 years and older may utilise the service while children under the age of five years may not.

SAA rate a young passenger as a child that is 12 years old but has not yet turned 16 and for fare purposes is considered an adult. If using the Unaccompanied Minors service, you should inform SAA of any critical information pertaining to the child, for example if they’re first time flyers, language spoken, medication or if any special meals will be required.

South African Airlines will do their utmost to ensure that your child is left with happy memories of their flight experience and to help achieve this, South African Airways request that you explain to your child the importance of their passport and tickets and that the child knows who is collecting them on arrival. If your child is flying on different airlines, it is your responsibility as the parent, to receive confirmation from each airline that your child is travelling alone.

Unaccompanied minors may only travel if prior authorization has been received from SAA Airways and should reach their destination before 20h00 on direct flights, except for connecting flights provided the connection is not the next day. During any transit stops, cabin crew or ground staff will oversee your child. The child must be in possession of written consent from parents or guardians and must be escorted by an adult to the airport where they should remain until the flight has taken off. An SAA flights representative will escort your child through all controls and security taking care of their travel documents right up to getting them comfortably seated. The cabin crew will be notified of all relevant information pertaining to your child before the flight and will regularly check that your child is relaxed and entertained. On arrival your child will be handed over to an SAA host who will escort them through immigration to arrivals and before transferring them to the appointed parent or guardian, who should under no circumstances arrive late, will check that the required proof of identification is in order.

Waiting At The Airport

While waiting for your flight at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Business Class travelers can relax in the Baobab Business Class Lounge with a view of the ORTIA runway. Also available at Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Cape Town, Harare and Lusaka International Airports where passengers can enjoy a cigarette in the smokers lounge or if wanting a bite to eat there is a self-service food area and a staffed bar as well as free Wi-Fi, internet, built-in private entertainment screens and for those with children, a colorfully decorated children’s area.

The Baobab Business Class Lounge is South African Airways flagship departure lounge for business travellers or Star Alliance members and if your Voyager status is Lifetime Platinum or Platinum you may have two guests, as a SAA Voyager Gold member or Star Gold member you’re welcome to one guest.

SAA Voyager Silver members and Business Class travellers are not permitted guests. The International Departures Cycad First Class Lounge at O.R. Tambo International Airport is available to SAA Voyager Lifetime Platinum, Platinum and Star Alliance members, SAA First Class and Thai Airways First Class passengers affording luxury and tranquillity including snooze rooms, showers for revitalisation, an enclosed cigar lounge, internet, an audio-visual entertainment room, built-in private entertainment screens, private boardrooms and an à la carte menu with a range of supreme dining options and a fully service bar. SAA Voyager Lifetime Platinum or Platinum members are welcome to bring two guests while Lufthansa First Class, and Lufthansa Hon members travelling on LH573 are allowed one guest.

South African Airways Contact Details

Within South Africa Tel: 0861 FLYSAA (0861 359722) (0861 606 606) Office hours: Daily (including Public Holidays) from 06h00 to 22h00

International

  • Tel: **27 11 978 5313 Office hours: Daily (including Public Holidays) from 06h00 to 22h00 (GMT+2)
  • Voyager Share call: 086 000 3145 (within South Africa)
  • Office hours: Monday Friday, from 07h00 to 21h00
  • Office hours: Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays from 08h00 to 14h00
  • International Tel: 27 11 978 1234 Fax: 27 11 978 1551
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Registered mail: Voyager, Isando, 1600, South Africa
  • Website
In-flight Entertainment

South African Airways provide some of the best entertainment for travellers. From the latest release movies to news, music and interactive games. There is something for every passenger to enjoy.

1) Audio Visual On Demand
On-demand entertainment is offered to passengers travelling on either long-haul international or regional flights. There is a good variety of entertainment available throughout the flight.

2) Movies and Television
With more than 100 titles to choose from at any moment, South African Airways offer the latest movies, TV shows and documentaries. Noise-cancelling headphones will guarantee that the show always goes on in uninterrupted comfort.

3) Games
Get gaming with our variety of fifteen games on our A340 fleet, including a range of multiplayer games.

South African Airways Flight Cabins

Business Class

Having the option to turn to your left is a privilege on any flight and with South African Airways this Business Class cabin will certainly impress. Business Class travelers will be privy to an unforgettable experience. Upon boading you will receive a  refreshing beverage and an amenity bag packed with some amazing items and indulgent cosmetics.

south-african-airways-business-class

South African Airways Business Class

Catching up with work is not a problem.  Your  seating area can also become your office with the benefits of more seating space. Every seat houses a power outlet to keep your laptop and cell phone charged.
You will enjoy the award-winning flatbed seats which received a 5-star sleep rating from Skytrax. These seats are built from high quality leather and material and recline totally to 180° for an amazing night’s sleep covered by a luxurious duvet and pillows.
*On select flights.

Economy Class

No matter if you are flying for business or pleasure reasons, SAA Economy Class is a ticket to style and comfort. The  slimline seats will allow you to experience greater room while seated and movable headrests with adjustable ears will assist in keeping your flight as comfortable as possible.