Airline banner image
South African Airways logo in white box

Search & book flights with
South African Airways (SAA)

Flash iconInstant booking confirmation
No-entry iconCancellation Protection available
Phone iconExpert customer service

Trusted globally

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines

Baggage Policy

arrow down

You're baggage allowance will depend on the ticket fare you purchased at the time of booking. As a standard, SAA passengers are allowed to bring 1 personal item free of charge.

Equipaje de Mano

All passengers are allowed to bring carry-on baggage onboard the aircraft as long as it does not exceed 8kg and 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (L x W x H). One personal item is also allowed onboard for every passenger.

Economy class passengers are allowed one hand baggage whereas business class passengers are allowed to have two baggage.

Equipaje Facturado

Economy class passengers are entitled to one baggage that weighs less than 23kg. Business class passengers are allowed to check-in two pieces of baggage that do not weigh over 32kg.

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

Cabin Classes

arrow down

South African Airways (SAA) has 2 cabin classes which you can choose from - Economy or Business Class.

Clase Económica

Short-haul economy class has comfortable seats and adjustable headrests. Overhead entertainment screens are available for passengers as well as well-designed seats.

Long-haul economy seats are equipped with personal 10-inch screens and USB ports.

Business

Short-haul business class seats have USB and laptop charging points available with plenty of legrooms available.

Long-haul business class seats are equipped with power outlets and flat bed available.

In-flight Entertainment & WIFI

arrow down

In flight entertainment is available on most aircraft. It has the latest movies, TV shows and documentaries available onboard.

WIFI

There are no Wi-Fi onboard the aircraft.

Food & Drink

arrow down

All passengers will receive free meals or snacks and drinks onboard, this depends on the duration of the flight.

Special Meals

If you have food allegy or any dietary requirements, please order online 48 hours before scheduled departure time. Kosher meals will need to be ordered 72 hours prior to scheduled departure time.

Check-in

arrow down

South African Airways (SAA) allows passengers to check in at the airport and online.

Web Check-in

Online check-in for flights opens 24 hours before flight departure time and closes 90 minutes before flight departure time on domestic flights and 120 minutes before international flights. You can check-in online by entering your flight details on the South African Airways online check-in page

Check-in en el aeropuerto

The airline recommends checking in 90 minutes before flight departure time for domestic flights, two and a half hours before for international flights and three hours before for flights from Johannesburg to the US.

Frequent Flyer Programme

arrow down

South African Airways' frequent flyer programme is called 'Voyager'.

Voyager

The airline offers regular passengers with the airline a frequent flyer programme, Voyager, to reward travellers whereby they can redeem miles on a choice of flights, upgrades and car rental.

SAA is the official airline of the Association of Tennis Professionals. SAA owns Mango, a low cost domestic airline, and has established links with Airlink and South African Express. It currently operates as a member of the Star Alliance.

Country flags

Destinations that South African Airways flies to

South African Airways flies to many destinations including Abidjan, Abu Dhabi, Accra, Alexander Bay, Amsterdam, Athens, Atlanta, Bangkok, Beijing, Blantyre, Bloemfontein, Brazzaville, Brussels, Buenos Aires, Dakar, Douala, Dubai, Entebbe, East London, Frankfurt, Francistown, Gaborone, Hamburg, Harare, Mahe, Madrid, Miami, Mumbai, Munich, Nairobi and many others.

Buy now, pay later

Buy your flights now and pay later

No way, really?! Yes! We’ve partnered with some amazing BNPL payment providers to allow you to pay for your flights over time, with ease.

Frequently asked questions

When were South African Airways established?

arrow down

On the 1 febrero 1934, the South African Government occupied Union Airways’ assets and liabilities which then helped to establish South African Airways. The airline then became South Africa’s flag carrier.

How much baggage is allowed on South African Airways?

arrow down

The standard free baggage allowance for Economy Class is 1 piece that does not exceed 23kg. In Business Class the standard free baggage allowance is 2 pieces that do not exceed 32kg per piece. If additional baggage is needed then the airline permits a total of 3 pieces per passenger.

Where does South African Airways fly?

arrow down

South African Airways travel to more than 5 different international destinations spanning across multiple countries, these include Sydney, Rome, and Abu Dhabi. The airline also serves a number of domestic destinations. If you are struggling with which destination to choose, take a look at our website for a full list of where South African Airways operates.

Alternative Airlines
FacebookInstagramTwitter
IATA
ATOL
Trustpilot Rating
Alternative Airlines
FacebookInstagramTwitter
IATA
ATOL
Trustpilot Rating