South African Airways | SAA

Checked Baggage

If you are flying a local flight in South Africa via Economy Class, then your checked in baggage cannot exceed 23kg (1 item only). Business Class travellers can bring up to 32kg with them (1 item only). If the luggage exceeds 32kg (70lb), the baggage must be checked as Cargo at a specified rate. 

If you are flying internationally with South African Airways, then you are permitted to carry two 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 can have one piece of luggage at 10kg and a collapsible buggy or car seat.

Carry-on Baggage

In addition to the checked baggage allowance, each passenger is permitted to carry, without additional charges, hand luggage. This needs to be 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. This carry-on must not weigh more than 8kg.

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 utilize the service. Unfortunately, children under the age of five years cannot use this service.

SAA rates a young passenger as a child that is 12 years old but has not yet turned 16. For fare purposes, a young passenger is considered an adult. 

If using the Unaccompanied Minors service, you should inform SAA of any critical information about 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 its 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 as well as ensure 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 authorisation 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, SAA’s dedicated staff will oversee your child. The child must have 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 about your child before the flight and will regularly check on your child.

On arrival, your child will be handed over to an SAA host who will escort them through immigration to arrivals, before transferring them to the appointed parent or guardian. This person should under no circumstances arrive late. The host will then check that the required proof of identification is in order.

Getting to the airport on time can sometimes mean spending some time waiting at the airport. While waiting for your SAA flight at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Business Class travellers 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 indulge in the self-service food area and a staffed bar. 

You won’t miss a beat with their free Wi-Fi, private entertainment screens and a colourfully 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 can bring two guests with you. 

Or if you’re an SAA Voyager Gold member or Star Gold member, you’re welcome to one guest. SAA Voyager Silver members and Business Class travellers can wait in the lounge, but they 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. 

It offers luxury and tranquillity, including snooze rooms, showers, an enclosed cigar lounge, internet and an entertainment room. You’ll also find private entertainment screens, boardrooms and an à la carte menu with supreme dining options and a full-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 Flights Contact Details

If you need to contact SAA, you can visit their website, or read below. 

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 or 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

South African Airways provide some of the best entertainment for travellers, from the latest releases in movies and tv shows 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 SAA flights. 

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 SAA’s variety of fifteen games on their A340 fleet, including a range of multiplayer games.

Whether you choose to spoil yourself with Business Class South African Airways tickets or spend your time in Economy Class, this local airline won’t disappoint.

Business Class SAA Flight Booking

Business Class travellers will be privy to an unforgettable experience. Upon boarding, you will receive a refreshing beverage and an amenity bag packed with some amazing items and indulgent cosmetics.

South African Airways Business Class

Catching up with work is a dream. Your seating area can also become your office with the benefits of additional seating space. Every seat houses a power outlet to keep your devices charged.

You can relax in the award-winning flatbed seats which received a 4.5-star comfort rating from Skytrax. These seats are built from high-quality material and recline totally to 180° for a fantastic night’s sleep covered by a luxurious duvet and pillows.

*On select SAA flights.

Economy Class SAA Flight Booking

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