Over the decades, South African Airways has evolved into one of the leading carriers in Africa. They offer the biggest route network in Africa and fly to more destinations, both overseas and within South Africa, than anyone else.
South African Airways is the national airline of South Africa, and are committed to the highest standards in everything they do. From warm hospitality and luxury airport lounges to in-flight menu created by renowned chefs, they deliver a world-class experience every time.
Sometimes, you simply want to fly with an air service that you can rely on. This means that you won’t have to worry about what’s going to happen and whether things will be delayed and whether you’ll be getting the service that was promised by the airline, or whether you’ll be getting the kind of service that wasn’t expected at all. With South African Airways, you always know what to expect. Not just when it comes to service, but when it comes to the fact that you’ll be flying around on a world class air carrier that is, without a doubt, a pride to its country.
Destinations
South African Airways flies to 26 countries in Africa and inclusive of North America, Europe, South America, Australasia, and throughout Asia – 37 international destinations in all. Within South Africa, it serves five different cities.
During December 2010 South African Airways announced the addition of six more routes within Africa including routes to Nigeria, Cotonou, Abuja, Benin, Madagascar, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, and Burundi. In January 2012, the airline began covering a new international route to Beijing, China as part of its’ plans to expand on internationally destined flights.
Check-in Times
With respect to domestic flights, passengers must check-in at least 90 minutes prior to departure. For international flights, the check-in times vary depending on destination. Those are as follows:
- For flights to the U.S., check-in times are at least 3 hours prior to departure irrespective of class of travel
- For flights to any other international destination, check-in times are at least 2 hours prior to departure, irrespective of class of travel
Baggage Allowances on SAA
Free Baggage Allowance
A piece (per item of luggage) concept is now in place on all South African Airways flights. The piece concept however does not apply to SA Express or to Airlink flights.
Maximum weight per bag/ piece of luggage – on SAA flights, the limit per piece of luggage is 32kg (70lbs). Anything over that weight must be sent via cargo at the particular cargo weight specified.
Children as well as infants who are priced at 50% of adult fare or above, possess the same baggage allowance as adults.
Those infants that are not entitled to an individual seat may only take one piece of luggage (10kg or less) as well as a collapsible buggy or a car seat.
For domestic flights within South Africa, Economy Class passengers are limited to checked-in luggage weights of 23kg (50lbs) and with maximum dimensions of 158cm (62 inches) and only a single piece of luggage is permitted. Again, with respect to domestic flights in South Africa, Business Class passengers are limited to a checked-in luggage weight of no more than 32kg (70lbs), with maximum dimensions set at 158cm (62 inches). Two separate items of luggage are permitted for Business Class passengers.
