Flight Booking With South African Airways | Book Flights & Deals

South African Airways is the flag carrier of South Africa, offering flight services to a limited number of destinations, dominantly in Africa, the Americas, Australia, and Brazil. The airline was founded in 1929 and has been a member of Star Alliance since 2006. It is present on all Airbus fleets, which primarily consist of the Airbus A320-200, A330-300, and A340-300, and is handled from the airline's headquarters located in Johannesburg. South African Airways is one of the best airlines in South Africa, known for its exceptional flight services. If you also want to book a flight on this airline, you must first learn about various aspects, such as its destinations, routes, loyalty program, change or cancellation policy & process, refund rules, group booking, upgrade options, and more. You are fortunate that you will find everything you need on this page, as booking your South African Airways flight with Travomint becomes easy. Additionally, you will learn tips that will help you plan a budget-friendly trip on South African Airways at the last minute. 

South African Airways Hub

All South African Airways flight operations are primarily based at two of its main airports, located in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Below you will see their names and which terminal they operate.

O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

• South African Airways is handling all its flight operations from Terminal B. 

Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

• South African Airways has its lounge at the Central Terminal and uses the International Terminal for International flights and the Domestic Terminal for domestic flight services. 

Top South African Airways International Destinations 

South African Airways operates flights to a vast number of destinations across many continents through connections and nonstop flights, among which a few become more popular as travelers visit frequently via this airline. Here is the list of such popular destinations, excluding their domestic cities. 

• Perth (PER)
• Gaborone (GBE) 
• São Paulo (GRU)
• Abidjan (ABJ)
• Kinshasa (FIH)
• Lubumbashi (FBM)
• Accra (ACC)
• Mauritius (MRU)
• Blantyre (BLZ)
• Entebbe (EBB)
• Lilongwe (LLW)
• Livingstone (LVI)
• Maputo (MPM)
• Nairobi (NBO)
• Windhoek (WDH)
• Lagos (LOS)
• Dar es Salaam (DAR)
• Lusaka (LUN)
• Harare (HRE)
• Victoria Falls (VFA)
• Washington Dulles (IAD)
• London Heathrow (LHR)
• Frankfurt (FRA)
• New York City (JFK)
• Dubai (DXB)
• Zurich (ZRH)
• Lisbon (LIS)
• Munich (MUC)
• Brussels (BRU)
• Vienna (VIE)
• Adelaide (ADL)
• Brisbane (BNE)
• Darwin (DRW)
• Hobart (HBA)
• Kalgoorlie (KGI)
• Broome (BME)
• Cairns (CNS)
• Canberra (CBR)
• Melbourne (MEL)
• Newman (ZNE)
• Port Hedland (PHE)
• Sydney (SYD)
• Auckland (AKL)
• Christchurch (CHC)
• Singapore (SIN)
• Wellington (WLG)
• Queenstown (ZQN)
• Bogota (BOG)
• Lima (LIM)
• Santiago (SCL)
• Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
• Buenos Aires (EZE)
• Santa Cruz (VVI)
• Port Louis (MRU)
• Cairo (CAI)
• Luanda (LAD)
• Addis Ababa (ADD)

Top South African Airways Flight Routes 

Generally, South African Airways operates an extensive flight route, serving regular and seasonal flights to worldwide destinations. The following list contains the most popular South African Airways flight routes for you to choose from. 

• Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT)
• Durban (DUR) and Johannesburg (JNB)
• Johannesburg (JNB) and Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
• Windhoek (WDH) and Johannesburg (JNB)
• Johannesburg (JNB) and Gaborone (GBE)
• Lusaka (LUN) and Johannesburg (JNB)
• Johannesburg (JNB) and Harare (HRE)
• Mauritius (MRU) and Johannesburg (JNB)
• Johannesburg (JNB) and Lubumbashi (FBM)
• Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Johannesburg (JNB)
• Johannesburg (JNB) and Victoria Falls (VFA)
• Lagos (LOS) and Johannesburg (JNB)
• Johannesburg (JNB) and Accra (ACC)
• Perth (PER) and Johannesburg (JNB)
• Johannesburg (JNB) and Kinshasa (FIH)
• São Paulo (GRU) and Johannesburg (JNB)
• Accra (ACC) and Abidjan (ABJ)
• Mauritius (MRU) and Cape Town (CPT)
• Cape Town (CPT) and Sao Paulo (GRU)

South African Airways Code Share Partners

South African Airways has partnered with numerous global airlines to offer flight services on extensive routes by sharing the same flight code, which is facilitated through a codeshare agreement. Know who these South African Airways code-share partners are by reading the list below. 

• Africa World Airlines
• Air Canada 
• Air China 
• Air Mauritius
• Air New Zealand
• Air Seychelles
• All Nippon Airways
• Asiana Airlines
• Brussels Airlines
• Egyptair 
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Gol Airlines
• JetBlue
• Kemya Airways
• LAM Mozambique Airlines
• Lufthansa 
• RwandAir
• Scandinavian Airlines 
• Singapore Airlines
• Swiss International Air Lines
• TAAG Angola Airlines
• Tap Air Portugal 
• Turkish Airlines
• United Airlines
• Virgin Australia

South African Airways Types of Classes and Their Facilities 

On South African Airways, there are mainly two travel classes offered: Economy and Business Class, where each cabin is tailored to provide a range of services and onboard amenities to cater to all kinds of travelers. Learn more about these classes below this line.

South African Airways Economy Class: If you are looking for cost-effective travel, economy class is ideal, especially for short-haul trips. The economy cabins offer a unique and comfortable experience compared to those of other airlines. 

• Standard comfortable seats with legroom. 
• Amenity kit for self-care is included.
• A wide selection of meals and beverages is included.
• In-flight entertainment is available on select routes and aircraft.
• Priority services are not included. 

South African Airways Business Class: The most luxurious and thoughtfully designed cabin experience is the Business Class, where the expertise is renowned and taken to the next level. The fare is not cheaper, but it's totally worth it. 

• Comfortable Seats with a 180-degree reclining feature.
• Lounge Access to selected airports. 
• Priority Boarding and Check-in
• In-flight Entertainment, including over 100 movies and TV shows. 
• Baggage Allowance up to 32 kg

South African Airways Booking Process Travomint

Booking a South African Airways flight can be done smoothly and save your hard-earned money when booking it through a reliable OTA (Online Travel Agency), as you find the discounted fares. Travomint is one of the reliable OTAs that you can trust, as it offers fare transparency like no one else and helps you book your travel at a cheaper cost. To book South African Airways flights with Travomint, you can follow the steps below. 

• Visit Travomint's official website at travomint.ph.
• Discover our flight search engine and enter your travel details, such as date, travel type, departure and arrival cities, etc. 
• Hit the flight search button and find the list of flights available for bookings. 
• Filter out the results based on your preferences and select the best and most affordable South African Airways flight.
• Continue with the rest of the booking process, including seat selection and other options.
• Once you have reached the checkout page, make the payment using your credit card or any applicable mode.
• Lastly, you will receive an email from the South African Airways reservation team. 

South African Airways Change or Cancellation Policy 

Unforeseen circumstances are inevitable, which can lead to changes in your travel plans, requiring you to either postpone or cancel them. If you also encounter such situations, South African Airways allows you to make necessary amendments to your booked tickets. However, it is essential to review the South African Airways change or cancellation policy before making any changes. Below are some of the key pointers highlighting South African Airways' change or cancellation rules briefly 

• Fares on South African Airways may incur a fee for flight changes or cancellations, depending on the fare conditions. 
• The flight change or cancellation service fee varies depending on the fare type. 
• On the day of departure, if you have completed your flight check-in and then request any change or cancellation, unfortunately, it may not be accepted by the airline, and a no-show may apply. 
• In case of No Show, when you do not appear to board, you may not be able to change or cancel it unless the reason is explainable. 
• Whether the flight ticket is used or wholly unused, South African Airways may allow it to be changed or canceled according to its fare terms.
• If the flight ticket is booked through a third-party travel agency, South African Airways may not offer assistance; ultimately, you must contact your respective travel agency regarding any flight changes or cancellations.
• Flight changes or cancellations can be requested through official platforms, such as online, and by contacting the sales team. 

South African Airways Change or Cancellation Process

After deciding to make a change or cancel your South African Airways flight ticket, you can easily do that by following the pointers below. Keep the South African Airways flight change or cancellation guidelines in mind when requesting a change or cancellation for a better experience. 

• Go to the South African Airways website by browsing flysaa.com.
• Click on the "Manage & Fly" menu option, and the submenu options appear on your screen.
• Choose the "Booking Management" menu option under the "Manage My Booking" section. 
• You will be asked to provide your booking reference number and your last name to fetch your flight details.
• Once you have entered, hit the "Log In" button to make amendments. 
• You can look for the relevant flight change or cancellation options and proceed with the on-screen steps.
• Lastly, you can find the checkout page where you can see the applicable service fee that you must pay.
• A confirmation for the respective flight change or cancellation will be made and sent to you by the airline. 

South African Airways Loyalty Program [Voyager] 

South African Airways offers a frequent flyer program that enhances your travel experience, allowing you to earn miles and redeem them for complimentary services, including flight bookings, accommodations, upgrades, and more. When you become a Voyager member, you get the opportunity to earn four levels of status: Blue, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Lifetime Platinum. Each tier status allows you to gain exclusive perks and benefits. 

How to Join Voyager?

• Land on the official South African Airways site, at flysaa.com.
• Click on the "Voyager" option from the menu.
• Select the "My Voyager" option and then click the "Register" button.
• Go through the straightforward account registration process.
• Create your Voyager account after submitting the enrollment form. 
• Log in to your Voyager account once the verification and account creation are done. 
• Enjoy the benefits and start earning Voyager Miles.

Benefits of Voyager

• Earn Voyager Miles by flying with South African Airways or its partner airlines every time. 
• Voyager Miles can also be earned when making travel purchases at sponsored sites. 
• Earned Miles can be redeemed for upgrades, booking award flights, and other purchases
• Bonus miles can be earned on flight travel when upgrading to a higher-tier status.
• Voyager members can enjoy priority services, including early check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.
• Members can access lounges at select airports for complimentary or at a reduced rate, and enjoy premium services.
• Additional baggage allowance can be secured when needed to pack extra goods for the journey. 

South African Airways Refund Policy 

South African Airways offers a flexible refund policy, allowing travelers to obtain a refund in the event of flight cancellations easily. Here are some key points to keep in mind. 

• South African Airways offers refundable and non-refundable fares with its own fare conditions, and whether the ticket is refunded depends on the fare terms.
• Refunds are processed via the original payment method used at the time of booking the flight. 
• The amount of refund depends on the unused segments of the flight ticket. 
• A service fee will be deducted before the processing of the final refund amount.
• If the flight has departed, you may request a refund as long as the ticket remains valid.
• Expired flight tickets are not eligible for any refund.
• Although the airline has kept it optional for all to provide supporting documents for ticket cancellation.
• A maximum of three supporting documents can be uploaded among the given list, which includes
  • Death Certificate
  • Hospital Admission
  • Visa Refusal Letter
  • New Tickets For Duplicates
  • Boarding Pass For Downgrade
• To request a refund for your South African Airways ticket, you will need to complete a refund form available on the official website. Refer to the steps below.
  • Visit flysaa.com and click on the "Plan & Book" menu option.
  • Select the "Submit Refund Application" from the submenu.
  • Fill out the form and submit it. 

South African Airways Seat Upgrade 

A seat upgrade is a great way to enhance your flight experience by moving to the Business cabin on South African Airways. If you are looking for this option, the airline allows you to upgrade easily by following the steps below. 

• Visit the flysaa.com and go to the South African Airways official site.
• Tap on the "Plan & Book" from the menu, and you can choose the "Cabin Upgrade With Step-Up" option from the sub-menu.
• You will be redirected to its seat upgrade page, where you can find the steps to check the eligibility.
• Enter your flight booking reference number and your surname and hit the "check now" button.
• If your flight is eligible for the seat upgrade, you can place your bid.
• Enter the amount you would like to pay and provide the payment information.
• Review and submit your bid, and once done, you will find the confirmation. 
• If your bid is selected for the upgrade, the amount will be deducted automatically.

Factors that are affecting your bid selection include

• The amount you have decided to pay for the seat upgrade. You should bid the highest possible amount. 
• Other competing bids can also affect the chances of your winning.
• Your Voyager tier status can also increase your chances of winning a bid. The higher the status is, the more priority will be given. 
• The number of seats available for the upgrade in the business cabin. 

South African Airways Name Change and Date of Birth Change

Having an error in your name on your South African Airways flight ticket can result in denied boarding if not corrected before departure. The airline allows name changes and corrections under special conditions. The following is the South African Airways name change policy that you should keep in mind when requesting a name change.

• South African Airways allows name change or correction only if the ticket is wholly unused. 
• You must keep in mind that a name change request may not be accepted by the airline if it is requested within 8 days of departure.
• According to the name change terms, re-routing is not permitted by the airline.
• You can change your title on the PNR by paying applicable fees.
• According to the group itinerary, name transfers are not allowed. 
• A name change or correction is not allowed once the flight check-in is completed.
• Under the name correction, you can correct a name up to three characters. 

South African Airways Group Booking 

When planning a trip with a large group, regular booking can be costly, and there's a high chance that your group may not be seated together. South African Airways has a solution to this in the form of the Group Travel Service. You can request a group travel quote when traveling in a group of 10 or more people. Not only will you be seated together on the plane, but you can also enjoy several additional benefits. Group reservations may not be booked online, but they can be requested through an online group request form, which is directly accessible on the official site. Below this line, you can find some of the key advantages of traveling with a group on South African Airways, as well as how to request a group booking quote. 

Benefits of Group Booking on South African Airways

• Making group bookings can be done at a competitive rate compared to regular bookings
• Easy flight connections are available when traveling on our partner airlines.
• Quick group reservation assistance from experts. 
• You can find chances to earn Voyager miles on each group travel.
• Travel with groups on an extensive route network.
• Enjoy award-winning in-flight services that enhance your flight experience. 
• The airline can arrange a tour leader who will be subject to the fare conditions. 

South African Airways Group Reservation Process

• Go to the South African Airways official site at flysaa.com, and you will land on its home page.
• Locate the "Request for group quote" page using the Search option on the website.
• Fill out the form with the appropriate details and then submit it.
• Soon, your request will be acknowledged by the airline, and its reservation team will contact you. 

South African Airways Last Minute Deals

Booking at the last moment is stressful, especially when you are on a tight budget, as securing a cheaper South African Airways last-minute deal can be difficult. By using the methods below, you can ensure an affordable deal and save at the last moment, but you must make a quick decision, as the seats are limited and may be booked by someone else. 

• Book via OTA: Reach out to any trusted and top-notch OTA, such as Travomint, where deals are cheaper at no hidden charges. 
• Voyager Benefits: If you are a South African Airways loyalty program member, then you can use your Voyager Miles to book your flights at the last minute to pay the least cash. 
• Subscribe to Newsletter: You can subscribe to the newsletter to receive daily updates on deals and last-minute price drops before anyone else can grab them. 
• Check the Deals Page: It's always a good idea to check the last-minute flight deals on the South African Airways website. You may find a limited-period offer at the final moment, costing you less than any other South African Airways offer. 
• Credit Card Program: Utilize the credit card program to book a South African Airways flight, as you may be eligible for additional discounts and earn reward points. Collecting enough rewards points can also be used to book flights, accommodation, and other services. 

South African Airways International Travel Rules 

When traveling with an international flight ticket on South African Airways, it is essential to keep the following points in mind, as outlined below. 

• Documentation: For a hassle-free travel experience, keep all your documentation handy so that it will be easy to present at the airport. 
• Baggage: South African Airways offers different baggage allowances for its economy and business travelers, as well as for its frequent flyers. You must pack accordingly, keeping the limit in mind. If you require extra luggage, purchase it before your departure. 
• Regulation: Adhere to the rules and regulations at the airport and during the journey, both before and after reaching your destination, as outlined by South African Airways and the government of your travel country. You can learn about safety travel advisories released by both your origin and destination countries' embassies. 
• Items: Do not carry items that South African Airways has restricted or prohibited for carriage on the plane. Read about such items and the allowed amount on its official website. 
• Special Conditions: If your travel requires any special assistance or accommodations, such as wheelchair assistance or traveling with pets, please inform the airline and submit the necessary documents. 

Cheapest Time & Date of South African Airways Flight Booking 

While on a tight budget, it is essential to plan a trip efficiently so that the maximum budget can stay untouched; for that, booking the cheapest South African Airways flight is a must. The best time to book the most affordable flight is during shoulder season or off-season, and January emerges as the cheapest month to fly on popular routes. On the other hand, between March and May & September and October, the airline offers discounted deals most often. On regular days, flying during the mid-week days can be affordable, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

More Tips to Find Cheapest Deals on South African Airways 

• Book in Advance: To find the cheapest booking, consider booking your flight on South African Airways at least three to four months in advance, as fares tend to increase closer to the departure date. 
• Red-eye Flights: You should prefer Red-eye flights as they are cheaper options. 
• Avoid Peak-Seasonal Travel: It's best to avoid traveling during the peak season, as you may encounter higher fares and more expensive accommodations.
• Book Flexible Days: It is best to keep your travel date flexible, as more flight deals can be explored. 

Frequently Asked Questions About South African Airways 

What is the cheapest way to book South African Airways flight tickets?

The cheapest way to book a South African Airways flight is by booking it through a well-known OTA such as Travomint, which helps to find some hidden deals and promotional discounts, costing you a cheaper deal every time. 

Can I change my seat on South African Airways?

Yes, you can change your seat on South African Airways by easily accessing the "Manage My Booking" area and using the seat map. If you prefer, you can also upgrade your seat to a different class.

How can I cancel my South African Airways?

You can cancel your existing South African Airways flight by visiting the "Booking Management" portal and choosing the flight cancellation option. Refer to the associate policy terms before proceeding.

How much refund does South African Airways give?

South African Airways offers a refund up to the full value of the unused ticket; however, a cancellation fee will apply, which varies depending on fare conditions and the time of booking. 

Is there any fee for a flight change on South African Airways?

Yes, a change or cancellation service or administrative fee may be charged by the South African Airways team if you choose to make any changes or cancel your flight ticket.