The airline offers a world-class travel experience. Route maps and timetables are regularly updated on their website. For details on all the destinations South African Airways flies to, see the information on the right. In January 2011, they launched non-stop flights between Johannesburg and New York.
South African Airways offer a variety of fare options to suit individual tastes and budgets – from premium to classic and saver. They regularly run special offers – check their website for current specials.
Flights in and out of Zambia
For information on flights in and out of Zambia, contact staff at Lusaka International Airport or their town office at Southern Sun Ridgeway. Alternatively the South African Airways website provides a wealth of information as well as secure online booking.
- Johannesburg – Lusaka – Johannesburg route: South African Airways recently introduced the Airbus 330-200 on this route on certain Sundays. Contact their reservations or sales department to find out the particular dates.
- Johannesburg – Ndola – Johannesburg route: South African Airways recently launched a new route from Johannesburg direct into Ndola on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sunday with fares as low as K2,000,000 from Ndola to Johannesburg. This route provides a convenient air connection between South Africa and Zambia. (Ndola is not only the third-largest city in Zambia, it is also the heart of the Copperbelt and Zambia's mining capital.) This route will be serviced by the A319 aircraft which accommodates 120 customers in a two class configuration, which includes business and economy class.
- Johannesburg – Livingstone – Johannesburg route: South African Airways recently introduced a business class cabin on this route – for executives and anyone else who enjoys those extra comforts and conveniences that business class brings.
Access online or via mobile phone
South African Airways is constantly evolving. You may book online, and arrange car hire and accommodation at the same time. Alternatively South African Airways recently introduced their mobile portal, in partnership with Star Alliance, which allows passengers to access comprehensive travel and airline information using their mobile phone – the first airline in Africa to offer this service.
Aircraft and customer care
The South African Airways' fleet consists of:
- A319-100 Airbus
- A340-200 Airbus
- A340-300 Airbus
- A340-600 Airbus
- B737-800 Boeing
South African Airways are geared to meeting your travel needs, with comfortable seats, in-flight entertainment available on flights longer than three hours (from the latest blockbusters to news, music and interactive games), on-board shopping (select from a range of duty-free items) and complimentary in-flight meals (an international menu of culinary delights complemented with signature wines and choice beverages). South African Airways is the first airline to be granted honorary membership to the South African Chefs' Association. (Special meals are offered on selected flights only).
A Star Alliance member
In 2006, South African Airways became a member of Star Alliance, a leading global network of airlines who work together to offer customers worldwide reach and a smooth travel experience. In order to become members, all airlines must comply with the highest industry standards of customer service, security and technical infrastructure.
Business travellers
If flight planning is an essential part of your job or business, it can be tiresome to resubmit information when booking a flight. OnBiz is an online system that allows you to save all your company information on the South African Airways booking engine, including payment details and persons travelling. Additional users can easily be added to the system. As a business you can keep track of flights taken and payments made. You can also customise user settings as well as update your stored payment details. In addition, business class travellers are invited to retreat into South African Airways' lounge facilities which offer the same high standards as in the air.
Voyager Frequent Flyer Programme
As a Voyager member and frequent flyer, South African Airways' Premier Rewards Programme offers you greater spending power with your Voyager Miles, both locally and internationally. The miles you earn by flying South African Airways, or through the use of their ever-expanding partner network, can be exchanged by selecting from a multitude of awards (within three calendar years).
Special travel needs information
South African Airways offers a full range of services for travellers who require special medical assistance. Contact them if you need help with reservation requirements, medical clearance, in-flight assistance or any other special needs.
Environmental statement
The direct environmental impact of South Afircan Airways' activities comes from the CO2 emissions and noise generated by their aircraft. To minimise their carbon footprint, they have achieved 80% compliance for greener operations as stipulated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). They are also in discussion with the Operations Committee and aviation partner, Air Transport Navigational Services, on how to ensure fuel and carbon efficiency. The South African Airways fleet is among the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the skies and investment in new technology ensures greater environmental protection.
Partner organisations
South African Airways have partnered with a select number of car rental companies and accommodation providers. These are Avis, Budget Car Rental, Europcar, Hertz, Airport transfers, Avis Point 2 Point, Heathrow Express and Royal Limousine Services for car rental, and Don Suite Hotels, SafariNow.com, South African Travel Centre Holidays, Southern Sun and Octopus Travel for accommodation.
Check-in, flight and boarding gate closure information
Recommended check-in for domestic flights is between one and a half to two hours prior to departure. For international flights, profiling of passengers for immigration purposes may be necessary prior to check-in and boarding, requiring you to provide evidence of confirmed accommodation, sufficient funds and valid return or onward air tickets. Recommended check-in is between two and a half and three hours before flight departure (irrespective of travel class) depending on route.
Check-in for domestic flights closes 30 minutes prior to flight departure. Check-in for regional and international flights closes 40 minutes to two hours prior to flight departure for all travel classes, depending on the route. Generally, boarding gates close 15 to 30 minutes prior to departure for domestic flights and 20 minutes for international flights.
Passport and VISA information for Zambia
A return ticket or proof of onward travel, all documents for the next destination and proof of sufficient funds is required for all travellers. VISAS issued on arrival vary in fee according to the amount of entries and nationality. There is a special provision for day visitors coming across the border from Zimbabwe into Livingstone. For those nationalities requiring a VISA for Zambia, a fee of US$10 is paid on arrival for a 'Day Tripper VISA' and this is valid for a maximum stay of 24 hours. Note: Passport and VISA requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Passport and VISA information for South Africa
Passports must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the period of intended stay. An onward or return ticket is required or sufficient funds. Note that visitors to South Africa must have at least one blank (unstamped) page in their passport, each time entry is sought (these pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport). Note: Passport and VISA requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.South African destinations
- Bloemfontein
- Cape Town
- Durban
- East London
- George
- Hoedspruit
- Johannesburg
- Kimberley
- Nelspruit
- Phalaborwa
- Pietermaritzburg
- Polokwane
- Port Elizabeth
- Richards Bay
- Umtata
- Upington
International destinations
- Accra
- Antananarivo
- Beira
- Blantyre
- Buenos Aires
- Bulawayo
- Dakar
- Dar es Salaam
- Douala
- Entebbe
- Frankfurt
- Gaborone
- Harare
- Hong Kong
- Kigali
- Kinshasa
- Lagos
- Libreville
- Lilongwe
- Livingstone (Zambia)
- London
- Luanda
- Lusaka
- Luxi
- Manzini
- Maputo
- Maseru
- Mauritius
- Mumbai
- Munich
- Nairobi
- Nampula
- Ndola
- New York (John F. Kennedy)
- Pemba
- Perth
- Sao Paulo
- Sydney
- Tete
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
- Walvis Bay
- Washington (Dulles)
- Windhoek
