South African Airways Online Booking

South African Airways (SA) is the flag carrier of South Africa. The government-owned carrier is based out of Johannesburg with a main hub (Johannesburg) that links to 40-plus domestic and international airports. 

With a fleet size of 12-plus aircraft, a South African Airways online booking can take you to more than 59 cities across Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. 

South African Airways offers 2 travel classes—Economy Class and Business Class. 

Among the awards won by South African Airways are Best African Airline (Business Traveler, 2019), Best Business Class Lounge in Africa (Skytrax, 2018), Best Cabin Crew in Africa (Skytrax, 2018), Best Performing Regional Airline-ORTIA (ACSA Feather Awards, 2018). 

South African Airways has been certified by Skytrax as a 4-Star Airline. Its subsidiaries include SAA Cargo, SAA Technical, Mango (low-cost carrier), and Air Chefs.

South African Airways Ticket Booking Methods

You can make your South African Airways ticket booking: 

1. By phone 
2. Online 
3. Through the mobile app (Android or iOS)
4. At a South African Airways ticket office near you 
5. Through your travel agent

South African Airways Ticket Booking by Phone

To make a South African Airways ticket booking by phone, call . You can call this number from anywhere in the world and ask for a discount. Also, this phone number is toll-free within the U.S. and Canada and open 24/7.

How to Book South African Airways Flights Online 

To make an online booking on South African Airways:

1. Go to FlySAA.com 
2. Enter your trip requirements 
3. Click on the Find flights button
4. Select your flight from the list of available options
5. Follow the prompts to:
   1. Select your payment method
   2. Enter the necessary details
   3. Confirm your booking
   4. Pay

You will receive your e-ticket by email after you pay.

South African Airways Mobile App Booking 

Another option to book your flight on South African Airways is to use the mobile app. All you need to do is download the Android or iOS app and open a free account. 

South African Airways Reviews 

South African Airways recent reviews based on consumer rankings by actual users are as follows:

• Skytrax Ranking 4-Star Airline
• Skytrax Customer Rating 6/10 (of 434 reviews) 
• Trip Advisor Airline Review Rating  3.5/5 (of 4,848 reviews)
• Kayak Customer Rating   6.7/10 (of 806 reviews), deemed good

Traveling with Special Travel Requirements 

A view of the special assistance services provided by South African Airways 

Book special assistance 48 hours before departure

South African Airways offers special assistance at the airport, while boarding and disembarking, and during the flight. 

Those who can avail of special assistance include:

• Passengers requiring mobility assistance 
• Passengers requiring a service/guide dog 
• Passengers requiring medical clearance (MEDIF)
• Frequent Traveler’s Medical Car (FREMEC)
• Passengers traveling with medication 
• Pregnant women passengers
• Passengers traveling with colostomy bags
• Passengers requiring visual assistance
• Passengers requiring hearing assistance
• Passengers requiring oxygen 
• Passengers with allergies 
• Elderly passengers 
• Unaccompanied minors 

Note. 

South African Airways will not provide assistance inside the toilet, or lift/carry a passenger, provide meal assistance, or administer medications. If you require assistance with these services, you must travel with personal care attendant. 

What to Do if You Require Special Assistance on South African Airways

If you need any special assistance at the airport, during your flight, or after, contact a South African Airways office in your area when booking your ticket or later at the numbers below—but at least 48 hours before departure.

Local Office Phone Numbers 

• United States /1-800-722-9675/1-954-769-5023
• Canada
• South Africa +27 11 978 1111/0861 606 606 (Share Call in SA only)
• India +91 22 62376222
• Indonesia 62 21 290 79787
• Ireland 0844 375 9680/+44 (0)20 8576 5500
• Israel +97 237951344
• Japan +61 1 300 435 972
• Netherlands +31 206551177
• Singapore +65 622 7 7911
• Thailand +66 2 635 1413/+66 2 635 1414
• UAE +971 (0)4/ 3970 766/+971 (0)50/ 6578923
• United Kingdom 0844 375 9680/+44 (0)20 8576 5500
• Egypt +202 257 95008
• Kenya +254 20 665 5000
• Lesotho +266 310662
• Mauritius +230 202 6737
• Mozambique 09258 214 88970/3; 09258 844 889700
• Namibia +264 61 273340/50
• Nigeria +234 12702681-4
• Tanzania + 255 22 2117045–7
• Uganda +254 20 665 5000
• Zambia +260 211 254350/211 252408
• Zimbabwe +263 8677 702 702

The full list of phone numbers appears here. 

How to Request Special Assistance on South African Airways

If you didn’t make any arrangements at the time of booking, you must inform a local office in your area at least 48 hours before departure. For contact details, refer to the section titled What to Do if You Require Special Assistance on South African Airways.

When requesting special assistance, be sure to mention the following:

• Whether you’ll require a wheelchair at the airport 
• Whether you’ll need to be transferred from the wheelchair to the aircraft seat 
• What type of mobility device you are traveling with (collapsible, electric, non-electric)
• The weight and dimensions of your wheelchair/device (in disassembled or adjusted state) 
• Elderly care requirements, if any 
• Your medical equipment’s requirements (battery-operated CPAP/POC machine)
• Adjacent seat requirement, if any 

At least one day before traveling, ensure that:

• Your special assistance request has been confirmed and authorized by the airline. 
• You have the required documentation that applies to you, such as:
  • A FREMEC card 
  • Medical clearance 

On the day of travel, you must reach the airport: 

• For flights within South Africa—at least 90 minutes before departure. 
• For international flights—at least 3 hours before departure.

Tips for Passengers Requiring Special Assistance on South African Airways

• Passengers requiring mobility assistance 
  • If you require wheelchair assistance at the airport:
    • Inform your local South African Airways office at least 48 hours before departure (if you didn’t at the time of booking).
  • If you’re traveling with your own wheelchair:
    • You can check in 1 wheelchair free of charge. 
    • If traveling to/from the European Union (Munich, Frankfurt, and London), you can carry 1 additional mobility device free of charge, making for a total of 2 mobility devices. 
    • If traveling with a non-spillable wet battery-operated wheelchair, the battery power must not exceed 300wH. If using 2 batteries, each battery can be up to 160wH and not more. The same limitation applies to spare batteries. Removed batteries must be carried as carry-on baggage (in the cabin).
  • Onboard mobility aids
    • Each passenger can carry 1 mobility aid, such as a pair of crutches, cane, wheelchair, etc., free of cost—in addition to their free baggage allowance.  
    • All items must be stowable without causing any obstruction.
    • All aircraft are equipped with onboard wheelchairs to escort passengers to-and-from the toilets. 
• Passengers requiring a service/guide dog
  • Guide dogs are allowed to travel free of charge in any class of the cabin on most flights. 
  • The guide dog must be properly harnessed and must remain with the passenger at all times. 
  • The guide dog must not occupy a seat, block any access, or the emergency escape route. 
  • Before making a reservation, the passenger must contact the local South African Airways office for approval.
• Passengers requiring medical clearance (MEDIF)
  • Required by passengers needing special services such as:
    • Supply of oxygen 
    • A stretcher 
    • Upper torso support
    • In-flight medical treatment 
    • Medical escort or in-flight medical treatment 
    • Medical instruments or equipment 
    • Other conditions 
  • Download and fax the MEDIF form within 10 days of the proposed flight date to SAA Bookings at Fax: 27 11 978 2764, or email: specialhandling@flysaa.com
  • For approved POCs, check this website: www.faa.gov. 
• Passengers traveling with medication 
  • Must carry a doctor’s letter mentioning your condition, medication, and dosage requirement. 
  • Liquid medications must comply with airport requirements.
  • Excess medications (not required on the flight) can be checked in. 
  • Prescription medications must be properly sealed and labeled. 
  • Medication requiring refrigeration must be carried in an ice-packed cooler box and must remain with the passenger throughout the flight.
• Pregnant passengers 
  • After 28 weeks of pregnancy, a medical certificate is required from the general practitioner, obstetrician, or midwife stating:
    • The term of pregnancy 
    • Fitness to travel
    • Type of pregnancy—high-risk, multiple, or single 
    • Complications, if any
  • Can travel within South Africa up to 36 weeks of pregnancy in case of routine pregnancy. 
  • Can travel on international flights up to 35 weeks of pregnancy in case of routine pregnancy. 
  • Infants older than 7 days can travel.
  • After 36 weeks, pregnant passengers will not be accepted onboard.
• Passengers traveling with colostomy bags
  • Must start their journey with an empty bag. 
  • Must carry enough bags to last through the journey. 
  • Must dispose of the bags safely per the doctor’s instructions. 
• Passengers requiring vision assistance

• Allowed to travel with a service dog if they wish. 
• Inform the ticket counter agent that you need help to reach the gate or check in. 
• Will receive Braille safety cards on request. 
• Passengers requiring hearing assistance

• Can follow safety instructions on video through captions. 
• Individual safety briefings are available on-demand. 

• Passengers requiring oxygen cylinders onboard 
  • South African Airways can provide portable oxygen cylinders on domestic and regional flights that supply oxygen at a 2 or 4LPM rate at a service fee of USD 150. 
• Passengers traveling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs)
  • Passengers can carry their own (pre-approved) POC free of charge. 
  • All portable electronic devices must be battery-operated.
  • South African Airways can provide POCs that supply oxygen at a 1–5LPM flow rate at a service fee of USD 150.
  • The POC’s batteries must be fully charged to power it for at least 150% of the flight’s duration incl. ground connection time and unexpected delays.
  • The device’s spare batteries must be suitably protected to prevent short-circuiting and carried as hand baggage in the passenger cabin.
  • Up to 3 batteries are allowed onboard—2 spares plus 1 in the device. 
  • The battery power must not exceed 160wH per battery.
  • Continuous flow oxygen concentrators owned by the passenger are accepted. 
  • For safety reasons, medical devices cannot be plugged into the inflight laptop power supply. 
• Passengers with allergies 
  • Passengers with allergies to peanuts and/or other foods must inform the South African Airways reservations department about the condition. 
  • Passengers suffering from severe allergies must carry their emergency medication.
  • The airline will not take any responsibility if you have an allergic reaction during the flight.
• Elderly passengers 
• Allowed to carry special mobility aids free of charge—such as canes, crutches, walkers, etc.—provided they can be stowed safely without obstructing other passengers’ paths.
• Unaccompanied minors 
  • Children between 5 and 11 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 16 years old. 
  • Children below 5 are not accepted for the unaccompanied minor service. 
  • Must obtain prior approval before travel.
  • Reservations for unaccompanied minors:
    • Must be made at least 24 hours before departure.
    • Cannot be made online but only through a local South African Airways office. 
  • For details, refer to the section titled South African Airways Unaccompanied Minors Policy.

How to Check Your South African Airways Flight Status

To check your South African Airways flight status online:

1. Go to FlySAA.com 
2. Click on the Flight status tab 

How to check the flight status by Flight Number (opens by default)	How to check the flight status by City
Enter the following information: Carrier Code (will be SA by default)Flight Number DateClick on the Search button	Select the by City optionEnter the following details:Origin (city)Destination (city)DateClick on the Search button

The flight status will appear in real-time. 

6 Ways to Save Money on South African Airways Flight Booking 

1. Book as early as possible. The ticket prices rise incrementally as the seats fill up. If you’re planning a trip in December, book your flight ticket in May or June.
2. Fly around the middle of the week or on Saturday. Avoid travelling on Fridays and Sundays, when the ticket prices can be up 2x higher (or more). 
3. Fly during off-peak hours, such as before 7am or after 8pm. This can save you significant amounts of money.
4. Keep an eye out for special offers. 
5. Sign up for SAA Voyager to earn extra miles on your everyday purchases. 
6. Call for last-minute ticket deals. 

How to Get Senior Discounts on South African Airways 

South African Airways generally does not offer discounts to senior citizens. If you’re on the lookout for a discounted South African Airways booking, call the booking contact number . 

South African Airways Group Bookings 

South African Airways’ group bookings are available for passengers travelling in a group of 10 or more people. You can make a group booking online by filling out a form and waiting for a quote, or by calling the South African Airways booking contact number for an instant group booking.

South African Airways Flight Booking Management—My Booking

Use the My Booking/Manage My Booking feature to quickly manage every part of your trip 

South African Airways’ My Booking tool (also known as Manage My Booking) is an online self-service tool that allows you to:

• Pay for your reservations 
• View, change, or cancel your booking 
• Update your contact information 
• Choose your seat
• Add more baggage
• Bid for an upgrade
• Ask for a tax invoice
• Add your frequent flyer number

To manage your flight booking online:

1. Go to FlySAA.com
2. Click on My Booking (under Quick Links)

You can also click on Manage & Fly (on top) and then select Manage My Booking or Booking Management, and then follow the steps below.

3. Enter your booking reference number and surname 
4. Click on the Log in button
5. Follow the prompts to:

1. Pay for your reservations 
2. View, change or cancel your booking 
3. Update your contact details 
4. Select your seat
5. Add more baggage
6. Bid for an upgrade
7. Request a tax invoice
8. Add your frequent flyer number

South African Airways Customer Service Contact Details

You can contact South African Airways Customer Support as follows:

• South Africa SAAcustomerservice@flysaa.com
  Twitter: @flysaa_care 
• United States +1-954-769-5023
  711 (TTY/TDD)
  SAAUSQueries@FlySAA.com 
• Canada +238 241 1358/238 241 1788
  saasal2@cvtelecom.cv 
• Australia +61 02 9286 8960 (Sydney)
  +61 08 9216 2200 (Perth)
  SAAAustralia@flysaa.com 
• Brazil SAABrazil@flysaa.com
• Denmark +45 3314 3031
• Finland +45 3314 3031 (as above)
• France +33 153435317
• Germany +49 6929980320

SAACustomerServiceEurope@flysaa.com 

• India +91 22 62376222 (Mumbai)
• Ireland 0844 375 9680* or +44 (0)20 8576 5500
• United Kingdom +44 (0)20 8576 5500
  saauk@flysaa.com 
• Dubai +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923
• Qatar +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923
• Lebanon +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923
• Kuwait +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923
• Jordan +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923
• Bahrain +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923
• Other Countries Global Customer Support Numbers 

South African Airways Travel Classes

South African Airways offers 2 travel classes (cabin configurations): 

1. Business Class 
2. Economy Class

South African Airways Business Class

South African Airways’ Business Class seats are available in 2 variants—one for long-haul flights and one for short-haul flights.

Business Class Seats on Long-haul Flights 

• Priority boarding, check-in, and baggage handling
• Free lounge access 
• Extra baggage allowance
• 180° flat-bed seats 
• Personal 15in touchscreen TV (A330-300)
• Noise-cancelation headsets 
• In-flight entertainment 
• In-seat power 
• Special menus 
• Selected wine list 
• Premium amenity kit

Business Class Seats on Short-haul Flights 

• Priority boarding, check-in, and baggage handling
• Free lounge access 
• Extra baggage allowance
• Adjustable headrest with adaptable ears
• Extra legroom plus leg rests
• Extra storage space 
• Coat hook
• USB and laptop charging points 
• In-flight entertainment 

South African Airways Economy Class  

A view of South African Airways’ Economy Class seats 

South African Airways Economy Class seats are available in 2 variants—one for long-haul flights and one for short-haul flights.

Economy Class Seats on Long-haul Flights 

• Extra legroom (A330-300)
• Extra personal space (A330-300)
• Personal 10in TV screen (A330-300) 
• On-demand in-flight entertainment 
• Individual USB charging ports 
• Shared PC power points 
• In-flight entertainment, incl.
  • Kid-friendly channels 
  • Activity packs for kids
• Option to
  • Pre-order meals for babies and children
  • Pre-book a baby bassinet if required 
  • Use the larger lavatory if traveling with a wheelchair or kids
• Amenity kit with toothbrush, toothpaste, eyeshades, and socks

Economy Class Seats on Short-haul Flights 

• Movable headrests with adjustable ears
• Innovative slim-line seats for more living space 

South African Airways Seat Choices 

South African Airways offers the following seat choices:

1. Business Class Seats
2. Economy Class Seats
   1. Emergency Exit Seats
      (subject to additional requirements)
   2. Extra Legroom Seats
   3. Standard Seats 

For the seat selection fee, refer to the Select Your Flight Seat page.

South African Airways Seat Selection

How to book your seat on South African Airways 

South African Airways allows you to select your (window or aisle) seat online in advance—up to 24 hours before departure. This allows you to sit with your group when traveling, or get that extra bit of legroom. 

Advance Seat Reservations (ASRs) are available for a fee on all South African Airways-operated flights. 

How to Book Seats on South African Airways

You can book your seat for an additional fee up to 24 hours before departure as follows:

• At the time of purchasing your ticket
  • Online 
  • By phone 
  • Via social media (Facebook)
  • Through a travel agent
• After booking your ticket
  • Online through My Booking
    • Go to FlySAA.com 
    • Select My Booking 

(Or select Manage & Fly (on top) ? Manage My Booking or Booking Management) 

• Enter your booking reference number and surname, and log in
• Click on the Seats option from Before my flight
• Choose a seat from the seat map 
• Accept the Terms and Conditions
• Pay the fee

• By phone 
• Through a travel agent

South African Airways Seat Reservation for Disabled Passengers

If you didn’t make any arrangements at the time of booking, you must inform a local office in your area at least 48 hours before departure. For contact details, refer to the section titled What to Do if You Require Special Assistance on South African Airways.

South African Airways Booking Numbers

Below are a few important South African Airways contact numbers.

General

Customer Support

United States  Canada South Africa +27 11 978 1111/ 0861 606 606 India +91 22 62376222Indonesia 62 21 290 79787Ireland 0844 375 9680/ +44 (0)20 8576 5500Israel +97 237951344Japan +61 1 300 435 972Netherlands +31 206551177Singapore +65 622 7 7911Thailand +66 2 635 1413/ 2 635 1414UAE +971 (0)4/ 3970 766/ (0)50/ 6578923United Kingdom 0844 375 9680/ +44 (0)20 8576 5500Egypt +202 257 95008Ghana +233 (0)30 278 3676/7/8Kenya +254 20 665 5000Lesotho +266 310662Mauritius +230 202 6737Mozambique 09258 214 88970/3 09258 844 889700Namibia +264 61 273340/50Nigeria +234 12702681-4Tanzania + 255 22 2117045–7Uganda +254 20 665 5000Zambia +260 211 254350/ 211 252408Zimbabwe +263 8677 702 702 The full list of phone numbers appears here.

United States +1-954-769-5023 711 (TTY/TDD) SAAUSQueries@FlySAA.com Canada +238 241 1358/238 241 1788 saasal2@cvtelecom.cv South Africa SAAcustomerservice@flysaa.com Twitter: @flysaa_care India +91 22 62376222 (Mumbai)Ireland 0844 375 9680* or +44 (0)20 8576 5500Australia +61 02 9286 8960 (Sydney) +61 08 9216 2200 (Perth) SAAAustralia@flysaa.com Brazil SAABrazil@flysaa.comDenmark +45 3314 3031Finland +45 3314 3031 (as above)France +33 153435317Germany +49 6929980320 SAACustomerServiceEurope@flysaa.com United Kingdom +44 (0)20 8576 5500 saauk@flysaa.com Dubai +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923Qatar +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923Lebanon +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923Kuwait +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923Jordan +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923Bahrain +971 (0)4/ 3970 766 or +971 (0)50/ 6578923Other Countries Global Customer Support Numbers

South African Airways Customer Complaints Number 

• For journeys originating within the United States
  • Customer Care North America

E-mail: SAAUSQueries@Flysaa.com 

Tel: +1-954-769-5023

Fax: +1-954-769-5069

• For journeys originating outside the United States
  • E-mail: SAACustomerService@flysaa.com 

Tel: +27 11 978 2888 or 0860 003 146 (Share Call)

Fax: +27 11 978 9567

South African Airways In-flight Entertainment (IFE) Services

A view of South African Airways’ Inflight Entertainment services 

South African Airways’ in-flight entertainment services include:

• Movies (up to 100 titles at any given time)
• TV Shows and Documentaries 
• Music
• High-tech touchscreens (A330s)
  • Business Class—15in 
  • Economy Class—10in

South African Airways Loyalty Program—Voyager

Known as the Voyager, South African Airways’ loyalty rewards frequent flyers through the accrual and redemption of Miles. The Miles you earn when flying on South African Airways or its global partners can be used to buy new flight tickets, upgrade existing flights, and earn other rewards. 

Voyager offers benefits and privileges on every tier—Blue, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Lifetime Platinum. 

After you join Voyager (free), you can:

• Earn Miles when you fly on South African Airways or its global partner airlines
• Enjoy exclusive benefits on South African Airways and its global partner airlines
• Earn privileges—check-in, reservations, baggage allowance, and lounge access 
• Enjoy and redeem club points and Asia Miles on:
  • Hotel accommodations
  • Car rentals
  • Holiday packages
  • Purchasing retail products

South African Airways Travel Destinations

South African Airways flies to more than 59 destinations across Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Popular destinations include:

• Popular International Destinations 
  • New York
  • Washington
  • London
  • Dubai
  • Perth
  • Frankfurt
  • Munich
  • São Paulo

• Popular Destinations in South Africa
  • Johannesburg
  • Durban
  • Cape Town
  • Upington
  • Richards Bay
  • Port Elizabeth
  • Polokwane
  • Phalaborwa
  • Nelspruit
  • Mthatha
  • Kimberley
  • George
  • East London
  • Bloemfontein

• Popular Destinations in Africa
  • Windhoek
  • Nairobi
  • Mauritius
  • Maputo
  • Lusaka
  • Livingstone
  • Lilongwe
  • Lagos
  • Harare
  • Entebbe
  • Dar es Salaam
  • Blantyre
  • Accra

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Frequently Asked Questions on South African Airways Online Booking and Reservations