South Africa · SA / SAA · Star Alliance
South African Airways Online Check-in Guide
South Africa's flag carrier, Star Alliance member. Reduced fleet after 2020 business rescue but operational. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on flysaa.com.
Opens on flysaa.com in a new tab.
Is South African Airways check-in open right now?
Pick your departure time — we'll show you whether the check-in window is open, when it opens, or whether it's already closed. Your input never leaves the page.
When does South African Airways check-in open and close?
How to check in online with South African Airways
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Have your booking reference and ID ready
You'll need a 6-character booking reference (PNR) and a valid travel document (passport or EU/EEA national ID).
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Open the official check-in page
Use the button at the top of this page or visit flysaa.com directly. Avoid third-party "check-in" sites.
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Enter passenger details
Add passport / ID number, expiry date, and country of issue if travelling internationally. This step is mandatory and blocks check-in if skipped.
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Choose seats and add extras
Random seats are free in the 24-hour window; named seats and priority boarding cost extra. Skip if you don't need them.
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Save the boarding pass
Add to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. The South African Airways app stores it offline once downloaded.
Mobile vs desktop check-in
| Feature | Mobile (app) | Desktop (web) |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding pass in Wallet | Yes (recommended) | Email link only |
| Passport scan | Yes (camera) | Manual entry |
| Push gate updates | Yes | No |
| Print boarding pass | Via email link | Yes |
| Best for | Day-of-travel use | Troubleshooting, family bookings |
South African Airways baggage at a glance
| Type | Dimensions | Weight | Included? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 40×30×15 cm | 8 kg | Yes |
| Carry-on | 56×36×23 cm | 8 kg | Yes |
| Checked | — | 23 kg | Yes |
Common South African Airways check-in problems
Reduced fleet means schedule changes
Problem: Since the 2020 restructuring, SAA flight schedules can change with short notice; routes are concentrated on JNB-CPT-Africa axis plus a few internationals.
Solution: Verify departure time in 'Manage My Booking' 24h before flight. Sign up for SMS notifications during booking.
Codeshare with Lufthansa for some routes
Problem: SAA flights from Europe to Africa often involve LH metal under SA flight number.
Solution: Check 'Operated by' on your booking. If LH, use lufthansa.com for online check-in.
South African Airways check-in FAQ
Is South African Airways still operating?
Yes — after emerging from business rescue in 2021, SAA operates a reduced network from JNB and CPT to other African destinations plus selected international routes (London, São Paulo, Perth).
When does SAA check-in open?
24 hours before scheduled departure. Closes 60 minutes before for international, 45 minutes before for South Africa domestic.
