JNB · Johannesburg · Terminal Terminal A (international) / B (domestic)
South African Airways Check-in at O. R. Tambo International Airport
South African Airways departs from Terminal Terminal A (international) / B (domestic) at O. R. Tambo International Airport. Online check-in opens 24h before departure.
South African Airways check-in rules at JNB
Step-by-step at O. R. Tambo International Airport
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Check in online
Open the South African Airways app or website 24 hours before departure. Save the boarding pass to your phone wallet.
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Arrive at Terminal Terminal A (international) / B (domestic)
South African Airways flights at JNB depart only from Terminal Terminal A (international) / B (domestic). Allow 120 minutes from arrival to gate.
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Drop off bags at Terminal A or B depending on flight
Bag-drop 3 hours before departure (international) / 90 minutes (domestic), closes 60 minutes before international, 45 minutes before domestic.
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Clear security
Submit your wait time on the airport page above to help others. Standard liquids rule: 100 ml in a single transparent bag.
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Walk to gate Terminal A gates A1–A24 (international); Terminal B gates B1–B12 (domestic)
Allow 10–20 minutes from security to your gate. Boarding starts 45 minutes (international) / 30 minutes (domestic) before departure; gate closes 30 minutes before.
Boarding South African Airways at JNB
Terminal Terminal A (international) / B (domestic) notes
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Typical gates
South African Airways flights typically depart from gates Terminal A gates A1–A24 (international); Terminal B gates B1–B12 (domestic).
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Walk time
Expect 10–20 minutes from security to the furthest gate.
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Eat & shop
Terminal A has Mugg & Bean, House of Coffees, duty-free shops. Less variety than European hubs but adequate.
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Lounges
SAA Premium Lounge (Business + Voyager Platinum). Star Alliance Gold may also get access. African expressly local-cuisine options.
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Family / accessibility
Family priority lane at security. Stroller drop at gate. SAA support staff available for unaccompanied minors and pregnant travelers.
Known issues at JNB with South African Airways
Schedule changes after restructuring
Problem: SAA's reduced fleet (2020 restructuring) means flight schedules can change with short notice; some routes operate seasonally.
Solution: Verify departure 24h+ before flight via flysaa.com or SMS notifications. Check the SAA Twitter/X account for real-time disruption info.
LH-codeshare flights need different check-in
Problem: Some SAA-numbered flights to/from Europe are operated by Lufthansa.
Solution: Check 'Operated by' on your booking. If Lufthansa, use lufthansa.com for online check-in.
Estimate your EU 261 compensation
Flights to/from the EU, delayed 3+ hours or cancelled with less than 14 days' notice, are eligible for €250–€600 in compensation. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds: