SAA Flight Bookings

SAA, short for South African Airways, is South Africa's largest domestic and international airline company. Headquartered in Airways Park in Johannesburg, Gauteng, SAA flies to 38 destinations worldwide. SAA's international flights are generally routed via Johannesburg, rather than Cape Town. As part of the airlines 2018 turnaround strategy, it was announced that Mango Airlines, SAA’s low cost carrier, would be taking over many of its domestic flight routes between Johannesburg-Durban and Johannesburg-Cape Town.

SAA is a member of the Star Alliance Group. Founded in 1934 after Union Airlines was acquired by the South African government, the airline has since grown to be one of the leading airlines on the African continent. The airline split from parent company Transnet in 2006, and has since operated independently. Its air miles programme is called Voyager, with air miles accruable across the Star Alliance network.

SAA owns low cost carrier Mango Airlines, and also has links with Airlink and South African Express airlines. Get the best SAA flight deals below:

The SAA Airline Experience

According to the SAA website, they are committed to the highest standards in everything they do. From their warm hospitality and luxury airport lounges to an in-flight menu created by renowned chefs, they aim to deliver a world-class experience every time. To top this off, the airline has also recently been named the most on-time airline in the world.

The quality of catering, however, has has been known to vary.

While SAA's service and reliability is widely considered to be good, the airline has been experiencing financial management issues, and have also been accused of anti-competitive pricing behaviour in the local South African airline market.

During the 2012/2013 period, a number of executives have also left SAA in rather quick succession. It is, however, the only South African airline to be awarded a 4-star airline ranking from Skytrax, making it an excellent choice in terms of the in-flight service experience.

SAA's in flight features and benefits include the following:

Seat back TVs on long haul flights

2 | 4 | 2 seat layout

Airscape in flight entertainment channel with Audio Video On Demand (AVOD), except on the A340-200 aircrafts.

Sawubona in flight magazine

Long haul amenity kits in Business Class and First Class.

SAA in the news

SAA has frequently courted controversy, with a string of high-profile executive resignations and financial woes having plagued the airline int the past number of years. A turnaround strategy is currently being implemented to address the airlines weak balance sheet and capital position. You can find out more about the SAA turnaround strategy in the below video:

For more in-depth information about SAA, SA's top airline, visit www.wikipedia.com.

SAA flight routes

SAA regularly flies throughout South Africa, with domestic destintions including the likes of Johannesburg, Durban, Lanseria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, PE, George, Hoedspruit, Nelspruit, Pietermaritzburg, Upington, Polokwane and Richards Bay. In addition, SAA also flies to a range of regional and international destinations, including:

• Flights from Johannesburg to Sao Paulo
• Flights from Johannesburg to Frankfurt
• Flights from Johannesburg to Paris
• Flights from Johannesburg to Mumbai
• Flights from Johannesburg to Perth
• Flights from Johannesburg to Zurich
• Flights from Johannesburg to New York
• Flights from Johannesburg to Washington

Since Malaysia Airlines quit servicing the Cape Town to Buenos Aires route, it is currently also the most direct flight routing to Argentina, albeit by default, via Johannesburg.

The SAA Airline Fleet

While South African Airlines has had to cut back on its fleet, it still operates the largest fleet in the country. Its current fleet consists of the following aircraft:

• Airbus A330-300
• Airbus A330-200
• Airbus A340-300
• Airbus A340-600
• Airbus A320-200
• Airbus A319-100

According to the SAA website, the fleet is regularly serviced and maintained in order to comply with all safety standards and regulations.

SAA Flight Classes & Luggage Limitations - Choose Your Cabin Class When Flying SA Airlines

Passengers flying with SAA can choose from the following cabin classes with the following baggage allowances:

• Business class: with spacious and comfortable seating, Business class offers a superior flight experience. On long haul flights, passengers are provided with a welcome drink and an amenity pack consisting of various toiletries and cosmetics. Business class passengers are allowed two pieces of checked-in baggage, not exceeding 32kg each and two pieces of hand luggage not exceeding 8kg each.
• Economy class: passengers enjoy comfortable seats and leg room in standard Economy class seats. Meals are served on board long haul flights and snacks are served on short haul flights. Economy class passengers are allowed one piece of checked-in baggage, not exceeding 23kg and one piece of hand luggage not exceeding 8kg.

Excess baggage rates apply to oversized baggage.

SAA in the news

• SAA has frequently courted controversy, with a string of high-profile executive resignations and financial woes having plagued the airline during the past number of years. A new turnaround strategy is currently being implemented to address the airlines weak balance sheet and capital position. As part of the strategy, the airline retired 5 of its narrow-body aircraft at the end of December 2017, reducing flights by 23%. You can find out more about the SAA turnaround strategy in this video:
• SAA’s bailout total increases further! In May 2018 it came to parliament’s attention that SAA would need a further R4.8 billion bailout after it had already received R10 billion bailout in December 2017! According to SAA CEO the money is needed to sustain the business’ operations as only 9 of the aircraft operated by SAA are owned by the company. The airline has a total of 64 aircraft with 55 of them leased. Read more from our resource here

For more in-depth information about SAA, SA's top airline, visit www.wikipedia.com.

SAA Flight Bookings

Make your own SAA reservations online! To book your SAA flights online using Travelstart's state of the art online flight booking system, CLICK HERE NOW.

SAA Reservations

You can also contact SAA Reservations telephonically on 0861 FLYSAA (0861 359722) from 06:00 to 22:00 daily. For more information visit www.flysaa.com - not www.saa.co.za!

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