Internet check-in is available between 24 hours and 3 hours before departure. Self check-in via kiosks at the airport is available up to 90 minutes before the flight. Check-in counters are also offered by the airline. Mobile check-in is also available for flights out of Johannesburg.

Hand luggage: Economy Class passengers are allowed one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 8kg (18lbs) and maximum size (height, width and depth added together) of 115cm (45in). Business Class passengers are allowed two items of hand luggage, each of the same maximum weight and size. Hand luggage must be able to fit under the seat in front or in the overhead lockers. 

Checked: allowances vary according to route, however on many flights Economy Class passengers are allowed up to 23kg (50lb) of checked luggage, Business Class passengers are allowed up to 30kg (66lb) and First Class passengers are allowed up to 40kg (99lb). 

Excess: fees vary according to route, according to either the weight or piece concepts. On most routes, excess baggage is charged at a rate of 1.5 per cent per kg of the highest normal direct one-way adult Economy Class fare. Any one item of baggage that is more than 32kg (70lb) will be classed as cargo and charged at the corresponding rates, and if total excess baggage is more than 100kg (218lb) this will need to be organised at the time the reservation is made or at least 24 hours in advance of departure.

In Economy Class, passengers can expect a seat pitch of 81cm to 86cm (32-34in). In Business Class there is a seat pitch of 198cm (78in), and in First Class there is a seat pitch of 210cm (83in).

Seats are assigned during the booking process and may be changed during check-in if available.

Reservations can be changed or cancelled online or by calling Reservations.

Infants under two years of age are subject to infant fares, which are around 10 per cent of an adult fare. Children from 2 to 11 years of age, meanwhile, will travel via child fares available at around 75 per cent of an adult fare. Baby meals may be requested at the time of reservation, and cabin crew can heat up milk and food brought onboard for your child. Infants are allowed 10kg (22lbs) of checked baggage as well as one fully collapsible buggy. In terms of hand luggage, infants are allowed one carry-on bag of less than 8kg (17lb) free of charge.

South African Airways does not offer discounts for senior travellers.

Service dogs are the only animals that may travel in the passenger cabin. Pets do not count toward the free baggage allowance and are subject to excess baggage charges. Animals must be properly crated and accompanied by all necessary documentation, including health and vaccination certificates and entry permits.

A passenger travelling with a large musical instrument may book a seat for the item. Call Reservations to arrange this. Passengers must supply information about the instrument’s size and weight. There is a weight limit of 75kg (165lbs) per seat occupied by the item, and no additional checked baggage allowance is granted for these seats. Smaller instruments may be carried as hand luggage, providing they fit under the seat in front or in the overhead lockers. The instrument (including any carrying case) must not exceed 8kg (17lb), and the sum of its dimensions (height, width and depth) must not exceed 115cm (45in). Instruments may also be carried in the hold. Passengers should contact South African Airways to find out the applicable mode of carriage for their instrument, and they can also find information detailing how certain kinds of instruments are usually transported.

South African Airways offers an Audio Video On Demand entertainment system during flights of more than three hours, with options includes movies, TV programmes, news, music and games.

Voyager. South African Airways’ loyalty programme is a five-tiered system, and its levels are Blue, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Lifetime Platinum.

In Economy Class, air miles are earned at a rate of 100 per cent of miles flown, a rate of 125 per cent of miles flown in Business Class and 150 per cent of miles flown in First Class, with a minimum of 250 miles earned for flights of less than that distance.

Certain discounted Economy Class fares are only eligible for 50 per cent mile accrual, and miles can be also be earned from flying via the airline’s partners as well as from using its non-airline partners which include car-rental companies, hotels and credit card companies.

See photographs of South African Airways’ in-flight meals taken by fellow flyers and read reviews atwww.airlinemeals.net.

South African Airways’ in-flight magazine is named Sawubona, which is a Zulu greeting. It contains a range of entertaining and informative lifestyle and travel-related content.

South African Airways is a member of the world’s first and largest airline alliance, Star Alliance. Its partners include Thai Airways, Lufthansa, bmi, Air Canada, United Airlines, SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Singapore Airlines.