Recently, I had the pleasure of flying business class with South African Airways (SAA) to Johannesburg. To my delight, I discovered a rare and valuable travel perk: access to the SAA arrivals lounge at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). This was the perfect place to unwind and freshen up after a long flight while waiting for my parents, who were arriving a couple of hours later.
Only a handful of airlines offer a dedicated arrivals lounge. This is a particularly useful benefit, as most lounges are located after security and are designed for departing passengers. For example, Qantas offers domestic lounge on-arrival access to its Platinum members or above, while Virgin Australia grants the same privilege to Business class passengers and Velocity Gold members or higher. A key challenge with these lounges is that they are not easily accessible for arriving passengers who have already collected their large checked luggage.
The SAA arrivals lounge in Johannesburg, however, is a game-changer. It is conveniently located just after baggage collection and customs, meaning you can bring all your luggage with you into the lounge without any hassle. The provision of this on-arrival lounge has truly elevated the entire travel experience with SAA.
Location and Access
Finding the lounge is straightforward. After collecting your baggage, simply follow the exit path, and you will see a prominent vertical sign indicating the SAA arrivals lounge. The signage is clear and impossible to miss, guiding you directly to the entrance.
The lounge is accessible to SAA Business Class travelers, Voyager Gold members or above, Velocity Gold members or above (when traveling on SAA), and a select group of credit cardholders.
Opening Hours
The lounge operates from Monday to Sunday, from 04:30am to 12:30pm. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Seating
Since not many travelers have access to this lounge, the seating area is cozy and intimate. The lounge is not very large, and you can see the entire space as soon as you step inside. The seating is a mix of comfortable armchairs and tables for dining or working.
For smokers, there is a dedicated smoking lounge with a TV and two sofas, providing a private and comfortable space.
Food and Beverage
The food and beverage selection is perfect for a short stay after a morning flight. The offerings include a nice variety of fresh bread, pastries, and fruits. For something warm, there is a handy pancake machine that delivers freshly made pancakes.
The beverage options are equally sufficient, featuring a coffee machine, a selection of Five Roses teabags, and a fridge stocked with water, juice, and sodas. A standout feature is the proactive and friendly lounge attendants who are quick to offer you a fresh coffee as you settle in.
Shower Facility
The lounge offers individual shower rooms that are clean, spacious, and well-lit. The walls are a mix of smooth and textured tiles, creating a modern and luxurious feel. The shower area is enclosed with a glass partition, and the rooms are stocked with high-quality Aigner products, which is a very nice touch. Unfortunately, no dental kit was available, which is a missed opportunity.
Overall Verdict
This is a great arrivals lounge that perfectly serves its purpose. While it doesn't compare to the fancier departure lounges with their wide array of amenities, it provides a quiet and comfortable place to rest after a long flight. The variety of food and drink is decent, the seating area is comfortable and tranquil, and the shower rooms are clean and spacious. The attendants are also very friendly and proactive. SAA deserves huge credit for providing such a quiet and welcoming space to relax, especially after a long-haul journey.
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