South African Airways Check-in

Does South African Airways have online check-in?

Yes, South African Airways' online check-in allows you to check-in as early as 24 hours before your flight departs.

Check in now for your SAA flight.

What are the requirements for using online check-in?

  • Check-in opens 24 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. Online check-in closes as follows:
    • Four hours for USA flights
    • Three hours for all other international/regional flights
    • Two hours for all domestic flights
  • You are traveling in a group that is less than 10 people.
  • You are not a special needs passenger (i.e. unaccompanied minor).

Can I use online check-in if I have bags to check?

Yes. Simply go to the bag drop desks at your departure airport, where your bags will be tagged by Customer Service staff and sent to the aircraft. The locations of the bag drop desks will be listed on the summary page of online check-in and also on the passenger's boarding pass.

Can I change/select my seat with online check-in?

Once a passenger has confirmed his seat using online check-in, he is no longer be able to make further seat changes. Please note that South African Airways has the right to change a passenger's seat prior to travel.

How much time should I allot at the airport for check-in?

For domestic travel, passengers are required to check in at least one and a half hours before departure of flight.

For international travel, Passengers are required to check in at least two and a half hours before departure of flight (irrespective of class of travel). For flights to/from the United States, passengers are required to check in at least three hours before departure of flight.

Domestic flights close 30 minutes prior to departure. Regional and international flights close 50 minutes prior to departure for all classes of travel. Flights departing from Johannesburg to Luanda and Lagos close one hour prior to departure. Flights departing from Lagos close two hours prior to departure.

When do I need to be at the boarding gate?

Boarding gates close 15 minutes prior to departure on domestic flights and 20 minutes for international flights.