South African Airways flights, compared and booked by people who know SA
South African Airways is South Africa's state-owned flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, based at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
South African Airways overview
South African Airways was formed on 1 February 1934, when the South African government took over and renamed Union Airways, which had been founded in 1929. It joined Star Alliance in 2006. The airline entered business rescue in December 2019 and stopped flying, then restarted on 23 September 2021 with a much smaller network.
The current fleet is small, around 20 aircraft in 2026, made up mainly of Airbus A320s with a few A330-300s and A340-300s for long-haul flights. From Johannesburg and Cape Town it flies within South Africa and across southern, central and West Africa. Its intercontinental routes include Perth in Australia and São Paulo in Brazil. The airline has said it plans further growth, including a return to the United States.
| IATA code | SA |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Main hub | Johannesburg (JNB) |
| Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Founded | 1934 |
- ICAO code
- SAA
- Hubs and bases
- JNB · CPT
- Cabins
- Business · Economy
- Official website
- flysaa.com
Where South African Airways flies
Primarily a domestic and regional African network from Johannesburg, with a few intercontinental routes to Perth and São Paulo.
Popular South African Airways routes
City pairs South African Airways flies that travelers often ask us about:
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South African Airways baggage policy
South African Airways sets baggage allowances by fare, cabin and route, so the same flight can include different allowances on different tickets. Your exact allowance is shown with the fare before you pay, and our agents can add bags at the airline’s published rate when they issue your ticket. See our extra baggage service for details.
South African Airways cancellation policy
What happens when you cancel a South African Airways ticket depends on the fare rules attached to it, which you see before booking. Tickets bought for travel to or from the US generally allow a free cancellation within 24 hours of booking when the flight is at least seven days away; after that, flexible fares may be refundable and others may convert to credit or be non-refundable. If South African Airways cancels your flight, you are entitled to a refund. Our cancellation desk reviews your ticket free of charge.
South African Airways date change policy
Whether a South African Airways ticket can be changed, and for what fee, depends on its fare rules; you will usually pay any fare difference. We compare the options before you commit. More on our date change service.
South African Airways check-in information
Check-in times and methods for South African Airways vary by airport and route, including online, app and airport check-in. For international departures from the US, plan to arrive about three hours before departure, and confirm the exact deadlines in your booking confirmation.
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South African Airways — frequently asked questions
How do I book South African Airways flights through Flybrio?
Search live fares on this page, or call +1 (866) 290-4747 and a flight expert will compare South African Airways with the other airlines on your route and price your trip.
Is South African Airways in Star Alliance?
Yes. South African Airways has been a Star Alliance member since 2006.
Where is South African Airways' hub?
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, with Cape Town as a secondary base.
Does South African Airways fly to Europe or the US?
Its intercontinental network was cut back after the 2019 to 2021 business rescue. In 2026 its long-haul routes include Perth and São Paulo, and the airline has announced plans to return to the United States.
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