Following the excitement of the World Cup, South Africa is enjoying a renewed wave of travel enthusiasm — and its national carrier, South African Airways (SAA), is matching that energy with upgraded facilities, new partnerships and attractive travel deals.
SAA has opened three premium lounges for its Premium Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold frequent-flyer members at key airports: O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport and the new King Shaka International Airport in Durban.
The new Johannesburg lounge blends traditional African elegance with contemporary comforts and offers views over the runway. Amenities include comfortable snooze rooms, rainfall showers, an enclosed cigar lounge, an audio-visual entertainment room, Internet access, private boardrooms, a self-service dining area, a staffed bar, a children’s area and a baggage deposit facility. The space is designed so passengers can relax or work in a warm, welcoming environment for several hours.
Also at O.R. Tambo, SAA’s Arrivals Lounge provides convenient services for connecting travelers, such as food and beverage service, clothes pressing and dedicated email and Internet stations.
The Domestic Departures Lounge in Cape Town features a striking runway view and offers a food and beverage area, an audio-visual section, showers and a children’s area to enhance the pre-flight experience for domestic travelers.
In May, SAA opened a Domestic Business Class Lounge at the new King Shaka International Airport north of Durban. That lounge matches the high-quality comforts and tasteful décor found in the Johannesburg and Cape Town locations, providing consistent premium service across South Africa’s major gateways.
Travel
SAA has also expanded its connectivity through a comprehensive interline agreement with JetBlue Airways, effective May 12, 2010. This partnership allows customers to purchase a single itinerary for travel on both carriers, simplifying journeys between South Africa and the United States. Passengers can check luggage through to their final destination and receive boarding passes for all legs of their trip when checking in with either JetBlue in the U.S. or SAA in Africa.
For travelers planning a visit to South Africa, South African Airways Vacations offers a selection of curated packages that combine flights, accommodations and experiences. Packages start from $1,999 plus taxes and can be tailored to suit individual interests and budgets.
One example, the Safari Royale nine-day package, includes round-trip airfare from the U.S., domestic flights within South Africa, four nights in Cape Town, a full-day Cape Peninsula tour, a half-day Winelands tour, two nights in Kruger National Park with game drives, and many meals included.
The Classic South Africa package features round-trip airfare from the U.S., internal flights, four nights in Cape Town, two nights at the Lion Sands River Lodge with game drives and selected meals. These examples illustrate the variety of itineraries available, and travelers can customize packages to create their ideal South African escape.