Nov 16, 2015, 3:09 pm
Last edit by: B747-437B
Guide to JNB (Oliver R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa)
Welcome to the guide to JNB.
If your have any further questions that have not been answered after reading through, please do not hesitate to ask.
Bear in mind that the minimum connection times given below are the shortest connections allowed for tickets on a single PNR. It would be advisable to leave more time than this, particularly if you are arriving during the busy morning period. If you are travelling on two separate PNRs, add on at least an extra hour to the MCTs to allow for whatever delays the Travel Gods may throw at you.
Do note that procedures can change so this guide may not be accurate. If you notice anything has changed or there are any errors, just let me know.
International-Domestic Connection
Minimum connection time: 90 minutes
Once you have deplaned, simply follow the crowd to the immigration hall.
After going through passport control, you will need to collect your luggage and pass through customs irrespective of whether your bags have been tagged through to your final destination.
Exit into the public area and proceed up to departures level by way of the escalators which are opposite and to the left. The escalator can take trolleys.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your destination and you have your boarding passes for the onward domestic flight, you can use fast bag drop.
Otherwise you will need to check-in as normal.
Alternatively, you can use the baggage re-check desks on the left before exiting to the public area (NOTE : These are permanently closed now - Oct 2022).
If you would prefer to avoid the porters and taxi touts in the arrivals halls, there are escalators to the left of these desks which will take you to level 1. From there you will need to go up one more level to reach domestic departures. (NOTE : These escalators are out of service now - Oct 2022).
The domestic terminal is designated as a separate terminal (Terminal B) but do not be confused by this. All the terminals at JNB are under one roof so you barely notice that you are transferring between them.
Domestic-International Connection
If you can interline baggage, you can check it through from your initial departure point to your international destination. Once you land at JNB walk out to exit (ignore signs to go downstairs to baggage reclaim), keep walking through the shops/past the food court, around the atrium and there is a security/emigration point on your front right.
Please see post #106 for an illustrated guide.
[although there is no need to go up the moving walkway and then back down again - just come out of the domestic exit and keep walking straight on that level, which will bring you to the security/emigration point]
International-International Connection
Minimum connection time: 60 minutes
This is where things become a little more tricky.
If you arrive at a jetway, you will see a corridor heading towards International Transfers on the left just before the escalators down to passport control.
If you arrive at a remote stand and are bussed to the terminal, you will see the escalators on the left heading up to International Transfers as you enter the building.
Both these paths are well signposted and there is usually a staff member shouting out "International transit" and waving a sign to direct passengers.
When you go down the corridor, there is a transit immigration point before the transfer desks. Typically the wait here is 1-3 minutes, very much quicker than 'normal' immigration.
Your passport will be stamped with a "TRANSIT" stamp here even though you do not enter the country, and you must ensure that you have the required blank pages otherwise you may not be permitted to continue your transit and instead sent back to your originating point.
A few meters beyond the immigration checkpoint is the main transit information area which have desks for all the international airlines and handling agents.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your final destination, ensure that you give your connecting airline the tag numbers at this time so that they can verify them in their system.
If the tag numbers are not re-verified, they will not be loaded without manual intervention. This is not required if connecting from SAA to SAA flights however.
If your bags have not been tagged through, you will need to find a member of staff in International Transfers from your arriving airline.
Ask them to get one of their baggage services staff to pull your bags off the belt manually and coordinate with staff from your onward airline to retag them to your final destination.
This is a rather convoluted process and can take a long time.
Therefore, if your bags cannot be tagged all the way through, it is advisable to pass through immigration, collect your bags at baggage reclaim and clear customs.
After you clear customs but before you exit to the public area (the exit is a set of sliding doors on your right), you will see a series of baggage re-check desks on your left.
Proceed to these desks since they often have smaller queues and have your bags re-tagged.
Then head up the escalators to your left (do not exit the main doors into the public area) which emerge on the departures level.
Turn right when facing the Vodacom store and the departures security checkpoint is right in front of you.
You can do the entire transit and enter/exit South Africa in less than 5 minutes if your bags come out quickly.
If time permits, the safest option is to clear customs and re-check your bags as described above rather than rely on the interlining system at JNB.
Have a look at post #9 of this thread for pictures.
Originally posted by Ambassador BA304.
Luggage storage
This is taken from the whyjoburg.com web site (April 2016):
Welcome to the guide to JNB.
If your have any further questions that have not been answered after reading through, please do not hesitate to ask.
Bear in mind that the minimum connection times given below are the shortest connections allowed for tickets on a single PNR. It would be advisable to leave more time than this, particularly if you are arriving during the busy morning period. If you are travelling on two separate PNRs, add on at least an extra hour to the MCTs to allow for whatever delays the Travel Gods may throw at you.
Do note that procedures can change so this guide may not be accurate. If you notice anything has changed or there are any errors, just let me know.
International-Domestic Connection
Minimum connection time: 90 minutes
Once you have deplaned, simply follow the crowd to the immigration hall.
After going through passport control, you will need to collect your luggage and pass through customs irrespective of whether your bags have been tagged through to your final destination.
Exit into the public area and proceed up to departures level by way of the escalators which are opposite and to the left. The escalator can take trolleys.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your destination and you have your boarding passes for the onward domestic flight, you can use fast bag drop.
Otherwise you will need to check-in as normal.
Alternatively, you can use the baggage re-check desks on the left before exiting to the public area (NOTE : These are permanently closed now - Oct 2022).
If you would prefer to avoid the porters and taxi touts in the arrivals halls, there are escalators to the left of these desks which will take you to level 1. From there you will need to go up one more level to reach domestic departures. (NOTE : These escalators are out of service now - Oct 2022).
The domestic terminal is designated as a separate terminal (Terminal B) but do not be confused by this. All the terminals at JNB are under one roof so you barely notice that you are transferring between them.
Domestic-International Connection
If you can interline baggage, you can check it through from your initial departure point to your international destination. Once you land at JNB walk out to exit (ignore signs to go downstairs to baggage reclaim), keep walking through the shops/past the food court, around the atrium and there is a security/emigration point on your front right.
Please see post #106 for an illustrated guide.
[although there is no need to go up the moving walkway and then back down again - just come out of the domestic exit and keep walking straight on that level, which will bring you to the security/emigration point]
International-International Connection
Minimum connection time: 60 minutes
This is where things become a little more tricky.
If you arrive at a jetway, you will see a corridor heading towards International Transfers on the left just before the escalators down to passport control.
If you arrive at a remote stand and are bussed to the terminal, you will see the escalators on the left heading up to International Transfers as you enter the building.
Both these paths are well signposted and there is usually a staff member shouting out "International transit" and waving a sign to direct passengers.
When you go down the corridor, there is a transit immigration point before the transfer desks. Typically the wait here is 1-3 minutes, very much quicker than 'normal' immigration.
Your passport will be stamped with a "TRANSIT" stamp here even though you do not enter the country, and you must ensure that you have the required blank pages otherwise you may not be permitted to continue your transit and instead sent back to your originating point.
A few meters beyond the immigration checkpoint is the main transit information area which have desks for all the international airlines and handling agents.
If your bags have already been tagged through to your final destination, ensure that you give your connecting airline the tag numbers at this time so that they can verify them in their system.
If the tag numbers are not re-verified, they will not be loaded without manual intervention. This is not required if connecting from SAA to SAA flights however.
If your bags have not been tagged through, you will need to find a member of staff in International Transfers from your arriving airline.
Ask them to get one of their baggage services staff to pull your bags off the belt manually and coordinate with staff from your onward airline to retag them to your final destination.
This is a rather convoluted process and can take a long time.
Therefore, if your bags cannot be tagged all the way through, it is advisable to pass through immigration, collect your bags at baggage reclaim and clear customs.
After you clear customs but before you exit to the public area (the exit is a set of sliding doors on your right), you will see a series of baggage re-check desks on your left.
Proceed to these desks since they often have smaller queues and have your bags re-tagged.
Then head up the escalators to your left (do not exit the main doors into the public area) which emerge on the departures level.
Turn right when facing the Vodacom store and the departures security checkpoint is right in front of you.
You can do the entire transit and enter/exit South Africa in less than 5 minutes if your bags come out quickly.
If time permits, the safest option is to clear customs and re-check your bags as described above rather than rely on the interlining system at JNB.
Have a look at post #9 of this thread for pictures.
Originally posted by Ambassador BA304.
Luggage storage
This is taken from the whyjoburg.com web site (April 2016):
BagPort South Africa, the original company that provided a luggage storage service at OR Tambo International Airport, has changed its name.
It now operates as Ateck - from the same premises down the escalators at the main exit of Terminal A arrivals, on Basement Level 1, going towards the Parkade 2 (South).
Costs are : (NB : CASH ONLY! No Cards Accepted.)
0-5 hours: R70.00
6-12 hours: R80.00
12-24 hours: R90.00
24 hours or more: R90.00 per day.
Open 24 hours, every day of the year.
Contact details :
Tel : +27 (11) 390 2689
http://www.a-teck.co.za/or-tambo-airport-store-teck/
It now operates as Ateck - from the same premises down the escalators at the main exit of Terminal A arrivals, on Basement Level 1, going towards the Parkade 2 (South).
Costs are : (NB : CASH ONLY! No Cards Accepted.)
0-5 hours: R70.00
6-12 hours: R80.00
12-24 hours: R90.00
24 hours or more: R90.00 per day.
Open 24 hours, every day of the year.
Contact details :
Tel : +27 (11) 390 2689
http://www.a-teck.co.za/or-tambo-airport-store-teck/
JNB / Johannesburg Airport - Connections, Facilities, Layovers, etc.
Aug 9, 2013, 12:13 pm
#151
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
Sounds as if you are referring to a long time ago when JNB was undergoing its major reconstruction? In any event the route to check-in is now as described in posts 37 and 38 of this thread.
Aug 9, 2013, 12:40 pm
#152
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NY
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 630
Guide to Connecting at JNB
Flying JFK-FRA-JNB-WDH. Flying LH to JNB then SA to WDH after a three hour layover.
I'd like to check bags all the way through even though there is a long layover in FRA. Do you trust SA to transfer the bags from JNB to their flight or should I collect them in JNB and re-check? How much of a hassle is this? Thank you.
I'd like to check bags all the way through even though there is a long layover in FRA. Do you trust SA to transfer the bags from JNB to their flight or should I collect them in JNB and re-check? How much of a hassle is this? Thank you.
Aug 10, 2013, 12:00 am
#153
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PARADISE
Programs: LOTS
Posts: 133
As for the reverse, I'll have plenty of time to make sure that we don't miss our connection so I'll either ask on the day or just follow the signs. We're using the BA lounge so waiting at JNB won't be a problem.
Thanks again for your help. At least I now know that the route about which I inquired no longer exists.
Sep 9, 2013, 6:51 am
#154
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Harare Zimbabwe
Programs: BA; SAA
Posts: 5
Flying JFK-FRA-JNB-WDH. Flying LH to JNB then SA to WDH after a three hour layover.
I'd like to check bags all the way through even though there is a long layover in FRA. Do you trust SA to transfer the bags from JNB to their flight or should I collect them in JNB and re-check? How much of a hassle is this? Thank you.
I'd like to check bags all the way through even though there is a long layover in FRA. Do you trust SA to transfer the bags from JNB to their flight or should I collect them in JNB and re-check? How much of a hassle is this? Thank you.
So, my advice, check your bags through. Use a TSA approved lock if you must, ziploc ties work great, or, even better, one of those nylon ripstop covers that pull tight over your bag.
Sep 29, 2013, 9:23 pm
#155
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 432
Would just like to add my experiences of checking my bags through JNB twice this summer when flying business. I flew ORD-FRA-ZRH-JNB-EBB and had a few hours layover in JNB. I had checked two bags and they were the first two come out in Entebbe with no issues. On my return, I checked a bag NBO-JNB-SIN-SFO with ~16 hour layover in JNB with no issues. I wouldn't hesitate to connect/check my bags through JNB again.
Oct 24, 2013, 10:30 am
#156
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Copenhagen
Programs: TK*G, Delta Gold
Posts: 384
I would like to ask the community for advice. I am arriving to JNB on LH at around 9:40am from FRA. I want to continue to PLZ (Port Elizabeth). This will be a different ticket.
Possible flights are: 15:20, 17:30 or 19:40 departing JNB. It seems either of these is fine, unless my incoming flights goes MX in which case I'm screwed anyways.
Question 1: Is there anything interesting I could do during a 10 hour layover? See some of JNB (what?)? If so, 19:40 JNB->PLZ seems like a good choice.
Question 2: Does LH interline with SA? I understand from this thread that if they do I still need to re-confirm my bag at the transfer desk to make sure it will be loaded onto the onwards flight.
Question 3: If I cannot or chose not to interline the luggage for reasons outlined in this thread, can I re-check it right away in the morning, or do I need to wait till a certain time before departure?
Bonus question, if someone knows, is there anything interesting to do in Port Elizabeth after arriving there at 16:50, assuming I'd take the earlier flight?
Thanks for any advice!
Possible flights are: 15:20, 17:30 or 19:40 departing JNB. It seems either of these is fine, unless my incoming flights goes MX in which case I'm screwed anyways.
Question 1: Is there anything interesting I could do during a 10 hour layover? See some of JNB (what?)? If so, 19:40 JNB->PLZ seems like a good choice.
Question 2: Does LH interline with SA? I understand from this thread that if they do I still need to re-confirm my bag at the transfer desk to make sure it will be loaded onto the onwards flight.
Question 3: If I cannot or chose not to interline the luggage for reasons outlined in this thread, can I re-check it right away in the morning, or do I need to wait till a certain time before departure?
Bonus question, if someone knows, is there anything interesting to do in Port Elizabeth after arriving there at 16:50, assuming I'd take the earlier flight?
Thanks for any advice!
Oct 24, 2013, 4:17 pm
#157
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 432
I would like to ask the community for advice. I am arriving to JNB on LH at around 9:40am from FRA. I want to continue to PLZ (Port Elizabeth). This will be a different ticket.
Possible flights are: 15:20, 17:30 or 19:40 departing JNB. It seems either of these is fine, unless my incoming flights goes MX in which case I'm screwed anyways.
Question 1: Is there anything interesting I could do during a 10 hour layover? See some of JNB (what?)? If so, 19:40 JNB->PLZ seems like a good choice.
Question 2: Does LH interline with SA? I understand from this thread that if they do I still need to re-confirm my bag at the transfer desk to make sure it will be loaded onto the onwards flight.
Question 3: If I cannot or chose not to interline the luggage for reasons outlined in this thread, can I re-check it right away in the morning, or do I need to wait till a certain time before departure?
Possible flights are: 15:20, 17:30 or 19:40 departing JNB. It seems either of these is fine, unless my incoming flights goes MX in which case I'm screwed anyways.
Question 1: Is there anything interesting I could do during a 10 hour layover? See some of JNB (what?)? If so, 19:40 JNB->PLZ seems like a good choice.
Question 2: Does LH interline with SA? I understand from this thread that if they do I still need to re-confirm my bag at the transfer desk to make sure it will be loaded onto the onwards flight.
Question 3: If I cannot or chose not to interline the luggage for reasons outlined in this thread, can I re-check it right away in the morning, or do I need to wait till a certain time before departure?
Oct 25, 2013, 2:19 am
#158
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
If JNB is not your final destination, LH's arrival time is pretty useless, as you miss the entire morning bank of departures. AF is even worse, not to mention KL's late evening arrival. Flights from Europe that arrive before 7 a.m. offer the widest choice of connections, as does CX from HKG.
Johan
Johan
Oct 25, 2013, 3:53 am
#159
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Copenhagen
Programs: TK*G, Delta Gold
Posts: 384
Yes, I realize that, but well, that's the way it is. Hence my idea of seeing something rather than sitting 6 to 10 hours at JNB airport. I'm still not so sure what is possible/reachable, so suggestions for a half-day programme would be very welcome.
Oct 25, 2013, 4:02 am
#160
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Copenhagen
Programs: TK*G, Delta Gold
Posts: 384
Edit: flightstats shows a standard deviation of 7.5 minutes, maximum of 30 minutes delay of LH572. How reliable are flightstats statistics?
Edit: The fare rules (K) say its a changable fare at no cost, but do not say anything about noshow. I am trying to figure out what would happen if I come in heavily delayed, would I lose the ticket value?
Last edited by Zeehe; Oct 25, 2013 at 4:29 am
Oct 25, 2013, 12:10 pm
#161
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
3h25 is fine, plenty of time.
In my exeperience there is plenty of slack in the Europe - SA flight schedules. Flights that depart late can often make up for quite a bit of lost time en route, often up to 45 minutes.
Johan
In my exeperience there is plenty of slack in the Europe - SA flight schedules. Flights that depart late can often make up for quite a bit of lost time en route, often up to 45 minutes.
Johan
Dec 11, 2013, 12:43 am
#162
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3
Connecting SAA with Air Botswana
I carefully read this thread (as several others) but still have a question:
I want to travel WDH-JNB-MUB connecting at JNB by changing from SAA to Air Botswana. Tickets are on two different PNRs; time between scheduled arrival at JNB and scheduled departure will be 2h20m (early afternoon).
I assume - even if interlining should theoretically exist - I can't check bags through to MUB. I also assume that I need to get my boarding pass for Air Botswana flight in JNB which (depsite the baggage issue) concerns me most.
Air Botswana says minimum check-inn time for JNB 2h. Is there a way to manage this when having international-international connection? Can I pick up my bp at transit desk (is there a counter for Air Botswana?)?
On the other hand I read it would be best to clear immigration / customs and collect bags at baggage reclaim. Then normal check-inn procedure. This would mean there is no chance at all for the 2h minimum check-inn constraint... ;-(
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Thomas
I want to travel WDH-JNB-MUB connecting at JNB by changing from SAA to Air Botswana. Tickets are on two different PNRs; time between scheduled arrival at JNB and scheduled departure will be 2h20m (early afternoon).
I assume - even if interlining should theoretically exist - I can't check bags through to MUB. I also assume that I need to get my boarding pass for Air Botswana flight in JNB which (depsite the baggage issue) concerns me most.
Air Botswana says minimum check-inn time for JNB 2h. Is there a way to manage this when having international-international connection? Can I pick up my bp at transit desk (is there a counter for Air Botswana?)?
On the other hand I read it would be best to clear immigration / customs and collect bags at baggage reclaim. Then normal check-inn procedure. This would mean there is no chance at all for the 2h minimum check-inn constraint... ;-(
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Thomas
Dec 12, 2013, 2:00 am
#164
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3
Thanks for the reply!
What still puzzles me is the 2h check-in constraint. Is it really followed strictly? In this case I would have nearly no chance to get the air botswana flight in jnb when previous saa flight is scheduled to arrive in jnb "only" 2h20m before air botswana departure!
What still puzzles me is the 2h check-in constraint. Is it really followed strictly? In this case I would have nearly no chance to get the air botswana flight in jnb when previous saa flight is scheduled to arrive in jnb "only" 2h20m before air botswana departure!
Dec 12, 2013, 11:37 pm
#165
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Thanks for the reply!
What still puzzles me is the 2h check-in constraint. Is it really followed strictly? In this case I would have nearly no chance to get the air botswana flight in jnb when previous saa flight is scheduled to arrive in jnb "only" 2h20m before air botswana departure!
What still puzzles me is the 2h check-in constraint. Is it really followed strictly? In this case I would have nearly no chance to get the air botswana flight in jnb when previous saa flight is scheduled to arrive in jnb "only" 2h20m before air botswana departure!
Having a BP in hand (from HKG G16 lounge) was helpful for rechecking bags at the SA desk that CX refused to keep tagged with SA to CPT.
