Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - SAA Arrivals lounge at Johannesburg

I'm arriving into JNB next month in J class (no F class on SAA from LHR to JNB :confused:) and was wondering what the arrivals or domestic lounge situation is now? I've got a couple of hours layover before a flight down to Durban and would like to shower and change before the next flight, but am not going to bother taking a change of clothes in my carry-on if I can't. Any help appreciated.

Cheers

Also looking for the same info...

I did find this somewhere out on the web, but would appreciate more details:

Johannesburg

SAA offer both departure and an arrivals* lounges at Johannesburg International Airport.

Cycad Lounge

For Voyager Platinum passengers. Facilities include five luxurious state-of-the-art shower rooms, an elegant soundproof reading room, exclusive dining facilities, a private smokers retreat, and five tranquil, soundproof snooze rooms with CD players. There is also a state of the art Premium centre with international telephone, computer and Internet facilities.

The Baobab Lounge.

For Premium Class passengers and eligible Voyager members.

Facilities include wide-screen TV, bars, café Bars - coffee stations, two private smoking lounges, parents lounge with a colourful children's play area for tiny-tot travellers, revitalising shower facilities and comfortable designer Pago chairs.

* Currently (Apr ’08) the South African Airways Arrivals Lounge at Johannesburg International Airport is closed due to construction by Airports Company South Africa. An alternative airport owned lounge is available a short walking distance from the terminal building.

I'm arriving into JNB next month in J class (no F class on SAA from LHR to JNB :confused:) and was wondering what the arrivals or domestic lounge situation is now? I've got a couple of hours layover before a flight down to Durban and would like to shower and change before the next flight, but am not going to bother taking a change of clothes in my carry-on if I can't. Any help appreciated.

Cheers

Your best bet is to use the SA domestic departures lounge before your departure to DUR. There are showers there. A decent lounge, with nice views of the apron. Food offerings are (extremely) limited though, so have the breakfast on the 'plane!

No, SA dont have F anymore on the intercontinental long haul routes (but C has flat beds to make up for that). When they retired the 744's, that was the cast of it. Two (I think) 744's are now used on inter-Africa services (LOS) and that is the last remnant of F on SA.

Your best bet is to use the SA domestic departures lounge before your departure to DUR. There are showers there. A decent lounge, with nice views of the apron. Food offerings are (extremely) limited though, so have the breakfast on the 'plane!

No, SA dont have F anymore on the intercontinental long haul routes (but C has flat beds to make up for that). When they retired the 744's, that was the cast of it. Two (I think) 744's are now used on inter-Africa services (LOS) and that is the last remnant of F on SA.

Thanks for the info - I was a bit worried as it did say they were undergoing refurbishment and having lived in Mumbai for a year, I have too much experience of turning up at building sites purporting to be lounges!!
I've heard good things about the beds in C - it was a straight choice between Virgin and SAA but the Star Alliance miles made the choice:) I might even attempt a trip report once I've done the route.

Cheers

From the SAA website:

Arrivals Lounge


SAA temporary Arrivals lounge at O.R Tambo International closes

The arrivals lounge situated at the Airport Sun Intercontinental at O.R Tambo International Airport for the use of SAA’s Premium class, Platinum and Gold Voyager members has been closed.

SAA is in the process of constructing an exclusive Arrivals Lounge and this will be opened later this year.

Passengers who are transiting and/or connecting on SAA flights are encouraged to make use of SAA’s business class departure lounges until the opening.

We apologise to all passengers for any inconvenience and trust that the departure lounges will meet all requirements before moving onto your final destination.

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If the business class lounge is still closed for refurb, and the alternative facilities are frankly shockingly poor, then this is a very sorry state of affairs.

We'll be arriving in JNB in November before transiting to Mauritius and it seems we'll be left effectively in interim (and inadequate) lounges. :mad: