Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - SAA lounge at JNB - finished yet?

I've read some reviews on Skytrax that the SAA lounge at JNB is currently in refurb and there is a very poor alternative laid on.

Does anyone have info on this? I'll be spending a few hours in there on the 29th May (my birthday!) and don't want to be slumming it!

I'm flying tomorrow so I'll check it out....

Any update?

As of 23 May, the new Byobab (sp?) lounge in the international departure area (for business and *G) is still under construction. I asked the women at the desk when they expected the new lounge to be opened; they looked at each other and laughed. You need to turn left off the escalator and head towards the VA lounge but keep walking. Seems like your walking to nowhere (which you kind of are). Hope the new lounge will be finished by the 29th.

Thanks #10. Looks like it won't be pleasant then!

Business class is already sold out, so zero chance of somehow getting a freebie op-up.

Apparently there is no set date for the opening of the new lounge, and the temporary lounge will be used for the foreseeable future.

Apparently there is no set date for the opening of the new lounge, and the temporary lounge will be used for the foreseeable future.

My Robben Island tour guide said: "In England, you have watches. In Africa, we have time."

Still unfinished last night, and the temporary lounge was rammed to the point that people were standing.

This was unacceptable, so I blagged my way in to the First class lounge :D

Having a transfer at JNB on 13 June, and would appreciate any news on the lounge situation.

Pax with business class tickets should be offered First class lounge, airfares are way to high to be forced to use such a disgusting lounge.

Voyager and alliance members travelling in Y should receive other compensation whilst this so called temp lounge is in use, that will force SAA to get their rears into gear.

Having a transfer at JNB on 13 June, and would appreciate any news on the lounge situation.

I read the Sawubona (SA in-flight magazine) yesterday. In it, acting CEO Chris Smyth acknowldeges that the current Int lounge at JNB is substandard and asks passengers to have 'a few more months' (IIRC) patience (and assures us that the wait will be worth it). So it seems sure that on 13 June you will still be out of luck.

I read the Sawubona (SA in-flight magazine) yesterday. In it, acting CEO Chris Smyth acknowldeges that the current Int lounge at JNB is substandard and asks passengers to have 'a few more months' (IIRC) patience (and assures us that the wait will be worth it). So it seems sure that on 13 June you will still be out of luck.

:mad:Not good, but thanks for your update. Agree with SAWorldVoyager - they should have a better offer than a substandard lounge in a hub like this.

The latest news I got on 12 June when I visited the lounge was that the new one will only open end August.

Its shameful that in JNB, BA, Emirates, Virgin, Air France, Swissair have swanky new lounges and the home carrier has this "room" with lousy old chairs, thats cramped and crowded even during off peak times.

The arrivals lounge at the Inter Continental is closed too, with no alternatives.

Most annoying.

[QUOTE=SAWorldVoyager;11921276]Its shameful that in JNB, BA, Emirates, Virgin, Air France, Swissair have swanky new lounges and the home carrier has this "room" with lousy old chairs, thats cramped and crowded even during off peak times.
[QUOTE]

Are you sure Swiss have a lounge, their website suggest they use the SAA lounge.

Are you sure Swiss have a lounge, their website suggest they use the SAA lounge.They are now in the new pier - I think it's shared with a non-airline organisation - it does not feature a *G logo.

LH share with SA, but not LX.

Last time I flew LX, they were using the Virgin clubhouse as an F lounge.

Lounge was packed on wednesday and there are no toilets in the lounge!! Was directed to the First Class lounge for toilets. Asked the staff there politely to use this lounge since Baobab was full, and travelling J-cl as *G. The kind lady was about to let me in when the guy next to her overheard and said that I was to use the contract lounge in between (don't remember the name). This was ok, half full, some food and at least toilets.

They are now in the new pier - I think it's shared with a non-airline organisation - it does not feature a *G logo.

LH share with SA, but not LX.

Is it the BidAir lounge that LX use?

http://www.gosimply.com/airport-lounges/south-africa/johannesburg-airport/jnbipre

Well it looks like I could be down again soon - any news on this SAA embarrassment?

My stepdad is a Voyager Paltinum member and asked the platinum lounge when the new Buisness Class lounge will be opening. They said that it looks like it will only open in November as they had to change contractors... Bad news as i will be travelling and using the temp lounge next month and would appreciate a shower... :(

We will be travelling SAA J Class through Jo'Burg and have a five hour transit in the international terminal, October 1st.

Is it likely that the new SAA business lounge will be open by then?

If not, is it worth paying for access to the Bidair lounge?

We will be travelling SAA J Class through Jo'Burg and have a five hour transit in the international terminal, October 1st.

Is it likely that the new SAA business lounge will be open by then?All the anecdotal evidence says no.

If not, is it worth paying for access to the Bidair lounge?Impossible to answer unless you tell us what you want from a lounge. It is not expensive (at least it wasn't when last I knew - ZAR145) and you can get in free with a Diners Club card. As you are in J you will presumably get well fed/watered on your flight so presumably won't need to stock up a lot beforehand. If you would like something resembling a meal during your layover then the lounge offerings will not suffice. Another reason to use the lounge would be for the showers.

The general waiting area at JNB is not usually unpleasant and has a reasonable selection of shops to entertain you for an hour - or two, depending on your shopping proclivities. (Disclaimer: I have never spent more than half an hour there. My comment is based on walking through.)

.....

Is it likely that the new SAA business lounge will be open by then?

......

By now they have been 'building the new lounge' for a year. Somewhere I read that it will open in November, so I guess the answer to your question is 'not likely'.
The day it actually opens should be declared a public holiday, with SAA aircraft doing their 'flyover' routine. :cool:

From the SAA website...

SAA opens Interim Business Class lounge

South African Airways (SAA) has opened temporary international departures Baobab Premium Class Lounge at O.R Tambo International Airport.

The current Baobab Premium Class lounge at international departures has been closed to accommodate the construction of a new and upgraded facility.

The new design will match world class airline lounge standards and is expected to open in the second quarter of next year. It will be developed to accommodate SAA’s growing number of passengers. The new lounge will boast, amongst other things, hi-tech audio visual entertainment and business/internet facilities, bistro style food and beverage offering, a secure hand luggage area, a dedicated Voyager desk to assist our Premium passengers and an interactive children’s area. A magnificent view of the runway will add to our customers’ visual enjoyment.

The inclusion of these and other facilities have been undertaken following extensive research of passenger requirements.

SAA apologises for any inconvenience the interim arrangement may cause our customers, but they can rest assured that there will be something quite impressive to look forward to in terms of the new lounge. Above all, it will offer them an improved, exclusive and upmarket experience with a fresh design that is part of <ends abruptly>

This doesn't look good for our arrival and int'l transit on Nov 22nd!

From the SAA website...

SAA opens Interim Business Class lounge

South African Airways (SAA) has opened temporary international departures Baobab Premium Class Lounge at O.R Tambo International Airport.

The current Baobab Premium Class lounge at international departures has been closed to accommodate the construction of a new and upgraded facility.

The new design will match world class airline lounge standards and is expected to open in the second quarter of next year. It will be developed to accommodate SAA’s growing number of passengers. The new lounge will boast, amongst other things, hi-tech audio visual entertainment and business/internet facilities, bistro style food and beverage offering, a secure hand luggage area, a dedicated Voyager desk to assist our Premium passengers and an interactive children’s area. A magnificent view of the runway will add to our customers’ visual enjoyment.

The inclusion of these and other facilities have been undertaken following extensive research of passenger requirements.

SAA apologises for any inconvenience the interim arrangement may cause our customers, but they can rest assured that there will be something quite impressive to look forward to in terms of the new lounge. Above all, it will offer them an improved, exclusive and upmarket experience with a fresh design that is part of <ends abruptly>

This doesn't look good for our arrival and int'l transit on Nov 22nd!

I read this last year on their website, as the lounge was supposed to open in the second quarter of this year (2009) so i'm pretty sure they have just not updated that newsflash. I was told that they were looking at opening it at the end of this year.(December was what they were aiming for)

I'm hitting there 23rd December, in transit to Durban - fingers crossed, but somehow think I might be dissapointed.....

I'm hitting there 23rd December, in transit to Durban - fingers crossed, but somehow think I might be dissapointed.....Well here's hoping you get the scoop on the new lounge! :cool: Your timing might just be right since they would want to finish before everyone goes on leave in mid December.

South African Airways (SAA) would like to inform its valued Business Class passengers that the new International Departures lounge at O.R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg will officially be opened in December 2009. Up until the opening, we encourage you to make use of the interim facility on the Mezzanine level of International Departures after the security and passport checkpoint.

SAA sincerely appreciates your understanding and patience during construction of the new lounge and promises that the wait will be worthwhile.

The new departures lounge combines elements of African royalty in all its opulence and contemporary décor. Customers can expect a lounge that matches world class standards. You will be guaranteed a pleasurable and comfortable experience from the moment you are welcomed at reception to when you step out to board your flight.

The new departures lounge combines elements of African royalty in all its opulence.Mobutu Sese Seko style? :D

Johan

Mobutu Sese Seko style? :D

Johan


I burst out laughing at this.

Will be transiting through to Harare on Tuesday and was looking forward to trying the SAA lounge :-(. I will have a guest with me. It looks like we'll be using the Priority Pass lounge instead (at least, from fairly distant memory, that lounge has the all important shower and toilets).

Looking at what I presume is the new SAA lounge under construciton (on the mezzanine level - opposite the new BA Galleries lounge - last Monday night they certainly looked like they had plenty work to do ... the Shell is there but the walls weren't plastered .. wires hanging all over the place etc.... it looked a pretty long way from being done.

I'd say you're looking at late December rather than early - though they were still workign on it at 8pm at night .. so maybe (finally!) there's a rush on to get it finished

Here's a handy hint we learnt last weekend.

Go to the first class lounge, and ask to use the showers. They won't allow you in the showers, but will allow you in the toilets. You'll be given complimentary access to the non-aligned 'premer lounge' next door and can use their lounge and showers instead of the pathetic effort that is the SAA business lounge.

On Sunday morning they had no facility for making tea or caffeinated coffee. An utter shambles.

Luckily we're in LH F on Monday night - so we'll be in the first class lounge anyway.

still no change ... I have been there yesterday ... I can't wait till the have the new lounge ready.

This is not all that helpful w.r.t. timing of this 'maybe lounge', but the announcement by SAA acting CEO Cris Smyth promises us that it will 'officially open early 2010'.

Please look here (http://stage1.flysaa.com/voyager/voyager_frameset.html?contents=/voyager/voyager_content.html?contents=/voyager/newsletter/saa_teaser.html)for the full story.

Well here's hoping you get the scoop on the new lounge! :cool: Your timing might just be right since they would want to finish before everyone goes on leave in mid December.

I'll let you know, but not holding my breath!!;)

Any info on what SAA mean by "early 2010" regarding the opening of the new lounge? Will be at JHB International on inbound flight back to LHR on 18 January 2010 - so hope that it will be open by then! Any updates much appreciated.

Any info on what SAA mean by "early 2010" regarding the opening of the new lounge? Will be at JHB International on inbound flight back to LHR on 18 January 2010 - so hope that it will be open by then! Any updates much appreciated.

With the history of this lounge refurbishment programme, I would not be surprised if any day before 1 July is considered 'early 2010' :D.

anyone been past in the last few days to check on the new lounge? Travelling Christmas day, hoping its open in time. (I even wrote to Santa explaining that a new lounge would be a great present, or a global express jet so i dont need to use airport terminals^).

Family travelling to IAD on Christmas eve, will have them check, and I will post here if no response before then.

anyone been past in the last few days to check on the new lounge? Travelling Christmas day, hoping its open in time. (I even wrote to Santa explaining that a new lounge would be a great present, or a global express jet so i dont need to use airport terminals^).

Family travelling to IAD on Christmas eve, will have them check, and I will post here if no response before then.

Even the acting CEO of SAA is not optimistic enough to expect the lounge to be open this year (see my link in post #35 above), so I am afraid that as far as I can predict Santa will disppoint you :(

still temp lounge in use 23rd Dec

Any update on the new lounge? Will be at JHB OR Tambo on 18 Jan? Any info or "inside story" if it will be open by then?

Well, went through JNB last night and can confirm that the new lounge is a long way from completion. I had a look through the windows of the new lounge and at a conservative estimate it's still at least a month away from completion :td: . The temporary lounge is very poor and doesn't even have any toilets! BTW, for smokers amongst you worth having a couple of cigs before security as the smoking lounge is also closed and it looks a pretty permanent closure.

According to the SAA inflight magazine for January, they hit a major structural issue with the lounge that has substantially delayed completion. The writer of the article still seemed confident that it would be open by the World Cup.

According to the SAA inflight magazine for January, they hit a major structural issue with the lounge that has substantially delayed completion. The writer of the article still seemed confident that it would be open by the World Cup.

Yeez, the excuses they come up with!!

Yeez, the excuses they come up with!!We've built stadiums in less time! I can't wait to see the new lounge - it must be pretty spectacular if it came up against "a major structural issue".

We've built stadiums in less time! I can't wait to see the new lounge - it must be pretty spectacular if it came up against "a major structural issue".

Well, if it seats 65000 people at least there wont be a space problem.
Visited the FCL in FRA for the first time in December (and again last week). Now that would have been woth waiting for (but they probably built it in 3 months!)

Visited the FCL in FRA for the first time in December (and again last week). Now that would have been woth waiting for (but they probably built it in 3 months!)OK, I am just consumed with envy! :o Doesn't look like I'll get a chance to try it anytime soon. I'll have to buy you a drink soon to hear all about it and have the experience vicariously.

I'll have to buy you a drink soon to hear all about it and have the experience vicariously.



No problem, we have not done that for a while. Send me a PM and we'll set it up!

Guy Betsy's back in town ! :) (But till tomorrow, and then again later in month)

Arrived at the new CPT airport from JNB yesterday. Why the looooong walk without travellators to the domestic baggage area (which obviously has not been renovated !)

Unfortunately I will be departing from CPT so won't get the chance to see the new JNB international lounge.

Guy Betsy's back in town ! :) (But till tomorrow, and then again later in month)

Arrived at the new CPT airport from JNB yesterday. Why the looooong walk without travellators to the domestic baggage area (which obviously has not been renovated !)

Unfortunately I will be departing from CPT so won't get the chance to see the new JNB international lounge.

Well, if you are back later this month, I am sure Cheetah_SA and I can wait and have the impending drink when you are back. ;)
If you are leaving from he new CPT for the first time, tomorrow than you are in for a pleasant surprise. I agree about the walk from the gate, also for Int. We docked at A6 the other day and that was very far to the immigration desks.

No problem, we have not done that for a while. Send me a PM and we'll set it up!Will do!

Guy Betsy's back in town ! :) (But till tomorrow, and then again later in month)

Arrived at the new CPT airport from JNB yesterday. Why the looooong walk without travellators to the domestic baggage area (which obviously has not been renovated !)welcome back!

The revamped CPT is still a mystery to me - have only been through domestic once and we were bussed on arrival so no walk. But the central check-in area was quite a slog from the valet parking! And it's even further from the car hire area. Hope they sort something out. The roads are also still a real challenge.

Unfortunately I will be departing from CPT so won't get the chance to see the new JNB international lounge.What new lounge?! :confused:

"In addition, in the spring of 2010 we will open a brand new Business Class lounge at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, which will feature fabulous amenities, including rainfall showers, relaxing snooze rooms, gourmet food, drinks, and an overall exquisite luxurious ambience."

Just got this in the monthly news letter...

"In addition, in the spring of 2010 we will open a brand new Business Class lounge at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, which will feature fabulous amenities, including rainfall showers, relaxing snooze rooms, gourmet food, drinks, and an overall exquisite luxurious ambience."

Just got this in the monthly news letter...

The latest that I have heard in April or May 2010. The opening has been delayed due to ongoing contruction issues. It will be open in time for the World Cup.

Here's a link to the Voyager newletter article on the lounge (http://stage1.flysaa.com/voyager/voyager_frameset.html?contents=/voyager/voyager_content.html?contents=/voyager/newsletter/saa_teaser.html). It says "early 2010" whatever that means. It gives some artist's renditions. Can't say I'm blown away (though the kiddies' area looks very nice).

I don't recall ever seeing children in the lounge at JNB, and have barely ever seen them elsewhere either!

I don't recall ever seeing children in the lounge at JNB, and have barely ever seen them elsewhere either!

Every SAA lounge C lounge I know of has a kiddies area, which I agree does not seem to be a standard for lounges in general. On a few occasions, I have been very glad that it was there, one of the more recent times being when there was a woman, travelling alone with 2 especially badly brought up children, who (in the space of 30 minutes) made a mess of the playroom you can not imagine. I was hoping they had access because of status and that they would be travelling in Y. Not so...The older one of the two (about 4, I guess), was so hysterical that he eventually threw up the moment the wheels touched the ground at LHR. His mother had to undress him and this was the first (and hopefully only) time I had to see a male passenger running around the C cabin, dressed only in his underpants. I have no objection at all against well behaved kids in C (many kids are nicer than some adults), but this severely pushed my feelings in this regard. Sorry, this is OT, but it came back to me after the 'children in the longe' remark and I had to get rid of it. :(

Every SAA lounge C lounge I know of has a kiddies area, which I agree does not seem to be a standard for lounges in general. One a few occasions, I have been very glad that it was there, one of the more recent times being when there was a woman, travelling alone with 2 especially badly brought up children, who (in the space of 30 minutes) made a mess of the playroom you can not imagine. I was hoping they had access because of status and that they would be travelling in Y. Not so...The older one of the two (about 4, I guess), was so hysterical that he eventually threw up the moment the wheels touched the ground at LHR. His mother had to undress him and this was the first (and hopefully only) time I had to see a male passenger running around the C cabin, dressed only in his underpants. I have no objection at all against well behaved kids in C (many kids are nicer than some adults), but this severely pushed my feelings in this regard. Sorry, this is OT, but it came back to me after the 'children in the longe' remark and I had to get rid of it. :(

On my last few SAA trips in C, each flight has had a number of children, but interestingly enough, they are not paid for fares, but children of crew.

In December we had the "pleasure" of flying with the Captains 4 sons and wife, the First officers 2 sons and wife, the boy pilots wife, and the 4 offspring of 2 flight attendents working in Y. In addition to an off duty air hostess and her husband, and a pilot who wore SAA uniform boarding and disembarking on both directions I flew, so he wasnt working (obviously a way to fly free and avoid airport taxes etc). No wonder SAA cant make a decent profit.

On a side note, teenage son of First officer sat on flightdeck for both takeoff and landing, I was under the impression it was against company policy.

On a side note, teenage son of First officer sat on flightdeck for both takeoff and landing, I was under the impression it was against company policy.

On a recent trip on LH, an hour or so before landing, a teenager was quickly and quietly whisked through the cabin (we were in F) and disappeared in front of the curtains which separate the F galley and the cockpit from the cabin. He did not return during the flight. Now I don't know for a fact that he actually went into the cockpit (they keep the curtains closed and you can't see the door to the cockpit, even with the curtains open), but we were quite sure this was the pilot's son being allowed into the cockpit for landing. I also thought at the time that this would be against company policy.

"In addition, in the spring of 2010 we will open a brand new Business Class lounge... which will feature fabulous amenities, including rainfall showers...
Translation: the roof won't be finished.

Translation: the roof won't be finished.

ROFL

I will be transitting jo'burg arriving Lufthansa in F and going to Cape Town on SAA on Y. I am *G and a priority pass holder. What is my choice of lounges in Jo'burg?

I will be transitting jo'burg arriving Lufthansa in F and going to Cape Town on SAA on Y. I am *G and a priority pass holder. What is my choice of lounges in Jo'burg?

SAA Boabab Lounge (Nice lounge, has views of the apron, showers, tv's and a few cold sandwiches etc)

I think there is another lounge that you can get into with your priority pass, but i can't think of the name.

Ryan

SAA Boabab Lounge (Nice lounge, has views of the apron, showers, tv's and a few cold sandwiches etc)

I think there is another lounge that you can get into with your priority pass, but i can't think of the name.

Ryan

Thanks Ryan

The international lounge at JNB is still not finished. I was through there last Saturday and got directed to the temporary lounge--pre-flight on a Friday night, it was just about standing room only and smelled awful. I walked right out again and tramped the five miles through the terminal to BA's Galleries First (which thanks to my BAEC Gold, I can use anytime). SAA's offering was absolutely appalling.

I had occasion to use SA's domestic lounge at JNB also on this trip. I was transferring from a red-eye from LHR to a flight to DUR. The showers are usable and clean--although no hair dryers, come on SAA! I ended up wandering around the lounge afterwards looking like a drowned rat! It is also pretty insulting to have to turn in one's boarding pass in order to get a towel for the shower, then creep back to the desk with a wet towel to reclaim it. Honestly, how bad is towel theft from the lounge? :td:

The international lounge at JNB is still not finished. I was through there last Saturday and got directed to the temporary lounge--pre-flight on a Friday night, it was just about standing room only and smelled awful. I walked right out again and tramped the five miles through the terminal to BA's Galleries First (which thanks to my BAEC Gold, I can use anytime). SAA's offering was absolutely appalling. So nothing's changed then since I was there (and adopted the same strategy) 10 months ago. :rolleyes: They've built stadiums in that time! Well, large parts of them. (BTW it's really not 5 miles if you know how, plus it's on the way to many gates. ;))

The showers are usable and clean--although no hair dryers, come on SAA! Funny. I never noticed that. (In joke for thijsseh.)

It is also pretty insulting to have to turn in one's boarding pass in order to get a towel for the shower, then creep back to the desk with a wet towel to reclaim it. Honestly, how bad is towel theft from the lounge? :td: Tacky, tacky... :td: Was the same in the old international J lounge. :rolleyes: And IIRC even the old F lounge at LHR. :rolleyes::rolleyes: You didn't have to hand the towel back - presumably a flunkey went and checked you hadn't stolen it while you were asking for your BP back. You couldn't steal the basin plug, though: there was none. Presumably already stolen. :)

So nothing's changed then since I was there (and adopted the same strategy) 10 months ago. :rolleyes: They've built stadiums in that time!
Yes, the stadiums in both DUR and CPT look great (DUR is finished and fabulous according to my cab driver, and CPT looks like it should be done, well, before the World Cup anyway). But the Baobab lounge is nowhere near completion. You can see into it from the hall outside the BA lounge, and last weekend they were busy building stone walls in there--with big heaps of stone lying all over the place. It is not even close.

(BTW it's really not 5 miles if you know how
Really? How do you get there? I thought I'd try and sneak through on that balcony level all the way to the end of the terminal where BA's lounge is, but halfway there I hit a dead end. I had to backtrack all the way back to the opposite end, go down the escalator, walk the entire length of the terminal again on the main level, and then go back up.

Funny. I never noticed that. (In joke for thijsseh.)



Well you could have use for the hairdryer on the 'lower part of your head' ;). But then, that's probably not really necessary. I have no experience with this....

I just picked up here (http://konzern.lufthansa.com/en/themen/first-class-terminal.html), that the FCT in FRA took 18 months from planning to inauguration. That's an entire TERMINAL (OK, not in the usual sense of the word, but a seperate building anyway). And it's nice too :cool: ^. Makes you think, doesn't it.....I cant remember when they started with this *&#@%$ lounge at JNB, my memory is quite good but does not go THAT far back :td::td:

Yes, the stadiums in both DUR and CPT look great (DUR is finished and fabulous according to my cab driver, and CPT looks like it should be done, well, before the World Cup anyway). Cape Town's stadium is finished and has already hosted several events!

But the Baobab lounge is nowhere near completion. You can see into it from the hall outside the BA lounge, and last weekend they were busy building stone walls in there--with big heaps of stone lying all over the place. It is not even close. How annoying. Even more annoying is that one day - eventually - they will wake up and complete it in 2 weeks flat.

Really? How do you get there? I thought I'd try and sneak through on that balcony level all the way to the end of the terminal where BA's lounge is, but halfway there I hit a dead end. I had to backtrack all the way back to the opposite end, go down the escalator, walk the entire length of the terminal again on the main level, and then go back up.Well you see you just added 2 miles with that backtrack! ;) Actually, I did manage to get through on the balcony level. It didn't look very promising at stages but I persevered and got through. Maybe it has been closed off now? :(

Well you could have use for the hairdryer on the 'lower part of your head' ;). But then, that's probably not really necessary. I have no experience with this....He hastens to add... lest he be deemd kinky or worse! :D

Actually, I did manage to get through on the balcony level. It didn't look very promising at stages but I persevered and got through. Maybe it has been closed off now? :(
I admit to being extremely exhausted when I did this (having woken up at 4:15 AM to do an all-day mine visit that day), but it sure seemed like the balcony definitely was closed off at one point...naturally, that point was well more than halfway to the BA lounge, which I could see beckoning in the distance :mad:

Interesting/good about the CPT stadium. I jogged right past it last Tuesday and it seemed like they still had some ways to go on it--at least the parking lots and road entrances.

I travelled from JNB to HKG on Monday 08 Feb and according to the receptionist in the SAA Cycad Internation Lounge, both new lounges (Baobab and Cycad) will be finished within the next two months - yes I also heard that before but I read an article in SAA's Sawubona magazine where Chris Smythe the acting CEO also mentioned that it will be finished soon.

At the moment I am sitting in The Wing of CX at HKG waiting for SA287 back to JNB - from the designers' pictures I have seen, the new SA Lounges will not be far behind these that we became used to on this side of the world. Perhaps we should not count on exactly this service though.

Perhaps we should not count on exactly this service though.
I nominate this sentence for FT understatement of the week!

I nominate this sentence for FT understatement of the week!

And I second your nomination

Short version: on request, if in business, the temporary lounge will endorse your access to the 3rd Party Lounge right next door, which has slow, free wifi, and was less crowded prior to the DKR departure.

Long version:
New J lounge still not open (latest word, April). Poorly signed, accidentally went into F lounge, redirected to temporary J lounge, up on arrival asked for restrooms, redirected back to F lounge, returned to J lounge, asked about wireless, was told it was for a fee, asked whether I could use any star alliance lounge (such as the egyptair lounge next door), was told that it was in fact a third-party lounge. Someone in front of me complained that he paid ZAF 75,000 (USD 9000) for his ticket and he wanted to use the F lounge, they didn't yield to him. I said 'hmm, you must listen to complaints all day' and attendant offered history of lounge delays, which i accepted, and apparently included a range of contract disputes. Anyway, she then volunteered that she could endorse me over to the third-party (EgyptAir) lounge which had wi-fi. So I guess if you are nice they hook you up, if you are crabby they don't, but the J lounge is pretty unimpressive (they can't even manage free wi-fi? Can't they buy a couple of cellular modems and routers, at $100/month?).

I was in the Cycad lounge Wednesday night. What a dump! I can't believe they've let it go the way they have. There are actually items that have been stripped (stolen? Looks like it) from the walls! It looks like crap! Service is still okay, though.

After all, some papers of SAA still say they have an arrivals lounge in JNB. Never seen it. Do they have it or not? Is it the same situation of the departures lounge?

Tks,

After all, some papers of SAA still say they have an arrivals lounge in JNB. Never seen it. Do they have it or not? Is it the same situation of the departures lounge?

Tks,
The old one closed ages ago and the new one, mooted for later this year, has not been mentioned for a while. And not likely to be a priority at least until the departures lounge is up and running.

Latest information I have received is departure lounges by end of this month, new contractor has assured SAA apparently, old contractor went bust at end 2009, lets hope the new one survives this month then.

Arrivals lounge end May, but before immigration.

Arrivals lounge end May, but before immigration.That's not good! :( I would not be able to relax in a lounge knowing my luggage is riding a carousel somewhere unattended.

That's not good! I would not be able to relax in a lounge knowing my luggage is riding a carousel somewhere unattended.

Especially in JNB :D !

just returned from JNB. They still announce "new lounge opens early 2010" :confused:
Wonder when that would be ;)

I think we should all stop asking each other if it's open yet and also telling each other it is not.
I am sure that as soon as it is finally opened, there will be major fanfare on this board. :D
And hopefully with exclamations on how fantastic it is and that it was worth waiting for (although my sceptisism prevents me from betting on that!) :rolleyes: .

I read a write up of the lounge in some article, but it said that the new lounge would also have a First Class section. Is this correct, or is SAA still going to use the Cycad lounge for it's F and platinum passengers?

I it's F passengers?What F pax?

Johan

What F pax?

Johan

Well, I am flying LH in F in December and apparently we us the Cycad Lounge in JNB. But the write up of the new lounge says there will be a section for F... So I just want to know if we will be using the old Cycad lounge or if there will be a new lounge in the new section. Doesn't SA have flights intra-Africa in F now?

"SAA will be opening brand new business and first class lounges within the new international departure terminal at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International airport later this year. According to the carrier the Cycad (first class) and Baobab (business class) facilities will represent a “radical shift from the airline’s previous lounges… without moving away from its African roots”.

Cycad customers can expect an African Royalty theme, with dark wood furnishings and touches of gold, and features including private snooze rooms and boardrooms, rainfall showers, a cigar lounge and an “audiovisual entertainment room”.

Meanwhile Baobab customers will enjoy African Contemporary surroundings, with a manned bar, self-service food section, an enclosed smokers lounge, and a rest area including a centerpiece “elongated desk carved by a South African craftsman”.

Quoted from: http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/the-big-picture-saas-new-lounges-at-johannesbur

Well, I am flying LH in F in December and apparently we us the Cycad Lounge in JNB. But the write up of the new lounge says there will be a section for F... So I just want to know if we will be using the old Cycad lounge or if there will be a new lounge in the new section. Doesn't SA have flights intra-Africa in F now?

Hi RyanG,

I Have just returned from doing a roundtrip JNB-FRA in LH F yesterday, word of advice, switch your ticket. LH F is a disaster, you would do much better flying SAA Premium.

We did use the Cycad lounge btw, but the new lounge "should" be open well in time for December *hoping*.

Will post my letter of complaint to Lufthansa on this forum and PM you the link, but really unless you have never flown Business or First change your flights, every other airline i have flown (business or first) easily surpasses LH.

Hi RyanG,

I Have just returned from doing a roundtrip JNB-FRA in LH F yesterday, word of advice, switch your ticket. LH F is a disaster, you would do much better flying SAA Premium.

We did use the Cycad lounge btw, but the new lounge "should" be open well in time for December *hoping*.

Will post my letter of complaint to Lufthansa on this forum and PM you the link, but really unless you have never flown Business or First change your flights, every other airline i have flown (business or first) easily surpasses LH.

That doesn't make me feel good! I just used miles two get two F seats on LH from FRA - JNB and JNB - FRA - IAD in December, so I will be flying with them quite a bit! I am looking forward to reading your letter and seeing what the problem was!

Ryan

Will post my letter of complaint to Lufthansa on this forum and PM you the link, but really unless you have never flown Business or First change your flights, every other airline i have flown (business or first) easily surpasses LH.Please do post the link. I've had very good experience on LH (their hardward needs improvement, though, code red) and am curious to know what the services lapses were.

I Have just returned from doing a roundtrip JNB-FRA in LH F yesterday, word of advice, switch your ticket. LH F is a disaster, you would do much better flying SAA Premium.Possibly you had a bad experience on the day, but I've always had excellent service in LH F. I'd say the only let down is maybe the bed (in comparison to other F beds) but everything else (on board and ground services in FRA) were pretty much perfect. I certainly wouldn't swap LH F for SAA J (as good as SAA's offering may be, LH F is still better).

Are there any other Star Alliance Gold lounges at JNB other than SAA? I will have a five hour connection there and was hoping to have access to more than the third party lounge. Shame the Shongololo lounge no longer accepts Priority Pass...do they ever take SAA/Star Gold pax? Ill be going to DLA.

We flew JNB-FRA in F in November - and everything was was it should be (bed aside). Granted it was my only experience of F or C for long haul - but I was impressed!

The F lounge on arrival in FRA, while waiting for our onward flight to LHR was sublime, and the limo transfer wholly unnecessary :D

Are there any other Star Alliance Gold lounges at JNB other than SAA? I will have a five hour connection there and was hoping to have access to more than the third party lounge. Shame the Shongololo lounge no longer accepts Priority Pass...do they ever take SAA/Star Gold pax? Ill be going to DLA.

Shongololo lounge accepted my priority pass on 5th March 2010 no problems, had a guest too.

I've just gone by LH in F from FRA to JNB and back on LX to ZRH. The swiss experience was better in almost every way. The Virgin clubhouse is the best lounge in JNB and the SAA louinges are a disgrace.

Shongololo lounge accepted my priority pass on 5th March 2010 no problems, had a guest too.

That's great news! It looks like PP added Menzies Aviation to the first part of their name which is why I didnt see it! Can I access this lounge after coming in from LUN on my way to CPT or will I be immediately shuffled over to customs/immigration?

That's great news! It looks like PP added Menzies Aviation to the first part of their name which is why I didnt see it! Can I access this lounge after coming in from LUN on my way to CPT or will I be immediately shuffled over to customs/immigration?

You'll be shuffled off to customs/immigration I'm afraid. But the SA domestic lounge isn't horrible.

Unlike that hell hole of a temporary international lounge. I didn't even go there on Saturday. SO stuck his head in and couldn't see a single place to sit so was very happy with my original idea of using our Diners Club cards to access the Premier lounge (as mediocre as that is). Latest rumour from the staff: end of this month. Pass the salt...

You'll be shuffled off to customs/immigration (...) Latest rumour from the staff: end of this month. Pass the salt...
I've been to SA 3 times this year and my last trip is going to be in middle of May. I'm almost losing my hopes to see ths new lounge of SAA...:(

So 1st of April, any news on the lounge at JNB?

So 1st of April, any news on the lounge at JNB?

Just chatted to my wife, who is at JNB en route to SYD. The SAA temporary lounge is still in use, she said it was unbearable so has gone to the Premier lounge, which she says is good.

I will be at JNB this Friday and was thinking of gettting shower before flying all night.

Are the renovations finished yet?

In any case is a shower possible for business class passengers?

I must say flaertalk your connections with facebook is a great feature. Love it.

New lounges opened 13 April 5pm

I cant believe it either!!!

hey thanks for that. I would assume their new "world class" lounge will be good to have a shower after a long day and before getting on a all night flight.

Great and thanks again.

I'm in the new lounge now, en route to PER. Still a bit chaotic, wireless internet not working and I can't get a 3G signal in business centre!

Cycad (First Class) section is disappointing compared to the old one, it is small and noisy. Baobab (business class) section is a big improvement on the temporary lounge and is very big.

I have 6 hours to kill so I'll check out the facilities on both sides and report back.

After spending a couple of hours in the lounges, I have mixed feelings. The Baobab lounge is great, lots of room, good kids lounge, really nice TV lounge, smoking lounge, good business area, 6 showers, and a couple of refreshment stations. It is quite busy at the moment, but plenty of room once you venture deeper into the lounge. All in all a big improvement on the old lounge.

The Cycad lounge is very disappointing compared to the old lounge. It is small and has acoustic issues. The business centre is very poorly designed, with uncomfortable seats and no privacy. The TV lounge is ok, but not as nice as the one on the Baobab side. There is no longer a self service bar option. There are not enough power outlets in the lounge area (one of the real strengths of the old lounge). There are 2 good snooze rooms, with flatscreen TVs and nice beds. There are 4 showers. Not so bad in itself, just inferior to the old lounge!

hopefully now that the kids lounge is improved, parents with kids that cannot behave accordingly will be forced to use the kids lounge.

Please would someone be kind enough to upload some pics! I am very curious! ;)

Thanks!

Ryan

Cycad (First Class) section is disappointing compared to the old one, it is small and noisy. Baobab (business class) section is a big improvement on the temporary lounge and is very big.

Since SAA does not have both first and business class, but operates only 2-class service (business/economy), can I ask which passengers use the First Class lounge? Is it for elite flyers?

I took some photos, see below. Unfortunately the only way I could get them online using only my phone is via Twitter, so I hope the copy/paste Twitter message below works.

@brightshark (http://www.twitter.com/brightshark)
2010-04-15 17:42
http://twitpic.com/1fscp4 http://twitpic.com/1fsck7 http://twitpic.com/1fscjs http://twitpic.com/1fscjn http://twitpic.com/1fsclw

Since SAA does not have both first and business class, but operates only 2-class service (business/economy), can I ask which passengers use the First Class lounge? Is it for elite flyers?

Platinum and Lifetime Voyager members, customers travelling 1st on other contracted airlines (Lufthansa etc) and well connected individuals :D

Platinum and Lifetime Voyager members, customers travelling 1st on other contracted airlines (Lufthansa etc) and well connected individuals :D

Including a large number of SAA staff and family members. On my flight to Perth a couple of days ago I counted at least 6 of them in the business class cabin, chatting away amongst themselves and the flight crew. They were all in the First Class lounge before departure.

We were in JNB on Wed evening 14/04 prior to our Swiss flight and managed to get into the new SAA Business lounge.

The lounge which we were supposed to use (Premier/Rennies???-can't remember) was absolutely packed and just horrible-so we decided to leave there and try our luck in getting into the SAA lounge-our boarding passes had been issued by SAA in CPT and the lounge staff seemed to think our flight LX 289 to Zurich was on LH so had no problem in welcoming us in.

As another poster mentioned, the lounge is very large-with a separate smoking area, Childrens lounge and TV lounge. The bar was not self service but the staff were very generous with spirit measures.

We asked the attendant if there were towels available as we wanted to take a shower and we were each given two towels but had to leave our boarding passes (I assume to ensure we don't steal the towels:rolleyes:).

The shower rooms looked rather nice although we both felt that they could improve on the following:

The only toiletries available were liquid soap in a dispenser in the shower-no shampoo etc.

The shower rooms are badly designed and all the water is not directed to the drain but gradually seeps further & further into the shower room-by the time I had finished showering, the entire area around the toilet and basin was surrounded by a large pool of water. Fortunately I had left my luggage, shoes & clothes right by the door but I am sure others may not be so fortunate. We raised this with the attendant (Stephen) and he seemed to be aware of the problem.

Other than that we were quite impressed with the lounge. We were not aware that it had just opened that very day-if I'd have known I would have taken photos and posted them here.

Some photos of the new SAA lounge...

I flew out on Thursday evening on SA265 (JNB-MUC), one of the last flights out to Europe... SA260 to FRA left with us and also ended up at MUC.

Herewith the photos:
The Media Lounge: http://twitpic.com/1g79lr
The business area: http://twitpic.com/1g79li
One of the food/drinks service stations: http://twitpic.com/1g79xj
The kiddies area: http://twitpic.com/1g79vr
Another view of the media lounge: http://twitpic.com/1g79w2
The main bar: http://twitpic.com/1g79wi

Not only a great improvement over the old international lounge (goes without saying!), but also beats the domestic lounges by far.

Food selection were:
Salmon and potato salad (cold)
Chicken slices and pasta salad (cold)
Ham and veggie wrap
Chocolate eclairs
Carrot cake
Selection of sandwhiches

Tried twice now to post some photos, once with my iphone and once with my pc. Seems that because my account is quite new, it goes for approval to a moderator first... Let's see how long it takes for somebody to approve it. (The first message has been pending since 19h00 on 15 April, nearly on day 5 now).

Good to know, just passed through JNB 4 times of which I could use the Temp Lounge twice. Will be once more in JNB on May 2nd and will check out the new lounge. Never thought I would have the chance :)

Finally got around to uploading some (rather blurry, sorry) pics from my visit on 15 April. JNB was a ghost town as a result of the volcano so the pics are not representative of how busy the lounge would normally be of an evening.

The architecture/decor is nicely dramatic and makes good use of the big volumes. I am less convinced that the seating is efficient - there seems to be a lot of wasted space.

The spacious entrance corridor.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/4567832554_3ed85acb27_o_d.jpg

Here is the bar and restaurant style tables

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4567832848_5874086977_o_d.jpg

Unfortunately the food offerings are pretty woeful. The wines are good, though.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4567199955_a046aef2bf_o_d.jpg

Various seating areas

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4567201119_99602e8bdf_o_d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/4567201959_2f089b7d67_o_d.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/4567832292_6145d5b5c7_o_d.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4567201373_2ecf143d0a_o_d.jpg

Rather oddly the snooze area is brightly lit – take your shades!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/4567833734_66d447dbba_o_d.jpg

The business area has great decor but offers very little privacy for working.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/4567833548_9d899c2c96_o_d.jpg

On one side the lounge overlooks the apron and on the other you can ogle the toffs in the BA Galleries First lounge (closed because of the cancelled flights that night)...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4567199867_4efa262826_o_d.jpg

...or keep an eye on the shopping arcade.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4567200903_8c8a2c716d_o_d.jpg

Compared to the temporary lounge the new one is a huge step forward (can't compare to the old lounge). Little privacy though for working or just a conversation. Food offering is pretty lousy and the drinks have to be ordered at the bar where service can be slow.

With all the delay in the construction process I was expecting a little bit more...

Well I started this thread a year ago, and have since stopped all travel to SA.

I'm just changing jobs, which will involve some travel to SA - so now I can try out this new lounge.

I'm expecting great things - but also expecting to be disappointed!

Slightly OT (as I will be talking CPT and not JNB): I had my first domestic SA trip in ages this weekend (being retired :), having to pay for my own travel :( etc). The new SA domestic lounge at CPT is quite nice, especially for a 'simple' domestic affair. Of course the food offering is almost non existent (muffins and sandwiches), I did not try any wines (at 10 am), but the coffee is good, the view out on the apron is nice and I enjoyed the whole ambiance. It may get pretty crowded at peak times: lots of open space but not many seating options, I thought. The toilets are nice and modern and there are a few shower stalls (did not check them out). All in all not bad.
The flights (CPT/JNB/CPT in Y) were actually quite good. Attentive service, a semi-decent sandwich on the way up (10am departure), a very edible 'chicken and pasta' on the 7pm departure back down. Thinking of air travel in Y in Europe (have not done US for a looong time), I thought we are lucky here in SA!
The return to CPT is weird: they have now connected the domestic arrivals luggage reclaim area through a long walkway to the central terminal. It makes one think of the infamous A - B tunnel at FRA (but without the travellator). All in all, CPT has improved enormously though (lots of parking available in the new parkade too) ^ .

Slightly OT (as I will be talking CPT and not JNB)...

Now that you mention it… ;)

General seating area

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/4573727851_5813d01fa7_o_d.jpg

Business centre

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/4573727313_8afbfb4485_o_d.jpg

Cinema room – very cosy and dimly lit

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3304/4574360780_95ab4d1070_o_d.jpg

Loo & shower (sorry this one is so fuzzy, but I feel like a real weirdo photographing this stuff and tend to rush it.) Are those really towels resting on the back shelf?! :eek:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4574361262_42ceeeab4f_o_d.jpg

On one side you overlook the apron, on the other you have a bird’s eye panorama view of the check-in area.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/4573726787_f38d3c0dc1_o_d.jpg

Obviously used the same designers and even many of the same design elements as for the JNB international lounge.

(As usual) I agree with all thijsseh’s comments about the lounge and the strange new “long walk to freedom” on arrival.

SAA's inflight magazine says on this month's edition that the new arrivals lounge in JNB is already open, being it located after customs (Sabowa also has comments about the new departure longes in JNB and CPT).

I was arriving from GRU last Sunday and all I needed was the chance to have a shower in the airport and some breakfast, as I always prefer to sleep a bit more on the plane.

When I left the controlled area, there was no clue about the lounge. I looked for some help with people of informations desk of the airport and they didn't know anything about it. I went up to SAA's Sales Office to try to discover where the lounge would be located, but the told me the information on the magazine was wrong!:confused:

Anyone has any clue about that?

Alex

SAA's inflight magazine says on this month's edition that the new arrivals lounge in JNB is already open, being it located after customs (Sabowa also has comments about the new departure longes in JNB and CPT).

I was arriving from GRU last Sunday and all I needed was the chance to have a shower in the airport and some breakfast, as I always prefer to sleep a bit more on the plane.

When I left the controlled area, there was no clue about the lounge. I looked for some help with people of informations desk of the airport and they didn't know anything about it. I went up to SAA's Sales Office to try to discover where the lounge would be located, but the told me the information on the magazine was wrong!:confused:

Anyone has any clue about that?

Alex

Thread #79 Mar 1, 10, 9:40 pm
Latest information I have received is departure lounges by end of this month, new contractor has assured SAA apparently, old contractor went bust at end 2009, lets hope the new one survives this month then.

Arrivals lounge end May, but before immigration.

Thread #79 Mar 1, 10, 9:40 pm

Sabowa magazine says specifically that this is going to be after customs. I can understand that they publish a misleading information about the date the lounge will open, but I can't belive they would indicate the wrong location for it...

Just returned from JNB this morning. I had the opportunity to use the new SAA international departure lounge in JNB. It is quite spacious, nicely furnished, and unlike some other posts here, I found the food selection to be extensive.

I inquired about the SAA arrivals lounge, as I looked for it upoin my arrival in JNB. I was advised by the supervisor in the international departure lounge that the arrivals lounge is expected to open prior to World Cup (25 days and counting). It will be located after customs, but before the baggage re-check area and before you exit the arrivals area. I was looking for it after I exited the arrivals hall, so I obviously missed it. There also is no signage up yet, since it is not open.

I inquired about the SAA arrivals lounge, as I looked for it upoin my arrival in JNB. I was advised by the supervisor in the international departure lounge that the arrivals lounge is expected to open prior to World Cup (25 days and counting). It will be located after customs, but before the baggage re-check area and before you exit the arrivals area.

Hello-

I will be travelling in Business Class on EgyptAir to JNB suring the World Cup- Can anyone please tell me if I am eligible (I am *G) to use the Arrivals lounge?

It is a code-shared flight (ie has a MS and SAA flight number)

Thanks

Plumber

Hello-

I will be travelling in Business Class on EgyptAir to JNB suring the World Cup- Can anyone please tell me if I am eligible (I am *G) to use the Arrivals lounge?

It is a code-shared flight (ie has a MS and SAA flight number)

Thanks

Plumber

As a *A Gold and flying business class, you should be able to use the arrivals lounge IF it is open by World Cup.

As a *A Gold and flying business class, you should be able to use the arrivals lounge IF it is open by World Cup.

Not neccesarily. Arrivals lounges are not normally *G lounges (in fact, I dont know any arrivals lounge that is), and also more often than not, arrivals lounges are only open to C passengers arriving on the operators' own airline. The LH 'Welcome Lounge' in FRA is a good example of both these observations.
If you travel on an SA flight number you may (should) be in luck, if you fly on the MS code probably not (unless you are Voyager Gold on SA, but it does not look like that)

(of course, as mentioned, this all depends on the lounge being in existence at the time of your flight!)

you should be able to use the arrivals lounge IF it is open by World Cup.

I was advised by SAA themselves that the new arrivals lounge will be officially in operation on Tuesday 15 June. I'm landing on 17 June from Munich so I will check it out and post photos / report here...

I was advised by the supervisor in the international departure lounge that the arrivals lounge is expected to open prior to World Cup...

I was advised by SAA themselves that the new arrivals lounge will be officially in operation on Tuesday 15 June.


Another moving target then. :rolleyes: Does not bode well.

BTW the food offering has improved considerably since my first visit.

I realize it may have just been the time of day, but I found the food selection in the Domestic lounge to be better in the morning than the International lounge in the late afternoon.

My experience (CPT domestic in morning, JNB international at midday) was just the reverse. In CPT the sandwiches were pretty awful - all bread and next to no filling. The best on offer was bread for toasting and grated cheese and jam to put on it. In JNB there was a variety of individually wrapped small snacks including a chicken kebab and some tasty wraps. And, of course the lovely mixed nuts that SAA serve. But those are hidden behind the bar as are the crisps so you have to ask for them.

My experience (CPT domestic in morning, JNB international at midday) was just the reverse.

I agree comparing CPT with JNB and I did not care for the CPT layout where it seems like they were trying to hide the bar. Comparing domestic JNB with international JNB, however, is where I liked the domestic lounge better. I still realize it may have been the time of day, but I did not see a difference in the food offerings.

Hi,

I'm looking forward to trying the new SAA Lounge for a shower and breakfast on Thursday morning before flying onwards to HRE. How busy can I expect it to be in the morning (will be arriving in JNB at 07:00 on SA235)? Will getting a shower and change be easy enough? Do they supply the essentials (towel, soap etc)?

How secure is the lounge if I want to leave my belongings and go out into the airport for a spot of shopping?

Fairly sure the lounge will be relatively quiet in the morning as it's just the regional flights leaving. So access to a shower shouldn't be a problem.

As to your other questions we look forward to your feedback. :)

Fairly sure the lounge will be relatively quiet in the morning as it's just the regional flights leaving. So access to a shower shouldn't be a problem.

As to your other questions we look forward to your feedback. :)

Thanks.... I'll let you know......

Thanks.... I'll let you know......

Ok, letting you know (via iPhone from the lounge). To sumarize:

Shower: Easy enough though they take your boarding pass off you in return for towels.
Food in the morning: Sandwiches and wraps.
How busy? Not too busy at all this time of the day.
Security: Two layers: 1. Lounge employees hover constantly wherever there are guests (but not in an obtrusive manner), 2. There is a secure area where you can leave your belongings.
Comfort: Wide variety of seating including loungers. It should be quite nice for a longer stay if you want to get some rest provided it's not too noisy.

Any updates on the arrivals lounge openning?

Any updates on the arrivals lounge openning?

There was signage up when I arrived in JNB (on TG) on 9 June. Access was via an elevator past customs but before the exit out. I didn't take the elevator up to see if it was actually opn as I didn't think I would have access, and I was looking to get an earlier flight on BA/Comair anyway.

Shower: Easy enough though they take your boarding pass off you in return for towels.

Have they managed to fix the problem of the entire shower room floor flooding with water whilst using the shower? I mentioned this earlier on in this thread as it really was an issue for me and the attendant seemed to be aware of the problem.

We have recently posted pictures from the new lounge on our Facebook page for all to see: http://www.facebook.com/pages/South-African-Airways-USA/112173338805484#!/album.php?aid=15334&id=112173338805484&ref=mf

SAAUSA

Have they managed to fix the problem of the entire shower room floor flooding with water whilst using the shower? I mentioned this earlier on in this thread as it really was an issue for me and the attendant seemed to be aware of the problem.

Nope - the attendant warned me and I used a combination of lower water pressure and one of the towels to stop the floor flooding completely (otherwise, getting socks onto dry feet becomes an issue). A careless and completely correctable issue IMHO.

We have recently posted pictures from the new lounge on our Facebook page for all to see: http://www.facebook.com/pages/South-African-Airways-USA/112173338805484#!/album.php?aid=15334&id=112173338805484&ref=mf

SAAUSAAwesome! ^ My first glimpse of the First Class section. :-:

SAAUSA, may we hope that you are going to become a permanent presence of FT? Pleeeeeease?

Does anyone know if LH F pax have access to the JNB arrival lounge?

Access to the arrival lounge is restricted to SAA business class passengers and holders of Voyager Platinum/Gold cards

OR Tambo: Arrivals Lounge
The Arrivals Lounge will offer tired passengers a chance to refresh after a long journey from mid-May, particularly for passengers transferring onto connecting flights or business people coming into the city for a day. The facility will offer refreshments, showers, a clothes pressing service, a smokers lounge and Internet connection.
The lounge is situated in the area directly after Customs when arriving in South Africa and is available to SAA Business Class passengers, Voyager Lifetime Platinum, Platinum and Gold card holders travelling on the airline's international and regional flights.

https://www.flysaa.com/voyager/newsletter/

Access to the arrival lounge is restricted to SAA business class passengers and holders of Voyager Platinum/Gold cards



https://www.flysaa.com/voyager/newsletter/

Actually it said in the quote it would be available to those, but never said it was limited. I would imagine its partners will have access, but don't quote me on that. So if what you said was the case if I am flying in on c/f on another carrier but continuing on on SAA domestically in C, I would have access right? Not that - will spend much time there as I am always happy to go to ocean basket in the dom term.

So has it openned?

It's open now. Don't think that partner airline passengers are allowed as the wording on www.flysaa.com is very clear (no direct link possible):
SAA’s new Arrivals Lounge at O.R Tambo International Airport is situated in the area directly after Customs, please see way finding signage.

This lounge is available to SAA Business Class passengers, Voyager Lifetime Platinum; Platinum and Gold card holders travelling on the airline’s international and regional flights.

Even Platinum/Gold card holders are only allowed when travelling SAA.

Nothing unusual about that - arrivals lounges typically have different rules to departure lounges and it is common practice to restrict arrivals lounges to the airline's own customers.

Anyone got pictures yet? :)

So would I a be able to use it flying in on LH F and departing SAA Business to East London (domestic). If not is there any good place to take a shower in JNB. Can I stay on the international side and go to one of those lounges?

So would I a be able to use it flying in on LH F and departing SAA Business to East London (domestic). If not is there any good place to take a shower in JNB. Can I stay on the international side and go to one of those lounges?

I'm not sure if you can use the Arrival lounge if arriving in LH F, but I know that you can't stay on the International side and use a lounge there. But the Domestic Baobab lounge (SAA's domestic business class lounge) has showers that you can use there.

Thanks RyanG

So how does the Baobab lounge compare to the Arrivals lounge. Still would like to take a shower after deboarding, as I like to spend time in the area before security in domestic area, as if I recall not much to do to burn time in on the domestic side. Saying that can you enter the domestic security area and then leave and come back? I know I have done this in CDG due to a huge ticket mix up (still not happy with AF staff in SA). Not fun with a short lay over and a bit tricky to get out of security at least in an international section when sitting in the departures area.

Hi,

I'll be arriving on a longhaul SA flight in C class (with *G status), and then departing on a BA shorthaul to Zambia (Y class, no status). Does anyone know if I can use the SA int'l departure lounge based on my arriving BP?

Hi,

I'll be arriving on a longhaul SA flight in C class (with *G status), and then departing on a BA shorthaul to Zambia (Y class, no status). Does anyone know if I can use the SA int'l departure lounge based on my arriving BP?

Officially not, I think. But I would try. And argue that you could have used the arrivals lounge if it has not been for the connecting flight. (I think the AL is past immigration, but I'm not 100% sure as I have never used it).
Anyone to confirm?

(I think the AL is past immigration, but I'm not 100% sure as I have never used it).
Anyone to confirm?

I used the arrival lounge recently, it's after immigration and customs, just before the exit, on the left, take the lift one level up. It's small and functional with storage space for the luggage.

Hi. I'm flying into JNB in Y on SA in a week, and have to wait a while before being picked up at the airport. As *G, I'm wondering whether there an arrival lounge I can use - does anyone have recent experience? Posts here seem to suggest not. I'm particularly interested in a shower... I think *A Lounge Finder only shows departure lounges.

Available to SAA Business class pax and SAA Voyager gold/plat only.

Hey all
im arriving on SAA Business class from DAR and connecting to Walvis Bay on SAexpress 2 hours later. Can I access the business lounge? there is no Business class seats on express planes, but I am arriving in business class

Anyone knows the opening and closing time of the SAA Arrivals Lounge at JNB?
Thanks

Hey all
im arriving on SAA Business class from DAR and connecting to Walvis Bay on SAexpress 2 hours later. Can I access the business lounge? there is no Business class seats on express planes, but I am arriving in business class

No you won't have access to the business class departure lounge IMO, unless you pass out through passport control to go to the arrivals lounge for business class pax (and then re-enter the security area via passport control for your departing flight).

I used the SAA arrivals lounge at JNB this morning. Great showers. Quiet - I was the only person there from 05h20 - 07h00.