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.
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?
All the anecdotal evidence says no.
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffsb
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.
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!
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.....
Well here's hoping you get the scoop on the new lounge! 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.
Finally...an answer!
News Update...
