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.
#601
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SEMM
Posts: 1,379
Visiting South Africa for the first time next month. Arriving at JNB from LHR and connecting to DUR with a 1 hour 40 minute connection. Wondering how long the immigration process and rechecking bags and going back through security takes. Will there be time to grab a shower at the SAA arrivals lounge?
#603
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SEMM
Posts: 1,379
OK - thanks - seems it is an SAA officially legal connection - at least there are plenty of other flights JNB-DUR to get protected on if needed
#604
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
"Over the past few months, crime has escalated at OR Tambo International Airport requiring an extraordinary response. This is according to Police Minister, Fikile Mbalula, who was speaking at a press conference on July 21. In response, a detailed integrated multi-disciplinary tactical security plan has been approved for ORTIA. “From today we have a formidable and highly implementable plan in place for this airport,” he said."
Source
Johan
Source
Johan
#605
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,412
Yes, the minimum connection time is 1h30 but it wouldn't be unusual to wait an hour for immigration, all it takes is arriving 10 minutes after a full BA A380...
#606
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SEMM
Posts: 1,379
I see. Thanks. I suppose they have no fast track for business class there then. Is immigration very tough (like lots of questions to try and catch you out and so on) or is it just that the paperwork takes a long time?
#607
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,412
SA immigration are one of the most laid-back ones I've seen (I was once asked to say who I prefer between 2 soccer teams in my home country...), it's just that they are not very efficient, you will see many desks are closed etc.
#608
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 2,422
The last time I passed inbound immigration at JNB the officer did not ask me any questions as they were involved in a lengthy discussion with a colleague.
#609
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
No fast track for J, you could look into the VIP/meet&greet services.
SA immigration are one of the most laid-back ones I've seen (I was once asked to say who I prefer between 2 soccer teams in my home country...), it's just that they are not very efficient, you will see many desks are closed etc.
SA immigration are one of the most laid-back ones I've seen (I was once asked to say who I prefer between 2 soccer teams in my home country...), it's just that they are not very efficient, you will see many desks are closed etc.
#610
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
"The United States [Diplomatic] Mission [to South Africa] has released a security message advising all US citizens travelling from OR Tambo International Airport (Ortia). to exercise caution when arranging ground transportation from the airport to hotels, guest houses, and residences."
Source
Johan
Source
Johan
#611
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 64
I have never done a domestic-domestic transfer at JNB, nor ever checked in luggage, but since no-one else is volunteering...
JNB domestic is pretty compact, from the luggage claim area you exit into arrivals, up an escalator, and you're in the departure/checkin area. With the Safair flight checkin cutoff being 15:40 (ie 40 mins before your 16:20 departure), that gives you 1:15 from scheduled arrival to get bags and re-check. That *should* be plenty.
In addition, there look to be later flights JNB-PLZ (just checking tomorrow for instance, there's a Kulula flight at 18:00 @ $120 and an SAA flight at 19:45 @ $90). On that basis, I would personally be very happy booking that connection, and self-insuring with the later flights.
Hopefully someone with actual experience will come along to back me up.
JNB domestic is pretty compact, from the luggage claim area you exit into arrivals, up an escalator, and you're in the departure/checkin area. With the Safair flight checkin cutoff being 15:40 (ie 40 mins before your 16:20 departure), that gives you 1:15 from scheduled arrival to get bags and re-check. That *should* be plenty.
In addition, there look to be later flights JNB-PLZ (just checking tomorrow for instance, there's a Kulula flight at 18:00 @ $120 and an SAA flight at 19:45 @ $90). On that basis, I would personally be very happy booking that connection, and self-insuring with the later flights.
Hopefully someone with actual experience will come along to back me up.
Will try to remember and report how it went, with times included. It's not until january though.
#612
Join Date: May 2017
Location: ICN
Programs: OZ Diamond(*G)
Posts: 14
Hello everyone.
I'm planning to do a ICN-HKG-JNB-CPT-JNB-HKG-ICN(or without CPT). There is going to be only one night stay at CPT(or JNB) and return to ICN.
What I'm wondering is that whether such a short stay might cause a problem when going through the immigration at JNB.
I'm planning this trip to keep my OZ status using my free time so..it's hard to say it's a trip.
I've been looking at the threads to find any information on turnaround but I've only found one which was a few years ago. So I was curious if there has been any change.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
I'm planning to do a ICN-HKG-JNB-CPT-JNB-HKG-ICN(or without CPT). There is going to be only one night stay at CPT(or JNB) and return to ICN.
What I'm wondering is that whether such a short stay might cause a problem when going through the immigration at JNB.
I'm planning this trip to keep my OZ status using my free time so..it's hard to say it's a trip.
I've been looking at the threads to find any information on turnaround but I've only found one which was a few years ago. So I was curious if there has been any change.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
#613
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,352
#614
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
You say planning to. Have you booked yet? If not I highly suggest you go to Cape Town and enjoy a few days there. It's a great city and very affordable exchange rates.
#615
Join Date: May 2017
Location: ICN
Programs: OZ Diamond(*G)
Posts: 14
Thank you Yoshi212.