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.
#886
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 108
3 hours is ok
#887
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Australia
Posts: 2,814
Hi,
Apologies if a similar question has been answered before .
I am travelling from Port Elizabeth to Sydney via JNB in June next year.
Its Comair on the domestic section and Qantas over the Indian Ocean.
All flights are on the one ticket . Service Class is business.
The most suitable Comair flight arrives at JNB at 1710 and the QF one leaves at 1910.
Assuming there is not a major dislocation to flights , do you think this would be a safe connection?
Apologies if a similar question has been answered before .
I am travelling from Port Elizabeth to Sydney via JNB in June next year.
Its Comair on the domestic section and Qantas over the Indian Ocean.
All flights are on the one ticket . Service Class is business.
The most suitable Comair flight arrives at JNB at 1710 and the QF one leaves at 1910.
Assuming there is not a major dislocation to flights , do you think this would be a safe connection?
#888
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
Hi,
Apologies if a similar question has been answered before .
I am travelling from Port Elizabeth to Sydney via JNB in June next year.
Its Comair on the domestic section and Qantas over the Indian Ocean.
All flights are on the one ticket . Service Class is business.
The most suitable Comair flight arrives at JNB at 1710 and the QF one leaves at 1910.
Assuming there is not a major dislocation to flights , do you think this would be a safe connection?
Apologies if a similar question has been answered before .
I am travelling from Port Elizabeth to Sydney via JNB in June next year.
Its Comair on the domestic section and Qantas over the Indian Ocean.
All flights are on the one ticket . Service Class is business.
The most suitable Comair flight arrives at JNB at 1710 and the QF one leaves at 1910.
Assuming there is not a major dislocation to flights , do you think this would be a safe connection?
#890
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 1
LHR-JNB-CPT
Hi, first post here...
I know a similar Q has been asked above but under slightly different circumstances.
LHR-JNB arr 1015 and JNB-CPT dep 1400, all on the same ticket with BA (Club World)
Clearly time not an issue but we are a new family of four (2 y/o and a newborn) and so ease of transfer is our priority!
A few Qs:
Are families/ club world travellers prioritised through immigration and/or security for domestic transfers?
Do we need to pick up and recheck bags despite flights being on the same BA ticket?
Any other pointers (eg lounges) to help with the transfers?
Very many thanks
BRS
I know a similar Q has been asked above but under slightly different circumstances.
LHR-JNB arr 1015 and JNB-CPT dep 1400, all on the same ticket with BA (Club World)
Clearly time not an issue but we are a new family of four (2 y/o and a newborn) and so ease of transfer is our priority!
A few Qs:
Are families/ club world travellers prioritised through immigration and/or security for domestic transfers?
Do we need to pick up and recheck bags despite flights being on the same BA ticket?
Any other pointers (eg lounges) to help with the transfers?
Very many thanks
BRS
#891
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Economy, mostly :(
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 7,801
#892
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CPT,AMS
Posts: 4,412
Hi, first post here...
I know a similar Q has been asked above but under slightly different circumstances.
LHR-JNB arr 1015 and JNB-CPT dep 1400, all on the same ticket with BA (Club World)
Clearly time not an issue but we are a new family of four (2 y/o and a newborn) and so ease of transfer is our priority!
A few Qs:
Are families/ club world travellers prioritised through immigration and/or security for domestic transfers?
Do we need to pick up and recheck bags despite flights being on the same BA ticket?
Any other pointers (eg lounges) to help with the transfers?
Very many thanks
BRS
I know a similar Q has been asked above but under slightly different circumstances.
LHR-JNB arr 1015 and JNB-CPT dep 1400, all on the same ticket with BA (Club World)
Clearly time not an issue but we are a new family of four (2 y/o and a newborn) and so ease of transfer is our priority!
A few Qs:
Are families/ club world travellers prioritised through immigration and/or security for domestic transfers?
Do we need to pick up and recheck bags despite flights being on the same BA ticket?
Any other pointers (eg lounges) to help with the transfers?
Very many thanks
BRS
And yes you need to pick up bags, clear customs and re-check them, there are bag drop counters just as you exit through customs.
I'm not entirely sure how does a lounge "help with the transfer" but you should be able to access the Slow lounge on the domestic side I believe, otherwise you could look for a meet & greet service.
#893
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 2,422
On priority at immigration - there is no official provision for families with young children but unofficially we were ushered through the crew/diplomat channel both entering and exiting SA. You do need to wait for your bags which can take 20 minutes but could also take an hour.
The domestic fast track is available to business class passengers and you will have access to the domestic SLOW lounge - just after the security check there are elevators on your right.
#894
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: CPT
Programs: BA BD SA
Posts: 4,467
Was pleasantly surprised when we were told about the new domestic fast track when we checked our bags to CPT after arriving from AUH.
The security at JNB domestic departures is not often seriously backed up - but nice to know there is a quicker alternative when it is.^
The security at JNB domestic departures is not often seriously backed up - but nice to know there is a quicker alternative when it is.^
#896
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,410
If we arrive at JNB on LX J and are connecting to domestic/airlink Y, will we get access to either
a) the JNB arrivals lounge (different post in another thread indicating that in addition to SA arrivals, LX/LH get vouchers as well?)
b) the domestic departure lounge
? Would love to take a shower after arriving and before connecting onwards...
a) the JNB arrivals lounge (different post in another thread indicating that in addition to SA arrivals, LX/LH get vouchers as well?)
b) the domestic departure lounge
? Would love to take a shower after arriving and before connecting onwards...
#897
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK - the nearest airport is named after a motorway !
Posts: 4,235
If we arrive at JNB on LX J and are connecting to domestic/airlink Y, will we get access to either
a) the JNB arrivals lounge (different post in another thread indicating that in addition to SA arrivals, LX/LH get vouchers as well?)
b) the domestic departure lounge
? Would love to take a shower after arriving and before connecting onwards...
a) the JNB arrivals lounge (different post in another thread indicating that in addition to SA arrivals, LX/LH get vouchers as well?)
b) the domestic departure lounge
? Would love to take a shower after arriving and before connecting onwards...
#898
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,410
Not sure about the arrivals lounge (I don't fly much J), but you can access the domestic lounge with *G flying domestic SAA. Various reports in the SAA forum of people both being admitted and being turned away as *G on Airlink, ymmv, but you can pay to enter the SAA domestic lounge (ZAR 200/250, can't remember which) to get a shower and breakfast.
#899
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: UK - the nearest airport is named after a motorway !
Posts: 4,235
There is an SAA arrivals lounge, but I don't *think* that anyone other than SAA J and SAA plat are eligible, and you can't pay for access. Maybe ask in the LX forum for up to date info.
Otherwise, paying for SAA domestic is the way to go - it's £12-15.
#900
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2015
Location: BOS, YVR, ZRH
Programs: *G
Posts: 17,410
Almost certain that you can't access the domestic lounge on the basis of an inbound flight in J.
There is an SAA arrivals lounge, but I don't *think* that anyone other than SAA J and SAA plat are eligible, and you can't pay for access. Maybe ask in the LX forum for up to date info.
Otherwise, paying for SAA domestic is the way to go - it's £12-15.
There is an SAA arrivals lounge, but I don't *think* that anyone other than SAA J and SAA plat are eligible, and you can't pay for access. Maybe ask in the LX forum for up to date info.
Otherwise, paying for SAA domestic is the way to go - it's £12-15.
Follow-up alternative plan/question: We're landing at 9:10am, the next connecting flights to HDS are either 10:15... or 13:05. What are the chances we can catch the 10:15 if booked as a separate ticket with only carry-on luggage, landing in J (so quickly off the plane)? If we miss it, will SAA try to put us on the 13:05 if not fully booked? Or conversely, if we book the 13:05 can we standby for the 10:15 if we somehow make it through transit really quickly?
Wish there was an 11am or 12am flight but ALAS...
Last edited by Smiley90; Nov 25, 2019 at 8:07 pm