Airlink in JNB
 

Hi. Going on our first safari in a couple of weeks, and changing in JNB from the LX international flight to an airlink flight to Maun. What terminal does that go from? Someone told me all Airlink goes from the domestic terminal but that seems wrong. And do we need to go through immigration in South Africa and then check in again or is there any way to stay airside? Can’t interline the bags I believe so we will need to collect a checked bag and re-check in. Thanks for any tips to make the transfer as easy as possible!

If you can't through check bags, then you will need to clear immigration, collect your bags, pass customs and then recheck. The good news is that Airlink have a recheck desk just after customs and before the main public arrival hall. However I don't know whether that will handle international rechecks...but even if it doesn't you just head up a couple of levels, walk towards Terminal B and you will find the main Airlink international check in desk. Both Terminals join together airside so there is no need for shuttle buses or any nonsense.

Assuming you have 3 hours you will have plenty of time for this. People seem to treat JNB as if it's a mini-Lagos. In reality it works pretty well almost all of the time.

LX and 4Z have an interline agreement and I have checked bags through from LX to 4Z previously. The only reason why this might not work is separate tickets.

If you manage to check through bags, you will not need to go through immigration but follow the international transit signs, which requires transfer passport control (need a blank page in your passport for this) and security check. Normally takes 5 minutes but there can be queues at transfer security during peak hours (just like at regular security).

You need TWO blank pages in your passport for this, otherwise they have been known to deny transit.