JNB Lounge Access Experiences?
 

Flying later this month for the first time in Business, from JNB to ZHR on LX. Looking forward to the lounge access I normally don't get to enjoy, but am thoroughly confused by what I will be able to access in JNB. I do not have Star Alliance Gold or any paid lounge program.

The Star Alliance website lounge checker indicates I should have access to the SAA Premium lounge by being a business class passenger on a Star Alliance flight. The Swiss website only lists the Shongololo Lounge (which seems to be inferior based on my googling). SAA's website lists the lounge access rules for their Premium lounge and doesn't seem to include those departing on other Star Alliance business class flights.

Has anyone departed JNB in LX C (without Star Gold or similar) and tried to access the SAA Premium lounge? I did some searching and found only this account of an F passenger getting frustrated years ago...

I think LX C will not get you into the SAA Premium lounge (btw, LH C does). Which actually is nothing to write home about.... Usually extremely crowded and certainly no "Premium offering".

The Shongololo Lounge is not much worse. You won't miss much, but just give it a try. The Star Alliance lounge finder lists the SAA lounge for Swiss and C.

But I guess they will take the position that you have to go to the Swiss contract lounge.

swiss.com indicates you will have access to theShongololo Lounge as Business Class passenger.
https://www.swiss.com/ch/EN/fly/airp...nges-worldwide

Following up: appears that Swiss.com is out of date. Upon check-in we were given invitation cards to the Aspire Lounge where I write from now. Hot food, full bar, and showers. Fairly crowded, but not suffocating.