Check-in pointers

SAA recommends checking in at least 2 hours prior to departure for international flights; at least 1 hour for regional flights.

Electronic tickets are available on domestic flights and on international flights to and from Frankfort, London and Zurich.

Hub(s)

Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, South Africa

Frequent-flier program

Passengers can earn free upgrades and flights on SAA's Voyager program. Passengers also can earn miles on partner airlines, including ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, bmi, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Luftansa, Quantas, SAS, SriLankan, Thai Airways, Varig and Virgin Atlantic.

Carry-on policy

One carry-on item is permitted weighing no more than 15.4 pounds (7 kg) and not exceeding overall dimensions of 45 inches (115 cm).

Any of the following items are permitted in addition to the one item: handbags; overcoats, wraps or blankets; umbrellas or walking sticks; cameras and binoculars;  infant's carry basket or carry cot; collapsible wheelchair and/or crutches; braces or prosthetic devices (if the passenger is dependent on them); laptop computer (not to be used  without permission from the flight crew); cell Phones (not to be used at all during the flight).

In-flight meal options

Numerous special meals are available with up to three days' advance notice. The most  frequently requested meals: Asian vegetarian; diabetic; gluten-free; kosher; lacto vegetarian; lacto-ovo vegetarian, low-calorie; low-cholesterol or low-fat; Muslim; seafood; and vegan.

Unaccompanied children

Children ages 5-11 traveling alone are considered unaccompanied minors and must, among other things, have written consent from parent or guardian and arrive at their destination before 10 p.m. They are not considered unaccompanied when traveling with another passenger age 16 or older.

Children ages 12-15 are allowed to travel unaccompanied. Unaccompanied minors may not be booked in business or first class.

Pets

Only dogs trained to assist blind and deaf passengers are permitted on SAA flights.

Cool or useful amenities

All South African Airways flights between the United States and South Africa feature a new extra-wide lie-flat bed for travelers in Premium Business Class.