South African Airways, also known as SAA, is the national flag carrier airline of South Africa. The airline was founded in 1934 when the government bought Union Airways and gave it a new name. SAA flights depart from the airline’s two main hubs at Cape Town International airport and Tambo International near Johannesburg. Cheap flights from SAA operate with a fleet of over 50 aircraft. The airline is also connected to a huge world network via the Star Alliance.

South African Airways flights from the UK depart from several airports including London Heathrow, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Teesside and Belfast, with regional departures connecting through London Heathrow. Cheap flights from SAA fly from London to Johannesburg and Cape Town. South African Airways have won the “African Airline of the Year” award at the Passenger’s Choice Awards for several years running.

Check-In
All passengers must check in for SAA flights two and a half hours prior to departure, irrespective of the class of travel. Online check-in is available 24 hours in advance.

Baggage
Baggage allowance on SAA flights is 40kg in First Class, 30kg in Business Class and 20kg in Economy. Hand luggage allowance for Business Class is two items weighing no more than 8kg and not exceeding total dimensions of 115cm, and one item for Economy Class passengers with the same restrictions.

Seating
The seat pitch on South African Airways flights is 31-34 inches in Economy Class, and 73 inches in Business Class.

Frequent Flyer Programme
The SAA frequent flyer programme is called Voyager and entitles regular South African Airways customers to gain Voyager miles for SAA flights and flights with partner airlines.

Additional Information
SAA helped to celebrate the 92nd birthday of former South African president and national hero Nelson Mandela by flying 92 children from small villages in the Eastern Cape to sing to Mr Mandela on his birthday. SAA information revealed that flight crew and cabin crew donated their time freely to the cause.