South African Airways Reviews

We flew South African Airways to South Africa last year. We did not choose the airline as it was part of a package but we would be happy to use them again. I do not have agreat deal of experience with different airlines so not much to compare it against but I felt the experience was unremarkable, and certainly with nothing bad to complain about. ...  Read the complete review

I flew with SAA from London Heathrow - Joburg in April 2009 & hated every second! When I made my original booking back in November 2008 I requested a seat with extra legroom - I did this by viewing the seat plan and clicking on the seat with extra legroom; just like every customer can do. At that time I though "great" I'm going ...  Read the complete review

This airline goes from bad to worse! There really is no hope for them. They despise their customers! You will be disappointed, they will probably lose your bags or cancel your flight. Don't expect any sympathy from them. Their service recovery is non-existent. The CEO told blatant lies on camera on national TV. They won't think twice about trying ...  Read the complete review

The last time I went on a South African Airways plane was Christmas 2007. Starting from the beginning, the person that i rang to book the tickets was lovely a very nice South African accent, she was very helpful and helped me with the best tickets for the days I wanted. The day of travelling can be very stressful if you are ...  Read the complete review

South African Airways! Hmmmm....not the best service I have had ever I have to say (and I'm a 21 year old student!!) But anyway...

I flew in May from london to J'berg, then a short flight from J'berg to Livingstone, and later in May from Cape town to London. The one from j'berg to livingstone was great, but the long ones...well!

The plane going out was delayed on the tarmac for well over an hour, and I had a connection, so only just made it, but hey!

The food wasn't great and the LEG ROOM! It was ridiculous! Only travel long haul if you are SHORT!!!!

There was neveranyone around, and the air con dried out my throat so much during the night, I felt sick, but no one was there to give out water for over 2 hours.

Ok for a cheap flight!

Once we were onboard, the service was courteous but they consistently run out of meal choices. They do give you first choice for the next meal if this happens. Johannesburg airport organization is a nightmare of waiting and lack of information. It is difficult to find staff who can help. Boarding information can be changed, but announcements ...  Read the complete review

After travelling on a horrendous Air France flight to Joburg (see my previous review) I was looking forward to experiencing the onboard service offered by South African Airways. Check-in was easy simply provide your credit card or Voyager Card (their frequent flyer programme) at check-in with your passports and you are checked in. (I ...  Read the complete review

There are only two things I take into consideration when booking a trip ? cost and safety. On both of these SAA scored excellent. There is no doubt that their safety record is very good. Every time I have flown the pilot has been top notch and coped with everything and anything. I double checked their prices against all other possibilities and at ...  Read the complete review

The dreaded SA 220 flight from Cape Town to London. If you really want to end up sick – try their breakfast. As a Management Consultant I fly most of the time. It is sad that my company has downgraded our flights from business to cattle class. In business class most airlines are on par; in cattle class the difference is huge. The ...  Read the complete review

SAA used to be well above average, but now I'd rate them no better than average. I have flown with South African Airways twelve times over the past five years consisting of two return flights to Johannesburg, two return flights to Cape Town and two return flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Last month we went to Cape Town. ...  Read the complete review

I had a pretty appalling time with SAA in December 2000. The actual flights (Business Class) were passable to poor (food was passable, but not exactly up to spec., cabin staff varied from the very good to dead weight). There were delays on three of the four legs of the trip. The most intriguing was from Jo'burg to Cape Town - ...  Read the complete review

If you are flying to Kenya, ignore British Airways, Kenyan, KLM, Monarch or Britannia and go ASA. We went out on their first flight from the UK and having flown with many charter airlines expected the usual flying cattlewagon and was very pleasantly surprised by what I got. To give you a brief history they are a Swiss airline ...  Read the complete review

I went on a holiday organised by these and that was great but the same could not be said about the flights. I had heard they were good but I can only assume they have gone downhill. The service was mediocre and if you asked for anything it came - eventually but with no smile. My biggest complaint however is the food. It was luke warm and of very ...  Read the complete review

I wanted to visit my parents in SA to show off my little boy 15 months old (my husband was away for 3 months on business). I spoke extensively with my travel agent about which airline would be the best / most recommended airline to fly for my particular flying requirements i.e. unaccompanied mother and a large baby (the size of a two year old but ...  Read the complete review