JUNE - JULY 2023
It’s the month in which we celebrate the youth. On 16 June South Africa celebrates a moment in time where the young people of our country played a significant hand that changed the course of history, forever.
Almost half a century after the fact, hindsight teaches us that sometimes the only way to effect change, and accelerate its momentum, is to commit fully and without reservation.
And it’s the youth who influenced the turning of the tide.
Today, as the world faces some of its deepest socio-economic crises, the youth are leading again. Young leaders like Greta Thunberg agitate on climate change while amputee dancer Musa Motha showed the world that a disability should not mean inability when he reached the final of Britain’s Got Talent.
The future belongs to the youth, let’s invite them to steer part of the journey.
At SAA our journey keeps building momentum, too. Apart from our growing route network, which will include a long-haul destination before the end of the year, SAA will acquire a new wide-body jet as well as five additional narrow body aircraft to further build and expand the airline. It’s been a measured and prudent recovery process since exiting business rescue, but a sustainable and promising, progressive upward trajectory.
It's an exciting period, because as SAA reaches out to new destinations and markets, more opportunities arise to travel, earn and spend your Voyager miles, rebuilding substantial value for all our valued members.
More news will follow in the coming weeks and months.
In the meantime, Youth Day weekend is also Father’s Day weekend, making for a holiday period where generation next, and the hands that part-mould our youth, are celebrated over the same time. It’s significantly symbolic, and worth a moment’s contemplation.
Thank you for your continued support - we appreciate you!
Warm regards
SAA Voyager Team
Forever part of your journey!
Get there faster. Earning Voyager miles has never been so easy. Earn SAA Voyager miles the fastest way with the SAA Voyager Credit Card and Cheque Card. Click here to find out more about the SAA Voyager Credit Card and Cheque Card.
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SAA announces fleet expansion to relaunch long-haul routes
South African Airways has been given the green light for a significant expansion of its fleet to relaunch international routes and increase seat capacity for its regional and domestic destinations.
SAA plans to lease six new aircraft before the end of this calendar year. Currently a Request for Proposal (RFP) is out for five A320 narrow-body aircraft, and one A330 wide-body aircraft.
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Notice of Renovations - SAA Departure Lounge at O.R. Tambo International
The SAA Lounge at departures within O.R. Tambo International Airport, is partly closing for renovations. The Premium section of The Lounge at OR Tambo International Departures are closed.
You can still relax ahead of your journey in the Platinum section of The Lounge. Space, food and beverage service may be impacted, and we thank you for your patience and understanding, while we work on elevating your experience at the Lounge.
We aim to re-open the newly renovated lounge towards the end of the year, and we are looking forward to bringing you a world-class airport lounge experience this summer.
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Check-in and Flight Closure Times
As a reminder below are the check-in and flight closure times for SAA operated flights.
Check-in Times
- All Regional / International flights 2 and a half hours (2 ½) prior to departure.
- All domestic flights 1 and a half hours (1½) prior to departure.
- Flights departing from Lagos 4 hours 15 minutes prior to departure.
- Flights departing from Blantyre and Lilongwe 3 hours prior to departure.
Flight Closure Times
Flights departing from South Africa close as per the information below. There might be different flight closures at some International Airports and customers are requested to always verify information stipulated on their tickets.
Domestic
40 minutes prior to departure for all classes of travel.
Regional and International
50 minutes prior to departure for all classes of travel.
Regional and International Exception
- 1 Hour (60 minutes) prior to departure for all classes of travel for flights departing from Johannesburg to Accra, Lagos, and Kinshasa.
- 1 Hour (60 minutes) prior to departure for flights departing from Accra, Blantyre, Lilongwe and Lagos. 90 minutes prior to departure for flights departing from Johannesburg to Lagos.
Gate Closure Times Domestic
15 minutes prior to departure.
Gate Closure Times Regional and International
20 minutes prior to departure.
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The more you fly within our network, the faster you’ll reach Star Alliance Gold. Enjoy exclusive benefits including a generous extra baggage allowance, priority check-in, access to over 1,000 premium lounges worldwide and much more. All when you fly with the world’s largest global airline alliance.
After all, why limit yourself, when you can be recognised across 26 airlines?
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Air India Premium Economy cabin
Air India has recently launched a Premium Economy cabin on selected routes.
Voyager members travelling in Premium Economy fares (classes R, A & N) will earn 100% miles.
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Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia Award charts
SAA Voyager constantly strives to compete in what has become a very competitive market, and will therefore make some mileage adjustment changes to above Award Charts. It has become necessary for us to review the charts due to foreign exchange fluctuations. Miles will increase effective 1 August 2023.
The current mileage levels are applicable to Awards redeemed prior to the effective date. Awards issued as of 1 August 2023, will require higher mileage levels.
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Enhancements to the Voyager Programme effective 1 July 2023
Transfer of Miles (NEW)
You will be able to transfer your miles to other Voyager member's accounts at a cost of R120 for 1000 miles when they have insufficient miles for an award, to fly to their dream destination.
Purchase of Miles (ENHANCEMENT)
Currently when you have insufficient miles for a flight award, you are able to purchase miles at a cost of R250 for 1000 miles. The good news is that you will only pay R100 for a 1000 miles when purchasing miles for an SAA flight award. For any other airline award the price remains at R250 for a 1000 miles.
Extension of Miles due to expiry on 31 March 2024 (NEW)
You will be able to extend your miles due to expire on 31 March 2024 at a cost of R140 for a 1000 miles. Miles will be extended for an additional year and must be extended before the expiry date.
Process for the above enhancements:
You can email voyagerpayformiles@flysaa.com or contact the call centre on 011 978 1234.
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Extension of Tier Thresholds and Miles Expiry benefit
SAA is not flying to International destinations yet and we are cognisant that you are unable to accrue Voyager miles on SAA at an accelerated rate (1 mile for every R1.60 spend). We have therefore decided to keep the Tier Thresholds and Miles Expiry benefit the same as in calendar year 2023.
Qualification criteria for Silver, Gold, Platinum and Lifetime Platinum status for calendar year 2023. Tier miles are earned per calendar year on SAA and Star Alliance partner airlines.
Tier Current Calendar Year 2023 Silver 30 000 20 000 Gold 60 000 45 000 Platinum 120 000 95 000 Lifetime Platinum 120 000 SAA miles 95 000 SAA miles -
Non-Expiry of Miles Benefit
To prevent your miles from expiring on 31 March 2024, you only need to have one accrual or redemption activity during the 2023 calendar year.
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Enjoy the convenience of Self-service check-in
We are excited to launch the first phase of the digital transformation with an improved self-service check-in user interface which is available on www.flysaa.com on desktop and mobile. This new user interface is also available on the South African Airways APP, available for Android and iOS users www.flysaa.com.
Whether traveling with baggage to check-in or cabin baggage only, you can beat airport queues by completing your check-in online and receiving your boarding pass electronically. Remember to drop off your bags at our dedicated counters for bag drop. Use the time you save to enjoy the airport terminal shopping experience or getting pampered in our refurbished airport lounge
Our customers with reduced mobility can now also check-in online and select a preferred seat. Please note, to still collect your boarding pass at the airport so we can ensure that you are safely escorted to your flight.
Did you know that online check-in opens 24- hours before your flight departs and allows you to:
- Choose an available seat at no additional cost
- Take advantage of discounted upgrade offers
- Add more space for your journey with My Extra Seat
Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply
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Special promotions
As a Voyager member you get access to excellent deals and promotions from participating programme partners. Here are some of the best deals for the month and beyond.
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SAA special fares for the month of June
Travel with SAA during the month of June 2023 in G class to the following destinations.
One-way fares:
- To/from Johannesburg to Cape Town - R1063
- Johannesburg to Windhoek – R4256/ NAD 4256
- Johannesburg to Mauritius – R9188/ MUR 22468.
Terms and conditions apply.
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Stay ‘app-ier at IHG Hotels & Resorts
To celebrate Youth Day, choose an app-ier break with up to 25% off our best flexible rate, plus 3% extra for members. What’s more, members booking with the IHG One Rewards app also get free breakfast included!
Book an app-ier getaway at any one of our 170+ IHG Hotels & Resorts across Africa, India and the Middle East.
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Shop for your next Apple device with Avo SuperShop
Buy anything you could ever want and have it delivered to your door – from the latest tech, homeware and fashion, to gift vouchers and even groceries. Like the deep-purple iPhone 14 Pro 256GB – was R27 799, now only R26 899!
Remember: 25 Voyager Miles = 1 AvoPoint = R1. Sign in to convert your Voyager Miles and tap into a world of shopping today.
Terms and conditions apply.
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Save 14% on Premium Mixed Wine selection with Wine-of-the-Month Club
You pay R889 saving R144 on the normal selling price of R1033.
Premium Mixed Wine selection includes:
- 1 Daschbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
- 1 Swartland Bush Vine Syrah 2021
- 1 Bergsig Oom Prop Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
- 1 Bruce Jack Ghost in the Machine Cabernet Franc 2020
- 1 Vondeling Barrel Selection Merlot 2019
- 1 Doolhof Mountain Range Malbec Merlot 2021
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Arrive in style and stand a chance to win with Europcar
The BMW X3 is stunning inside and out, offers the ultimate in sophistication, and has plenty of seating and boot space. Whether you are travelling for business, leisure, or with the entire family, you are guaranteed to arrive at your destination in style.
Rent the Group K, BMW X3 before 31 July 2023, and you could win a classic Polo luggage set worth R10 000.
Get behind the steering wheel, and create new memories in the new BMW X3.
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Get a free box of Ferrero Rond Noir chocolates when you purchase from the Father’s Day range with NetFlorist
The first 2000 customers to purchase gifts from the Father’s Day range will be eligible to receive the box of free Ferrero Rondnoir chocolates valued at R149.
Order must be placed with a delivery date of between the 15 - 18 June 2023 in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban or Cape Town. Note: You have to spend a minimum of R550 excluding delivery fee.
You can use your Voyager miles as a payment option on www.netflorist.co.za.
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