Summary

  • The Lounge by South African Airways offers luxury and convenience for travelers at OR Tambo International Airport.
  • SAA business class travelers, SAA Voyager members, Star Alliance Gold members, and Discovery Bank/Investec cardholders have access.
  • The spacious, modern lounge features various seating options, a bar, focus booths, and a five-star coffee experience.

While an airport always signals the start of an exciting journey, traveling in a busy hub like Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) can be tiring. Spending time in a lounge is a great way to kick back, relax, and have some food before your flight.

Earlier this year, we explored all the lounges at OR Tambo to see where they are located and how to access them. Last week, I had the chance to visit The Lounge by South African Airways. It is a new and improved version of the airline’s lounges at different airports. This particular lounge was opened last year when the airline launched flights to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Getting lounge access

South African Airways operates The Lounge in partnership with Discovery Bank and Investec. When opening the new space last year, the organizations said it was a first-of-its-kind at OR Tambo International Departures and is a “cornerstone in realizing their joint vision of providing exceptional luxury and convenience for travelers.”

This time I got to experience what it really has to offer. My travels last week took me from Johannesburg OR Tambo to Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) for the annual AviaDev Africa conference. The Lounge is open to the following members:

  • SAA business class travelers
  • SAA Voyager Gold, Platinum Elect, and Lifetime Platinum
  • Star Alliance Gold members
  • Discovery Bank Purple, Black, and Platinum cardholders
  • Investec Private Bank account holders

I will review the SAA business class cabin separately.

I was initially booked in economy class, meaning I wouldn’t get a chance to visit the lounge. However, when I was checking in online the night before my flight, South African Airways offered me an upgrade to business class. The minimum amount was $23 (R425), which I thought was reasonable. I placed my bid of $23, and in the morning, the airline sent an email saying my bid was accepted. However, there was a 20% discount to the normal bidding price for a promotion ending on June 18.

Nonetheless, I received all business class benefits, including lounge access, additional baggage allowance, a special check-in counter, and priority boarding. After checking in at the premium check-in point, I made my way to the lounge. It is located in the International Terminal A past security, near Gate A7. After passing security, you can follow the signs and go up the escalator. The Lounge is right next to the Emirates Lounge. It opens daily from 06:30 to 00:30.

Exploring The Lounge

As a newly renovated lounge, the exterior design is very welcoming, with ambient lighting at the front desk. When I visited, there were two very friendly ladies at the desk who just had to check my boarding pass before letting me in. Unlike other lounges I have visited at the airport, the WiFi automatically connected to all my devices, so they didn’t have to write it down or print it on a small piece of paper.

The Lounge is quite extensive and spacious, with numerous seating options. It features all-new contemporary design furniture and fittings, complemented by some of the finest local art collections. According to Discovery Bank, it was co-created with interior architects at IHBAZA to cater to different types of travelers.

“Our goal is to ensure our clients’ journeys are not only comfortable and convenient, but also enriched with these essential features as well as additional benefits.”

Guests can choose to sit by the bar, in the open areas in the middle of the lounge, in the seats with a view of the ramp, in more private spaces with couches and coffee tables, in the quiet zones, or in the singular seats in the corners. The private spaces are perfect for families who want to sit together, as they follow a small living room design.

The Lounge also has focus booths and meeting suites for passengers who want to focus on work before the flight. Most seating spaces also have powerpoints for laptops, smartphones, and other devices. The area also has large windows that provide a clear view of the apron, so you can enjoy watching aircraft taxi, takeoff, and land.

Eating and drinking

When I visited The Lounge, it seemed like a quiet Tuesday afternoon without many guests. However, given the size of the space, I doubt it ever gets crowded. In terms of food selection, there are several options, including a buffet-style meal, light snacks and cheeses, finger foods, and salads and fruit.

In the middle of the room is a large oval-shaped bar with a variety of drinks, including fruit juices, soft drinks, beers, spirits, and water. A mixologist would also be happy to prepare a mocktail or cocktail at your request. Additionally, guests can enjoy a five-star coffee experience from the newly imported La Marzocco espresso machines.

South African Airways The Lounge OR Tambo

Photo: Tatenda Karuwa | Simple Flying

I opted for a breakfast blend juice and some light finger foods to leave space for the business class meal. While The Lounge food did not send me to the bathroom, I took the time to explore that space. The bathrooms were relatively clean, with a modern and fresh look. There were a few hand soaps, lotions, and paper towels, sufficient for someone not spending much time there.

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A comfortable space

The Lounge’s new look, modern design, and general aesthetic make it a great place to visit before your flight. The space allows you to relax and offers a variety of food and drinks, some made at your request. The staff is also very friendly and happy to assist when required.

However, the lack of a spa and shower facilities can be a downside for connecting passengers who want to refresh after a long flight. Overall, I enjoyed my short stay at The Lounge, and the repeated announcements and flight monitors ensured I didn’t miss my flight. Meanwhile, boarding was delayed, so I got to extend my time by a few minutes.

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