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South African Airways staff travel & standby
On South African Airways you can use only scheduled SAA flights with a 3-digit flight number. Dress smart casual, and on domestic flights be checked in before the 40-minute cut-off: SAA recommends arriving an hour ahead. Staff Airlines shows estimated open seats on South African Airways flights before you go.
Rules for staff travel
Source: South African Airways staff travel rules published in the FlyZED directory.
Flights you can't use
Any flight that isn't operated as a scheduled SAA flight under a 3-digit flight number is excluded.
Visas and travel documents
Your passport, visas and health and entry requirements are your own responsibility, and SAA won't cover any costs if they aren't in order. Make sure every document is valid.
Before you travel, check the current health requirements so you have the tests and certificates each country needs at the time: for example yellow fever when returning from some countries and arriving back in South Africa.
Baggage
- Checked: 1 piece for adults and children.
- Cabin: 1 piece up to 8 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm, plus 1 small handbag or small laptop bag.
- Excess baggage is charged at the regular full-fare rates.
- Don't carry items for anyone else, and never leave your bags unattended: you are responsible for everything you carry.
- Full baggage rules, including items that aren't accepted on board, are on www.flysaa.com, which is updated continuously.
Check-in
- Domestic flights: check-in closes 40 minutes before departure; SAA recommends checking in 1 hour before.
- Regional and international flights: SAA recommends checking in 2–3 hours before departure.
Special services, children and pets
Unaccompanied minors aren't accepted on ZED tickets: you must be older than 16 to travel alone.
Dress code
Dress smart casual and look neat, clean, well groomed and presentable at all times. SAA can refuse to carry ZED passengers whose clothes don't meet this standard.
Changes and refunds
To get a refund, cancel the ticket in myIDTravel as usual. Refunds are handled manually and checked monthly; SAA aims to refund within 90 days. If you haven't received it after 60 days, email [email protected] with the ticket details and the date you submitted your refund request so it can be escalated.
Good to know
Travel insurance with medical cover is advised for the whole journey, from departure until you get back, including all unforeseen expenses.
General information is on www.flysaa.com. For anything not covered here, email [email protected].
Questions, answered
Which South African Airways flights can I use on a ZED ticket?
Only scheduled SAA flights operated under a 3-digit flight number.
How big can my cabin bag be on South African Airways?
One piece up to 8 kg and 56 × 36 × 23 cm, plus a small handbag or small laptop bag.
When should I check in for South African Airways?
Domestic check-in closes 40 minutes before departure, and 1 hour ahead is recommended. For regional and international flights, 2–3 hours is recommended.
How do I get a South African Airways refund in myIDTravel?
Cancel the ticket in myIDTravel. If the refund hasn't arrived after 60 days, email [email protected] with the ticket details and the date of your request.
What should I wear on South African Airways?
Smart casual, neat and well groomed. SAA can refuse ZED passengers who don't meet the dress code.
Which airlines can I fly on ZED fares?
It depends on the ZED and interline agreements of the airline you work for. In Staff Airlines, the partner airlines filter shows only the flights you can board.
Airline rules change often and this summary may be out of date. Always confirm important details with South African Airways’s staff travel department or in the booking tool you use before you travel. Staff Airlines is not responsible for denied boarding, missed flights or other losses. Found a mistake? Let us know.
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