South African Airways International Premium Lounge (The Lounge)Johannesburg Airport (JNB)
★3.9(322 reviews)JNB · Terminal A · airside
SAA's 2023-remodelled flagship — Star Alliance premium plus partner cardholders.
Remodelled in 2023, the South African Airways International Premium Lounge at Johannesburg O. R. Tambo Terminal A — also known as 'The Lounge' — is the flag carrier's flagship club, conceived in partnership with Discovery and Investec. It welcomes Business and First Class customers travelling internationally with South African Airways and Star Alliance partners, as well as Discovery Bank Platinum, Black and Purple cardholders and Investec Visa Infinite, Platinum, Business and Youth cardholders. Notably, eligible credit-card holders can visit the lounge no matter which airline they're flying, which broadens access well beyond SAA's own passengers. The result is a polished, recently refreshed space anchoring Terminal A for international premium departures.
Crowding · moderate
A refreshed flagship lounge with Wi-Fi, power at many seats and quieter zones — comfortable for email and focused work before an international departure.
A flagship SAA spread with hot and cold dishes alongside a bar serving wines, beers and spirits, plus coffee, tea and soft drinks — pitched at international Business and First passengers and eligible cardholders.
Dietary: Vegetarian options
In Terminal A airside, follow the lounge signage to the South African Airways International Premium Lounge ('The Lounge') after immigration and security.
- 01Check in for your international flight
- 02Clear immigration and security
- 03Follow the lounge signage in Terminal A
- 04Arrive at 'The Lounge'
Landmarks: Terminal A airside departures · International lounge corridor
ℹ Airside – Terminal A international departures, duty-free area, up the escalator.
Star Alliance GoldSAA Business Class and SAA Voyager Silver/Gold/Platinum members on SAA flights
Included: Complimentary snacks · Complimentary cold buffet · Complimentary hot buffet · Complimentary soft drinks · Complimentary house wine and beer · Complimentary liquor
SAA Business Class and SAA Voyager Silver/Gold/Platinum members on SAA flights
Flying from JNB without status? These lounges sell day passes:
See bookable lounges at JNBSouth African Airways International Premium Lounge (The Lounge) tips
Eligible Discovery Bank and Investec cardholders can use this lounge regardless of which airline they're flying.
It's SAA's flagship at JNB, remodelled in 2023, so it feels current.
It's airside in Terminal A — clear immigration and security first.
Check your card tier against the eligible list before relying on access.
If you don't qualify, the contract lounges Mashonzha and Shongololo take Priority Pass and DragonPass.
South African Airways International Premium Lounge (The Lounge): frequently asked questions
International Business and First Class passengers on SAA and Star Alliance partners, plus Discovery Bank Platinum, Black and Purple cardholders and Investec Visa Infinite, Platinum, Business and Youth cardholders.
Yes — eligible Discovery Bank and Investec cardholders can visit regardless of which airline they're flying.
In 2023.
