Home / Johannesburg (JNB) / South African Airways International Premium Lounge ("The Lounge")

South African Airways International Premium Lounge ("The Lounge")

3.9(322 reviews)

JNB

Paid Entrysouth-african-airwaysstar-allianceterminal-aflagship

SAA's 2023-remodelled flagship — Star Alliance premium plus partner cardholders.

About this lounge

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.

Remodelled in 2023SAA and Star Alliance international Business and First passengersDiscovery Bank Platinum, Black and Purple cardholdersInvestec Visa Infinite, Platinum, Business and Youth cardholders
Best forSAA and Star Alliance Business and First passengersDiscovery Bank Platinum, Black and Purple cardholdersInvestec Visa cardholdersNoise: quiet

Crowding · moderate

Work readinessGOOD
7.0/ 10
Wi-FiStandard
PowerMany seats
Desk spaceGeneral seating usable for laptops
Quiet areasSeveral quieter corners in the remodelled space.

A refreshed flagship lounge with Wi-Fi, power at many seats and quieter zones — comfortable for email and focused work before an international departure.

Food & drink

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.

Hot and cold dishes
Salads and light bites
Wines, beers and spirits
Coffee, tea and soft drinks

Dietary: Vegetarian options

Must tryA glass from the bar in the refreshed space,A hot plate before an international departure
How to get there
7 min walkAirside

In Terminal A airside, follow the lounge signage to the South African Airways International Premium Lounge ('The Lounge') after immigration and security.

  1. 01Check in for your international flight
  2. 02Clear immigration and security
  3. 03Follow the lounge signage in Terminal A
  4. 04Arrive at 'The Lounge'

Landmarks: Terminal A airside departures · International lounge corridor

Tambo (JNB)

Hours & entry
Entry
Paid Entry

Included: Complimentary snacks · Complimentary cold buffet · Complimentary hot buffet · Complimentary soft drinks · Complimentary house wine and beer · Complimentary liquor

Paid entry available

Pricing is confirmed at booking.

Free cancellation up to 24 h before
Instant QR pass by email

As shown on the traveller's boarding pass

Secure checkout by Stripe · card saved for next time

Access options
Paid Entry

Instant confirmation · No hidden fees

Insider tips

Make the most of it.

01

Eligible Discovery Bank and Investec cardholders can use this lounge regardless of which airline they're flying.

02

It's SAA's flagship at JNB, remodelled in 2023, so it feels current.

03

It's airside in Terminal A — clear immigration and security first.

04

Check your card tier against the eligible list before relying on access.

05

If you don't qualify, the contract lounges Mashonzha and Shongololo take Priority Pass and DragonPass.

FAQ

Quick answers.

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.

Also at JNB

Other bookable lounges.

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Wi-FiCold foodAlcoholic drinks
$23.95 / guest
Bidvest Premier Lounge (International)
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Bidvest Premier Lounge (Domestic)
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Wi-FiShowersCold food
$23.95 / guest