South African airports have introduced additional temporary health and social distancing measures. Some of them may seem drastic, but they are in all our best interest. Just as we have become used to more stringent security measures, we will have to make these parts of our air travel routine.

• Meeters and greeters are allowed in the terminal buildings.
• You must always wear a face covering or mask in the terminal building. You won’t be allowed to enter.
• Bring your own masks – and make sure your children and anyone accompanying you have theirs. The airports won’t be supplying them.
• Hand sanitiser dispensers have been installed throughout the terminal buildings for your convenience.
• Please follow the instructions of the airport personnel managing queues at check-in, security and the boarding gates if they ask you to maintain distancing.
• To help you maintain social distancing, markers have been placed in the common use and queuing areas throughout the airports

If you are travelling from or to O.R. Tambo International Airport

• The upper roadway has been re-opened for drop-off’s only.
• Level 3 is for drop off and normal passenger parking.
• Level 2 to 4 are for the pick-up of passengers with 30 minutes free.
• If you plan to leave your car at the airport, follow the signs directing you to the car park.

At all airports in South Africa

• Only a limited number of airport terminal entry and exit points will be available. This is to ensure that everyone is screened properly and consistently.

Public health authorities* require that we all have our temperatures checked several times during our journeys. For this purpose, dedicated personnel at the airports have been equipped with infra-red digital thermometers. These devices are calibrated and do not rely on physical touch.

You will be temperature screened as you enter and exit the airport and possibly again before reaching the check-in counter. For your safety and theirs, our check-in agents will be wearing face shields/ cloth masks and sit behind transparent protective screens. They will ask you some questions about your recent and current health.

• Your temperature might be measured again at the boarding gate and once more on arrival at your destination.
• If, at any screening point, your temperature is higher than 37.5°C, you will not be allowed to board your flight.

*CAPSCA (Collaborative Arrangement for the Prevention and Management of Public Health Events in Civil Aviation)

The process to access the terminal building and check in will take much longer than before. Passengers should plan to arrive at the airport earlier in to be at the designated check in counter (domestic travel) 2 hours prior to departure. We recommend passengers check-in online or use the self-service kiosks and the designated Airlink baggage drop counter.

Because it is crucial that we maintain social distancing and minimize the opportunities for physical contact, boarding will be done differently to how it was done before.

• Boarding will be organised sequentially. The same process will be used for all flights, whether it requires walking across the tarmac, using a jet-bridge or getting on a bus, to reach the aircraft.
• Passengers will be required to scan their own boarding pass at security check points and at the boarding gate, present identification and will be requested to remove their face mask to verify their identification.
• Always remember to wear your mask while the flight is boarding, even after you are seated. If you don’t, we are required to offload you.
• You will be required to wear your mask throughout the flight.
• You are welcome to bring your own hand sanitisers, please don’t wipe any of the seat, tray-tables or surrounding aircraft surfaces with your hand sanitizer as they may cause damage.
• Cabin crew will have hand sanitizer wipes available should you wish to wipe your seating area.
• Liquid and gel security restrictions still apply, so please limit your containers of 70% alcohol- based hand sanitisers to 100ml. Security officials will confiscate any bottles that exceed the limitations.

Some flights may require passengers to board busses which transfer them from the boarding gate to the aircraft, or from the aircraft to the arrival’s terminal. For your peace of mind, the Health regulations require that busses are cleaned and disinfected after every trip.

• This includes all surfaces and touch points you are likely to touch, such as doors, hand-grabs, Hand-rails and seats.
• Say “goodbye” to crammed busses - they are not allowed to carry more than 70% of their capacity

Please wear your face mask while you are onboard. It’s to protect you and everyone else. The cabin air in our aircraft is renewed every three minutes and kept clean by passing it through High Efficiency Particle Air (HEPA) filters, similar to those used in hospital operating theatres. They are proven to block 99,97% of all microscopic particles, including Coronavirus molecules. In addition, our aircraft are cleaned and sanitised to the highest aviation health and safety standards.

• This includes all touchpoints such as seats, safety-belts, head-rests, seat-pockets, overhead baggage bins, the air-vent/reading light/call button consols, tray-tables, windows and shutters.
• We also replace the headrest covers on every seat prior to the flight.
• Unfortunately, we have had to remove the inflight magazines from the seat pocket.
• If you require any assistance, reassurance or you are not feeling well, please speak to one of our flight attendants.

From your side – it’s simple:

• Wear your facemask while you are in the airport and onboard our planes.
• Frequently wash your hands with water and soap or use a suitable sanitiser.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes and other people.
• Don’t forget to carry your travel permit.

Requirements for travel within South Africa (Domestic).

• Original South African ID, driver’s license or passport
• Certified copies of the South African Identity Document and Driver's licences may be accepted for Domestic travel. A certified copy is only valid for three (3) months from date of issue.
• Children under 16 (original or certified copy of birth certificate)
• No Covid-19 PCR test is required for domestic travel.