Inside the South African Airways International Business Lounge at JNB
by Krish Patel
On my way home from a fantastic vacation in South Africa, I was booked into United Polaris Business Class on a flight departing Johannesburg. My Star Alliance Business Class ticket granted me access to the Business section of the South African Airways International Premium Lounge, where I spent nearly three hours before my flight to Newark.
South African Airways Business Lounge Location, Hours, and Access
Open 24 hours daily, the South African Airways International Business Class Lounge is located in Terminal A at the end of the duty free area on the mezzanine level.
Access to the lounge is for South African Airways Business Class passengers, as well as Star Alliance Gold members. Additionally, Business customers flying on a Star Alliance member can also gain access.
South African Airways Business Lounge Seating, Layout, and Amenities
Upon entering the lounge, you’re greeted by the staff working at the front desk. The sconce lighting surrounding the entrance area makes a great first impression. You’ll find the First Class section of the lounge behind the front desk area and the Business Class section can be accessed by walking across a corridor to the right. Found along the corridor that leads to the Business Class section is a magazine rack and departures board. I love how there’s signage in the lounge that directs you towards each of the amenities.
There are several seating variants throughout the lounge, including armchairs, lounge chairs, and communal seating spaces. Travelers looking to dine will appreciate the restaurant-style seating that comes with table space and several dining chairs. I was very happy to have incredible views across the terminal and could even spot my United 787 taking me to Newark. While there’s plenty of table space and a few charging outlets near each of the seats, the plugs didn’t seem to work and my phone wouldn’t charge when I plugged it into one of the outlets.
My favorite type of seating area in the South African Airways Business section were designed to be small little nooks that featured curtains for privacy. There was a TV displaying a live soccer game, and the windows in each of the nooks provided views of the terminal below.
Throughout the lounge are some botanical plants that contribute towards a sense of peace and tranquility. I appreciated these thoughtful touches, but the Business Lounge didn’t feel overly crowded, even at peak hour. It was easy to find an empty, comfortable seat at nearly every part of the space.
To the far right of the lounge is the work station that comes equipped with phone booths and a conference room. You’ll also find a relaxation area that includes a couple of plush chairs in a space secluded from the rest of the lounge. Many of the phone booths remained empty during my time in the lounge, but the relaxation area felt a little small. I wish that the space could be a bit larger and have quiet rooms as well.
I always love it when airport lounges have showers, and those in the South African Airways Lounge felt clean, but a little bland. The white and gray finishes felt a little uninspiring and perhaps basic. What I really appreciated, though, were the soap bottles branded with the South African Airways logo. This lounge has only a few showers, and I was lucky enough to not have to encounter a waitlist.
South African Airways Business Lounge Food and Drink
It seemed to me that the focal point of the lounge was the oval-shaped bar. Its shelves are stocked with top-shelf liquor and hanging above the bar is an LED light fixture. I loved the brass accents and marble countertop that make for a stunning appearance. You’ll be able to order barista-made coffee and can choose from a selection of fruit juices, cocktails, wines, and soft drinks.
Unfortunately, the lounge doesn’t have a sit-down dining restaurant like many other premium Business Class lounges. However, there’s a solid buffet selection to choose from, which includes light bites, hot entrees, and desserts. Hot options included roasted chicken and vegetables, rice, noodles, pasta, and bread, only to name a few. Dessert options included assorted cheeses, pastries, and cakes.
Overall Thoughts
The South African Airways Business Lounge is a nice space to relax before a Business Class flight, but doesn’t feel very special or out of the ordinary. Its extensive buffet selection, solid amenities, and comfortable seating options make this the perfect resemblance of an above average Business Class lounge. If you have access through your Gold status or Business Class ticket, then it might be worth checking this lounge out.