South African Airways Business Class

South African Airways (SAA) is South Africa’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, operating from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. The airline has faced significant financial restructuring but continues to serve key routes to Europe, North America, West Africa, and across the African continent.

Seat and cabin

The Airbus A340-300 features business class in a 2-2-2 layout with lie-flat seats extending to 73 inches and a 20-inch width. The configuration does not provide direct aisle access from window positions. Each seat includes a personal entertainment screen, USB and AC power, and a duvet and pillow set. The A330-300 uses a similar layout with slightly newer seats. SAA’s hard product is functional but showing its age, with the 2-2-2 layout now considered outdated compared to the 1-2-1 configurations offered by competitors on similar routes.

Dining and service

SAA serves South African and international cuisine, featuring dishes such as bobotie, peri-peri chicken, braai-inspired grilled meats, and Cape Malay curries. South African wines from Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and the Swartland are a genuine highlight — the airline’s wine cellar is curated by expert South African sommeliers. Amarula liqueur and rooibos tea are signature South African beverages. Service is warm and friendly with the characteristic South African “ubuntu” spirit of togetherness and hospitality.

Lounge experience

SAA operates the Baobab Lounge at Johannesburg OR Tambo, offering South African dishes, a bar with local wines and spirits, shower facilities, and comfortable seating. The lounge has a contemporary African design with warm wooden accents. At outstations, passengers access Star Alliance partner lounges. The Johannesburg lounge provides a solid departure experience, with South African wines being a particular draw for business class passengers before long-haul flights to Europe and the Americas.