For the return portion of our trip to Zimbabwe, we flew Emirates’ A380 first class from Johannesburg to Dubai to Houston. Our first stop was the Emirates Lounge Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).
Continue reading: Review: Emirates Lounge Johannesburg Airport (JNB)
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Looks very dated. And the lack of zoning doesn't make it feel especially cosy - just one large room.
I was in this lounge last month and found it to be perfectly serviceable. While I agree that differentiating the experience between first and biz. class would be nice, as a FC pax I really didn't care much in the 45 minutes I spent there.
When you find yourself back in Johannesburg, try the newly renovated ’The Lounge’ by SAA and Discovery (next to Emirates)…
Been in the lounge a few times since the reopening in November 2023 (I am based in Johannesburg). I was ecstatic that the 3rd party lounge was not an option anymore!
Agree that it feels typical Emirates, but also in a way that is what I expect. The moment you walk in you know you are about to fly EK.
Regarding the food - I reckon the food is of fantastic quality and standard.
Just look at the beef - perfectly medium the way it should be (I suppose with it being in SA they will always be to a good standard). The other options are fabulous too. Often a local-inspired curry as well.
The staff are also amazing. While I agree a barista or barperson would be great, the staff are veryhappy to keep on replenishing your drinks (they never say no! Another typical SA service I reckon) and even make something on order.
And of course, the very good South African wines are always of high quality and vintage.
Do they kick you out between 1:30 and 3:30? I have an 8 hr layover between 11:10 and 19:10.
I was there (shorter layover) in September, so I'm looking forward to the "new and improved " lounge.
There are two issues.
1. Needs to be First Class Only space or conversion of this space.
2. Boarding from the lounge would make this a First Class Lounge.
Do yourself a huge favor and skip this totally bland and generic lounge and have a whiskey at the gorgeous Bottega whisky and wine bar. They're friendly and know their stuff.
And they will happily put whatever drink you want in a paper coffee cup if you want it to-go.....