My flight from Cape Town arrived on stand at 4:15PM, while my connection to London Heathrow was scheduled for 8:25PM. The bus ride from the remote stand to the terminal took about 10 minutes, and the driver didn't seem to understand he had dozens of people packed like sardines standing in his bus, based on…
Continue reading: Review: South African Airways International Lounge Johannesburg Airport
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I think you had bad luck with the wi-fi Ben. I've used this lounge several times without any wi-fi issues, indeed the signal was excellent and I worked there for several hours on my last visit. Also the showers deserve a mention, they are clean and the towels provided are good - it's a bit of a blessing before a long trip, especially if you've been driving a few hours before reaching the airport.
I agree with Andy, the showers deserve a mention, they are quite good.
On the Internet: Yes it's an import amenity, however not the end of the world. Strange thing is, that I commuted for 1.5 year, and went through the lounge 2 times a month, and only had the internet working for a total of 5 times, so yea, definately a SAA decision that it is not working well. Especially when the lounge is almost as empty as in your pictures.
Hi, no pictures shown of any alcoholic beverage being on offer?
Was that the case, or a slip of the pen -- eh, camera??
Havent been to the lounges at JNB but the duty free shops there have excellent deals on South African wine. would recommend.
Any idea what the Cycad First Class Lounge is used for? It is not for SAA First Class passengers as they don't operate first class cabins anymore. Top tier elites?
Transited JNB SA lounge 3 times last week, 2PM-8PM each time, and I can confirm that WiFi stops working around 5PM, when the lounge is packed with EU-bound passengers.
Showers were also surprisingly clean and functional, 5-6 shower units in total.
Ryan and Lucky, the Cycad lounge is also for F Lufthansa and Swiss passengers; not sure if it's for others, too.
I think the whole "It's Africa. What do you expect?" crutch has been a problem for African development for far too long.
When a lower level of basic competence is expected, a lower level of basic competence will be delivered.
Whenever I see one of these enablers of substandard performance stated, I reply with "It's 2016. Get with what's expected."
Lucky, agree with you that the wifi situation was terrible. For anyone who is planning on getting some (internet-requiring) work done, they might make the same choice as you and move to a contract lounge. Not to mention, judging by Hasse's comment, it only works sporadically and this is poor on SAA's part. They must have received several complaints, but their response is disappointing, and not fixing such a basic but important issue is terrible.
Other than that though, all 3 SAA lounges you have reviewed have been absolutely gorgeous. Great design.
There are several airports where one has to clear security after getting off of a domestic flight but before connecting to an international flight - many during international transits too.
Tip for the WIfI - which normally does work for me (I use the lounge at least once a week), sit in the chairs on your right as you walk in and you can see the BA lounge - and their WiFi! if you need the password get the BA app and all will be revealed!
Compared to most African non-SA lounges this one is great - try the ones at DAR & LUN for a more normal experience 🙂
Loo with a view at CPT domestic always worth a visit ......
Awesome review, thanks so much I just have to disagree with your statement on the TAAG a/c being the most beautiful, its a horrid livery and an ugly plane period!! Those Airbus beauties are just a marvel from a looks perspective.