Step-by-step guide to SA airport process

Arrival at the airport

  • Passengers must use drop-and-go facilities or public transport as only passengers will be allowed into the terminal.

  • Limited parkade options will be available. These are signposted at each airport.

  • Meeters and greeters will not be allowed in the terminal building.

  • Baggage wrapping is now compulsory for all check-in luggage for hygiene reasons.

Airport entrances and access control

  • Many access points have been closed at each airport. Please visit the Airports Company website for details on which access points and terminal entrance points should be used.

  • Access to terminal buildings will therefore be restricted.

  • Physical distancing rules will apply at the terminal entrance.

  • Masks are compulsory from entry to the airport through a flight and out of the destination airport.

  • Port Health will conduct screening checks at entrances.

  • Passengers must produce their business travel permission letters at the entrance.

  • It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure that they have the necessary permission letter before they book a flight.

Check-in process

  • Passengers should check in online before going to the airport.

  • Online check in can be done at the screens in the terminal building.

  • A limited number of check-in counters will be open and physical distancing rules will apply in these queues.

  • Using a check-in counter will take longer.

Security checkpoint process

  • Passengers will scan their paper-based or mobile device-based boarding pass to the scanner at the security checkpoint.

  • Passengers should remove any metal and electronic items from their person before entering the security queue. This includes mobile devices, watches, jewellery, wallets, keys and so on.

  • These items must be placed in the tray at the security scanner.

  • This process will minimise the need for security officers to conduct physical pat downs at the checkpoint.

Boarding the aircraft

  • Physical distancing rules apply for queues to board an aircraft.

  • Passengers must scan their boarding pass at the boarding gate.

  • Boarding will be done in a controlled manner with passengers travelling in the rear seats of the aircraft boarding first. Passengers with tickets for Row A, for example, will board last.

  • Masks must be worn for the duration of the flight.

Disembarking from an aircraft

  • Masks must continue to be used when disembarking and moving towards the baggage carousels.

  • Physical distancing rules will apply at the baggage carousels.

  • Crowding close to the baggage carousels will not be permitted.