South African Airways follows procedures, advice and guidelines from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organisation, International Air Transport Association (IATA), and airport and customs authorities to ensure the safety of customers. In efforts to maximize the safety, health and wellbeing of our customers and crew, we adhere to the following procedures:

  1. Hygiene
    1. Disinfectants
      1. SAA disinfectants are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as effective against the COVID-19 coronavirus.
      2. Guided by customs limits and guidelines, passengers are welcome to travel with antibacterial wipes and hand sanitisers.
      3. The airline uses sanitation procedures for all domestic and international flights. 
    2. Cleaning
      1. All our aircrafts are loaded with bio-hazardous waste and cleaning materials.
      2. We have implemented revised cleaning procedures, to focus on high frequent touch points such as handles, seatbelt buckles, tray tables and armrests.
      3. And for all hard surfaces such as lavatories, window shades are thoroughly wiped with multi-purpose cleaners.
    3. Ventilation
      1. The Airbus fleet is equipped with state-of-the-art, high-efficiency particulate air filters that capture particles.
    4. Decontamination
      1. Should health authorities inform the airline that a person who travelled with SAA exhibited coronavirus symptoms, the aircraft will be taken out of service and put through a decontamination process.
         
  2. Our Employees:
    All are employees are fully trained to:
    1. Handle situations in an event of communicable disease
    2. Handle medical related incidents on board
    3. Work closely with ground and inflight expert medical assistance.
    4. Assess all our guests for visible symptoms
       
  3. Self-Care Tips:
    1. Wash hands with soap often;
    2. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser after touching any surface;
    3. Avoid touching eyes, face and nose;
    4. Avoid contact with coughing customers by whatever means possible
    5. It is highly recommended  that you contact your Doctor if you are sick you are and stay home

While SAA takes all the necessary steps to ensure that all our customers enjoy a healthy flying experience, the airline advises customers to also take precautions to stay healthy while flying.

We thank customers for the support by continuing to place their trust in South African Airways with their travel plans.

For more on information  or inquiries please click here  or contact us.

South Africa : 0800 214 774 or +27 11 978 6699

Germany and UK: +27 11 978 2100

or email us at CoronaVirusCOVID-19@flysaa.com