South African domestic flights are generally affordable as there are several domestic flight options one can choose from depending on where you want to travel. The increase in local flights has given the freedom to be able to search for and book local cheap flights. It’s always best to first search, and compare domestic flights in South Africa. If you have been wondering which South African domestic flights are operating in South Africa here are the best domestic airlines in South Africa.
1. Fly Mango
Mango is one of the most popular and cheapest domestic flights in South Africa. Over the years Mango Airlines has proven itself as a highly sustainable and cheapest airline. Part of South African Airways the Mango journey began in 2006. You can book flights from Durban to Johannesburg as Mango flight prices are usually amongst the cheapest.
With domestic flights to all of South Africa’s big cities, Mango offers South African domestic flights with a uniquely South African in-flight entertainment experience.
Mango check-in opens 24 hours before the flight departs and closes 2 hours before departure. Bookings and changes made within 24 hours of departure may not be able to use Mango airline’s online check-in. Remember that proof of identification is required for both adults and children during your Mango check-in.
2. Kulula
Founded in 2001 and operated by Comair, Kulula is not only one of the first South African domestic flights. Kulula goes to most destinations in South Africa ensuring locals can make kulula bookings to their destination of choice. The name Kulula comes from the Nguni languages of Zulu and Xhosa meaning it’s easy.
The airline has become popular because of the humour that is often included in their commercial adverts. Kuluma their in-flight magazine is worth flipping from the front page to the last page. Kulula check-in opens 90 mins before your flight and closes 45 minutes before take-off for local flights. Remember to bring along your valid South African ID book/Passport or South African driver’s licence. A valid passport and unabridged birth certificates are required by all children/minors under 18.
3. FlySafair
Launched in October 2014 it aimed to become South Africa’s favourite airline in the domestic flights market by providing a low-fare, hassle-free, and on-time travel experience which they have managed to live up to. Although they came into the market with already strong competition FlySafair has done very well to live up to its vision of making flying accessible to everyone by offering low-cost airline tickets while making a profit as well. FlySafair is run by Safair which has been around for over 50 years. Flysafair flights go to all the major destinations in South Africa with flights from jhb to durban amongst the most booked.
Flysafair check in times opens 24 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before flight departure. If you do flysafair check in online and have no luggage you can proceed straight to security and bypass airport check-in desks. Do not forget to bring along your valid South African ID book/Passport or South African driver’s licence. A valid passport and unabridged birth certificates are required by all children/minors under 18.
4. South African Airways
South African Airways also known as Fly SAA is the national flag carrier of South Africa and services many domestic destinations. South Africa Airways was founded in 1934 making it one of the go-to airlines in South Africa. SA Airways has been a member of the prestigious Star Alliance group for many years. South Africa Airways’ popular SAA Voyager loyalty programme rewards frequent flyers with voyager miles. Your valid South African ID book/Passport or South African driver’s licence is required for SAA checkin. You may also do your SAA check in online so that you avoid the long que’s at airport counters. The SAA check in online opens 24 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.
5. British Airways
British Airways South Africa is operated by Comair. British Airways flights fly to most of South Africa’s big cities; Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Durban. The award-winning airline is best known for its signature hospitality and great in-flight experience making them frequently the choice of business flyers in South Africa and further afield. Your valid South African ID book/Passport or South African driver’s licence. A valid passport and unabridged birth certificates are required by all children/minors under 18. British Airways SA online checkin opens 24 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart.
To secure the cheapest ticket search and book your British Airways flight booking now.
6. Lift Airlines
Lift Airlines South Africa is the latest airline to be part of domestic flights South Africa. It was launched in December 2020 to also offer local flights like lift flights to Cape Town. Booking a Lyft flight offers a lift experience to travellers. The airline offers travellers a chance to book a domestic flight with flexible air travel where you can change or cancel tickets without a problem.
Also read: Is it cheaper to book flights at the airport
7. CemAir
CemAir operating under the name, Fly CemAir is a South African based airline specialising in scheduled flights to George, Johannesburg and Margate. The airline is based in Johannesburg at OR Tambo International Airport and was formed in 2005. CemAir Flights are specialists in flying to popular tourist destinations and important business towns. Cemair online check in can be done 24 hours before the flight.
8. Airlink
Last on the domestic flights in South Africa list is Airlink. Its a proudly South African airline founded in 1992 that flies multiple domestic routes in South Africa. The Johannesburg based airline not only offers domestic flights in South Africa but they also connect travellers to regional destinations. Airlink check-in can be done online.
Search, compare and book cheap domestic flights in South Africa.
