Voyager - South African Airways

South African Airways, headquartered in Airways Park, Ekurheleni Gauteng, is considered the South African largest airline. Partnering with SA Express, SA Airlink, and the low-cost carrier, called Mango, the airline uses a fleet of 54 aircraft and operates about 56 different destinations within South Africa and across the continent, including nine intercontinental routes.

Since its foundation date in 1934, the SAA has been overseen and controlled by South African Railways and Harbours Administration. African countries' sanctions provided stopover airports in the time of apartheid that forced it to obtain a long-range aircraft and take other measures to counter these restrictions. It is known as Suid-Afrikaanse Ludgiens (SAL). A bit later, the name was finally dropped.

Voyager Program

The Voyager rewards program offers those who fly with South African Airways and their partners numerous ways to go about earning a variety of rewards. Some of the different awards that members can earn in this program include free flights, cabin upgrades, hotel rooms, and even vehicle rentals. There are thousands of Voyager members, and a plethora of benefits associated with the program itself.

Earning Voyager Points

One of the best things about South African Airways’ Voyager rewards program is that it is very easy to earn points, and there are numerous ways to do so. Members of this program will get 1 mile per each R1.60 spent exclusively on SAA. South African Airways Voyager members can also receive miles when flying with one of the 35 different partners of the airline, including the Star Alliance global network, and over 20 different non-airline partners in categories that range from travel-related, lifestyle, retail, property, petroleum, and financial services.

Both SAA and Star Alliance Miles count towards tier status, so you will therefore be able to use them to work your way up through the various Elite status levels. It is important for members of this program to ensure that they quote their unique SAA Voyager membership number during the booking process or at point of sale in order for their miles to track systematically.

It is also important for Voyager members to keep their original boarding pass and a copy of their e-ticket receipt or original invoices for non-airline partners until Miles reflects on their Mileage Summary. It's necessary to submit documentation for missing miles claims within 30 days before the expiration date mentioned by the relevant airline or its partner. Miles claims that are not automatically loaded for fuel purchases must be submitted within 48 hours of the transaction.

Redeeming Mileage Points

Those who are a member of SAA’s Voyager rewards program will be able to use the miles/points they accumulate for a number of different things, including award flights, cabin upgrades, car rentals, and even hotel rooms. Members can spend miles on more than 35 different airline partnerships, including the Star Alliance global network. Non-airline awards can be spent on car rental, spa-vouchers, retail awards, etc. You will also be able to spend miles online. To do it, you should access your account using a special SAA Voyager membership number and a given PIN-code when transacting through the official airline website.

All miles that Voyager members accrue are valid for three years from the date they were earned, and you can nominate any person of your choice to utilize your awards. One of the great things about this particular rewards program is that you can use the miles you earn for so many different things.

Benefits of South African Airways’ Voyager Program

There are many different benefits to joining the Voyager rewards program, including the fact that there are so many ways to earn and redeem points. This program allows its members to earn points faster than many other airlines’ rewards program. Also, additional miles can be purchased during award booking at a rate of about $21 per 1,000 miles. Changes to Dynamic Awards in the Y, M, B, K, J, and C fare classes are completely free of charge.

Elite Levels

The Voyager rewards program offers three different Elite status levels that basic members can work their way up through, including:

Silver Level: The level possessors automatically get 25-percent bonus-tier miles and lounge access, the opportunity to choose the desired economy seating, and pass the premium class check-in, as well as priority boarding and baggage handling. Moreover, it's allowed to bring additional baggage. The level miles don't expire if you fly 6,000 tier miles within 12 months. When achieving silver status, you immediately get 3,000 bonus miles and 2,000 bonus miles for every 15,000 tier miles flown.

Gold Level: The level owners receive 6,000 bonus miles and 50-percent bonus-tier miles after achieving gold status and the possibility to choose economy seating. In addition, they can use priority boarding option and lounge access for member and a guest.

Platinum Level: When achieving this type of status, members automatically acquire 12,000 bonus miles and 75-percent bonus-tier miles. They're provided with great customer services, such as dedicated call center and chauffeur service on qualifying flights, and the opportunity to choose economy seating for a member and 2 guests. They also have access to exit row seats and lounge, as well as use the priority boarding options.

Booking Fees/Charges

There are some booking fees that you might encounter as a Voyager member, such as the $55 fee for changing flights, and a $55 fee for reinstating award tickets. There is no fee at all for booking too late though.

Redeem on Upgrades

South African Airways upgrades are highly restricted. It's related to all the types of SAA flights. The upgrades are available by sector as well as to the next highest service level. They're also subject to high taxes, surcharges, and fees.

Routing Rules

One open-jaw is permitted, but you must be returning to your country of origin. Also, award tickets must be booked on “JJ” operating flight numbers. 

Cobranded Credit Cards

There are co-branded Gold and Platinum cards, but they are available only for South African residents. Those who want to get this card must be over 18 years of age, have a good credit rating, and be a South African resident or have a valid work permit. You must also earn R80 000 or more each year to get the Gold Credit Card, or R300 000 for the Premium Credit Card.