SAA Flight Check-in and Gate Closure Time

Here are the flight and boarding gate closure times.  Unfortunately, travellers who fail to present themselves at the boarding gate before the stipulated time for closure will be denied travel without compensation. Boarding times may vary across our network. Please check your boarding pass carefully.

Check-in times:

Please make sure you check-in before these times:

FlightsRecommended check-in Times
Flights within South Africa90 minutes prior to departure
International flights2.5 hours prior to departure
Flights from Johannesburg to the USA3 hours prior to departure

Boarding times: 

Boarding for all flights begins at least 45 minutes before the scheduled time of departure. Travellers need to please allow enough time to pass through Immigration and Security. High traffic at peak times may be experienced so please allow more than 1 hour before departure time.

Flight Closure Times:

FlightsFlight Closure Times
Domestic Flights within South Africa, departing from Johannesburg,Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and East London.40 minutes prior to departure
International flights departing from Johannesburg and most international and regional airports.50 minutes prior to departure
Flights departing from Johannesburg to Lagos, Luanda, Sao Paulo and Kinshasa60 minutes prior to departure for all classes of travel
Flights departing from New York and Washington60 minutes prior to departure for all classes of travel
Flights departing from Lagos2 hours prior to departure
Flights departing from Luanda90 minutes prior to departure
Flights departing from Lilongwe60 minutes prior to departure

*Note that flight closure times may vary. Please check your e-ticket receipt for the last check-in time.

Gate Closure Times:

FlightsGate closure times
Flights within South Africa15 minutes prior to departure
International flights 20 minutes prior to departure 

*Note that gate closure times may vary. Please check your boarding pass carefully.

Check-in Travel Information Required

At check-in it is required that all travellers provide proof of identification in order to receive their boarding pass. Travellers may use their valid RSA Identity Document or Passport (International travel) as proof of identification. The same documentation must be present at the boarding gate.

International Check-in

Prior to check-in and boarding, profiling of passengers for immigration purposes may be required to protect the airline against immigration penalties. The process may require you to provide evidence of confirmed accommodation, health documents (if applicable), sufficient funds and valid return or onward air tickets.

Flights to the USA

Travellers are required to check-in at least 3 hours before flight departure. Travellers must please note that additional US TSA (Transport Security Administration) Controls are applied upon boarding, in addition to Airport Security processes.  

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


Sponsored Guide


Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.