How Early Should You Arrive?
The golden rule: arrive with enough time that you never have to run. OR Tambo is Africa's busiest airport and queues can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours and holiday periods.
Terminal A. Sufficient for most domestic departures. If travelling without checked bags and already checked in online, 90 minutes may work outside peak times.
Terminal B. International departures involve passport control and more thorough security screening. Immigration queues can add 30–45 minutes during peak periods.
December holidays, Easter weekends and public holidays create significantly longer queues at every stage. Build in an extra 30–60 minutes of buffer.
Mornings 06:00–08:30 and evenings 16:00–18:30 are the busiest periods. If your flight falls in this window, lean towards the longer arrival time.
Before You Leave Home
📋 Documents to Have Ready
- Domestic: SA ID / smart card / driver's licence
- International: Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
- Visa (if required for your destination)
- Boarding pass (printed or mobile)
- Travel insurance documents (recommended)
- Children: Unabridged birth certificate + consent letter (if applicable)
✅ Pre-Flight Checklist
- Check in online (opens 24 hrs before departure)
- Download or screenshot your boarding pass
- Weigh your bags at home — avoid surprise fees
- Charge your phone (for mobile boarding pass)
- Check flight status on the airline app
- Pack liquids in a clear 1-litre zip bag
Online Check-In
The fastest way to check in. Available 24 hours before departure on most airlines. You'll skip the counter queue entirely if you have no checked baggage.
How It Works — Step by Step
- Visit your airline's website or app 24 hours before departure. Look for "Check In" or "Manage Booking".
- Enter your booking reference (6-character code) and surname. You'll see your flight details.
- Select your seat if you haven't already (window, aisle, extra legroom — some may cost extra).
- Confirm your details and accept the airline's conditions of carriage.
- Download or screenshot your boarding pass. Most airlines offer both PDF and Apple/Google Wallet formats.
- At the airport, proceed directly to bag drop (if you have checked luggage) or straight to security.
Online Check-In by Airline
Counter Check-In
If you haven't checked in online, head to your airline's check-in counter in the departures hall. Counters are clearly sign-posted by airline name and flight number.
What Happens at the Counter
- Present your ID/passport and booking reference
- Agent verifies your identity and travel documents
- Place checked bags on the scale — agent tags them
- Select your seat (or accept auto-assigned seat)
- Receive your printed boarding pass and bag tag receipt
- Proceed to security screening
Counter Hours
Check-in counters typically open 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours before for domestic. They close 45–60 minutes before departure — if you arrive after that, you may not be allowed to board.
Keep the small baggage receipt sticker the agent gives you. If your bag is lost or delayed, you'll need this number to file a claim.
Security Screening
After check-in, you'll pass through security before reaching the departure gates. Here's how to get through quickly and smoothly.
Speed Through Security — Preparation Checklist
Remove from your bag:
- Laptop and large electronics
- Clear bag with liquids (≤100ml each)
- Tablet and e-reader
- Power bank / portable charger
Remove from yourself:
- Belt
- Jacket or coat
- Metal jewellery and watches
- Coins, keys, phone — into the tray
Common Questions at Security
Security staff may ask standard screening questions. Answer calmly and honestly:
- "Did you pack these bags yourself?"
- "Has anyone given you anything to carry?"
- "Have you left your bags unattended at any point?"
- "Are you carrying any prohibited or dangerous items?"
Even casual jokes about explosives, weapons, or hijacking are taken very seriously. You can be detained, fined, or arrested. Be friendly, straightforward, and honest.
Sample Timeline: Domestic Flight at 09:00
Allow for traffic and parking. Mornings on the N12/R24 to OR Tambo can be heavy.
Park or be dropped off. Follow signs to Terminal A (Domestic).
If checked in online, go straight to the bag drop counter. Takes 5–10 minutes.
Allow 15–30 minutes depending on the queue. Have boarding pass and ID ready.
Browse shops, grab a coffee, or head to your gate. Check departure screens for gate number.
Listen for announcements and check your boarding pass for group/zone. Gate closes 10 minutes before departure.
Special Circumstances
👨👩👧👦 Travelling with Children
Families with children under 12 can usually use priority check-in or family lanes at security. Bring the children's unabridged birth certificates for domestic flights and passports for international travel. Strollers and car seats can be checked at the gate for free on most airlines.
🐾 Travelling with Pets
Pets typically travel in the cargo hold in an IATA-approved crate. Small pets (under 6 kg) may be allowed in-cabin on some airlines. You'll need a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before booking.
♿ Passengers with Disabilities
OR Tambo provides free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility. Request help when booking or at least 48 hours before your flight. Wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and accessible facilities are available throughout both terminals.
🎿 Oversized or Special Items
Golf bags, surfboards, bicycles and musical instruments require special handling. Check with your airline for fees and packing requirements. Arrive 15–20 minutes earlier than usual as oversized check-in may take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
No problem — simply check in at the airline counter at the airport. You'll just need to arrive a bit earlier to allow for the queue. Counter check-in is available until 45–60 minutes before departure.
Yes, a clear screenshot of your mobile boarding pass with a visible barcode or QR code is accepted at OR Tambo. However, having it in your airline's app or Apple/Google Wallet is more reliable in case the screen brightness or angle causes scanning issues.
Your airline is required to notify you and offer alternatives: rebooking on the next available flight, a full refund, or accommodation if the delay is overnight. Check departure boards and the airline's app for real-time updates. Visit the airline's service desk in the terminal for assistance.
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Connect to the "ORT Free WiFi" network. Speed is generally sufficient for browsing and messaging, though streaming may be slow during peak hours.
Ready for Your Trip?
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