Why Use an Airport Lounge?
OR Tambo's departure halls can be noisy and crowded, especially during peak hours. Airport lounges offer a quiet space with comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, fast Wi-Fi and — in some cases — showers and business facilities. You don't need a business class ticket to get in: most lounges sell day passes or accept lounge membership cards.
Independent Lounges
These lounges are open to all passengers regardless of airline or ticket class. Access is via walk-in, lounge pass, or membership card.
Bidvest Premier Lounge
DOMESTIC & INTERNATIONALSouth Africa's largest independent lounge operator. Bidvest runs multiple lounges across both terminals at OR Tambo. The domestic lounges are located airside after security, and the international lounge is in Terminal B near the duty-free area.
Facilities
- Hot and cold buffet
- Alcoholic and soft drinks (included)
- Fast Wi-Fi and charging points
- TV screens with news and sport
- Quiet zones and workstations
Access Options
- Walk-in: ~R495 per person
- Priority Pass: ✅ accepted
- LoungeKey: ✅ accepted
- Diners Club: ✅ accepted
- DiscoveryBank card: ✅ (select tiers)
SLOW Lounge
DOMESTICA premium lounge experience with a distinctly South African design aesthetic. The SLOW Lounge is positioned as a step above the standard lounge, with better food quality, a cocktail bar, and a more curated atmosphere. Located in the domestic terminal airside.
Facilities
- Chef-prepared food with local flair
- Premium cocktail and wine bar
- Showers (limited availability)
- Fast Wi-Fi and USB charging
- Dedicated quiet area
Access Options
- Walk-in: ~R550 per person
- SLOW membership card
- Select credit cards (Nedbank, ABSA)
- Corporate accounts available
Shongololo Lounge
INTERNATIONALLocated in the international terminal, the Shongololo Lounge offers a solid selection of food and drinks before long-haul flights. It's particularly useful for late-night departures when other facilities may be closed.
Facilities
- Hot buffet and snack bar
- Complimentary drinks including alcohol
- Wi-Fi and power outlets
- Flight information screens
Access Options
- Walk-in: ~R500 per person
- Priority Pass: ✅ accepted
- LoungeKey: ✅ accepted
- Diners Club: ✅ accepted
Airline Lounges
These lounges are primarily for business/first class passengers and elite loyalty members of the respective airline or alliance.
How to Get Lounge Access (Without Business Class)
💳 Credit Card Benefits
Several South African bank cards include lounge access as a perk. Discovery Bank Purple and Black cards, Nedbank Private Wealth, ABSA Private Banking, and FNB Private Clients cards all offer a set number of free lounge visits per year. Check your card benefits — you may already have access without knowing it.
🃏 Priority Pass
Priority Pass is the world's largest independent lounge network. A membership starts at around $99/year for the basic plan. The Bidvest and Shongololo lounges at OR Tambo both accept Priority Pass. Many international credit cards include a complimentary Priority Pass membership.
🎫 Day Pass (Walk-In)
No card? No problem. Most independent lounges sell same-day access at the door for R450–R550 per person. You can also pre-book online through the lounge's website or through platforms like LoungeBuddy for a small discount.
✈ Airline Upgrade
If you're flying SAA, check whether a business class upgrade is available at check-in. Sometimes the fare difference is modest, especially on off-peak flights, and includes full lounge access plus a better seat and baggage allowance.
What to Expect Inside a Lounge
Typically Included
- Food — hot buffet, sandwiches, fruit, snacks
- Drinks — coffee, tea, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits
- Wi-Fi — fast and free, no time limits
- Seating — armchairs, sofas, quiet zones
- Charging — power outlets and USB at most seats
- Flight info — departure screens inside the lounge
Sometimes Available
- Showers — great for early-morning or connecting flights
- Business centre — printers, meeting pods
- Nap rooms — rare but available in some premium lounges
- Children's area — depends on the lounge
- Spa treatments — select lounges only
- Fast-track security — with some memberships
Lounges are comfortable — sometimes too comfortable. Set an alarm or keep an eye on the departure screens. Gate changes and boarding calls are not always audible inside the lounge. Aim to leave for your gate 20–30 minutes before boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most lounges. Children under 2 are typically free. Children aged 2–12 may be charged a reduced rate or a flat fee (around R250). Some lounge passes include a guest, which can be used for a child. Check the specific lounge's policy before arriving.
Most lounges allow a stay of up to 3–4 hours per visit. Priority Pass visits are typically capped at 3 hours. Walk-in guests can often stay until their flight departs. For long layovers, ask at reception whether extended stays are possible.
The Bidvest Premier Lounge in the international terminal operates 24 hours. Domestic lounges typically open at 05:00 or when the first flights depart. Late-night/red-eye passengers should confirm hours with the lounge directly.
Consider what you'd spend airside otherwise: a meal and two coffees at the terminal restaurants can easily cost R200–R300. Add fast Wi-Fi, a quiet environment, and unlimited drinks, and the lounge starts to make financial sense — especially if you have a long wait or need to work. For frequent travellers, a Priority Pass membership or credit card with lounge access pays for itself quickly.
Plan Your Airport Experience
Explore dining options, check parking rates, or view the check-in process.