Unpublished fares · Up to 70% off +1-(855)-919-6470

South African Airways Cancellation & Change Policy (2026)

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Quick Answer

South African Airways offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. After that, Main Cabin and above: plus fares may be refundable for a fee.. Basic Economy: saver fares are generally non-refundable..

24-Hour Free Cancellation

For flights to/from the US, tickets can be cancelled within 24 hours of booking without penalty if booked at least 7 days before departure.

Change Fees by Fare Class

Fare ClassChange Fee
basic EconomySaver fares typically incur a change fee of $50-$150 depending on the route, plus fare difference.
main CabinPlus fares may have lower change fees or allow one free change.
premiumPremium Economy fares generally allow changes with no fee, subject to fare difference.
businessBusiness Class fares usually allow free changes, subject to fare difference.

Cancellation Fees & Refund Type

Fare ClassCancellation Policy
basic EconomySaver fares are generally non-refundable.
main CabinPlus fares may be refundable for a fee.
premiumPremium Economy fares are often refundable for a lower fee.
businessBusiness Class fares are typically fully refundable.

How Refunds Work

Refunds are issued to the original form of payment for refundable fares, or as a travel voucher for non-refundable fares where applicable.

Same-Day Flight Change

Same-day changes may be available for a fee or free for elite Voyager members and premium cabin passengers.

No-Show Policy

No-shows typically forfeit the ticket value, though some flexible fares may allow rebooking with a no-show penalty.

How to Cancel Your South African Airways Flight

  1. 1Log in to your account on the South African Airways website.
  2. 2Go to 'Manage Booking' and enter your booking reference and last name.
  3. 3Select the flight you wish to cancel and review the cancellation terms.
  4. 4Confirm the cancellation and process any applicable refunds or vouchers.

Expert Tips

💡 Always check the specific fare rules before booking, as Saver fares are highly restrictive.

💡 Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations.

💡 If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking.

💡 Voyager elite members may have more flexible cancellation and change policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel a South African Airways flight for free?▼
Yes — For flights to/from the US, tickets can be cancelled within 24 hours of booking without penalty if booked at least 7 days before departure. Plus fares may be refundable for a fee.
What is South African Airways's change fee?▼
Main Cabin: Plus fares may have lower change fees or allow one free change.. Basic Economy: Saver fares typically incur a change fee of $50-$150 depending on the route, plus fare difference..
How do I get a refund from South African Airways?▼
Refunds are issued to the original form of payment for refundable fares, or as a travel voucher for non-refundable fares where applicable.
What happens if I no-show on South African Airways?▼
No-shows typically forfeit the ticket value, though some flexible fares may allow rebooking with a no-show penalty.

More South African Airways Guides

Baggage Policy
Fees, sizes & limits
Online Check-In
Step-by-step guide
Seat Selection
Fees & best seats
Carry-On Rules
Size limits & weight
Pet Policy
Fees & requirements
All Baggage Fees
Compare 98 airlines
⚽FIFA 2026
Call Expert Search Flights
Menu
Quick Links
+1-(855)-919-6470