The prospect of a long-haul flight can be daunting. That’s not the case, however, when traveling in the lap of luxury on South African Airways’ Premium Business Class.

Comfort and More

Crucial to any long flight is sleep, and SAA’s 180-degree lie-flat bed, with a 73-inch pitch, cozy duvet and fluffy pillows, ensures travelers will get some rest. A built-in massage function enhances passenger comfort in any seat position.

Every seat is equipped with individual on-demand audio-visual entertainment systems, offering loads of movies, television shows, games, news programs and music stations. For additional comfort, personal amenity kits are distributed and privacy screens are available.

Wine and Dine

SAA’s onboard dining is a combination of worldwide culinary favorites designed to delight every taste bud and celebrate the range of destinations served by the airline. The display is as appealing as the food is appetizing. All the meals are served on china and fine linen.

Delectable starters are just the beginning of the in-flight culinary experience. All international flights feature four main course options, suited for travelers in the mood for a healthy or a hearty meal. Savory and sweet touches round out the menu, created and customized by celebrity chefs.

All the meals are paired with the finest South African wines, uniquely selected during a yearly wine tasting attended by renowned judges from around the world. SAA’s panel is the most rigorous wine selection in the country.

Lounge Around

SAA business-class passengers enjoy on-the-ground perks as well, including access to several new and remodeled airport lounges.

The recently remodeled International Departures Lounge at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is all about luxury, with touches of African décor and design. For inspiration, the airline looked to the passengers, who weighed in on runway views, Internet connections and a luggage storage area — all features included in the redesign. Travelers can also take advantage of snooze rooms, rainfall showers, a cigar lounge, an entertainment area, private boardrooms, a self-service food station, a bar and a children’s area.

Also at O.R. Tambo International is the brand new Arrivals Lounge, perfect for business travelers headed directly to meetings or passengers waiting for a connection. The lounge offers food and beverage service, showers, clothes pressing service, an email area and a smoker’s lounge.

Celebrating its first birthday this month is the Domestic Business Class Lounge at the recently opened King Shaka International Airport in Durban. A Domestic Departures Lounge at Cape Town International Airport was also upgraded last year.

Recent Developments

South African Airways recently expanded their agreement with JetBlue, now offering codeshare connections to 20 U.S. cities from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport or Washington Dulles International Airport. Network cities include Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Ft. Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando, New Orleans, Portland, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco and Tampa.

Travelers on both airlines can book flights between applicable South African and U.S. cities and check luggage through for the entire journey. Free meals, snacks, beverages and entertainment are available onboard all flights.

SAA’s popular New York-to-Johannesburg route is now non-stop both ways. The airline eliminated the refueling stop in Dakar allowing for shorter travel times and more connection options.

For more than 40 years, South African Airways has been the premiere airline for travel between the United States and South Africa. As the official carrier of South Africa, SAA serves more than 20 destinations in the region, with many more throughout the continent and worldwide. Approximately 350,000 travelers fly SAA annually from New York (JFK) or Washington, D.C. (IAD) to South Africa. A member of Star Alliance, South African Airways offers 1,172 destinations in 181 countries and more than 21,200 flights daily.

Among the airline’s many awards and accolades are “Best Airline to Africa” from OAG Airline Industry Awards and the World Travel Awards; “Best Business Class to Africa” from Global Traveler; and “Best Lie-Flat Business Class Seat” from SkyTrax.

Fly SAA, the savvy traveler’s “gateway to Africa.” To learn more or to book a flight, call 800 772 9675 or visit flysaa.com.