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JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT customer review :  28 April 2010 by Jan-Louis Vermeer   (Netherlands)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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I am glad to see the majority of construction have been completed. The international arrivals all arrive at the same place and the immigration that's been combined between the two old terminals seems to cope well with all the passengers. I was processed within 5 minutes. About 10 carousels await for the luggage and the luggage started arriving at the time I arrived at the carousel. The single exit point is clearly marked and I had no problem finding the escalators to the domestic departures level. The new Gautrain station is clearly complete but only starts operating in July according to a person that walked with me out of arrivals.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT customer review :  26 February 2010 by Edward Lee Siu   (Singapore)

Customer Rating :  3/5

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I arrived from Singapore at 7am in the morning and had passed immigration without problems, baggage handling was fast so overall satisfied. Please beware when you are walking alone towards the Car rental offices where not much passengers roam, there are 3 Police officers just outside the door after the first escalator (down) and going to the Car rental offices (up again). These Police called me and started asking me questions about my visa and travel documents on which I think is inappropriate since the immigration officials had already checked. They started asking questions on which I think it's not their job and jurisdictions, don't they supposed to guard and protect the arriving passengers from potential scammers? They held me for 5 or more minutes and they refused when I asked them that they should take me to the immigration if they want to see proof of my travel documents and stuffs. It seems to me that these officers are just taking a chance to get a bribe for a quick fix and to avoid delay out of the passenger. The airport is the doorstep of the country and through this incident my first impression on SA started there. It was a very bad experience.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT customer review :  19 November 2009 by Allan Robins   (UK)

Customer Rating :  2/5

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Flew in from DAR and cleared customs in under 10 minutes which is the fastest I have known for this airport. This was a nice surprise and even the baggage didn't take that long. They have spend some serious money here yet again this excellent airport is let down by the simplest thing - signage. I needed to go to the domestic side to pick up a car. Well, for a start, you get terminal A and B (would it really kill someone to put 'Int' & 'Dom' after A & B? Anyhow I followed the car rental signs and took the lift, though car rentals were listed on 2 seperate floors with no clue why. I went to the nearest one which seemed to be Europcar (sadly no the company I was using), so back in the lift. When I returned the car, again the signs came thick and fast along with the turns in the road, all very confusing, but I managed to keen in the correct lane until the last when all of a sudden the car rental lane was only valid for some companies, leaving me a split second to try and find the companies logo! I decided to stop and take my time and to hell with those behind me and a good job too as I was now no longer in the right line. Please, can someone re-think the signage around the airport, get someone from outside ACSA and for god sake get it right before the World cup starts

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT customer review :  10 November 2009 by Peter Van   (Hong Kong)

Customer Rating :  5/5

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Having used this airport on many occasions in the past it was a pleasant surprise (after many years of below average to poor performance). Both international arrival and departures were professionally handled and the departure area past immigration can hold it's own against most international hubs. A few bottle necks to be sorted out where doors after customs leading to arrival hall are not wide enough to allow more than one passenger through at a time need to be reviewed.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 8 November 2009 : by Allan Robins

Customer Rating : 2/5

A disaster waiting to happen! I travelled CPT via JNB to Livingstone, with 1hr connection time on paper, The airport with all its features is wonderful, but so stretched out I lost track how many times I went up 1 level, then down then up 2 levels back down another. It has aircon, but it was still quite humid inside, so by the time I finally got to my gate (somewhere near the Zimbabwe border!) it had closed 5 mins early and gone (with my case). I seriously worry what will happen during the 2010 World Cup.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 7 November 2009 : by Megan Day

Customer Rating : 4/5

International Terminal spacious, attractive, and very clean. All staff were very polite and helpful and check in on our arrival and at departure went very smoothly with no delays.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 17 August 2009 : by James Chlup

Customer Rating : 4/5

A spacious and modern airport that clearly has undergone improvements recently. Check-in and baggage claim a bit chaotic, but the dining and shopping after departures security is excellent. Plenty of seating around departure gates.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 3 August 2009 : by I Abodunrin

Customer Rating : 4/5

I'm a student from Malawi and I usually use the Johannesburg International Airport 2-3 times a year to go back and forth from Malawi to the US. So far I've not had any problems, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Last year when I was coming to the US, I had less than half an hour to switch from one plane to the next. The lines were very long that day, so I explained my situation to one of the staff who helped me get on my flight on time. It's not the finest airport in the world, but that's not surprise given that they're doing a lot of construction works for the 2010 World Cup.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 10 June 2009 : by B Davis

Customer Rating : 5/5

My wife and I each had a large suitcase, and the four times we used the airport our luggage was undisturbed and sent to the correct connections. The staff was friendly, helpful, and efficient. The completed airport is very clean, and the many shops are fun to visit and pass the time away.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 9 April 2009 : by B Stein

Customer Rating : 4/5

Arrived last week from LHR. The new passport control facility is a huge improvement. It's a long walk there from the arrivals gates in the new international pier but there were plenty of desks and I got through in about 7 minutes. Infinitely better than the erstwhile 45 minute queue. The new central terminal is open (terminal B) and is also a huge improvement. But the domestic check-in signage could be better as I ended up standing in the wrong SAA check-in line and being told off by the rude staff. All in all I'm moderately impressed.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 20 March 2009 : by Andrew Williams

Customer Rating : 4/5

Two return visits to ORTIA Joburg over last 3 weeks, one with onward connection to Cape Town. Massive improvements over recent months. Excellent shopping and dining, though temporary passport control struggles to cope at busy arrivals times, that said staff friendly and helpful. An easy fix that has happened twice was the plane arriving early, yet had to wait for airbridge operator to arrive so we could disembark.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 3 March 2009 : by R Durgan

Customer Rating : 3/5

As with so many other travellers through this Airport, the long delays at incoming Passport Control are awful - with minimum check in desks dealing with some 300 incoming UK passport holders on a flight. Resulting (as with us) missing the connecting flight to Durban, and being charged a Rebooking Fee at the South African Airways check in desk, to catch the next flight Only advice can give is to allow at least three hours for transfer time for connecting flights.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 3 January 2009 : by Simon Banister

Customer Rating : 4/5

Although the customs and immigration staff leave a lot to be desired the airport itself is very nice after the refurbishment. The check in areas, as with most airports, is okay but nothing special, but once through the immigration and into the departures area I was stunned. OR Tambo has some of the best shopping I have seen at an airport. It is clean, spacious and inviting.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 31 December 2008 : by M Le Roux

Customer Rating : 3/5

Arrived from Hong Kong at 06:30. Went through the immigration quickly as we are SA citizens, but were surprised to see that there were only 2 counters open for foreigners (which were the majority of the passengers on our flight). Stood at baggage collection for 45 minutes, the worst I have ever experienced. Once we got our baggage we went through the "nothing to declare" line, along with pretty much everyone else. Although 4 customs officers were on duty not a single person was stopped and asked to open their bags. This is insane, security is non-existent. The airport itself has undergone a facelift, the international departures much nicer than international arrivals. the departures hall has obviously been upgraded first and really has 5 star facilities in terms of shopping and dining.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 24 December 2008 : by R Watson

Customer Rating : 4/5

30 min queue through immigration, nut well organised and continual move forward. Check in on return very efficient with luggage shrink wrapped prior to check in. Airside plenty of room and facilities.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 15 December 2008 : by G Bollinger

Customer Rating : 4/5

While the check in area of the international terminal still leaves just a little to be desired, the area past security has some of the best airport shopping I have seen in a long time. There is an endless amount of stores and a great restaurant. Baggage claim also surprised me after my arrival in JNB. My bag was waiting for me when I arrived.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 1 December 2008 : by Gary Olsen

Customer Rating : 2/5

Baobab Lounge in International departures is under reconstruction and there is a makeshift lounge 1 level up. They are trying their best but the airflow is poor , toilets a long way out of the lounge and no showers. Be warned it is crowded and stuffy but I guess we have to take this in the context of the improvements being made.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 16 November 2008 : by Steve Mumby

Customer Rating : 3/5

JNB to LHR. Check in very crowded but moved at a reasonable pace. Needed to request wheelchair service and it couldn't have been better. Charming, attentive young lady took me all the way to the plane, and it's a long way from check in. They're obviously rebuilding for the 2010 World Cup and the new international pier is excellent. Having read other comments here I was not looking forward to having to use JNB, but it left me with a very favourable impression.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 16 November 2008 : by Robert Chapman

Customer Rating : 3/5

JNB Airport is improving, however several things have not changed in the 3 years I have been flying in and out to and from GCC states. The notice boards have no bearing on what is really happening. I have repeatedly been told my flight is boarding when in fact they have been delayed. On one occasion, the notice boards stated that we could begin boarding our Saudi Airlines flight when it had not even landed yet. Another unchanging fact is the inefficiency of the baggage handling staff. Beware of departing from another S. African airport (DUR or CPT) and checking your luggage all the way through to your final destination. It will still be sent through to domestic luggage claims.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 7 November 2008 : by Melanie Medell

Customer Rating : 5/5

The improvements were worth waiting for, especially the convenience of the new walkway from international to domestic.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 28 October 2008 : by F Zanon

Customer Rating : 4/5

Arrived and departed from JNB 4 times, always with international and intercontinental flights. A good impression, really better than 2 years ago. Arrival Passport control from international flight in max 15 minutes, with morning or evening flight; new dedicated area. Luggage ready in few minutes, never lost any. Departure - Few shops before check in, international departure check-in area crowded, especially at SAA desks. Weight control of all luggage before check in. Then, security check quite slow with few gates open. Departure lounge really nice, full of space and chairs, good duty free shops but not so good restaurants. 1 bar is open 24hr. Outside - less unauthorized porters, less annoying people. A lot of help-desks in the lounge, with orange jacket attendants. Pay attention in the hotel shuttle area, feel a bit unsafe especially if you arrive late in the night. However, a safer and nicer airport than the one I sow 2 years ago. It will be better, of course, after big works will finish, inside and outside terminals.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 25 September 2008 : by Henry Relling

Customer Rating : 3/5

Arrived from DUR, departed for LHR. Domestic terminal a breeze. There now is a dedicated walkway from Domestic to International while construction is in progress. The International terminal has really improved, both before and after check-in. The new International wing is quite something, modern, spacious and very airy. But somewhat left the heaters on ( on a very hot day), so that was not exactly welcoming. One gripe I had about my experience in the International departures lounge area was that there is no ATM to be found. And I happen to be the unlucky one without SA Rand cash. I tried to buy a phone card from Telkom, they do not take credit cards (machine broken), Vodacom does not sell phone cards but their vending machine does, which takes cash. So I ended up spending a small fortune phoning from my mobile phone. So beware: If you need Rand cash after check-in and immigration, draw money from the ATM first before going through. I found the craft shops to be expensive. I wondered to myself if they ever get their wares sold? Airport itself: ACSA is doing a fine job bringing OR Tambo International up to standard. Since my last visit, a huge improvement.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 29 August 2008 : by R Kilby

Customer Rating : 4/5

Transferred through JNB from domestic to international flight. Domestic terminal is good, modern with a lot of space. Baggage handling seems to have improved no end since I was last here 6 months ago. Good catering facilities on mezzanine level. Major construction upgrade in progress on a new connecting concourse between domestic and international terminals, and a new underground train station link to down-town Johannesburg. At present you have to walk through the Parkade to change terminals, but the way is well signposted. International departure area is still pretty dreary & cramped. Lots of check-in desks, but due to 1980's configuration of the area, there is no space to marshall Paxes queing up in front of check in desks properly. This produces chaos when lots of flights are departing at the same time (evenings). Funny system of pre-weighing in all baggage before proceeding to the actual check-in desk. Once past this area, Security & passport control is a breeze - much better than most large airports in Europe. Very large duty-free shopping area in international departures concourse. The new international arrival/departure pier is fantastic - large, clean toilets, airy. Lots of seats at the gates - good view of aprons & runways from all gates. Good catering facilities. Once construction work is finished on the new international connecting concourse in 2009, transiting through JNB should become a very pleasurable experience.

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 5 July 2008 : by Caroline Callaghan

Customer Rating : 3/5

Arriving late in the afternoon from Perth, getting off the plane was easy as it was empty - however, downstairs to customs is when it hit me! Plenty of construction going around and a sea of people already queuing and me not knowing where it started, it was all confusing! It was over 30mins til my turn. Backpack already in belt - called the hotel I was staying at to pick me up and a kind staff informed me of my location - very unexpected and pleasant! I heard all sorts of things about JNB and jo'burg itself, but was pleased with the hospitality and good humour of the people I came across in this brief stay. Intl departures is one of the best duty free zones I've been to! Overall, JNB needs a lot of work - very confusing and slow, but the SA people make it up for it!

JOHANNESBURG OR TAMBO AIRPORT review : 29 April 2008 : by S Srinivasan

Customer Rating : 4/5

I was expecting worse, but was pleasantly surprised. We arrived on an early morning (8 A.M.) flight from Mumbai, and despite being at the very back of the Economy section and at least one other flight being processed at the same time, immigration took no time at all - maybe 10 minutes in line tops. Baggage was a bit slow to come out, but at least nothing was missing. Customs was a joke, with one officer randomly waving people through or directing them to an x-ray machine. The signs directing you to the domestic terminal are a little hard to follow, and beware the "porters" outside, who will charge you R150 just to walk your bags 1,500 feet to the domestic terminal. Domestic departures was a breeze - no queues at check-in or security, adequate seating space, and clean toilets. Domestic arrivals was similarly hassle-free, though it's a rather long walk from the gates to the baggage claim area. International departures was a real pain due to a check-in queue stretching the length of the terminal building - though I attribute this more to SAA's incompetence than the airport, as no other airlines seemed to be having issues. I had to ask one airport staff where the queue started, and she was friendly enough and pointed me in the right direction. Once again, security check and passport control took less than 5 minutes to clear. There seemed to be a good selection of shops, but I didn't have time to look.

Johannesburg OR Tambo Intl Airport by Dhrubo Gupta

16 April 2008   Customer Rating :

We transited JNB on the outbound to Cape Town and expected chaos at the arrivals section – it is a bit of a mess with a lot of construction work. However we breezed through the immigration in 15 minutes - perhaps because we were among the first off the plane – and found the staff manning the desks fast and efficient – definitely less fussy than in Bangkok or Hong Kong and way faster than Heathrow – and when handing our passport back we were thanked – unheard of elsewhere. Overall the impression was that SA welcomed you. The baggage took awhile to arrive but once in hand there was no hold up at Customs. We exchanged our USD at the Amex counter at the exit – excellent rate and least fuss. We had a 4 hour connection time for the Cape Town SAA flight and the five minute walk to the Domestic Terminal along the broad walk was clearly demarcated – turn left after you exit the arrivals section. We took the fully loaded trolley up the inclined walk-way escalator to the first floor which is fully taken up with food outlets of all description – they have self service and also al la carte - we chose the latter and our steward was fast, humorous and helpful – a great introduction to the country. Another inclined walk-way led to the second level for Domestic Departures. SAA being quite busy, the queue was a bit long – but if your flight is imminent they have people who short circuit this. Your trolley with ALL bags is weighed before you get to the counter – if overweight you are given a slip to pay the excess amount. At the departure counters we found a complete lack of urgency – at one of them the staff had got into an argument among themselves which went on and on with no concern for the waiting queue before them. Two counters were manned but had no passengers before them – no one bothered to call for the line to move up – lot of DIY initiative helps here. Once past this everything else is smooth sailing. When departing SA we found that they had opened the new International section – it is huge and certainly not cramped. There were eight counters for the Economy class and check-in was a breeze. The staff here was fast and efficient and we were through in 15 minutes. They have a nice Duty Free section but we found everything over priced.

Johannesburg OR Tambo Intl Airport by F Larson

14 March 2008   Customer Rating :

The luggage handlers are notorious for losing your luggage, and to make matters worse, their corporate navigation of the paperwork to reimburse you is non-existent. Heaven only knows how they will accommodate passengers coming to SA for the 2010 World cup.

Johannesburg OR Tambo Intl Airport by Matthew Winslade

3 March 2008   Customer Rating :

The check in and arrivals area are the worst areas of the airport simply because they do not have the capacity to handle the number of people that actually pass through. The check in area is very cramped. All the flights to London leave within a few hours of each other on a variety of airlines so you can imagine the chaos that can ensue. Funnily enough though once you have navigated check in the airport becomes much more pleasant. The only thing I can complain about from there on is the lack of seating at the gates. On another plus side the construction currently underway does not seem to be interfering with what is going on inside the terminals.

Johannesburg OR Tambo Intl Airport by Jim Clark

26 February 2008   Customer Rating :

I arrived from HKG at 0700. There was no queue in immigration or customs and I was from the plane to curbside in less than 20 minutes. I did notice that our arrival was into Terminal A2 while some other widebody flights were arriving in Terminal A1. That may have been our good fortune for the quick processing. The airport itself is a mess of construction, but signage was good enough.