Cape Town Airport Departures

Cape Town Airport Live Departures

Checking in at Cape Town Airport

Passengers traveling from Cape Town International Airport departures can enjoy traveling to more than 40 domestic, regional, and international destinations, with 23 low-budget and major airline carriers. 

To check in for your flight, you can choose between checking in online up to 24 hours before your scheduled flight departure, using the self-service kiosks to print your boarding pass, or heading straight to the airline’s dedicated check-in counter. 

If you checked in online, look for your airline’s Baggage Drop lane to save time waiting in the general check-in line. If you’re checking in at the airport, refer to the Cape Town Airport live departures board at the entrance to the Departures Hall to find your airline’s counter. In any case, you should plan to arrive at the airport 3 hours before an international flight, or 2 hours before a domestic flight. 

Domestic Terminal

The Check-in Hall is located in the Central Terminal on Level 2. The Premier Lounge is located on the Mezzanine floor. 

International Terminal

The Check-in Hall is located in the Central Terminal on Level 2. Departure Lounges are located after security in the Departures area on Level 2, as well as the Mezzanine floor. 

*For the most up-to-date information on Cape Town International Airport departures for today, refer to our live flight tracker above.

When to arrive at Cape Town Airport?

Cape Town Airport domestic departures should aim to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight to allow enough time to check in and pass through Security. Similarly, for international flights, passengers should plan to arrive 3 hours before their flight. If you have checked in online and only need to drop off your luggage – or if you aren’t traveling with luggage – you may arrive 30 minutes later. 

What’s next?

After checking in, dropping off any luggage, and printing your boarding pass, the next step is to pass through Security. This applies to all passengers, although there are a few extra steps for international departures. Before feeding your hand luggage through the scanner, the South African Civil Aviation Authority requests that all laptops and electronics be placed in a separate tub, alongside any metallic objects such as keys, coins, belts, or shoes. 

For international flights, you will also need to pack any liquids, gels, creams, or aerosols into a clear plastic bag and place them into the tub separately. Note that no container should exceed 100 mL, and exceptions may be made for medical reasons or baby foods. 

Depending on how many security lanes are open and whether or not you are traveling at a peak time, the wait time is typically between 10 and 30 minutes. Cape Town Airport doesn’t offer a fast-track lane, however, certain companies such as Airport Assist include this as part of their service.  

*International departures will also need to complete a Customs Traveller Declaration, similar to on arrival. If you completed the form online you will receive an email with any further instructions, otherwise, the form should be presented at Immigration.

What to do in Departures at Cape Town Airport?

The Cape Town Airport Departures Terminal is divided into a Domestic and International wing, with some shared services and facilities in the Central Terminal. In any case, you’ll have access to free WiFi, bank and ATM cash points, runway viewing areas, and plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes.

If you fancy some last-minute shopping, you can enjoy browsing book stores and souvenir shops, and for international passengers, why not grab a bargain with some duty-free shopping? Just be sure to check the permitted allowances for your final destination. 

There are also a handful of Lounges available. The Premier Lounge is open to all passengers, regardless of airline or class, and can be accessed from both the Domestic and International Terminal. British Airways, South African Airways, and SLOW also have a business lounge available to certain members and ticket holders. 

For a comprehensive view of Cape Town Airport, check out our complete Cape Town Airport Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do you need to be at Cape Town International Airport?

If you are flying internationally, it is recommended that you arrive 3 hours before your scheduled flight time. For domestic flights, you should allow at least 2 hours to check-in, pass through security, and find your boarding gate.

Do you go through Customs when leaving Cape Town?

If you’re departing South Africa,  you will need to complete a Customs Traveller Declaration form, which is best done online. You will then receive instructions on what you need to do at the airport, which in most cases, requires no action at all.

How much time do you need at Cape Town Airport?

Cape Town Airport recommends allowing 3 hours before an international flight, and 2 hours before a domestic flight, although it is best to confirm with your airline directly.

To save time, friends and family can drop you off at the Cape Town Airport departures parking right outside the Central Terminal on Level 2. Keep in mind that parking is limited to just 2 minutes in this zone.

How many terminals does Cape Town Airport have?

Cape Town Airport has three terminals: Domestic, International, and the Central Terminal. All passengers must check-in via the Check-in and Departures Hall located on Level 2 of the Central Terminal, following which, you can refer to a Cape Town Airport departures map at the Information desk for an overview of available services and facilities, and to locate your boarding gate.