Johannesburg Airport Live Departures

Checking in at Johannesburg Airport

Passengers traveling from Johannesburg Airport Departures are spoilt for choice with more than 80 destinations in 40 countries to choose from for their next destination. When flying from the airport in Johannesburg, the departures area is split across two terminals, Terminal A for international flights, and Terminal B for domestic.

To help you breeze through the airport quickly and easily, online check-in opens up 24 hours in advance for most airlines, allowing you to simply drop your luggage off at the Baggage Drop counter when you reach the terminal. Similarly, you can use the self-service kiosks at the airport to check in and print your boarding pass.

Alternatively, passengers can use the airline’s allocated counter to check in with a staff member. Keep in mind that domestic counters usually open 2 hours in advance and close 45 minutes before departures, whereas for international flights, counters usually open 3-4 hours in advance and close 1 hour before departure. 

To confirm and check the Johannesburg Airport departures for today, you can refer to our live flight tracker board above.

Terminal A

Location – The Departures Hall is located on Level 1.

Terminal B

Location – The Departures Hall is located on Level 1.

When to arrive at Johannesburg Airport?

Departures from Johannesburg Airport should plan to arrive at least 3 hours in advance for international flights, and 2 hours in advance for domestic flights.

In either case, it’s best to double-check with your airline and follow whatever guidance they provide. Furthermore, you must allow enough time to clear Security and Immigration where the wait times can increase considerably during peak travel periods.

What’s next?

Once you have your boarding pass, make your way to the Security gates where your hand luggage will be scanned for any prohibited items. To help keep the line moving quickly and smoothly, be ready to place any loose items such as keys, wallets, coins, and phones into one of the plastic tubs provided, along with your jacket, belt, and hat if you are wearing one.

International departures at Johannesburg Airport will also need to remove liquids, creams, aerosols, and gels and place them in a separate, transparent, sealable bag. Be mindful of carrying any containers larger than 100 mL as these will need to be packed in your checked luggage or thrown away. 

Depending on how many flights are departing at once, clearing Security can take anywhere between 5 and 45 minutes, so it is best to come prepared.

What to do in Departures at Johannesburg Airport?

After Security, you can relax and enjoy the departure area until it’s time to walk to your gate. In each terminal, you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as souvenir stores, toilets, currency exchange booths, Business Lounges, and information points.

If you’re traveling overseas, you can also take advantage of some duty-free shopping at one of several stores available. Just be sure to ask what the restrictions are for the country you are traveling to.

While the departures area is easy enough to walk around, we suggest familiarizing yourself with a Johannesburg Airport departures map at one of the information points so that you don’t end up needing to run to board your flight!

Check out our complete Johannesburg Airport Guide for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which terminal is international departures at Johannesburg Airport?

International passengers should make their way to Terminal A at Johannesburg Airport; the Check-in Hall is located on Level 1.

How long does it take to get through Security at Johannesburg Airport?

How much time do you need at Johannesburg Airport?