South African Airways offers online credit vouchers, find out how to get them

Your trip cannot take place due to a technical failure or other problem for which South African Airways is responsible. Will you be reimbursed? By who? What can you expect?

In the event of flight cancellations, the South African airline will offer you a travel credit. If your flight is canceled for special reasons including the pandemic, South African Airways may not offer refunds for canceled flights, instead offering travel credits, which can usually be used within the next 24 months. Request your credit voucher here. The procedure is quick and easy, and you will receive your voucher within two days of the date of your request.

You can therefore apply for your credit voucher online, by phone or in person at one of the company’s offices. The waiting time varies depending on where you live and how long it takes the airline to process your request. If approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to use your voucher.

What are the conditions for obtaining the credit voucher?

The credit voucher has no restrictions on use. You can use it as many times as you want. It is valid for one year.

Can you apply for a credit voucher if your flight has been delayed or canceled due to weather conditions?

No, this type of credit voucher cannot be used for flights delayed or canceled due to bad weather conditions.

Is there a difference between a normal refund and a credit note?

A credit voucher is not a refund but an additional benefit offered by the airline, but can sometimes replace the refund. There is no restriction on the amount you can withdraw from your bank account.
How can you use my credit voucher?

You should contact South African Airways airline customer service for information on the exchange process. The amount of money you can withdraw from the bank account depends on the country you live in and the currency used.

How long does it take to receive your credit voucher after submitting my application?

It takes approximately 48 hours to receive your travel voucher.

Voucher or refund? Companies have no right to change this situation

The travel credit is not right for you and you want a refund? Your first instinct is to turn to your travel cancellation insurance (if you have one). However, in general, insurance companies consider travel credit as reimbursement.

This means that even if you have cancellation insurance or your credit card includes one, you will not receive a cash refund for your canceled flight if you are offered a credit.

However, check directly with your insurer, and note that other travel expenses may be reimbursed to you.

Some airlines put the current situation as a super extraordinary situation such as to exempt them from cash reimbursement. However, they have absolutely no right to modify this situation, as the European Court of Justice reminds us. Carriers must adhere to the provisions of the Regulations to the letter.

These articles give the choice to the passenger and only to the latter to choose between a re-routing, a credit note or a cash refund within 7 days.

The companies have absolutely no right to change this situation.

Some players are trying today to describe the current situation as being a super extraordinary situation such as to exempt them from cash reimbursement.