South African Airways warns on holiday problems travelling with kids

Portrait of two boys with South Africa's flag painted on their faces

South African Airways (SAA) has issued a warning following a number of passengers with children checking in at Perth Airport failed to have correct documentation resulting in families unable to board flights.

According to Tim Clyde-Smith, SAA’s Country Manager for Australasia, South African Government laws on travel for children remain in place and must be observed.

“In too many recent examples, passengers have arrived to check in for their flight to find they have incomplete or no supporting paperwork that should include unabridged birth certificates and/or sworn affidavits,” Clyde-Smith said.

“Despite a comprehensive and ongoing education program through the travel trade, people are still arriving in Perth without the right documents. This is a failure of all stakeholders involved, unfortunately, as it is our collective role to ensure people are fully aware of the rules,” he said.

“If people try and check in with the wrong documents, our only option is to ask them to obtain the correct documentation before they can proceed on their journey. This can result in significant extra expense in re-booking flights and accommodation if re-booking can be made at all.”

“In addition, Botswana has now introduced similar regulations on children travelling which are similar to the South African laws.”

“I would urge all travel agents to check with their clients that they have obtained the correct documents well before they travel. Not doing so can mean major inconvenience at Christmas time, the busiest travel period of the year, with flights fully booked.” Clyde-Smith concluded.

For more information on South African regulations on child travel see: www.dha.gov.za

For information on Botswana regulations, see: http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/travel-advisory

For more information on SAA flights and reservations please call 1300 435 972 or see www.flysaa.com.au

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

2016 USA & Canada pre-release brochure families saa south african airways

Latest News

  • News

Collette special offers across peak northern summer season

Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]

  • Aviation
  • News

Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries

Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]

  • News

A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave

A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]