Lounge Frog guide
Emirates Lounge vs SAA International Premium Lounge
SAA International Premium Lounge is the stronger lounge overall, rated 4.2/5 on Lounge Frog against 3.8/5 for Emirates Lounge. SAA International Premium Lounge is ahead on workspace and views & light. Both are in Terminal A (International) at JNB. No program on Lounge Frog's record gets you into both.
Details checked as recently as September 2026. Comparison updated October 2026. Scores are Lounge Frog's editorial ratings, explained in how we rate.
Side by side
| Detail | Emirates Lounge | SAA International Premium Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 4.2/5 |
| Seating & comfort | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Quiet | Not rated | 4.0/5 |
| Space | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Food | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Drinks & bar | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Coffee | 3.0/5 | Not rated |
| Wi-Fi | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Power outlets | Not rated | 4.0/5 |
| Workspace | 3.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Restrooms | 4.0/5 | Not rated |
| Cleanliness | 4.0/5 | Not rated |
| Staff & service | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Views & light | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Exclusivity | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Terminal | Terminal A (International) | Terminal A (International) |
| Nearest gate | Not recorded | Not recorded |
| Hours | Not recorded | 4:30 AM – 10 PM daily |
| Bar | Self-serve drinks | Bar: unknown |
| Shower rooms | 1 | None on record |
| Guests | Complimentary for eligible Emirates First Class and Business Class customers and Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members travelling on an eligible Emirates flight. Paid access may be available to eligible customers; operating times follow Emirates departures. | SAA Business passengers and eligible Voyager Silver, Gold, Platinum and Lifetime Platinum members. Star Alliance Gold members may bring 1 guest when both travel on a Star Alliance carrier; selected Discovery and Investec cardholders also qualify. |
Who gets in
- Both lounges
- None
- Only Emirates Lounge
- Emirates Lounge
- Only SAA International Premium Lounge
- Star Alliance Gold Lounge Access
Quick answers
Which is better, Emirates Lounge or SAA International Premium Lounge?
SAA International Premium Lounge is the stronger lounge overall, rated 4.2/5 on Lounge Frog against 3.8/5 for Emirates Lounge. SAA International Premium Lounge is ahead on workspace and views & light.
Can one membership get me into both Emirates Lounge and SAA International Premium Lounge?
Not according to Lounge Frog's record: Emirates Lounge admits through Emirates Lounge, and SAA International Premium Lounge through Star Alliance Gold Lounge Access.
Are Emirates Lounge and SAA International Premium Lounge in the same terminal?
Yes. Both are in Terminal A (International) at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
Which has showers, Emirates Lounge or SAA International Premium Lounge?
Emirates Lounge has 1 shower; SAA International Premium Lounge has none on record.