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When it comes to domestic travel in South Africa, a new contender has been shaking up the skies: LIFT Airline. Since launching in December 2020, LIFT has positioned itself as a fresh, customer-centric, and flexible airline option — especially on the popular Johannesburg to Cape Town route.
We recently embarked on a sun-kissed journey with LIFT, leaving Johannesburg in a whirl and arriving in Cape Town for a business-pleasure weekend.
LIFT is a South African low-cost airline based in Cape Town, operating primarily domestic routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Its fleet consists mainly of 4th-generation Airbus A320 aircraft — efficient, modern jets equipped with fly-by-wire technology, flight envelope protection, and Category 3B auto-land systems for enhanced safety in low-visibility conditions.
The airline prides itself on flexibility and traveller convenience. Standout features include penalty-free changes and cancellations, plus the innovative “LIFT Wallet” system, which credits refunds directly for future use or upgrades.
LIFT has also earned recognition early on. They have won awards like “Best New Airline Brand in South Africa” (The Global Brand Awards) and “Best Low Cost Airline in Africa” (2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards). This is a testament to its rapid impact and service quality within the aviation sector.
Before we dive into the travel experience itself, here’s a snapshot of what to expect:
📍 Routes & Frequency
LIFT offers regular daily flights between Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. The Johannesburg-Cape Town route is one of South Africa’s busiest business and leisure corridors.
💺 Seat Classes
“One of the great benefits of flying with LIFT is that we offer complimentary seat selection during booking, or you can add it later at no additional cost. We encourage passengers to select their seats in advance to help avoid any delays when seating groups travelling together,” says Haydn Halim-Henning, Brand Manager at LIFT.
📌 Flexibility When It Counts
LIFT’s open-ticket flexibility is a key benefit — changes or cancellations up to one hour before departure (depending on fare type) come without penalties, and funds go straight to your LIFT Wallet. This makes it far easier to adjust plans without the stress of being charged extra fees. LIFT knows life happens, and they want to support you, not hinder you.
🌇 Comfort & Thoughtful Extras
From premium coffee at altitude – including Vida e Caffè – to complimentary snacks and wines, the experience feels tailored for couples on a romantic weekend escape as much as for solo business travellers.
“LIFT passengers can look forward to complimentary snacks and beverages on board,” notes Halim-Henning.
🤝 Community & Creativity in the Air
LIFT is known for unique inflight experiences designed to spotlight local talent – from silent discos to fashion showcases and other creative pop-ups that surprise passengers in the cabin.
But whilst on-board, remember to keep your items with you. Halim-Henning says “the number one item we find left behind on flights is passenger identification, which could make booking into a hotel a bit tricky!”
🐶 Travel With Your Pet
One innovative touch: LIFT allows small dogs in the cabin on select flights, which is a big win for travellers who don’t want to leave their furry companions behind.
After getting dropped off at Terminal B Departures at OR Tambo International Airport in the bustling city of Johannesburg, we easily navigated towards the yellow “LIFT” sign. Having already checked-in online, we simply had to hand over our bags – the lady attending to us was helpful, kind and kickstarted our weekend getaway on a good note.
Before making our way through security and inevitably spending too many pennies in Duty Free, we were able to visit Mugg & Bean for one last coffee with a friend who surprised us from overseas. Because LIFT prioritises ease and convenience, we were at no point worried about checking in, time, security, or other airport hassles.
We eventually walked down the aisle – the best part of a trip in our opinion. We flopped into our seats and gazed out the window whilst taxi-ing to the runway. Up, up, up, we were LIFTing off with LIFT, and our stomachs dropped deliciously with that feeling only flying (or a rollercoaster) could give you.
We sipped on some coffee, nibbled on some snacks, caught up on some work, and rested our eyes, and before we knew it, LIFT had delivered us safely to Cape Town International Airport. We picked up our bags in no time at all, and we were soon breathing in salty sea air.
After our weekend was over – filled with work dinners, the Cape Town Met, visiting family and friends, and long beach walks under the glittering stars – we were headed back to that yellow “LIFT” sign. With a smile, a “thank you”, a “enjoy your flight” and “welcome home”, we were back in Johannesburg in no time at all. Even though we were on the ground again, our spirits were sky high, our hearts LIFTed with joy, and still sitting on cloud nine.
From business flights to romantic escapes and solo adventures, LIFT strikes an appealing balance between value, comfort, and customer-first policies. It’s not just a way to get from A to B, but a travel experience that feels distinctly South African and deliberately refreshing in a crowded domestic market.
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