Why can’t I book on the “Shuttle” Service directly?
You can book all Scheduled Services directly, but Federal Air is currently only able to accept bookings for our Air Shuttle directly from the respective lodge. This is due to a South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulation prohibiting scheduled air services to unlicensed airstrips (bush airstrips). We are currently working closely with SACAA to remedy but this takes time
What services are included in the Federal Air Premier Shuttle Fare?
In addition to the actual flight, the following services are included:
- Ground transport to/from our kiosk at OR Tambo Main Terminal to the Federal Air Executive Lounge.
- Complimentary use of our Executive Lounge including bar and shower facilities.
- Complimentary storage of excess luggage (1 item of luggage per guest at a maximum weight of 20kgs (44 lbs.)).
How does the Meet & Greet service work?
A Federal Air Meet & Greet team member will be holding a sign with the passengers’ name as they walk through security after they have collected their checked luggage at OR Tambo. The passenger can be met at both the international and domestic terminals.
Where do our guests find the Meet & Greet team member at OR Tambo?
- For passengers who are arriving by scheduled airline: Look for the Federal Air Meet & Greet team member holding a sign with the passengers’ name. Once the passenger has collected their checked luggage, they can proceed through security. Our team member will be waiting for the passenger once they have cleared security.
- For passengers who have already arrived at the airport: Please proceed to our kiosk in the Shuttle bus terminus. Federal Air will have a representative at our kiosk. In the unlikely event of the Federal Air representative not being present, please proceed to the airport Information Counter, ask the staff to contact us and we will immediately send transport.
For passengers who will be arriving by hotel transfer:
A number of hotels located near OR Tambo have directions to Federal Air’s departure lounge. If the passengers’ hotel does not have directions, please contact our guest relations staff to arrange for a map to be faxed to the hotel.
For passengers who have missed their arranged Federal Air Meet & Greet team member;
Please proceed to our kiosk in the multi-storey parkade and car rental hall Link to map here. Federal Air will have a representative at our kiosk. In the unlikely event of the Federal Air representative not being present, please proceed to the airport Information Counter, ask the staff to contact us and we will immediately send transport.
What is Lodge Hopping?
Lodge Hopping is the description of the short flights between closely located runways. As our premier air shuttle services a number of lodges in the vicinity, Lodge Hopping is a necessity. For our passengers’ convenience, our daily flight schedule always has the minimum amount of Lodge Hopping scheduled. However, on our Limited Seat Flights, the number of Lodge Hops can vary.
Why do the Departure & Arrival times vary by up to 45 minutes?
- Each day of flying is planned 24 hours in advance. Our route structure is constantly changing due to variations in the daily inbound / outbound activity of each lodge. It is not unusual on some days for a lodge not have a single guest arriving or departing. This means that we will never know our exact routing until the day before arrival or departure.
- Aircraft are often delayed due to animals obstructing the runway - especially during winter when the animals are attracted to the warmth being radiating from airstrip.
- Johannesburg International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Southern Hemisphere. As such we often incur Air Traffic Control delays due to aircraft congestion and weather.
What happens if the weather is too bad to land at the bush airstrip?
Luckily, this is a very rare occurrence. However, should your flight be cancelled, we will attempt to find alternative seats on a later flight. If this is not successful we will refund the fare without penalty and possibly even offer to arrange a road transfer to the passengers’ final destination (this will be for their cost and is subject to availability). Please bear in mind that the weather is beyond our control and any hotel or transfer fees will be for our passengers’ cost.
How much luggage are our passengers allowed to take?
Each passenger is allowed one (1) item of luggage to a maximum weight of 20 kgs (44 lbs.). The luggage should preferably be soft sided to allow for easier packing. We have complimentary luggage storage available for any excess luggage our passengers might have.
What types of aircraft are used on the premier shuttle flights?
Federal Air has a diverse fleet of aircraft at our disposal. This is due to the wide range of routes and airstrips that we service on a daily basis. All our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards and undergo a strict maintenance schedule approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and by the respective aircraft and engine manufacturers