The OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of Africa’s busiest hubs, and it’s also home to some of the best airport lounges you’ll ever experience. Finding the right lounge for your domestic or international flight can turn your wait into a relaxing experience with top-tier amenities, comfort, and good food.
This comprehensive guide covers two of the most popular lounges at OR Tambo International Airport: SLOW Lounge and Bidvest Premier Lounge.You’ll find details on pricing, amenities, and entrance criteria, so you can choose the lounge that best suits your needs.
OR Tambo International Airport Lounges
The OR Tambo International Airport is one of the largest international gateways in the world, connecting travelers all over the world. Since this is such a busy hub, you might expect that the airport is equipped with a number of lounges, each offering different services and perks in order to cater to your needs. As far as lounges are concerned, the SLOW Lounge and the Bidvest Premier Lounge stand out as two of the best.
These lounges provide travelers with peace, quiet, and comfort before boarding your flight, offering an alternative to the airport terminal. In addition to Wi-Fi and business facilities, they offer dining options and showers.
SLOW Lounge vs. Bidvest Lounge: A Quick Comparison
The first thing we need to do before getting into the details of each lounge is to take a quick look at how they are compared.
| Feature | SLOW Lounge | Bidvest Premier Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Domestic and International Terminals | International Terminal |
| Access Criteria | Membership, Priority Pass, paid access | Membership, Priority Pass, paid access |
| Opening Hours | 24/7 | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Food & Beverage | Buffet with hot & cold meals and snacks | Buffet with a variety of meals |
| Wi-Fi & Charging | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets throughout | Free Wi-Fi, ample charging points |
| Comfort & Seating | Spacious, quiet, business-class seating | Comfortable, modern seating |
| Showers | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Around R450 for non-members | Around R350 for non-members |
| Ratings | 4.3/5 | 4.0/5 |
The SLOW Lounge Experience
One of the most popular lounges at OR Tambo International Airport is the SLOW Lounge, and there is a good reason for that. As it is located both in domestic as well as international terminals, it is extremely convenient to access, regardless of where your flight is departing from. With its sleek, modern aesthetic that blends comfort and style, the lounge is designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic. The spacious rooms provide plenty of natural light pouring in from the large windows, creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for you to unwind before your flight.
Amenities & Features
SLOW Lounge isn’t just a place to wait for your flight; it’s a place to relax and enjoy some downtime. Here are some of the standout features:
- Dining Options: You can indulge in a variety of buffet-style meals that include both hot and cold dishes. From freshly prepared salads to hearty main courses, you’ll find plenty of options to suit every taste. The food quality is generally praised, with a good selection of both local and international flavors.
- Bar Area: A fully stocked bar ensures you can enjoy a cocktail, wine, or coffee, all included in the lounge access.
- Business Facilities: If you need to catch up on work, you’ll find high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets, and workstations with comfortable seating.
- Shower Rooms: After a long flight or before your departure, you can freshen up in the shower rooms, a welcome feature for long-haul travelers.
- Entertainment: The lounge is equipped with a variety of entertainment options, including television screens and magazines, to help pass the time.
Entrance Criteria & Pricing
To gain entry to SLOW Lounge, you can either have membership with the lounge provider or access it via Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or other lounge networks. If you’re not a member, access is available for a fee.
- Cost: R450 (approximately $25 USD) for non-members.
- Membership: Available through various frequent flyer programs, such as SLOW Lounge Membership or Priority Pass.
If you’re a frequent flyer, it might be worth considering a membership to enjoy unlimited access. If you’re a one-time visitor, you can simply pay at the door or book in advance online.
What Travelers Are Saying
“The SLOW Lounge at OR Tambo is my go-to place for relaxation before any long flight. It’s spacious, calm, and has everything I need to feel refreshed. Plus, the food and drinks are top-notch!”
Bidvest Premier Lounge
The Bidvest Premier Lounge is situated exclusively in the International Terminal and caters to international travelers seeking a space where they can relax in a calm and stylish environment. The sleek finishes and modern design of this building provide a sophisticated atmosphere as a result of its modern design. While the lounge is spacious, it can often be a little more crowded than the SLOW Lounge, especially during peak travel times.
Amenities & Features
The Bidvest Premier Lounge offers a range of amenities that make it stand out:
- Buffet and Dining: The lounge features a wide selection of both cold and hot meals, including salads, sandwiches, soups, and hot entrees. The food is generally praised for being fresh and varied, with a focus on local ingredients.
- Bar Area: As with the SLOW Lounge, you’ll find a fully stocked bar where you can enjoy alcoholic drinks (wine, spirits, and beer), non-alcoholic beverages, and freshly brewed coffee.
- Wi-Fi & Charging: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available, along with plenty of power outlets to keep your devices charged.
- Showers: There are shower facilities available in the lounge, a big plus if you need to freshen up before your flight.
- Comfortable Seating: Bidvest provides comfortable seating arrangements, although it can get a little crowded during busy hours.
Entrance Criteria & Pricing
Like SLOW Lounge, the Bidvest Premier Lounge can be accessed through various membership programs, including Priority Pass and LoungeKey, or you can pay for access directly.
- Cost: R350 (approximately $19 USD) for non-members.
- Membership: Priority Pass and other global lounge access networks.
What Travelers Are Saying
“I love the Bidvest Premier Lounge — it’s clean, quiet, and has everything I need before my long international flight. The food is always fresh, and the staff are really friendly.”
Comparing the Lounges: Which One Should You Choose?
While both lounges offer similar amenities, they do differ in some key areas. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs:
| Feature | SLOW Lounge | Bidvest Premier Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Frequent travelers, those needing quiet | International travelers, food lovers |
| Location | Domestic & International terminals | International terminal only |
| Ambiance | Sleek and modern, relaxed | Spacious but occasionally crowded |
| Food | High-quality buffet with varied options | Fresh, varied buffet, local dishes |
| Showers | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | R450 ($25 USD) for non-members | R350 ($19 USD) for non-members |
| Extras | Business facilities, peaceful vibes | Larger selection of food and beverages |
How to Access the Lounges: Entry Criteria
Both lounges are accessible under similar criteria, though there are a few nuances worth noting.
SLOW Lounge Access
- Priority Pass holders, LoungeKey users, or those with memberships to various global lounge access programs can enter.
- Non-members can pay R450 for access (subject to availability).
- Access is granted to anyone flying from domestic or international terminals.
Bidvest Premier Lounge Access
- Priority Pass holders, LoungeKey users, and other lounge membership programs have access.
- Non-members can pay R350 for access, though availability is subject to the lounge’s occupancy levels.
- Only available to international travelers.
FAQs
1. Are the lounges open 24 hours a day?
- The SLOW Lounge is open 24/7, while the Bidvest Premier Lounge is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
2. Can I bring guests to the lounge?
- Yes, both lounges allow you to bring guests, though you may need to pay an additional fee if you exceed the number of guests allowed under your membership.
3. What’s the best lounge if I’m traveling internationally?
- The Bidvest Premier Lounge might be the better choice for international travelers since it’s located in the international terminal.
4. How can I get access without a membership?
- If you don’t have a membership, both lounges allow pay-per-use access. The SLOW Lounge costs R450, while the Bidvest Premier Lounge charges R350.
5. Are there showers in both lounges?
- Yes, both lounges feature shower facilities, ideal for refreshing yourself before or after a long flight.
Which Lounge Should You Choose?
Choosing between the SLOW Lounge and Bidvest Premier Lounge depends on your preferences. If you’re looking for peace and quiet with great business amenities, the SLOW Lounge is perfect. However, if you’re traveling internationally and want a larger selection of food and beverages, the Bidvest Premier Lounge might be a better fit.
No matter which lounge you choose, both offer exceptional comfort, food, and relaxation options, making your time at OR Tambo International Airport as enjoyable as possible.
Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Johannesburg!
For more information, check out the official websites for the lounges:
