Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to China

Yes, meals are served on Singapore Airlines flights from Johannesburg to China. On the long-haul Johannesburg–Singapore sector, you can enjoy curated in-flight dining with regionally inspired dishes and international favourites, plus a second meal or snack service depending on flight timing. Special meals are available when requested in advance, catering to many dietary needs. On selected routes and cabins, you may also be able to use our Book the Cook service from Singapore, pre-ordering a main course from an expanded menu. Throughout your journey, you can enjoy a range of beverages, including juices, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks, with our signature Singapore Sling available on most flights.

Flights between South Africa and China generally use the piece concept for checked baggage. In Business Class, you can usually check in two pieces with a generous weight limit per piece. In Premium Economy Class and Economy Class, you can typically check in at least one or two pieces, each within a specified weight limit. All customers may bring cabin baggage on board, with allowances varying by cabin class. Exact entitlements depend on your booking class and KrisFlyer status, so please refer to your e-ticket or our baggage information page before you travel.

Wi-Fi is available on most Singapore Airlines flights from Johannesburg to China once the aircraft is above 10,000 feet. KrisFlyer members enjoy free, unlimited Wi-Fi; if you are travelling in Economy Class or Premium Economy Class, please ensure your membership number is added to your booking at least 1.5 hours before departure. Non-members and those who prefer not to add their number can purchase paid plans on board. The connection is suitable for messaging, email, and basic browsing, but it does not support video streaming, video calls, or large file transfers.

On the Johannesburg–Singapore long-haul sector, you can choose from Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class on the Airbus A350-900. On connecting flights from Singapore to Chinese cities, cabins vary by aircraft: Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-10 services offer Business Class and Economy Class, while Boeing 737-8 MAX services also feature Business Class and Economy Class. Not all cabin classes are available on every sector, so options may differ depending on your final destination and chosen flights.

In Economy Class, you can expect a seat pitch of about 32 inches with up to 19 inches of seat width, depending on the aircraft. Premium Economy Class on the Johannesburg–Singapore Airbus A350-900 sector offers about 38 inches of pitch and up to 20 inches of width for added comfort. In Business Class across all aircraft types on these routes, you will have a fully flat bed with generous personal space and direct aisle access on the Airbus A350-900, and spacious reclining business seats with ample legroom on the Boeing 787-10 and Boeing 737-8 MAX. Specific configurations may vary slightly between aircraft and routes.

Yes, Singapore Airlines provides lounge access to eligible passengers at layover airports on connections to China. Eligibility is based on your class of travel or KrisFlyer and Star Alliance status, determined by the flight departing the layover airport. Other options such as purchasing a day pass are also available.

Lounge Access Eligibility
Cabin Class: Complimentary for Suites, First, and Business Class passengers. Premium Economy and Economy travellers do not have access unless they hold eligible status.

Frequent Flyer Status: PPS Club and KrisFlyer Elite Gold (or Star Alliance Gold) members have access regardless of cabin class.

The 'Next Segment' Rule: Eligibility is based on the flight immediately departing that airport.

Most flights from Johannesburg to China connect via Singapore Changi Airport. For longer layovers, you can join a free city transit tour when available, take a swim, or visit themed gardens and attractions within the terminals. Shorter connections are easily filled with shopping, dining, and quiet seating areas close to your gate. Airport hotels and rest areas are also available if you prefer to recharge between flights. Your time at the airport is more than just a wait — it is an integral part of your journey.

Johannesburg operates on South Africa Standard Time (UTC+2). Mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, uses a single time zone, China Standard Time (UTC+8). This means China is typically 6 hours ahead of Johannesburg throughout the year, as neither location observes daylight saving time.

Yes, your baggage will typically be checked through to your final destination in China when flying via the layover airport on a single booking with Singapore Airlines, provided both flight segments are under the same booking reference (PNR), the connection is under 24 hours, and, for partner-operated onward flights, a through-check agreement is in place.

You may be able to plan a stopover at the layover city on your journey to China, subject to your ticket conditions and availability. When booking, you can search for multi-city options or speak with our customer service team or your travel agent, who can advise whether a stopover can be added to your itinerary.