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9 Best Ways To Earn Lots of South African Airways Voyager Miles [2025]

Stephen Au's image
Stephen Au
Edited by: Nick Ellis
& Jestan Mendame
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South African Airways is an unexpectedly small airline, considering its strategic position as the flag carrier of South Africa, one of Africa’s economic powers. However, the carrier has long been plagued by mismanagement and financial losses.

Regardless, the airline is pivotal in connecting the world to South Africa and creating jobs that help boost the economy. As a result, it’s done everything it can to save money besides reducing headcount, and this includes destroying much of the straightforward value of its frequent flyer program.

Nonetheless, there will always be numerous opportunities to maximize any frequent flyer program. However, before you spend any miles, you’ll have to earn them.

Let’s learn the best ways to earn many South African Airways Voyager miles.

Sign Up for a South African Airways Voyager Account

The first thing you’ll want to do is register for a South African Airways Voyager frequent flyer account. After you create an account, you’ll be able to log in and view your account activity, along with upcoming reservations.

To register, visit the link above and fill out all the information. Remember to click the buttons that say “Activate flysaa.com Reservation Profile,” and ‘Do you agree with the terms and conditions?

After clicking “Submit,” you’ll be able to confirm and access your Voyager account.

Earn Voyager Miles With Credit Cards

1. Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

The easiest way to earn South African Airways Voyager miles is to put your normal spending on the right credit cards. South African Airways only has 1 transfer partner, Marriott Bonvoy.

Marriott Bonvoy enjoys the largest list of airline transfer partners, which covers more obscure airlines such as South African Airways. If you’re a U.S.-based flyer, this is your best shot at accruing lots of SAA Voyager miles.

Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, meaning 3 Marriott Bonvoy points equal 1 Voyager mile. You also get a bonus of 5,000 Voyager miles for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer to Voyager. In other words, transferring 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points will result in a total of 25,000 Voyager miles.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card! Free Night Award valued up to 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.
60,000 points + 1 Free Night Award
Up to $770
$0
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
  • 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
  • 5 Elite Night Credits each year
Cons
  • Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
Card Highlights
  • Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night Award valued up to 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
  • Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
  • Earn 2X points for every $1 spent at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services.
  • 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Travel now, pay later - Break up purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest plus no plan fees on qualifying travel purchases. Terms apply.
  • Pay Yourself Back® - Redeem Marriott Bonvoy® points for a statement credit to cover qualifying travel purchases made directly with airlines or at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, up to $750 total in redemptions per year.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual Free Night Award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
Our best offer is back! Earn 5 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months of account opening with your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. Certain hotels have resort fees.
5 Free Night Awards
Up to $1,750
$95
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier
Card Highlights
  • Our best offer is back! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
  • Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
  • 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
  • Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Earn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Up to 135,000 points
Up to $945
$250
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
  • 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2x points)
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
Card Highlights
  • Earn up to 135,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 85,000 points after you spend $5,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
  • Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Marriott Bonvoy® 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
  • With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy® Gold Elite Status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Up to 150,000 points
Up to $1,050
$650
20.24%-29.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy® Platinum Elite Status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when the stay is booked with a Qualifying Rate at hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy, subject to availability upon check-in.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card.
  • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy® Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($120) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • With Cell Phone Protection*, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. *Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

2. Refer a Friend for Bonus Miles

American Express has one of the most generous referral bonus structures in the world. If you have an American Express card, you can refer a friend to earn bonus points.

Because Amex issues Marriott co-branded credit cards, you can earn referral bonuses in the form of Marriott Bonvoy points, which you’d want to do in this case, since Marriott Bonvoy is the Voyager program’s only transfer partner.

Note, too, that your friend doesn’t need to apply for the exact card you’re referring for you to earn a referral bonus. For example, a friend could use your referral link from an Amex-issued Marriott co-branded card to apply for The Platinum Card® from American Express or the American Express® Gold Card, arguably 2 of the best cards on the market.

You get your referral bonus as long as they use your referral link and are approved for any Amex card.

Chase also has a referral program, though it doesn’t offer referral bonuses for all of its credit cards. However, like with Amex, you can refer your friends to cards you don’t hold.

3. Airfare and Airline Purchases

When you fly South African Airways flights, you earn at a rate of 1 mile per R1.60 ($0.90) spent on the base fare, plus carrier-imposed fees (fuel surcharges). Critically, this excludes the portion of your taxes and fees from earning Voyager miles. Miles may take up to 15 days to be credited to your account.

South African Airways JNB VFA business class seat
South African Airways business class cabin. Image Credit: Keri Stooksbury

4. Crediting Partner Airlines to Voyager

South African Airways has plenty of airline partners. While many are Star Alliance airlines, the airline also has nonalliance airline partners, such as Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue, and Emirates.

If you provide your Voyager account number when booking any partner airline flight or checking into your flight at the airport, you can accrue miles according to the fare class of your ticket.

Airline partner flights take around 14 business days after travel is finished to be credited. These particular flights earn miles based on distance traveled, as opposed to how much you spend on flights.

If you’re traveling on partner flights marketed by South African Airways (codeshare), then miles should be deposited 3 to 5 days after travel is finished. Refer to the following accrual chart to figure out how many miles you’ll earn on your flight:

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Airline

Cabin Class

Fare Class

Mileage Accrual Structure

Aegean Airlines

Economy

R, N

0%

Economy

E, O, J, T, U, S, K, P

50%

Economy

Y, B, G, W, H, L, M, V, Q

100%

Business

A, C, D, Z

125%

Air Canada

Economy

X, I

0%

Economy (domestic)

S, T, L, A, K, G

0%

Economy (domestic)

W

50%

Economy (international)

K

25%

Economy (international)

W, G, T, S, L, A

50%

Rouge

Rouge

20%

Economy (international)

Y, B, M, U, H, Q, V, O, E, N

100%

Economy (intercontinental)

O

100%

Business

C, D, Z, P

100%

Business

J

125%

Air China

Economy

O, I, X, N

0%

Economy (domestic)

T, L, K, P

25%

Economy (domestic)

M, U

75%

Economy (international)

M, U

50%

Economy (international)

H, Q, V, W, S

50%

Economy (international)

E

90%

Economy

G

110%

Economy (domestic)

R

110%

Economy (international)

R

125%

Economy (international)

Y, B

100%

Business

C, D, Z

125%

Business (international)

J

130%

First

A

130%

First

F

150%

First (domestic)

J

150%

Air India

Economy

P, S, O, I, X

0%

Economy

G, L, U, T

25%

Economy

H, K, Q, V, W

50%

Economy

Y, B, M, R, A, N, E

100%

Business

J, Z

100%

Business

C, D

115%

First

F

150%

Air New Zealand

Economy (domestic)

W, T, L, G, S, P, F, N

0%

Economy (Oceania)

V, W, T, L, G, S, K, P, F, N

0%

Economy (international)

L. G, S, K, P, F, N, I, R

0%

Economy

V

70%

Economy (international)

W, T

70%

Economy (international)

U, E, O, A, Y, B, M, H, Q

100%

Economy (domestic)

Y, B

100%

Business (international)

C, D, J, Z

200%

All Nippon Airways

Economy

R

0%

Economy

L, K

30%

Economy

V, W, S, T

50%

Economy

U, H, Q

70%

Discounted premium economy

N

70%

Economy

Y, B, M

100%

Premium economy

G, E

100%

Business

P

70%

Business

C, D, Z

125%

First

F, A, J

150%

Asiana Airlines

Economy (international)

T, G, O, X, L, N, I, R, P

0%

F, L, W, T, G, J, D, Z, O, N, X, I, P, R

0%

V, W

70%

Economy (domestic)

V

70%

Economy

Y, A, B, E, H, K, M, Q, S

100%

Business (domestic and international)

U

100%

Business

C, D, Z

125%

Business

J

135%

First

A, F

150%

First

P

200%

Austrian Airlines

Economy

A, F, K, S, T, L, X, R, I

0%

Economy

Q, V, W

50%

Economy

Y, B, M, U, H, G, E, N

100%

Business

Z, P

100%

Business

J, C, D

125%

Avianca

Economy

U, I, X, N, R

0%

Economy (international)

W, S, U, T

50%

Economy (domestic, Central America, and inside Colombia)

W, S, U, T

25%

Economy

H, M, B, Y, E, V, Q, P, O, L, G, Z

100%

Business

C, D, J, A, K

125%

Brussels Airlines

Economy

T, E, L, K, X, I

0%

Economy

W, S, O, Q, V

50%

Economy

Y, B, M, U, H

100%

Business

J, C, D, Z

125%

Copa Airlines

Economy

N, X, I

0%

Economy

E, L, T, A

50%

Economy

Y, B, M, H, Q, K, V, U, S, O, W

100%

Business

C, D, J, R

125%

Croatia Airlines

Economy

I, R, X, N, T, E, L, G, U

0%

Economy

W, S, J, O P

50%

Economy

Y, B, A, F, M, H, K, Q, V

100%

Business

C, D, Z

125%

Egyptair

Economy

F, A, P, O, I, R, X, N, G, L, S, T, U, W

0%

Economy

V

25%

Economy

Q

50%

Economy

K

75%

Economy

Y, B, M, H

100%

Business (domestic)

Z

125%

Business (international)

C, D, J

125%

Emirates

Economy

G, S, D, Z, N

0%

Economy

V

10%

Economy

T, L, Q

30%

Economy

U, B, M, K

50%

Economy

Y, R, X

70%

Business

P

70%

Economy

E, W

100%

Business

H

110%

Business

C, J, O, I

125%

First

F, A

150%

Ethiopian Airlines

Economy

X, I, N, P, R, W, E, O

0%

Economy

U

15%

Economy

Q, T

25%

Economy

H, L

30%

Economy

M, K, V

50%

Economy

Y, G, S, B

75%

Business

C, J, D, Z

125%

EVA Air

Economy

R, I, E, V, W, N, X, G, A, O

0%

Economy

H, S, Q

50%

Economy

M

75%

Economy

K, L, T, P, Y, B

100%

Business

C, D, J

125%

JetBlue

Economy

X, T, N

0%

Economy

Z, O, U, S, P

50%

Economy

Y, E, K, H, Q, B, L, V, R, W, M

100%

Business

J, C, D, I

125%

LOT Polish Airlines

Economy

N, J, I, X

0%

Economy

V, W, L, U, O

25%

Economy

S, M, H, Q, T, G,E, K

50%

Economy

A, Y, R, B

100%

Economy

P

105%

Business

Z, F

100%

Business

C, D

125%

Lufthansa

Economy

O, I, X, R, P, L, K

0%

Economy

T

25%

Economy

W, S, Q, V

50%

Economy

Y, B, M, H, G, U, E, N

100%

Business

C, D, J, Z

125%

First

F, A

150%

Shenzhen Airlines

Economy

L, K, O, I, X, N

0%

Economy

H, Q, S, V, W, E, T, P

50%

Economy

G, Y, B, M, U

100%

Business

D, Z, R

100%

Business

J, C

130%

Singapore Airlines

Economy

K, G, Q, V, N, O, I, X

0%

Economy

M, H, W

75%

Economy

Y, B, E, S, T, P, R, L

100%

Business

C, D, J, Z, U

125%

First

F, A

150%

Swiss International Air Lines

Economy

R, I, O, X, T, L, K

0%

Economy

V, Q, S, W

50%

Economy

Y, B, M, U, H

100%

Premium economy

G, E, N

100%

Business

P

100%

Business

C, D, J, Z

125%

First

F, A

150%

South African Airways-marketed flights on non-Star Alliance airlines (codeshares)

Economy

I, X, E, U, N, R

0%

Economy

L, W, G

25%

Economy

H, S, Q, T, V

50%

Economy

Y, B, M, K

100%

Business (domestic)

D

100%

Business

Z, D, P

125%

Business

C, J

150%

TAP Air Portugal

Economy

A, E, F, I, J, N, O, R, T, U, X

0%

Economy

W, S, L, K, P, G

50%

Economy

Y, B, H, M, V, Q

100%

Business

C, D, Z

150%

Thai Airways International

Economy

O, I, E, X, N, R, G, V, W, L

0%

Economy

T, K, S

50%

Economy

Y, B, M, H, Q

100%

Business

C, D, J, Z

125%

First

F, A

150%

Turkish Airlines

Economy

F, U, I, R, X, N, P, W, G

0%

Economy

V

25%

Economy

S, O, E, Q, T, L

50%

Economy

Y, B, M, A, H

100%

Business

J

110%

Business

C, Z, D, K

125%

United Airlines (basic economy N fares don’t count towards tier status)

Economy

F, I, X

0%

Economy

S, T, L, K, G, N*

50%

Economy

Q, W, V

75%

Economy

Y, B, M, E, U, H, O, A, R

100%

Business

Z, P

100%

Business

J, C, D

125%

Virgin Atlantic

Economy

G, P, A

0%

Economy

T

25%

Economy

U, M, E, Q, X, N, O

50%

Economy

Y, B, R, L

100%

Economy

W, S, K, H

125%

Economy

V

100%

Business

J, C, D, I, Z

125%

Virgin Australia

Economy

X, Z

0%

Economy

M

25%

Economy

R, E, O, N, V, P, Q, T, I, S, G, U F

50%

Economy

Y, B, W, H, K, L, A

100%

Business

J, C, D

200%

Let’s look at an example. If you flew round-trip from New York (JFK) to Tokyo-Narita (NRT) on an ANA V class ticket, you’d earn 50% of the total distance traveled. In this case, the flight distance would be 13,490 miles each way. Therefore, you’d earn a total of 6,745 miles on this round-trip ticket.

As always, please remember to double-check the mileage accrual rates directly with South African Airways Voyager’s mileage earning policy.

5. Car Rental Partners

In addition to earning miles with airfare, you can earn Voyager miles with 1 car rental partner:

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Voyager Partner

Accrual Rate

Europcar

250 to 500 miles per rental

6. Hotel Partners

South African Airways Voyager has 1 hotel partnership. The activity takes around 6 weeks to reflect in your Voyager summary.

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Voyager Partner

Accrual Rate

IHG Hotels & Resorts

200 to 500 miles per stay

Hot Tip:

The earning rate at IHG Hotels & Resorts depends on which IHG brand you stay at. Members can earn 2 miles per $1 spent on qualifying room rates at all IHG Hotels & Resorts properties except for Candlewood Suites and Staybridge Suites.

7. Miscellaneous Travel Partners

You can earn Voyager miles on a few other miscellaneous travel providers:

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Voyager Partner

Accrual Rate

Cruises International

0.5 to 1 miles per $1 spent

When you book with Cruises International, you earn 1 mile per $1 spent on Oceania Cruises, Crystal Cruises, and AmaWaterways. You earn 1 mile per $2 spent on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Seadream, Azamara, and Seabourn cruises.

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Earn Miles Through Shopping

One of the easiest ways to earn miles is by getting more out of your ordinary spending. In the case of South African Airways, there are a few ways you can leverage everyday transactions and earn Voyager miles.

8. South African Airways Shopping Partners

South African Airways has a few partners with which you can earn miles. The partners and earning structures can be summarized as follows:

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Voyager Partner

Earning Structure

Voyager Partner

Earning Structure

FlySAA Duty Free

  • Earn 1 mile per R10 spent (Blue Voyager members)
  • Earn 1 mile per R7 spent (Silver Voyager members)
  • Earn 1 mile per R5 spent (Gold Voyager members)
  • Earn 1 mile per R3 spent (Platinum Voyager members)
  • Earn 1 mile per R2 spent (Lifetime Platinum Voyager members)

Specsavers

Earn 1 mile per R5 spent on qualifying purchases

Health Spas

Earn 1 mile per R7.50 spent

Wine of the Month Club

Earn 1 mile per R7.50 spent on qualifying purchases

When you transact with any of these partners, simply provide the company with your Voyager number at the time of purchase. It may take up to 45 days for your miles to be credited.

Specialty Earnings for South African Airways Voyager Miles

Now that we’ve covered the most mainstream ways of earning South African Airways Voyager miles, here are some of the uncommon ways you can earn Voyager miles.

9. Other Financial Partners

The very last method to earn South African Airways Voyager miles is to use select financial partners.

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Voyager Partner

Accrual Rate

Bidvest Bank

Earn 40 miles for every R1,000 loaded onto a World Currency Card

Diners Club

Earn 1 mile for every R12.50 charged on Platinum and 1 mile for every R8.00 charged on Prive

UCount Rewards (Standard Bank)

Transfer 1 UCount Rewards points for 1 Voyager mile

Final Thoughts

South African Airways’ frequent flyer program is a lesser-known Star Alliance award program.

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to earn South African Airways Voyager miles. You can credit partner airline flights to Voyager or spend with travel partners or everyday retailers to add to your balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Voyager mile worth?

Voyager miles can be worth anywhere from 0.5 to 20 cents per mile, depending on how exactly you redeem them. As a rule of thumb, premium cabin flights are going to offer the most value, as opposed to using miles for cheaper economy tickets.

Can you earn Voyager miles on Emirates?

Yes! Since South African Airways is a partner of Emirates, you can earn Voyager miles when you fly on Emirates. The exact structure is determined by Voyager but it is summarized in the table within this guide.

How do SAA Voyager Miles work?

South African Airways has a loyalty program called Voyager. The miles you earn and redeem are called Voyager miles or South African Airways Voyager miles.

You can redeem your miles for flights, ride-sharing vouchers, and much more.

Do SAA Voyager miles expire?

South African Airways Voyager miles expire 3 years after the year in which they are earned (a year is defined as April 1 to March 31). To learn how to extend the validity of these miles, please reference the terms and conditions.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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