I finally travelled on LIFT Airline. My friend and I planned a Cape Town staycation and we traveled on LIFT.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, I’ve mostly just seen celebrities and influencer pictures on social media but have never read a review about the LIFT airline, nor have I spoken to someone who has traveled with them.
I was also nervous as the airline is quite new and with Comair flights currently being suspended, there’s a lot of uncertainty in the domestic travel space in South Africa.
Things to Know about LIFT Airline
LIFT Airline is a South African airline that launched on 10 December 2020. The airline currently ONLY offers flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Their “Unique Selling Point” is that they are a flexible airline and they mention that flights can be cancelled or changed multiple times for credit into your LIFT wallet – strictly no cash refunds!
“If you need to change traveler names, travel dates, or time – flight changes made 24 hours or more in advance‚ come at no additional fees or penalties.”
The website then goes on to say that “If the fare for your newly selected flight is higher‚ you’ll just need to pay the difference. If it’s lower‚ they will credit you.” – this doesn’t make any sense to me? You are flexible and changes are FREE but, it depends on the flight cost, and I might have to pay the difference. So are you flexible and free or not?
Who Owns LIFT Airline
LIFT airline is owned by Jonathan Ayache (CEO and Co-Founder) and Gidon Novick (co-Founder and CEO of Takatso – the company that was chosen by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) to be the strategic equity partner of South African Airways (SAA).
LIFT Crew Uniform
The airline’s crew is dressed by Superbalist. It’s very casual and not your typical airline uniform. The crew members were dressed in golf shirts and pants, you can easily mistake them for passengers. After the trip, I got an email from LIFT with a Superbalist discount code.
Can I bring my dog on a LIFT plane
Yes, the airline allows passengers to travel with small pets in a carry bag that can be placed under the seat in front of them.
Only a limited amount of pets are allowed to travel on selected flights. Pet parents have to fill in a pet special request form pre-travel.
Do you get food on LIFT
No, food (meals) is not included on LIFT flights. The airline has partnered with Vida e Caffè to provide passengers with coffee and snacks.
Booking flights on LIFT Airline
LIFT has 3 ticket options: Economy (No Bag), Economy (Bag), and Premium.
Economy - No Bag Economy - Bag Premium
Baggage 1 x Hand Bag up to 7 KG - 1 x Checked Bag up to 23 KG
- 1 x Hand Bag up to 7 KG- 2 x 7kg Hand Baggage
- 2 x 23kg Checked Baggage
- 1 x Additional Special / Sporting Equipment
Flexibility Flexible Amendments (No Penalties up to 24 Hours before departure) Flexible Amendments (No Penalties up to 24 Hours before departure) Unlimited Flight Changes, No Penalty Fees (Fare diff may apply), Full refund to LIFT Wallet
Seat Normal Economy Seats - no charge Normal Economy Seats - no charge - Free Seat Selection
- Extra Legroom
- Seat Recline
- No middle seat - Guaranteed window or aisle
Extras None None Dedicated Check-in Area, Fast Track Security, Priority Boarding, Lounge Access and Priority Baggage
LIFT’s fares between Johannesburg and Cape Town were quite reasonable. I used Skyscanner to compare rates and I actually almost booked with British Airways, but ended up choosing LIFT for a new experience, the roundtrip cost just under R6000 for two people, including all taxes & fees.
LIFT Review
Our flight to Cape Town was delayed by 30 minutes, boarding was efficient and we were all wondering why the plane wasn’t leaving then eventually the pilot announced that they were busy refueling.
The coffee and snack were appreciated, the staff was friendly, the plane was relatively clean.
For me, it was a normal flight to Cape Town and back. Nothing special – although I must add that being delayed both ways was not a great first impression.
Would I travel with Lift Airlines again? Yes, if it’s the most affordable option on the day I book again.