SAA to Provide Lounge Access to Discovery Bank Clients

Discovery and South African Airways (SAA) today announced a landmark partnership that will enable Discovery Bank clients to access SAA’s airport lounges, and also make SAA’s flight network available on the Vitality Travel platform.

With immediate effect, Discovery Bank Purple, Black and Platinum cardholders will be able to use their Discovery Bank app to access SAA’s airport lounges.

The long-term partnership will provide customers with access to refurbished lounges and upgraded service offerings at SAA’s Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban lounges.

Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner explained that the partnership is a contribution to both government and the national carrier’s broader aims to revitalise operations through a public-private partnership, while contributing to the tourism industry. “We are delighted to work with SAA to upgrade these iconic lounges.

Along with our Priority Fast Track Lanes at the OR Tambo and Cape Town International Airports, Discovery Bank clients will now enjoy the best possible end-to-end travel experience. In fact, the comprehensive Vitality Travel suite of benefits ensures that our clients enjoy the best value and experience in travel – whether for business or leisure.”

“We are also excited that SAA flights will soon also be available on the Vitality Travel platform as part of our flight network, giving our clients more choice and value in terms of airlines and destinations, and extending our reach into the continent,” says Kallner.

SAA Interim Executive Chairman and CEO John Lamola says: “We appreciate the collaboration with Discovery and believe that this partnership will add to the customer experience when choosing SAA as your carrier of choice. We are heading in the right direction, as this partnership is a win-win-win for SAA, Discovery and, most importantly, our customers.”

Discovery Vitality CEO Dinesh Govender says: “This is a milestone partnership which amplifies the Vitality Travel offering for Discovery Bank clients. Vitality members book over 1 million flights a year – enough to fill 10 planes a day – and airport lounges are a quintessential benefit for those who enjoy travel.

Now, in addition to the 1,000+ Lounge Key airport lounges that our Discovery Bank clients have access to worldwide, they will also enjoy the exclusive, world class experience that SAA lounges will deliver. While access to the lounges commences today, clients can look forward to exciting new menus and luxury amenities, as well as refurbishments to the facilities in the coming months.”

SAA Commercial Executive Simon Newton-Smith says: “This partnership allows customers to enjoy world class facilities at SAA lounges and we are very much looking forward to welcoming Discovery clients.”