Low-cost carrier · South Africa
Lift Flights South Africa
Premium low-cost flights between SA's major cities
Compare live Lift fares, check baggage rules, and book securely via Travelstart — South Africa's most trusted flight booking platform.
About Lift
| Airline | Lift |
|---|---|
| Type | Low-cost carrier |
| IATA Code | LFT |
| Founded | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Johannesburg |
| Main Hub(s) | OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) |
| Fleet | Airbus A320 |
Baggage Allowance
Flying soon? See exact check-in windows and bag-drop cut-offs in our LIFT check-in guide.
| Cabin baggage | 7 kg carry-on included |
|---|---|
| Checked baggage | Paid add-on — 20 kg option |
| Online check-in | 24–2 hours before departure |
| Airport check-in | Opens 2 hours before departure |
| Changes & cancellations | Lite fares are non-refundable. Standard and Flex fares allow changes. |
Popular Lift Routes
Click any route to compare live prices and book via Travelstart.
Pros
- ✅ Premium seating on an LCC budget
- ✅ Airbus A320 fleet — roomier than Boeing 737
- ✅ Competitive fares on the Golden Triangle
- ✅ Good customer service reputation
Cons
- ⚠️ Limited route network — mainly Golden Triangle
- ⚠️ No checked bag on base fares
- ⚠️ Smaller network than FlySafair or Airlink
Lift Airlines — the premium low-cost option explained
Lift launched in December 2020 — one of the more unusual moments to start an airline — and quickly established a loyal following among South African business and leisure travellers who wanted something better than FlySafair's bare-bones model without paying full SAA prices. The airline is a joint venture between Global Aviation (South Africa) and IndiGo Partners, and it operates an Airbus A320 fleet on South Africa's highest-frequency domestic routes.
The Lift value proposition is straightforward: a noticeably more comfortable cabin experience at prices that frequently match or only marginally exceed FlySafair. The A320 has a slightly wider fuselage than the Boeing 737, translating to more shoulder room in the 3-3 economy configuration. Lift's standard cabin bag allowance of 10 kg is the most generous of any South African LCC — FlySafair and CemAir both offer 7 kg — and seat selection is included on most fares rather than being a paid add-on. For a business traveller who books frequently and values consistency, these differences matter.
Lift's deliberate network focus — the Johannesburg–Cape Town, Johannesburg–Durban, and Cape Town–Durban triangle — means it does not try to compete with Airlink on regional routes. This is a strength and a limitation simultaneously. The Golden Triangle routes carry the overwhelming majority of South African domestic passenger volume, and by concentrating there, Lift achieves better aircraft utilisation and schedule reliability than a more spread-out network would allow.
Lift fare tiers compared
| Fare | Cabin bag | Checked bag | Seat selection | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | 10 kg | Not included | Paid add-on | Non-refundable |
| Standard | 10 kg | 20 kg included | Free | Fee applies |
| Flex | 10 kg | 20 kg included | Free | Free changes |
The Standard fare is the most popular choice for most travellers — the included 20 kg checked bag and free seat selection make the slight price premium over Lite genuinely worthwhile if you are travelling with luggage.
Is Lift worth it over FlySafair?
On a pure fare comparison, FlySafair's base price is usually lower — but add a 20 kg checked bag and a seat selection fee to FlySafair, and Lift's Standard fare frequently comes out cheaper or equivalent. For travellers who travel light with a 7 kg cabin bag, FlySafair wins on price. For anyone checking luggage, Lift's all-in pricing model is worth comparing carefully before defaulting to FlySafair. Use the search widget on this page to compare live prices on your specific date — the answer varies by route and departure time.
Lift check-in and airport tips
- Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before. Complete it to save time at the airport.
- Lift operates from OR Tambo (JNB) domestic terminal — not Lanseria. If you are based north of Johannesburg, factor the OR Tambo road time into your planning.
- The A320 overhead bins are larger than average — a standard 56×36×23 cm trolley case fits without gate-checking on most flights.
- Flex fares allow same-day changes without penalty — worth the premium if your schedule is genuinely uncertain.
Compare Lift Flights Live
Real-time pricing powered by Travelstart — South Africa's most trusted booking platform.
* Partnered with Travelstart. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Lift Airlines Route Network
Lift is a focused low-cost carrier specialising in South Africa's Golden Triangle — the three highest-frequency domestic routes in the country. Unlike FlySafair, Lift does not try to serve the full domestic network. This focus means more attention on the routes it does serve.
Lift operates: Johannesburg (OR Tambo) to Cape Town, Johannesburg to Durban, and Cape Town to Durban. These are the three busiest domestic routes in South Africa — and the three most price-competitive.
Lift uses Airbus A320 aircraft exclusively. The A320 has a slightly wider cabin than the Boeing 737 — seat width is 18 inches vs 17.2 inches — which most passengers notice on flights over 90 minutes. Legroom is comparable to FlySafair's standard configuration.
Lift Fares and Booking Tips
Lift offers tiered fares from Lite (base) through to Flex. The key differences:
- Lite fare: Cheapest option. 7 kg carry-on only. No changes or refunds. Checked baggage must be added at booking.
- Standard fare: May include a checked bag depending on route and period. Check the fare inclusions carefully at booking.
- Flex fare: Allows date changes with reduced or no fees. Refund conditions vary — check the fine print.
- Best booking window: 4–8 weeks ahead for the Golden Triangle outside school holidays. For December, June, and July — book 10+ weeks ahead. Lift's smaller aircraft capacity means it fills faster than you'd expect.
Always compare Lift against FlySafair for your specific dates. On the JNB–CPT and JNB–DUR routes, the price gap can swing either direction week to week. Full FlySafair vs Lift comparison →
The Lift In-Flight Experience
Lift positions itself as a premium LCC — better than bare-bones but not full service. What this means in practice:
- Aircraft: Airbus A320 across the entire fleet. Consistent cabin experience on all routes.
- Seats: Standard economy configuration with 3+3 seating. Seat selection available at booking — window and exit row seats may be priced higher.
- Food and drink: Light snack service on some flights. No full meal service on domestic routes.
- On-time performance: Lift has improved significantly since its 2020 launch. FlySafair still leads SA-wide on punctuality statistics, but the gap has narrowed. Lift's Golden Triangle focus means fewer knock-on delays from regional operations.
- Check-in: Online check-in available via the Lift app and website. Opens 24 hours before departure. Mobile boarding passes are accepted at all terminals Lift serves.
Lift policies and practical guides
Airline policy is where most South African travellers get caught out — not on fare, but on the rule they did not know applied. These guides cover Lift alongside every other domestic carrier, so you can see where Lift differs rather than reading its policy in isolation. Each one is checked against the carriers' own published conditions.
Lift — Frequently Asked Questions
What routes does Lift fly?
Lift currently operates on the main South African domestic triangle — Johannesburg to Cape Town, Johannesburg to Durban, and Cape Town to Durban. Their network is more limited than FlySafair or Airlink.
Does Lift include checked baggage?
The Lite fare does not include checked baggage. The Standard and Flex fares may include a checked bag — always confirm at booking. Add baggage at booking to avoid higher airport fees.
Is Lift more comfortable than FlySafair?
Lift uses Airbus A320 aircraft which have slightly more cabin space than the Boeing 737s used by FlySafair. The experience is generally considered a step above typical LCC standards.
Can I change a Lift booking?
Lite fares are non-refundable and non-changeable. Standard and Flex fares allow changes, sometimes for a fee. Always check the fare rules when booking.
When did Lift start flying?
Lift launched in December 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic — making it one of South Africa's newer airlines. Despite a challenging launch period, it has grown a loyal customer base.
How do I check in for Lift?
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before. Check the Lift website or app for current check-in options and seat selection details.
Why book Lift via VistaVoyage?
- Live prices powered by Travelstart — one of Africa's largest flight booking platforms
- Compare Lift against all other airlines on the same route simultaneously
- Secure payment with confirmation direct from Travelstart
- No hidden booking fees — what you see is what you pay
Explore more on VistaVoyage
Lift Articles & Comparisons
- Baggage Fees Compared — All SA Airlines 2026
- How to Change or Cancel a Flight in SA — Fees Compared
- Flying with Pets in South Africa — Every Airline's Rules
- Lift vs FlySafair 2026 — Full Comparison
- FlySafair vs Lift vs Airlink — Three-Way Showdown
- Lift vs Airlink — Which Is Better?
- Lift vs SAA — Premium Battle
- Best Airline on JHB–Cape Town Route
- SA Domestic Baggage Allowance Guide
- Cheapest Day to Fly in South Africa
- The True Cost of Flying in South Africa 2026
Compare Other South African Airlines
A South African flight site
Built in Johannesburg, for South African travellers
VistaVoyage is run from Johannesburg by one person, not a global aggregator with a South African landing page. Domestic routes are the core of this site. We also cover international routes — but specifically international flights departing South Africa, priced and paid in rand.
- Every fare in ZAR. No conversion guesswork — you see rand, you pay rand.
- Baggage and route facts hand-checked against each airline's own published information. Last verified July 2026.
- Local knowledge, not scraped data. Salary-cycle timing, school-holiday peaks, Lanseria vs OR Tambo, which airport is actually right for Kruger.
- Free to use. VistaVoyage earns a commission if you book through Travelstart. It costs you nothing extra and never changes the fares you are shown.