FlySafair vs Airlink from Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ): Routes, Fares & Tips

If you’re flying out of Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ), you’re almost certainly choosing between FlySafair and Airlink. These two carriers dominate the PLZ flight board, connecting the Eastern Cape to the rest of South Africa. This comparison breaks down routes, pricing, baggage, onboard experience, and little-known tips to help you pick the right airline — and get the best fare.

The Airlines at a Glance

Routes from PLZ

FlySafair operates direct flights from Port Elizabeth to:

• Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) — up to 6 daily flights

• Cape Town (CPT) — up to 3 daily flights

• Durban (DUR) — 1–2 daily flights (seasonal adjustments)

• East London (ELS) — limited, mostly connections (check schedule)

Airlink operates direct flights from PLZ to:

• Johannesburg OR Tambo (JNB) — up to 5 daily flights

• Cape Town (CPT) — up to 2 daily flights

• Durban (DUR) — select flights (sometimes via ELS)

• Bloemfontein (BFN) — less frequent, but available

• Regional connections (via JNB) to Nelspruit (MQP), Windhoek (WDH), Gaborone (GBE), and beyond.

Winner for route diversity: Airlink has the edge for regional connections and less-served domestic routes. FlySafair is a beast on the busy JNB and CPT routes with higher frequency.

Fare Comparison: Who Is Cheaper?

FlySafair typically wins the price battle, but you must pay attention to what’s included.

Example fare: PLZ to Johannesburg, one-way, booked 2 weeks ahead.

• FlySafair: R699 base (no checked bag, no seat selection). With a 20kg bag and a selected seat: R950.

• Airlink: R1,050 base (20kg bag and seat selection included).

So if you have checked luggage, the price gap shrinks dramatically. If you’re travelling with just a cabin bag and don’t care where you sit, FlySafair is almost always cheaper. If you have a suitcase and want a specific seat, compare the total price — sometimes Airlink is only marginally more expensive and you get a better experience.

Booking tip: Use our flight search widget to compare both airlines side-by-side and see the true all-in price.

Checked Baggage & Cabin Bag Rules

FlySafair:

• Cabin bag: 7kg max, plus a small personal item (laptop bag or handbag)

• Checked bags: Available as add-ons (15kg, 20kg, or a bundle with seat selection and priority boarding). Buy during booking — it’s much more expensive at the airport (up to R400 for 15kg).

• Oversized/sports equipment: Allowed with prior arrangement; golf bags and surfboards cost extra.

Airlink:

• Cabin bag: 7kg (plus a slimline laptop bag or handbag)

• Checked baggage: 20kg free on all flights (business class: 30kg). This is a massive advantage for holidaymakers.

• Sports equipment: Golf bags and fishing rods often travel free as part of the 20kg allowance, but check when booking.

Pro tip: Even if you’re a light packer, if you need a checked bag, don’t book FlySafair’s cheapest “Basic” fare. Add the 20kg bundle — the cost is often less than adding the bag separately later.

Onboard Experience: FlySafair vs Airlink

FlySafair: Known for its cheerful, efficient crew. The aircraft are Boeing 737-800s with a 3-3 seating layout. No in-flight entertainment, no free snacks — you can buy a “Snack on the Fly” menu that includes sandwiches, pies, hot drinks, and cold beverages. Legroom is reasonable, and the aircraft are clean. FlySafair excels at on-time departures; they’re consistently ranked the most punctual airline in South Africa and globally.

Airlink: Operates a mix of Embraer regional jets (E170/E190) and newer Embraer E195-E2 aircraft on the JNB route, all with a 2-2 layout — no middle seats! This is a huge comfort win. The smaller Embraers feel spacious, with big windows and smooth flying. You get a complimentary snack box (cheese, crackers, biltong, sweet treat) and free water, tea, coffee, fruit juice, and soft drinks. Wine and beer are also free on certain flights (typically after 11:00 on the JNB route). Staff are professional and warm. For business travellers, the no-middle-seat layout and free snack/coffee make a difference.

Frequent Flyer Perks & Loyalty

• FlySafair: No loyalty program. You pay, you fly. Simple.

• Airlink: Their “Airlink Skybucks” program is long-defunct. However, Airlink is a SAA Voyager partner, so you earn Voyager miles on Airlink flights, and you can redeem SAA miles for Airlink tickets. This matters if you’re building status.

Lounge Access at PLZ

• FlySafair: No lounge access included. You can pay to access the Bidvest Premier Lounge at PLZ (R330 walk-in, or use Priority Pass/LoungeKey).

• Airlink: Business class passengers get free access to the Bidvest lounge. SAA Gold/Platinum and Star Alliance Gold members also get access when flying Airlink.

Booking Tips to Save Money

1. Book early. Both airlines use dynamic pricing. Fares for December holidays are cheap if booked by August.

2. Fly mid-week. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are consistently cheaper than Friday/Sunday.

3. Check alternative dates with the “whole month” view on Skyscanner to spot the cheapest day to fly.

4. Sign up for airline newsletters. Both FlySafair and Airlink send promotional fares; FlySafair’s famous R5 (plus taxes) sales are legendary but sell out in minutes.

5. Compare total cost, not base fare. A R699 FlySafair ticket can become R1,100 after bags and seat, while Airlink is R1,050 all-in. Do the math.

Which Airline Should You Choose?

Choose FlySafair if:

• Price is your #1 priority and you’re travelling light.

• You value extreme punctuality.

• You don’t care about loyalty points or lounge access.

• You just want to get from A to B quickly and cheaply.

Choose Airlink if:

• You have checked baggage and want it included.

• You hate middle seats (2-2 layout is a dream).

• You appreciate a free meal and a glass of wine.

• You’re connecting to a regional flight beyond JNB or CPT.

• You have Voyager miles to use or earn.

FAQ: FlySafair vs Airlink PLZ

1. Is FlySafair safe?
   Yes, absolutely. They have a spotless safety record and are regulated by SACAA.

2. Does Airlink have bigger seats than FlySafair?
   Seat pitch is similar, but Airlink’s 2-2 layout means no middle seat, making the cabin feel more spacious and comfortable.

3. Which airline is better for families?
   Airlink includes baggage and snacks, which simplifies things for families with kids and luggage. FlySafair can be cheaper, but you’ll pay extra for everything.

4. Does FlySafair have Wi-Fi?
   No. Neither FlySafair nor Airlink currently offers in-flight Wi-Fi on domestic routes.

5. How strict is FlySafair on cabin bag weight?
   Increasingly strict. They often weigh cabin bags at the gate. Keep it to 7kg or you’ll be charged.

6. Can I change my flight on either airline?
   FlySafair offers a “Flexi” add-on that allows changes. Airlink’s Standard and Flex fares allow changes with fees. Both allow cancellations with vouchers depending on fare type.

7. Does Airlink have a business class?
   Yes, business class on the Embraer E-Jets is a 1-2 layout with better meals and lounge access. It’s more like a premium economy on larger international airlines, but very comfortable for domestic hops.

8. Which airline has more legroom?
   Seat pitch is comparable at around 29–31 inches. Both are fine for a 1–2 hour flight.

9. Does FlySafair offer a student discount?
   No dedicated student discount, but they do run occasional promotional fares.

10. Where can I compare FlySafair and Airlink prices in one place?
    Right here on this site. Use our flight search widget to see both airlines’ pricing for your dates, all-in, and book directly.