Airlink Reviews | 2.2 TrustIndex | Hellopeter

Airlink Reviews | 2.2 TrustIndex | Hellopeter

Review Distribution

1.6|104 Reviews

Jul '25 - Jun '26

Frequently Asked Questions About Airlink

What do customers say about Airlink?

Based on recent customer reviews, Airlink draws sharp criticism for its handling of refunds, booking changes, and luggage incidents, while a smaller group of customers praise individual staff members who deliver exceptional assistance. Recurring frustrations centre on rigid cancellation policies, name change fees, missing or tampered luggage, poor communication during disruptions, and unresponsive complaint channels. Bright spots exist in special assistance experiences and named consultants who go above and beyond.

What are the most common complaints about Airlink?

The most common complaint about Airlink, based on Hellopeter's AI analysis of recent customer reviews, is Refunds, Pricing & Value. Refunds, Pricing & Value (1.4). Customers report refusal of refunds, R690 name change fees, 50% cancellation penalties, six month refund delays, and pricing seen as exploitative on monopoly routes like Durban to Nelspruit and Upington.

Recent reviews (104)

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Popular mentions

lost luggage no refund flight delayed rude staff name change no communication tampered bag overpriced helpful staff professional service

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

13 May 2026, 08:01

Good day l booked a ...

Good day l booked a flight from Zimbabwe to South Africa using airlink and l arrived at the airport at 6pm 40 minutes before and they forfeit my ticket

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

13 May 2026, 08:01

Good day l booked a ...

Good day l booked a flight from Zimbabwe to South Africa using airlink and l arrived at the airport at 6pm 40 minutes before and they forfeit my ticket

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

11 May 2026, 18:45

Airlink Transit Nightmare

I had the worst experience ever today. And as far as I get a choice in the matter, I will never fly Airlink again. I was in Kasane, Botswana and had to travel urgently to Lusaka, Zambia. I got my company to book me a ticket, Kasane to Johannesburg and connecting to Lusaka. Flight 4Z307 landed and came to a stop on the tarmac at O.R. Tambo International at 16:15. By then the Lusaka flight 4Z165 was already busy boarding. After fighting my way through passport control and security check, I eventually got to the gate and it was closed. Everyone was gone. I missed the flight. I went over to an Airlink staff member who was busy at gate 29 and explained the situation. And she told me that I was the one that was late. Telling me that I did not adhere to the legal limits that they have, I.E. that I must allow for an hour for transit procedures through the Airport. I ask myself the question, then if you know that is going to be the case, why then sell me the ticket. And then another Supervisor figure from Airlink came and said that there are no more flights available today (11/05/26) and that I would need to buy another ticket for tomorrow. This is not customer service, this is customer frustrations. Then to crown it, I had to wait for my off-loaded bag. It was not satisfactory. I guess I cannot complain about service as there ain't any. I eventually got my Company to book another ticket through SAA.

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

11 May 2026, 18:45

Airlink Transit Nightmare

I had the worst experience ever today. And as far as I get a choice in the matter, I will never fly Airlink again. I was in Kasane, Botswana and had to travel urgently to Lusaka, Zambia. I got my company to book me a ticket, Kasane to Johannesburg and connecting to Lusaka. Flight 4Z307 landed and came to a stop on the tarmac at O.R. Tambo International at 16:15. By then the Lusaka flight 4Z165 was already busy boarding. After fighting my way through passport control and security check, I eventually got to the gate and it was closed. Everyone was gone. I missed the flight. I went over to an Airlink staff member who was busy at gate 29 and explained the situation. And she told me that I was the one that was late. Telling me that I did not adhere to the legal limits that they have, I.E. that I must allow for an hour for transit procedures through the Airport. I ask myself the question, then if you know that is going to be the case, why then sell me the ticket. And then another Supervisor figure from Airlink came and said that there are no more flights available today (11/05/26) and that I would need to buy another ticket for tomorrow. This is not customer service, this is customer frustrations. Then to crown it, I had to wait for my off-loaded bag. It was not satisfactory. I guess I cannot complain about service as there ain't any. I eventually got my Company to book another ticket through SAA.

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

4 May 2026, 19:12

Extremely Disappointing Service from Airlink Airlines

Extremely Disappointing Service from Airlink Airlines. My mum is a 64-year-old pensioner, and my recent experience with Salink Airlines at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport was nothing short of appalling. Her baggage was only 1 kg over the weight limit, yet the staff member at check-in, Davina, was completely unreasonable, unfriendly, and unprofessional. Instead of showing even a shred of empathy, she insisted my mum unpack my bag right there at the counter. Her demeanor was sour and dismissive throughout the interaction. To make matters worse, Davina misinformed my mum about the payment process. She directed her to another counter to pay, only for her to discover that the cost was double what she had told my mum. Forcing an elderly passenger to walk back and forth unnecessarily was both inconsiderate and cruel. The lack of compassion and professionalism displayed by Davina reflects very poorly on Salink Airlines. While the airline’s staff overall left much to be desired, her behavior was by far the worst. Treating passengers—especially seniors—with such disregard is absolutely unacceptable. I will not be recommending Salink Airlines to anyone, and I sincerely hope management takes action to address this disgraceful service.

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

4 May 2026, 19:12

Extremely Disappointing Service from Airlink Airlines

Extremely Disappointing Service from Airlink Airlines. My mum is a 64-year-old pensioner, and my recent experience with Salink Airlines at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport was nothing short of appalling. Her baggage was only 1 kg over the weight limit, yet the staff member at check-in, Davina, was completely unreasonable, unfriendly, and unprofessional. Instead of showing even a shred of empathy, she insisted my mum unpack my bag right there at the counter. Her demeanor was sour and dismissive throughout the interaction. To make matters worse, Davina misinformed my mum about the payment process. She directed her to another counter to pay, only for her to discover that the cost was double what she had told my mum. Forcing an elderly passenger to walk back and forth unnecessarily was both inconsiderate and cruel. The lack of compassion and professionalism displayed by Davina reflects very poorly on Salink Airlines. While the airline’s staff overall left much to be desired, her behavior was by far the worst. Treating passengers—especially seniors—with such disregard is absolutely unacceptable. I will not be recommending Salink Airlines to anyone, and I sincerely hope management takes action to address this disgraceful service.

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

3 May 2026, 20:55

Theft on Airlink airline is becoming a definite occurrence!

My toiletry bag was ****** from my carry on luggage today and it’s not the first time… what are we supposed to do to prevent being violated like this

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

3 May 2026, 20:55

Theft on Airlink airline is becoming a definite occurrence!

My toiletry bag was ****** from my carry on luggage today and it’s not the first time… what are we supposed to do to prevent being violated like this

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

29 Apr 2026, 05:20

Great crisis management

Flying from Harare to JNB last week, an elderly passenger was very ill and needed to be treated by EMS on the plane before being disembarked. This delay meant one of the crew could not work any more, as he/she had worked too many hours in the day. The entire plane was then disembarked. Both the captain and Harare station manager (Eddie) handled this unfortunate situation very well, by giving clear, logical and well-articulated updates on how the situation was being resolved. And thereby managing our expectations. Also all connecting flight passengers were dealt with on an individual basis.

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

29 Apr 2026, 05:20

Great crisis management

Flying from Harare to JNB last week, an elderly passenger was very ill and needed to be treated by EMS on the plane before being disembarked. This delay meant one of the crew could not work any more, as he/she had worked too many hours in the day. The entire plane was then disembarked. Both the captain and Harare station manager (Eddie) handled this unfortunate situation very well, by giving clear, logical and well-articulated updates on how the situation was being resolved. And thereby managing our expectations. Also all connecting flight passengers were dealt with on an individual basis.

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

25 Apr 2026, 10:37

FANTASTIC SERVICE

I use SA Airlink every two years for travel purposes. In the last few years I have to use oxygen full-time. I app**** for assisted services on my last trip, plus current on in April. The staff and the service was AMAZING. I had quite a heavy carry-on bag, as I brought gifts for my 3 granddaughters from the UK whom I was meeting in Cape Town, with my daughter and husband. The lady from Airlink actually boarded the plane for me, so as to put my overhead luggage in the carrier. Then the airline staff moved me up 8 seats in the aisle to offer closer access to the toilets. In Bloemfontein and Cape Town I could not fault their efficiency and friendliness. Five stars, SA Airlink!

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

25 Apr 2026, 10:37

FANTASTIC SERVICE

I use SA Airlink every two years for travel purposes. In the last few years I have to use oxygen full-time. I app**** for assisted services on my last trip, plus current on in April. The staff and the service was AMAZING. I had quite a heavy carry-on bag, as I brought gifts for my 3 granddaughters from the UK whom I was meeting in Cape Town, with my daughter and husband. The lady from Airlink actually boarded the plane for me, so as to put my overhead luggage in the carrier. Then the airline staff moved me up 8 seats in the aisle to offer closer access to the toilets. In Bloemfontein and Cape Town I could not fault their efficiency and friendliness. Five stars, SA Airlink!

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

12 Apr 2026, 19:43

Airlink Refused Baggage Theft Claim Over Receipts for Everyday Clothing

My daughter flew with Airlink from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, and her checked baggage was tampered with, with clothing, toiletries, and makeup ******. This was her very first flying experience, which was completely ruined by this incident. We submitted a sworn SAPS affidavit and photos clearly showing her wearing the ****** clothing before travel. Despite this, Airlink refused to consider the claim because we could not provide original purchase receipts for everyday clothing. This requirement is completely impractical, no one keeps receipts for clothes bought over time. Treating receipts as the only acceptable proof means most legitimate theft claims will automatically be rejected, even when substantiated under oath. Airlink app**** policy rigidly, with no common sense, empathy, or goodwill offered. Very disappointing customer experience for an airline that claims to be customer-focused.

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

12 Apr 2026, 19:43

Airlink Refused Baggage Theft Claim Over Receipts for Everyday Clothing

My daughter flew with Airlink from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, and her checked baggage was tampered with, with clothing, toiletries, and makeup ******. This was her very first flying experience, which was completely ruined by this incident. We submitted a sworn SAPS affidavit and photos clearly showing her wearing the ****** clothing before travel. Despite this, Airlink refused to consider the claim because we could not provide original purchase receipts for everyday clothing. This requirement is completely impractical, no one keeps receipts for clothes bought over time. Treating receipts as the only acceptable proof means most legitimate theft claims will automatically be rejected, even when substantiated under oath. Airlink app**** policy rigidly, with no common sense, empathy, or goodwill offered. Very disappointing customer experience for an airline that claims to be customer-focused.

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

12 Apr 2026, 13:25

Airlink Must Fall. Greedy people

The most money hungry airline you will find in South Africa. These guys charge and arm and a leg, if not a whole body for flights from Durban to Nelspruit. The price of this flight is only R1000 less if you want to go to Dubai. Rather add that amount and go Dubai. This airline needs to bankrupt cause of no sales then only will this stupid airlines realise money don't grow on trees. They Dbn to Nel flights are never ever full because they so greedy. Everyone in Nelspruit complains but this stupid greedy people never change they thoughts. Anyways stupid people run stupid companies so it makes sense. Waiting for url to close down so we can laugh at you. Btw my millions of followers will be seeing your greedy airlines get exposed. #airlinkmustfall

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1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020

12 Apr 2026, 13:25

Airlink Must Fall. Greedy people

The most money hungry airline you will find in South Africa. These guys charge and arm and a leg, if not a whole body for flights from Durban to Nelspruit. The price of this flight is only R1000 less if you want to go to Dubai. Rather add that amount and go Dubai. This airline needs to bankrupt cause of no sales then only will this stupid airlines realise money don't grow on trees. They Dbn to Nel flights are never ever full because they so greedy. Everyone in Nelspruit complains but this stupid greedy people never change they thoughts. Anyways stupid people run stupid companies so it makes sense. Waiting for url to close down so we can laugh at you. Btw my millions of followers will be seeing your greedy airlines get exposed. #airlinkmustfall

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