Established in 2012, Fastjet is a brand of low-cost airlines owned by Fastjet Plc. As a British/South African-based holding company, Fastjet’s aim is to be the first low-cost, pan-African airline of the continent. It does so by creating partially owned and locally incorporated airlines or licensing their brand to operate services using the same standards and sales platform. Current airlines that fall under the Fastjet brand include those operating out of Kenya, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. They exist as subsidiaries of Fastjet Plc, except for Fastjet Mozambique, which is a brand licensee. The proposed Fastjet South Africa airlines will also be a licensee rather than partially owned or locally operated.
As of 2018, Fastjet flies to 13 different destinations in five African countries. Their fleet includes two Embraer 190 and three Embraer 145 aircraft that seat up to 130 and 50 passengers, respectively. Passengers are afforded plenty of legroom and can take advantage of priority boarding, seat selection and booking both luggage and bicycles.
Fastjet was named Africa's Leading Low-Cost Airline by the World Travel Awards, beating competitors such as Mango and Air Arabia. Other low-cost airlines on the continent include Fly Safair.
How do I check in online with Fastjet?
Fastjet does not currently offer online check-in for flights ahead of time. Instead, passengers can visit a Fastjet check-in counter up to two hours before their scheduled departure time. When checking in, you’ll need proof of identification, as well as your credit card if you used it to pay for the booking. Once completed, you’ll receive a boarding pass or Fastjet ticket to show at the boarding gate.
Check-in desks close exactly 40 minutes before departure. Should you arrive less than 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time, boarding will be denied.
What is my checked baggage allowance on Fastjet?
Fastjet offers passengers two different ticket types: BigSaver and Achiever. For standard BigSaver tickets, pricing does not include checked or hold baggage. These items must be checked in before departure and are subject to a fee which varies depending on destination. The Achiever ticket fare, however, includes one free checked bag, plus one free name/date change. This ticket type is recommended for those travelling with a lot of luggage.
The Fastjet baggage allowance includes up to two bags weighing a maximum of 23 kg each. For bags that exceed this requirement, you’ll be subject to a fee for every additional kg up to 32 kg. Bags that exceed this weight or the combined dimensions of 81 cm x 119 cm x119 cm are not permitted aboard Fastjet flights for safety reasons.
Special items, such as sports and music equipment or bicycles, are carried in the hold and are charged differently than normal baggage. You can pre-book your hold luggage through the Fastjet Call Centre and save money. Alternatively, you can book at the airport on the day of the flight at the full amount.
Certain items travel free of charge. These include a baby stroller or pram per child and up to two mobility aids, such as a wheelchair, medical scooter or walking stick.
What hand luggage can I take on Fastjet?
Guests aboard Fastjet flights are allowed to carry one item of hand baggage each, free of charge. These bags must weigh no more than 7 kg and be no larger than 55 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm. Similarly, small handbags or laptops are also permitted on board, as are small bags containing immediate use items for mothers with infants. These must not exceed 40 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm in dimension and must be placed under the seat in front of you while in transit. Should the weight or dimensions of hand luggage, handbags or laptops exceed the above weight or dimensions, it must be checked before boarding as hold baggage and will be subject to a fee.
Smartbags are also allowed aboard Fastjet flights as long as the lithium ion is first removed and stored in the bag itself and the bag meets the same size and weight restrictions as all other hand baggage. For Smartbags that don’t allow for the removal of their lithium batteries, they will not be accepted on the flight in accordance with IATA rules, as they pose a risk of fire. If your Smartbag is labelled as “Drop & Fly”, the battery must first be removed before the bag is taken to the cargo hold.
Where does Fastjet fly from?
Fastjet flight destinations include up to 13 different cities across five counties in East and Southern Africa. Some of the most popular destinations and flight routes include: