Getting to the airport early, whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, makes travel less stressful. You’ll have plenty of time for the queues at check-in and security, and you won’t end up rushing to your boarding gate. However, this strategy does leave you stuck in the airport with time on your hands every time you fly.

You could spend the time wandering around, shopping on impulse, or you could visit a Bidvest Premier lounge. Whether you just want to relax or need to catch up on some work, Bidvest lounges offer the facilities to do both. No matter the airline or ticket class, anyone can simply pay the entrance fee and enjoy the facilities in Bidvest airport lounges.

Even better news for Nedbank clients, though, is that access is free for certain Nedbank American Express, Mastercard and Visa cardholders, provided you’re a passenger checked in to leave from that airport.

Nedbank cards that give you free access to Bidvest airport lounges
  

• Nedbank Platinum credit card – 12 domestic lounge visits a year.
  
  
• MiGoals Premium debit card - 12 domestic lounge visits a year.
  
  
• American Express Gold credit card - 12 domestic lounge visits a year.
  
  
• American Express Platinum credit card - unlimited visits to domestic and international lounges.
  
  
• Nedbank Private Bundle or Private One credit cards - As a Nedbank Private client, you can use your cards to get unlimited free access to lounges in SA whenever you fly locally or internationally, and up to 10 visits a year at more than 1,300 DragonPass airport lounges worldwide.

• Nedbank Private Wealth Visa Infinite or American Express credit cards - As a Nedbank Private Wealth Client, you qualify for unlimited free airport lounge access for you and a guest to Bidvest lounges and more than 1,300 DragonPass lounges worldwide.
  
  
• MiGoals4Kids debit cards - under-26s with a MiGoals4Kids Account enjoy free domestic lounge visits provided that their account is linked to a parent's qualifying Nedbank account such as MiGoals Premium.

Bidvest Premier lounge perks and amenities

Bidvest lounges are places to unwind and recharge while you travel. The comforts they offer include complimentary snacks and beverages, with menus that change daily. There are also TVs, free newspapers and magazines, and charging facilities for laptops and cellphones. Some provide smoking rooms, showers with towels and toilets, baby-changing facilities and free wifi. Children under 2 are admitted free, and the lounges are also accessible to travellers with disabilities.

Your access to a Bidvest lounge opens 2 hours before a domestic flight and 4 hours before an international flight. If you want access the lounge earlier, you may be charged a fee according to the Bidvest Premier lounge pricing guide.

Where can you find Bidvest lounges?

There are Bidvest lounges at the following airports:

• OR Tambo International, Johannesburg (domestic and international departure lounges)
  
  
• Lanseria, Johannesburg
  
  
• Cape Town International, (domestic and international departure lounges)
  
  
• King Shaka International, Durban
  
  
• George, George
  
  
• Ben Schoeman, East London
  
  
• Port Elizabeth International, Gqeberha
  
  
• Kruger Mpumalanga International, Mpumalanga (domestic and international departure lounges)
  
  
• Bram Fischer, Bloemfontein  

Access to Bidvest lounges is generally on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s a good idea to view the lounge facilities for your specific airport online before you travel. Also, set an alarm on your watch or mobile device so that you don’t get so comfortable in the Bidvest lounge that you miss your flight. Lounges are not required to call flights, so make sure you set a reminder to get to your departure gate on time.

Visit our bank accounts and credit cards pages to learn more about the Nedbank cards listed above, and to apply online. Access to Bidvest Premier lounges is subject to terms and conditions.