fastjet

Fastjet is a dynamic airline that has transformed the aviation market in Southern Africa, making the skies open and accessible to a wide range of travellers. Based in Zimbabwe, the carrier specializes in efficient flights, connecting key tourist locations in the region with major business hubs. Travellers choose this brand for its successful combination of budget-friendly fares, high punctuality standards, and sincere African hospitality.

History and Mission

The Fastjet brand was launched with the ambitious goal of creating the first Pan-African low-cost network. Today, operating as Fastjet Zimbabwe, the company has firmly established itself as a leading regional carrier. The airline's main mission is "Smart Travel," which implies providing reliable services at competitive prices, fostering the development of tourism and trade links between countries in the region.

Route Network and Fleet

The airline plays a key role in ensuring mobility within Zimbabwe and beyond. The most popular international destination is the route connecting the city of Harare with the economic hub of South Africa — the metropolis of Johannesburg. Domestic flights are particularly important for tourists, allowing them to quickly reach the world-famous waterfall by landing in the city of Victoria Falls, or to visit historic Bulawayo.

The company's fleet consists primarily of reliable Embraer ERJ 145 jet aircraft. These aircraft, designed for 50 passengers, are ideally suited for regional routes, ensuring high flight speeds and a comfortable "2+1" cabin configuration, where every passenger has access to either a window or the aisle.

Achievements and Safety

Fastjet has repeatedly been honoured with prestigious awards, including the title of "Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline" by the World Travel Awards. This recognition confirms the company's commitment to service quality. Safety issues are an absolute priority: the carrier strictly adheres to international maintenance standards and operational procedures, ensuring the peace of mind of its passengers at every stage of the journey, whether it is a short flight to Lusaka or a domestic flight within Zimbabwe.

Contacting Fastjet representatives is quite simple: the carrier offers several communication channels to resolve issues regarding booking, baggage allowance, or flight changes. You can use both telephone lines and digital services, which the company is actively developing for passenger convenience.

Key Contacts

• Official Website: www.fastjet.com
• Support and Reservations (Zimbabwe): +263 (242) 546 546
• Support and Reservations (South Africa): +27 (0) 10 448 0888
• Email for inquiries: customer.support@fastjet.com
• Mobile App: "Fastjet" (an app with full booking and trip management functionality is available on Google Play, App Store, and Huawei AppGallery).

Social Media

The airline is active on social media, where news about promotions and operational flight information are frequently posted. Official pages are available on the following platforms:

• Facebook
• Twitter (X)
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Local Offices and Representatives

If you require personal assistance for ticketing or consultation, you can visit city sales offices or approach the airline's branded counters at airports.

• Harare (Central Sales Office): Located at Joina City Shopping Mall (Shop 113), on the corner of Jason Moyo and Julius Nyerere Way.
• Airport Counters: Fastjet representatives are available in the departure zones of international airports in Harare (HRE), Victoria Falls (VFA), Bulawayo (BUQ), and Johannesburg (JNB). Staff are usually available at check-in counters before each flight.

Please note: contact details, phone numbers, and office addresses may change. We strongly recommend checking the most up-to-date information in the "Contact Us" section of the official airline website before your trip.

Proper baggage preparation is the key to a stress-free start to your journey, especially when flying with low-cost carriers. Since Fastjet positions itself as a budget airline, their policy regarding transported items is quite strict but transparent. To avoid unforeseen expenses at the airport, it is important to familiarize yourself with the allowances in advance, which depend on the selected fare and destination.

Below are the main baggage rules for Fastjet flights operated on Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft.

Cabin Baggage: Travel Light

Regardless of the ticket type, every passenger is allowed to take cabin baggage on board. However, due to the compact size of the overhead bins in small regional aircraft, dimension requirements are strictly enforced.

• Main Item: You may take one bag weighing up to 5-7 kg (we recommend checking the exact weight on your itinerary receipt, as rules may vary). Dimensions must not exceed standard sizes for placement under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
• Personal Items: Additionally, one small personal item is allowed, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack.
• "Valet Service" Feature: If your cabin baggage does not fit in the overhead bin (which often happens with rigid "cabin-size" suitcases on ERJ 145 aircraft), staff may ask you to hand it over at the aircraft steps for placement in the hold. Upon arrival, you will collect it immediately at the aircraft exit.

Checked Baggage and Fares

Fastjet's policy regarding checked baggage directly depends on the booking class (Fare Bundle). The airline offers a flexible system allowing you to pay only for what you need.

• ValueFlyer Fares: Usually the most affordable and often do not include a free checked baggage allowance. If you are flying on this fare, for example, from the city of Harare, you will have to pay for a suitcase separately.
• FlexiFlyer Fares: Typically include one piece of baggage (usually up to 23 kg). This is the optimal choice for those embarking on a long trip or planning to shop.
• Baggage Pooling: If you are travelling as a family or group, baggage allowances are usually not cumulative. Each suitcase is treated individually.

Expert Tip: Always add baggage online via the website or mobile app during booking or in the "Manage Booking" section. Paying for baggage at the airport check-in counter will cost significantly more.

Excess and Non-Standard Baggage

Travel in Africa often involves non-standard cargo, whether it be souvenirs from a trip to Johannesburg or equipment for outdoor activities.

• Excess Weight: A fixed fee is charged for every kilogram over the established allowance. Given the strict weight limits for small aircraft, it is cheaper to purchase an additional baggage piece ("Extra bag") than to pay for excess weight per kilogram.
• Sports Equipment: Transporting bicycles, golf equipment, or fishing gear requires prior approval and payment of a special fee. If you are flying to Victoria Falls for adventure tourism, ensure you book space for your equipment at least 24 hours before departure.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carried as cabin baggage if they fit within the dimensions. For large instruments (e.g., a cello), purchasing a separate seat in the cabin may be required.

Prohibited Items and Restrictions

For safety reasons, Fastjet strictly follows international aviation security rules (IATA/ICAO). Before packing your suitcases, ensure they do not contain prohibited items.

• Lithium-ion Batteries and Power Banks: Strictly prohibited in checked baggage. They may only be carried in cabin baggage.
• Electronic Cigarettes: Allowed only in cabin baggage (use on board is prohibited).
• Liquids in Cabin Baggage: The "100 ml" rule applies. Containers larger than 100 ml must be checked in, even if partially full.
• Dangerous Substances: Flammable liquids, gases, fireworks, and toxic substances are completely prohibited for transport.

Tips for Effective Packing for Fastjet Flights

To ensure your flight goes smoothly, follow these simple recommendations:

1. Use Soft Bags: The baggage holds of the Embraer ERJ 145 have a specific shape. Soft sports bags or backpacks are easier to fit than rigid plastic cases, reducing the risk of damage to your luggage.
2. Weigh at Home: The inaccuracy of home scales can play a cruel trick. Leave a margin of 0.5–1 kg so you don't have to repack at the check-in counter, especially if departing from Bulawayo airport or other regional hubs where controls can be strict.
3. Labelling: Be sure to attach a tag with your name and phone number (preferably with the country code) on the outside and place a duplicate inside the suitcase. This will speed up retrieval in case of loss.
4. Valuables with You: Always take documents, money, jewellery, medication, and fragile electronics into the cabin. The airline is not responsible for their safety in checked baggage.

Rules for Transporting Animals

Travelling with a pet requires careful preparation, especially when it comes to flights across Africa. Fastjet pays special attention to transport safety, so the rules for transporting animals are strictly regulated. The company's policy may vary depending on the aircraft type and route, so it is important to consider all nuances before booking.

Transport Options

Currently, Fastjet offers a limited set of options for transporting live cargo. The choice of transport method depends on the weight, size of your pet, and the flight destination.

In the Cabin (Cabin Baggage)

On most scheduled flights, for example, from the city of Harare, the transport of animals in the cabin is strictly limited. Typically, this is permitted only for service dogs, although rules may change.

• Carrier Dimensions: Must fit comfortably under the seat in front (approximately 40×30×20 cm).
• Maximum Weight: Usually up to 7–8 kg including the container (if transport is allowed as PETC).
• Allowed Animals: Cats and small dogs (most often only guide dogs).
• Breed Restrictions: Fighting breeds are not admitted in the cabin.
• Limit per Passenger: One pet per passenger.

In the Baggage Hold (Checked Baggage)

If your pet is too large for the cabin, it may travel in a special heated section of the baggage hold. This is a common practice for flights to Johannesburg.

• Container Requirements: Rigid plastic crate complying with IATA standards, with a secure lock and metal door.
• Weight and Size Restrictions: The weight of the animal together with the crate usually must not exceed 32 kg (standard for baggage); heavier animals are processed as cargo.
• Temperature Restrictions: The airline may refuse transport during extremely high or low temperatures at departure/arrival airports.
• Required Documents: Copy of the owner's passport and veterinary certificates attached to the crate.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

This is the most reliable and often the only method for transporting animals on Fastjet aircraft (Manifest Cargo), guaranteeing adherence to all conditions.

• When Required: If the animal's weight with the crate exceeds 32 kg, if it is an unaccompanied animal, or if the baggage hold on the flight (e.g., to Victoria Falls) is not designed for live creatures.
• Special Requirements: Processing through the cargo terminal several hours before departure.
• Booking Procedure: Requires prior coordination with the Fastjet cargo department or their partners (e.g., BidAir Cargo).

Required Documents

To board, especially when crossing borders (e.g., flying to Bulawayo or abroad), you will require a full set of documents:

• Veterinary Passport: International standard with microchip details.
• Health Certificate: Issued by a government veterinarian no earlier than 3–10 days before departure (depends on the destination country).
• Vaccinations: Valid rabies vaccination (administered not less than 30 days and not more than 12 months before travel) and comprehensive vaccinations.
• Import/Export Permits: Veterinary import/export certificates for international flights between Zimbabwe, South Africa, and other countries.

Cost of Services

Rates for transporting animals are not included in the ticket price and are paid additionally.

• Transport in Cabin: Fixed fee (if the service is available).
• Transport in Baggage Hold: Usually calculated as excess baggage or a special fee per piece.
• Cargo Transport: Price depends on the volumetric weight of the crate and the route (charged according to the waybill).

Preparation Tips

• Carrier Requirements: The bottom of the container should be lined with absorbent material; the animal must be able to stand up fully and turn around.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal heavily less than 4 hours before departure to avoid motion sickness, but provide access to water.
• Reducing Stress: Place a familiar item in the crate (e.g., the owner's t-shirt). The use of sedatives is not recommended without a vet's prescription, as they affect thermoregulation.

Restrictions

Fastjet reserves the right to refuse transport in the following cases:

• Prohibited Breeds: Brachycephalic dogs and cats (snub-nosed: Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) due to the risk of breathing problems at altitude.
• Aggressive Behaviour: Animals showing aggression or severe anxiety.
• Age: Puppies and kittens younger than 8–10 weeks.
• Exceptions: Certified guide dogs are usually transported free of charge in the aircraft cabin provided they have a harness and muzzle.

Important: Fastjet airline rules may change without prior notice. We strongly recommend contacting the airline's call centre or cargo department at least 48 hours before departure to confirm the possibility of transporting your pet.

Fastjet adheres to a modern low-cost carrier model, prioritizing simplicity and accessibility. Currently, the carrier does not use a classic accumulative bonus programme with miles earned for every flight. Instead of a complex points system, the company offers an "Instant Rewards" concept, where the level of comfort and flexibility is determined by the chosen fare bundle for a specific flight.

Participation Levels (Fare Families)

Since Fastjet does not have traditional status cards (Silver or Gold), their role is fulfilled by fixed fare plans. The passenger chooses their "status" for the duration of the flight depending on their needs:

• ValueFlyer (Basic Level): The ideal choice for those travelling light and wanting to save as much as possible. This level provides a standard seat in the cabin and the right to carry cabin baggage. This is the most popular choice for short flights, for example, from the city of Harare to neighbouring regions.
• FlexiFlyer (Privileged Level): The equivalent of an elite status. This fare includes a free checked baggage allowance and, most importantly, the ability to change the departure date an unlimited number of times without penalties (only the fare difference is paid). This is the choice of business travellers flying to Johannesburg or Bulawayo who value flexibility.

How to Benefit (Instead of Earning Miles)

In the absence of a mileage system, passenger benefits are formed through direct discounts and partner offers:

• Savings on Flights: The main "currency" of the programme is real money saved thanks to low base fares. Regular promotions allow you to buy tickets at minimal prices.
• Corporate Offers: For companies frequently sending employees on business trips, there are special corporate agreements offering flexible payment conditions and booking management.
• Partner Networks: The airline periodically collaborates with hotels and car rental services in tourist centres, such as Victoria Falls, providing discounts upon presentation of a boarding pass.

How to Use the Benefits

Since points do not accumulate, there is no need to wait for a "reward ticket." You use the advantages immediately:

• Free Baggage: Available instantly when selecting the FlexiFlyer fare.
• Route Flexibility: The ability to change plans without stress and high penalties, which is critical for dynamic trips, for example, to Lusaka.
• Lounge Access: As part of special promotions or corporate fares, passengers may be granted access to business lounges at partner airports (e.g., The Lounge facilities at Zimbabwe airports) for a separate fee or at a discount.

Alliance Membership

Fastjet is an independent regional carrier and is currently not part of global aviation alliances (such as Star Alliance or SkyTeam). This allows the company to maintain full autonomy in pricing and focus exclusively on routes within Southern Africa.

• Partnerships: Despite its independence, Fastjet has interline agreements and partnerships with some international airlines and tour operators, facilitating connections for tourists arriving from abroad.

How to Join

There is no need to join a programme — every passenger automatically becomes a participant in the privilege system when purchasing a ticket.

• Website Registration: We recommend creating a "My Fastjet" personal account on the official website. This will simplify the booking process, allow you to store passport details, and be the first to receive notifications about sales (Promotions).
• Newsletter Subscription: Be sure to subscribe to the airline's email newsletter, as this is where promo codes and special "Flash Sales" offers, which replace traditional bonuses, are published.

Fastjet positions itself as a low-cost carrier offering "Smart Travel." This means passengers pay for efficiency and speed without sacrificing basic comfort. Despite the budget model, the level of service on board meets high regional standards, and the crew is known for its friendliness and hospitality.

Travel Classes

Since the airline's fleet consists of small regional aircraft, Fastjet offers a single class of service — Economy. There is no separation into a business lounge and "rear cabin" with a curtain here: all passengers share equal conditions of comfort. However, the level of service on the ground and flight flexibility depend on the selected fare (ValueFlyer or FlexiFlyer), as mentioned in the booking rules section.

Seat Configuration and Comfort

Flights are operated on Embraer ERJ 145 jet aircraft, giving Fastjet passengers a unique advantage over travellers on larger liners.

• No Middle Seat: The "1+2" cabin layout means there are no uncomfortable middle seats on the plane. Every passenger gets a seat either by the window or the aisle.
• Personal Space: Seats are upholstered in leather and have a standard pitch for regional lines. Considering that most flights, for example, from the city of Harare to neighbouring countries, last less than an hour and a half, the comfort level is considered more than adequate.
• Overhead Bins: They are compact, so non-standard sized cabin baggage is often offered to be checked into the hold at the aircraft steps free of charge (Valet Service).

Food and Beverages

Unlike many ultra-low-cost carriers that charge even for water, Fastjet strives to delight its clients.

• Light Snacks: On most scheduled flights, all passengers are offered a light snack (usually a snack pack, crisps, or biscuits) and a beverage.
• Beverages: The range of complimentary drinks typically includes water, juices, tea, or coffee. Alcoholic beverages and hot meals are generally not provided on short flights.

In-flight Entertainment

Individual multimedia screens are not installed on board the Embraer ERJ 145, which is typical for short-haul aircraft.

• In-flight Magazine: In the seat pocket, you will find the airline's signature magazine "Places," featuring interesting articles about destinations, insider tips, and a route map.
• Views: The main entertainment is the scenery outside the window. Upon approach to the city of Victoria Falls, passengers can often observe the famous "Smoke that Thunders" (spray from the waterfall) or the Zambezi River channel directly from the window.

Special Services

Fastjet aims to make flights accessible to all categories of citizens and offers a range of services for those requiring additional assistance.

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Staff provide assistance with boarding and disembarking. Wheelchairs are transported free of charge in the baggage hold. It is important to notify the airline of the need for special assistance (WCHR) when booking your ticket so that ground services at airports, such as Johannesburg or Bulawayo, are ready to meet you.
• Unaccompanied Minors: The airline offers a service for transporting unaccompanied minors aged 5 to 11 under the supervision of the crew. This service is chargeable and requires filling out special forms at a sales office or call centre.
• Expectant Mothers: Flights are permitted up to the 28th week of pregnancy without a certificate. From the 28th to the 35th week, a medical certificate is required. After the 36th week, flights are prohibited for safety reasons.

Tip: If you are flying to Lusaka or on other international routes, don't forget to bring your own book or download a movie to your tablet in advance to pass the time with maximum enjoyment.

The route network of Fastjet is built around a strategically important hub in the city of Harare. The carrier acts as a reliable link, uniting the region's main economic centres with unique nature reserves, offering passengers convenient logistics for travel across Southern Africa.

The undisputed leader in popularity is the international "air link" connecting Zimbabwe with South Africa. Flights to the metropolis of Johannesburg operate with high frequency — more than 100 departures every three weeks. Such a dense schedule makes this route an ideal choice for business people who value planning flexibility, as well as for tourists using O.R. Tambo Airport as the main gateway to the continent.

For adventure seekers and nature lovers, the airline offers excellent access to key attractions. From the capital, you can quickly reach a world-famous wonder of the world by landing in the city of Victoria Falls. This route is in huge demand among those who want to see the majestic waterfall. There is also a developed flight network to Bulawayo — the country's cultural and historical capital, where planes depart daily to support business ties and tourism.

Besides flights via the main hub, Fastjet provides convenient direct flights for international guests. Travellers can head to Bulawayo or Victoria Falls directly from Johannesburg, bypassing transfers. The flight geography also covers neighbouring Zambia: regular flights to Lusaka allow tourists to easily combine visits to several countries in one trip.

Flying with a budget airline requires knowing certain nuances that will help save money and stress. Fastjet, being a modern low-cost carrier, operates on a dynamic pricing principle: the higher the demand and the closer the departure date, the more expensive the ticket. We have collected proven tips for you that will make your journey through Southern Africa as comfortable and cost-effective as possible.

Best Time to Book

The main rule for saving with Fastjet is planning ahead. The airline often opens ticket sales 6–9 months before departure. To catch the lowest fares ("ValueFlyer" category), try to book tickets no later than 21 days before the trip. This is especially relevant for popular routes, such as flights between the cities of Harare and Johannesburg, where cheap seats are snapped up very quickly.

Tip: If you plan to travel during holidays or school vacations, book tickets as early as possible, as there are practically no discounts during these periods.

How to Find Discounts and Promotions

Fastjet regularly holds sales, but they are often short-lived.

• Follow Social Media: The most prompt announcements of "Flash Sales" appear on the company's official pages on Facebook and Twitter.
• Newsletter Subscription: Register on the airline's website to receive special offer notifications via email. Subscribers often get promo codes for discounts on flights to Victoria Falls or Bulawayo.
• Date Flexibility: When searching for tickets on the website, use the function to view prices for adjacent dates. Sometimes shifting a trip by one day can save up to 20–30% of the ticket cost.

Online Check-in and Mobile App

Fastjet technologies allow you to minimize time spent in queues. We strongly recommend downloading the official airline mobile app.

• App Features: It is convenient not only for buying tickets but also for managing bookings: adding baggage, changing dates (if the fare allows), and saving boarding passes. This is especially useful in travels where access to a printer is limited.
• Online Check-in: Usually opens 24–30 hours before departure and closes an hour or two prior. By checking in online, you can select a seat and, if you have no checked baggage, go straight to security screening at the airport. This is critically important when departing from busy hubs.

Seat Selection Secrets

The Fastjet fleet consists of Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft with a unique "1+2" cabin configuration. This offers excellent opportunities for choosing a comfortable seat.

• For Solo Travellers: Try to choose seats in row "A". These are single seats by the window where you will have no neighbours on either the left or right. This is a real "business class" experience at an economy price for those who value personal space.
• For Couples: Seats in rows "B" and "C" are ideal for two.
• How to Book: On the cheapest fares, seat selection may be chargeable. However, if you are flying to Lusaka or another international route, a small surcharge for seat "A" will pay off in comfort. Seats can also be selected for free at the start of online check-in, but the best options may already be taken by that time.

Travel Insurance

Despite Fastjet's high reliability, travel in Africa can be unpredictable due to weather conditions. The airline strongly recommends (and sometimes requires for certain visa regimes) having comprehensive travel insurance.

• What Insurance Should Cover: Ensure your policy includes coverage for flight cancellation or delay, lost baggage, and medical expenses.
• Medical Evacuation: If you plan active recreation at Victoria Falls or a safari in Zimbabwe, check that the insurance covers emergency transport.

By following these simple recommendations, you can enjoy a safe, budget-friendly, and pleasant flight with one of the region's most punctual airlines.

The history of Fastjet is a fascinating example of how the European low-cost carrier model was successfully adapted to the unique conditions of the African market. Over the past decade, the company has gone from an ambitious startup to a leading regional carrier, becoming a symbol of reliability in the skies over Southern Africa.

Foundation and Ambitious Start

The Fastjet brand was officially launched in 2012. Its creation was driven by individuals directly involved in founding the legendary European airline easyJet. The main idea was to create the first Pan-African budget airline network that would make flying accessible to the general population, replacing long bus journeys with fast and affordable flights.

Initially, the company began its operations in East Africa, but soon the development vector shifted to the south of the continent. Management saw huge potential in developing air connections within Zimbabwe and on routes to South Africa. This decision became a turning point that defined the modern face of the company with its key hub in the city of Harare.

Fleet Evolution: From Airbus to Embraer

In the early years of its existence, Fastjet used classic low-cost Airbus A319 aircraft with a capacity of over 140 passengers. However, the specifics of regional routes required greater flexibility. The company made a strategically important decision to completely change its fleet.

The transition to more compact and economical Embraer ERJ 145 jet aircraft allowed the airline to:

• Increase flight frequency (several departures per day instead of one large one);
• Ensure profitability even on routes with moderate passenger traffic;
• Offer passengers a more convenient schedule for business trips and connections.

Route Network Development and Strengthening Positions

Focusing on operations in Zimbabwe (under the legal entity Fastjet Zimbabwe), the carrier began actively developing the "Golden Triangle" of routes. A key achievement was establishing a stable air bridge with the economic heart of the region — the city of Johannesburg. This route became a vital artery for business and trade.

In parallel, the company invested in tourism development, making the world-famous resort of Victoria Falls accessible for daily visits. The launch of regular flights to Bulawayo allowed the country's second-largest city to connect with major international hubs. Geographic expansion continued with entry into the Zambian market with flights to the city of Lusaka, strengthening Fastjet's status as an important player in the SADC (Southern African Development Community) region.

Innovation and Recognition

In recent years, Fastjet has banked on digitalization and customer service. The airline was one of the first in the region to introduce convenient mobile apps allowing booking management on the go, and offered alternative ticket payment methods via mobile wallets, which is critically important for the local market.

The team's efforts have not gone unnoticed: Fastjet has repeatedly been recognized as "Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline" at the prestigious World Travel Awards. Today, having overcome the challenges of past years and the global pandemic, the company continues to remain synonymous with punctuality and "Smart Travel" in Southern Africa.