Flights, baggage allowance, onboard services, and travel information
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Live schedule
Baggage rules
Air Botswana direct flights
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Air Botswana Flight Deals & Sales
Air Botswana launches sales and special offers on their tickets very often. We are keeping a sharp eye on such events to make sure you can always save on their tickets. Keep in mind that those offers usually have a limited timeframe and by the time of search may already be sold.
Botswana, Gaborone, Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, , 00267
Founded in 1972, Air Botswana is the government-owned flag carrier of Botswana operating a small domestic and regional network across southern Africa. Strengths include government backing, focused domestic connectivity and generally competitive fares. Limitations are a limited route network and frequencies, an aging fleet with occasional reliability and punctuality issues, and modest onboard amenities; it is not a low-cost carrier nor branded as a premium operator. It currently has no Skytrax rating. Service is generally basic.
On Air Botswana’s regional network, pets are generally not accepted in the passenger cabin; instead, cats and dogs usually travel in the temperature‑controlled hold as checked baggage (AVIH) when conditions and aircraft permit, or as manifested cargo. Space for animals is limited on each flight, so you should request carriage well in advance and wait for written confirmation before you buy or finalize tickets. Acceptance can vary by route, aircraft type, and local airport facilities, and it may be restricted during very hot periods common in Southern Africa. For smooth connections, align rules across all carriers on your itinerary, because the least‑permissive policy will govern.
Trained service dogs assisting a person with a disability are normally accepted in the cabin free of charge, provided you present the required documentation and the dog remains harnessed at your feet without occupying a seat. Emotional‑support or therapy animals are treated as pets and follow AVIH/cargo rules. Some destinations impose additional entry controls or quarantine for service animals; factor this into your timing. If in doubt, always reconfirm with Air Botswana Reservations before you travel.
Carriers and weight limits
For the hold, use an IATA‑compliant hard kennel: rigid shell, secure metal door, sufficient ventilation on three or more sides, and a leak‑proof base with absorbent bedding. Your companion must be able to stand without ears touching the roof, turn around, and lie down naturally; for snub‑nosed breeds, choose a larger size to improve airflow. Fit spill‑proof water containers inside the door and attach feeding instructions and contact details on the exterior. Wheels must be removed or locked, and cable‑ties may be required by airport staff.
Exact size and weight limits depend on the aircraft’s hold door and floor loading. As a regional guideline, many airlines (including Air Botswana on certain routes) accept a pet plus kennel up to roughly 32 kg as checked baggage, with heavier or oversized kennels routed as cargo; the final limit is confirmed at booking. Two adult animals in one kennel are rarely permitted; small littermates of similar size may be accepted only under strict age and weight thresholds. Because ATRs and regional jets have narrower hold doors, pre‑approval of kennel dimensions is essential.
Documents and health requirements
Botswana entry and exit rules require veterinary paperwork in order, and some items must be obtained in advance. Expect to need an import or export permit issued by the Department of Veterinary Services (apply several business days ahead), an official veterinary health certificate dated close to travel, and a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Rabies shots typically must be administered at least 30 days before travel and remain within the vaccine’s validity; very young puppies and kittens may be refused until eligible. An ISO‑compatible microchip is strongly recommended, and it may be mandatory for certain transits even if Botswana does not require it.
Keep a tidy folder and original documents handy. A practical checklist includes: • Import/export (or transit) permit • Veterinary health certificate (endorsed by a government vet) • Rabies vaccination certificate and full vaccination record • Owner’s ID copies and contact details • Service‑dog training/assistance documentation (if applicable) • CITES permits for protected species or wildlife products.
Fees, species limits, and destination rules
Expect a pet carriage fee charged per kennel; amounts vary by route, aircraft, and whether the animal travels as checked baggage or as cargo, and they are generally not included in your free baggage allowance. Numbers of animals per flight are capped, and carriage can be embargoed during extreme temperatures or when ground handling limitations apply. Some breeds (brachycephalics) face additional risk and may be declined in hot weather; powerful breeds might require reinforced kennels that meet IATA CR82 standards. If your itinerary includes other airlines, the highest fee and strictest rule will usually apply.
Not all species are accepted. Birds may be restricted due to avian‑flu controls, and many airlines do not carry reptiles, rodents, or exotic pets as baggage—these often must move as cargo with specialist handling. Wild or protected species require CITES compliance and are subject to strict export/import rules. Certain countries in the region impose additional veterinary permits or border inspections; build in extra time to secure them.
Preparing your pet for a calmer journey
A few days before departure, let your pet explore the kennel so it feels like a safe den; feed inside the kennel and practice short stays to reduce stress. On the day, offer a light meal four hours before check‑in and avoid heavy feeding right before travel. Most veterinarians and airlines advise against sedation for air travel because it can mask distress and affect temperature regulation—consult your vet and carry written advice if medication is essential. Freeze water in the bowl so it melts gradually during handling, and attach spare leash/collar inside a pouch on the kennel.
For day‑of logistics, arrive earlier than usual to allow document checks and security screening of the empty kennel. Keep copies of permits on your phone and paper originals in your hand baggage. Clearly label the kennel with your name, mobile number, destination address, and feeding instructions, and add “Live Animals” stickers. If weather or aircraft changes force a rebooking, having flexible dates and contactable numbers helps the airline protect your itinerary.
Booking and check‑in, step by step
Contact Air Botswana early—ideally at ticketing—to request pet carriage, providing species, breed, crate external dimensions, and combined weight; wait for written approval before finalizing plans. Reconfirm 48–72 hours prior, as operational limits can change. On departure day, check in at the counter first for document verification, then proceed to the designated oversized or live‑animal drop‑off point. Keep original permits with you, not taped to the kennel. With these steps—and a well‑prepared crate—your companion’s journey will be safer, calmer, and more predictable.
Air Botswana: Flying With Children and Infants
Age categories on BP
Air Botswana (BP) uses the familiar IATA age bands you may know from other airlines. An infant is a child under 2 years old on the date of travel, a child is from 2 to 11 years, and an adult is generally 12 years and older. These categories matter because fares, seating, and baggage are tied to them. If your baby turns two during the trip, the return sector normally requires a paid seat at the child fare. Always double‑check the age on the ticket to ensure it matches what the airline expects at check‑in.
Seats and tickets for infants
You can travel with an infant as a lap baby or purchase a seat and use an approved child restraint. One adult may hold one lap infant; a second infant requires a dedicated seat. Lap infants don’t get an assigned seat and must be secured for taxi, take‑off, and landing as directed by crew; on BP’s regional fleet, an infant loop belt may be provided where regulations permit. Buying a seat for your baby allows you to use a car seat and can make long sectors easier, especially if you value having your hands free.
Infant pricing is different from child fares. A lap infant travels on an infant ticket (typically a fraction of the adult fare plus taxes), while an infant in their own seat books on a child fare. Children aged 2–11 occupy their own seat and are ticketed at child fares; from 12+, adult fares apply. Because fare rules can vary by route and season, it’s wise to review the exact conditions in your booking before you pay.
Baggage for little travelers
Children who have their own seat (ages 2–11, or an infant with a purchased seat) usually receive the same cabin and checked baggage allowance as the accompanying adult in the same cabin and fare brand. Air Botswana uses different allowances on domestic and regional routes, so the definitive limit is the one printed on your e‑ticket receipt. Cabin space on ATR and Embraer aircraft is tight, so aim for a compact carry‑on that fits easily overhead, and keep baby essentials under the seat in front of you.
Lap infants often do not have a full checked allowance, but BP typically accepts key baby items. A small diaper bag as part of the adult’s carry‑on, plus a collapsible stroller/buggy and a car seat are commonly carried free of charge when traveling with a child, either as checked or at the gate. Some fares provide a modest infant checked allowance; if that matters to you, confirm the exact kilos or piece limit before packing. to strollers and car seats and remove loose accessories before handing them over.
Air Botswana Teemane Club Guide
Air Botswana Teemane Club Guide
How membership works and tiers
Air Botswana (IATA: BP) runs a straightforward frequent flyer program commonly referred to as the Teemane Club, designed for travelers hopping between Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, Francistown, and regional hubs like Johannesburg and Cape Town. Enrollment is free, and the entry level lets you start earning immediately, with status tiers that build recognition as you fly more. While the airline periodically refines thresholds, you generally qualify for Silver and Gold by completing a set number of eligible flights or accruing enough points within a 12‑month window. Status typically runs for a year, and requalification follows the same pattern, with occasional soft‑landings if you just miss the mark. It’s a compact, practical scheme: easy to join, easy to understand, and focused on benefits that matter most on short regional sectors.
Earning points on flights and partners
You earn points (often presented as miles) on eligible Air Botswana‑operated flights based on the distance flown and the fare you buy; flexible fares generally earn more, while deeply discounted tickets earn less. Taxes and government fees don’t earn, and special fares or tour packages may be excluded, so it’s worth checking fare rules before you book. Missing credit can usually be claimed retroactively by submitting your itinerary and boarding passes within a stated timeframe, and posted points often appear in your account a few days after travel. Beyond flights, Air Botswana periodically partners with local hotels, car‑hire brands, and event campaigns to award bonus points, though these offers are seasonal rather than always‑on. Because the partner list changes, it pays to scan promotions when you plan a safari itinerary through Maun or Kasane.
Alliances, codeshares, and where points go further
Air Botswana is not a member of a global airline alliance, and partner‑airline earning is limited to occasional bilateral arrangements that can change without much fanfare. Practically, that means you’ll get the most reliable earning by keeping your BP flights credited to Teemane rather than hunting for cross‑credit on unrelated programs. When codeshares are in place, earning and eligibility usually depend on both the marketing and operating carrier, so always enter your Teemane number and keep your boarding passes until the flight credits. If you hold elite status elsewhere, Air Botswana has been known to support corporate or case‑by‑case recognition, but formal status matches are not guaranteed.
Inside Air Botswana’s Fleet
The big picture
Air Botswana runs a compact, purpose-built fleet designed for regional reliability rather than sheer size. As of late 2024, the airline operates three aircraft: two ATR 72-600 turboprops that shoulder most domestic and short regional routes, and one Embraer 170 regional jet for the busiest, slightly longer sectors. This mix keeps the network nimble in a market where seasonal safari flows and business travel can swing quickly. At peak times, the carrier has been known to supplement capacity with short-term leases, but the day-to-day backbone remains those ATRs paired with the single E-Jet.
Most-used types and how they’re set up
The ATR 72-600 is the workhorse you’re most likely to fly, chosen for its dependable short-field performance and low fuel burn on sectors under two hours. Cabins are typically in a single-class, 2–2 layout with roughly 68–72 seats, giving a cozy feel without a middle seat anywhere—across the fleet it’s all 2–2. Overhead bin space is modest (a quirk of many turboprops), but the -600 cabin is modern, quiet, and brightly lit, which helps flights to places like Maun and Kasane feel calm and unhurried. The Embraer 170 brings a jet’s quicker cruise speed with similar 2–2 seating for about 70–76 passengers, making it a good fit for routes such as Gaborone–Johannesburg or occasional longer regional hops where schedule reliability and block-time matter.
Newest and oldest in service
Air Botswana’s newest aircraft type is the ATR 72-600, delivered in 2018 and still very much mid-life, combining glass-cockpit avionics with efficient PW127M engines. These ATRs replaced earlier-generation turboprops and have helped sharpen on-time performance and dispatch reliability on hot-and-high days. The oldest frame in the fleet is the Embraer 170, typically a mid-2000s build that the airline keeps competitive through careful maintenance and cabin refreshes. While older than the ATRs, the E170 remains a sweet spot for runway performance and right-sized capacity in Southern Africa’s regional market.
What’s next for the fleet
Looking ahead, the airline’s publicly signaled intent is to keep a light, fuel-thrifty fleet that matches demand rather than chasing scale. That points to continued reliance on the ATR 72-600 for domestic and safari gateway flying, with the possibility of an additional ATR or a newer-generation E-Jet if sustained demand justifies it. As of now, there are no widely disclosed firm orders, and retirements appear paced to utilization and maintenance cycles rather than a hard calendar. In practical terms, expect incremental growth—seasonal leases when needed, and eventually a refresh of the E170 slot with either a younger E175/190 or an efficiency-focused alternative.
Air Botswana Meal Guide
When you fly with Air Botswana (BP), the meal experience is shaped by short regional sectors and practical onboard galleys. That means you can expect complimentary light refreshments on most routes, with the offering scaling gently by time of day and flight length. Rather than a lavish multi-course service, BP focuses on simple, travel-friendly fare that’s easy to enjoy at altitude. It’s a straightforward approach that keeps you hydrated and fed without overcomplicating a brief journey.
What to expect by route and cabin
On very short domestic hops, service typically centers on packaged snacks and non‑alcoholic drinks—think water, sodas, juices, and hot beverages—served quickly after takeoff. Morning flights may bring a pastry or biscuit, while midday and evening departures lean toward savory bites. On longer regional sectors (around 70–90 minutes and above), you may receive a light cold meal such as a sandwich or wrap with a small sweet. Because many flights use turboprop aircraft with compact galleys, hot meals are uncommon and the service cadence is intentionally streamlined.
Air Botswana operates mostly a single‑cabin experience, though select aircraft and routes may feature a small premium section. Where offered, the difference is comfort-first rather than culinary theatre: slightly more space, priority service, and a broader beverage selection. Exact items vary by departure station and catering availability, so offerings from Gaborone can differ from Johannesburg or Maun. As with any regional airline, specifics are subject to change based on aircraft, schedule, and operational needs.
Dietary needs and special meals
If you follow a special diet, BP’s options are modest but workable on the routes it serves. Vegetarian and simple vegan choices are often inherent in the light-meal rotation, while gluten‑free or diabetic‑friendly requests may be arranged on select flights with advance notice. The safest approach is to place a request through the airline or your travel agent at least 48 hours before departure and reconfirm during check‑in. Not every station can cater every specification, so have a backup plan for very short sectors.
For severe allergies, particularly nuts, the airline cannot guarantee an entirely allergen‑free environment. Crews do their best with seating, announcements, and cleaning protocols, but snacks are typically packaged and catering varies by third‑party provider. If you keep an EpiPen or essential medication, carry it in your personal item and inform the crew. Halal or kosher meals may be limited outside major catering bases; for strict observance, bring a sealed cold meal that doesn’t require heating.
Air Botswana In‑Flight Entertainment Guide
What to expect on board
Air Botswana (BP) mostly flies short regional hops, and its cabins reflect that practical focus. You won’t find traditional seatback screens or a large built‑in media library, so in‑flight entertainment leans simple and low‑tech. The airline’s inflight magazine, Peolwane, is the centerpiece when available, offering destination pieces, culture features, and route information that make a nice companion to a quick flight. Cabin music may play during boarding and after landing, but there isn’t a selectable audio program. If you enjoy window views, the ATR turboprops serve up plenty of scenery—sometimes the most engaging “program” is right outside your seat.
Access: screens vs personal devices
Because there are no seatback systems and no streaming portal, entertainment is essentially BYOD—bring your own device. Load your phone or tablet with movies, TV episodes, playlists, podcasts, and ebooks before you leave; once the doors close, you’ll rely on what you’ve saved. Power outlets and USB ports are not standard on Air Botswana’s current fleet, so assume you’ll be running on battery and pack a small power bank. Wired headphones tend to be the most reliable option on board; keep a dongle handy if your device needs one. For families, pre-downloaded kids’ shows and offline games can make the short sectors feel even shorter.
Variety and quality of content
The printed content on board focuses on Botswana and the Southern African region, which means you get highly local, travel‑relevant reading rather than a generic global catalog. Features in Peolwane often highlight parks, lodges, and cultural events, making it a helpful primer if you’re planning onward adventures. On some departures, you may also find newspapers or route maps, though availability varies by station and flight time. Since there’s no digital catalog, the quality of your movie or music lineup is really the quality of what you curate yourself—think fresh playlists, a new series queued offline, and an ebook you’ve been meaning to finish.
Cabin differences you might notice
Most Air Botswana flights are operated in an all‑Economy layout, especially on ATR aircraft, so entertainment access is essentially the same for every seat. On occasional services operated by jets configured with a small Business Class cabin, the difference you’ll feel is seating comfort and service touches rather than screen time. Regardless of cabin, there isn’t a separate media library or headset distribution to change the IFE picture. If a quiet environment helps your focus, Business can be a little calmer, making it easier to enjoy your own content. Still, plan for a consistent, self‑managed approach to entertainment across classes.
Always attach name tags
Strollers, car seats, and bassinets
You can bring a stroller to the gate at most stations; it will be gate‑checked and returned at the aircraft door or at baggage claim depending on local procedures. For car seats, choose a model approved for aircraft use (for example, labeled to FAA/ECE standards), ensure it fits the seat width, and request a window seat—car seats are not permitted in exit rows and are best placed by the window so they don’t block access. Crew may ask you to install it yourself following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Bassinets are generally not fitted on BP’s typical fleet (ATR 72‑600 and Embraer 170), so plan to hold your infant or secure them in a car seat if you purchased a seat. If a baby bed is essential for your family, consider scheduling around nap times and bringing a soft wearable carrier for hands‑free comfort in flight.
Meals, entertainment, and boarding
Service on Air Botswana is simple and geared to short regional sectors: expect water, juice, tea/coffee, and a light snack. Special children’s meals are limited or not offered, so pack familiar snacks, formula, and baby food; security usually allows reasonable quantities for infants—declare them and be ready for screening. Cabin crews can often provide hot water, but not warming or sterilizing equipment, so bring your own bottles and a small thermos if needed.
There are no seatback screens and typically no onboard Wi‑Fi or in‑seat power on BP aircraft. Download shows, audiobooks, and games before you leave, and carry child‑safe headphones. Families with young children are usually invited to pre‑board; if it’s not announced, ask the gate agent. Early boarding gives you time to stow gear and settle without the rush.
Practical tips for parents
Seat maps on BP’s aircraft are mostly 2‑2 across; choosing a window pair lets you create a small family “bubble.” Bulkhead rows offer space but limited under‑seat storage, so keep a slim pouch with diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes within reach. Ears can pop on climb and descent—feeding, a pacifier, or sips of water help equalize pressure. Lavatories on turboprops can be compact; a foldable changing mat makes life easier.
• Pack smart: two zip pouches (feeding and changing), spare baby outfit, light blanket, disinfecting wipes, and a few new small toys. • Documents: every child needs valid ID; for cross‑border travel, check visa and consent‑letter requirements well before departure.
Policies can change, and specific allowances vary by route and fare. For certainty, review the baggage line on your e‑ticket, and if you plan to use a car seat or gate‑check a stroller, note it in your booking or call Air Botswana before you fly.
Redeeming rewards without frustration
Redemptions focus on what the airline flies: one‑way or return award tickets across the domestic network and short‑haul regional routes. Seat availability is capacity‑controlled, and you’ll pay taxes and airport charges in cash, but there are typically no draconian blackout dates—booking early for peak safari months is the real unlock. Upgrades may be offered on routes and aircraft where multiple cabins or enhanced seating exist, yet on many ATR‑operated flights awards are best used for pure flight redemption rather than cabin moves. Non‑flight uses appear from time to time—think excess‑baggage vouchers, lounge passes, or fee waivers during promotions—but flight awards almost always deliver the clearest value. Changes and cancellations on awards are generally possible for a fee, and your points will have a set validity period, so keep an eye on expiry notices in your account.
Benefits you actually feel at each tier
At the base level you gain access to earning and redeeming, plus priority waitlist handling on busy safari and holiday weekends. Silver members typically see tangible day‑of‑travel perks: priority check‑in, earlier boarding, preferred seating when available, and a modest extra baggage allowance—useful on equipment that enforces strict weight limits. Gold enhances the experience with higher baggage allowances, priority baggage return, standby precedence, and access to lounges at Gaborone and select contracted lounges regionally when flying BP. Customer‑service privileges—like dedicated queues and faster issue resolution—matter more than they sound, especially on weather‑affected days when a short‑haul schedule can ripple. Benefits are designed to streamline short flights rather than add frills you’ll rarely use, which is why frequent domestic travelers feel the tier difference most strongly.
Smart strategies to maximize value
Aim your redemptions at peak‑fare routes (for example, seasonal travel to Maun or Kasane) where points displace high cash prices. Book early, then watch for extra award seats released close to departure.
Keep your account active: log at least one flight or promo earn within the validity window so points don’t lapse, and set calendar reminders for expiry.
Always add your number at booking and save boarding passes for retro claims; submit missing credits promptly if they don’t post.
Compare fares: a slightly higher, more flexible fare can earn meaningfully more points and protect your plans if timings shift.
Travel light? Use status for priority services rather than extra baggage; if you need weight, redeem or request baggage vouchers instead of burning a full award.
On multi‑stop safaris, combine shorter sectors into one itinerary to ensure all segments credit correctly and to reduce change fees.
Watch limited‑time partner promos—hotel nights in Gaborone or car hire tied to your trip can top up balances just when you’re nearing an award.
If you mostly fly within Botswana or link to the region via Johannesburg or Cape Town, the Teemane Club offers a compact, mile‑by‑mile payoff that fits the network. Confirm current thresholds, partner lists, and lounge locations on Air Botswana’s site before you book, as details can evolve. That small habit keeps your points working harder—exactly the point of a loyalty program built for short hops and big journeys.
Sustainability and efficiency
For an airline of this size, fleet choice is the sustainability strategy. The ATR 72-600 can burn up to 35–40% less fuel than comparable regional jets on short sectors, lowering CO₂ and noise where it counts most. The carrier’s operating playbook—single-engine taxi when conditions allow, optimized flight planning, and continuous descent approaches—helps trim fuel use further. Both ATR and Embraer types are certified to use blended sustainable aviation fuel, positioning the fleet to adopt SAF as supply becomes available in the region, while participation in ICAO’s CORSIA framework underpins emissions monitoring and offsets where required.
Good-to-know aircraft facts
Botswana’s combination of heat, altitude, and occasionally shorter runways is exactly where the ATR 72-600 shines, which is one reason you’ll see it on key links to the Okavango Delta gateways. The E170 complements that with jet speed on trunk routes, keeping schedules tight and connections smooth. A small but meaningful comfort perk: no middle seats anywhere—every row on both types is 2–2. Historically, Air Botswana has cycled through types like the BAe 146 and earlier ATR variants, but today’s pared-down fleet is intentionally simpler, which supports better aircraft utilization and fewer operational surprises. For travelers, that translates to predictable cabins, sensible seat maps, and aircraft that fit the region’s geography as well as its travel rhythms.
Taste, variety, and beverages
The emphasis is on fresh, unfussy items that travel well: sandwiches or wraps, savory pastries, biscuits, and occasionally fruit or a small dessert. Quality leans toward reliable rather than elaborate, with periodic local touches depending on the caterer. Beverage service usually includes still water, soft drinks, juices, tea, and coffee; sparkling water and specialty drinks can be inconsistent. Crews are happy to top up water when supplies allow, so bringing a reusable bottle is wise.
Families will find the snack‑forward approach handy—there’s little waiting and everything is easy to handle in‑seat. If you’re traveling with children or have particular preferences, pack a familiar snack to complement the onboard selection. Waste reduction is a consideration on these short legs, so expect compact portions and minimal packaging. It keeps the cabin tidy and service moving smoothly on tight flight times.
Alcohol service and policies
Alcohol is typically limited to select international services and may include beer or wine when catering supply and local regulations permit. On many domestic flights, alcohol is not offered, and even where it is, service is time‑boxed to the cruise portion of the flight. You must be of legal drinking age and may be asked for ID; personal alcohol can’t be consumed onboard. The crew may decline or limit service at their discretion and will pause service during turbulence or short finals.
Partnerships and local touches
Air Botswana does not publicize formal collaborations with celebrity chefs, and the catering concept reflects the airline’s regional focus. That said, you may notice locally sourced items or regional flavors when uplifted from larger stations. Packaging and menu composition can differ by base as BP works with certified third‑party caterers across its network. Think of it as a practical, place‑aware approach rather than a branded culinary program.
Practical tips for your flight
Request special meals or note dietary needs at least 48 hours in advance and reconfirm at check‑in.
Pack a small backup snack if you’re particular about ingredients, portions, or timing.
For allergies, carry medication in-cabin and brief the crew early; BP cannot guarantee a nut‑free cabin.
Bring a reusable bottle for easy water top‑ups once you’ve cleared security.
If meal timing matters, earlier rows are served first on most aircraft—choose seats accordingly when possible.
Alcohol availability varies; don’t rely on it for domestic legs and always carry water.
With realistic expectations and a bit of planning, Air Botswana’s light, efficient service slots neatly into a short regional journey—enough to take the edge off, without getting in the way of your trip.
Wi‑Fi and onboard connectivity
At the time of writing, Air Botswana does not offer onboard Wi‑Fi or cellular connectivity, and there’s no carrier app to stream from the aircraft. That means messaging, email, and cloud streaming will pause after takeoff, and there’s no paid plan to unlock them in flight. Treat the experience as an offline window—switch to airplane mode, lower your screen brightness, and preserve battery life while you enjoy what you’ve saved. If you need to sync work or download content, do it at the airport before boarding. And remember: mobile roaming won’t connect at cruising altitude even if you see a bar or two during climb‑out.
Partnerships and content sources
Because there’s no streaming platform or seatback catalog, Air Botswana does not advertise formal entertainment partnerships with major studios or music services. The airline’s printed magazine is typically produced with regional contributors and tourism voices, giving it a distinctly local perspective rather than a syndicated one. That local angle is a plus if you’re keen to discover new parks, routes, and cultural highlights. In short, there’s value in the material you’ll find on board, but no hidden library unlocked by a portal or login.
Tips to make the most of it
Think of Air Botswana’s flights as a chance to reset—with a little prep, you can turn a simple cabin into a comfortable mini‑theatre or reading nook. The golden rule is download before you go: queue episodes, playlists, and podcasts while on reliable Wi‑Fi, and verify they play offline. Keep your device set to low‑power mode, dim the screen, and close background apps to stretch your battery. A lightweight paperback or puzzle book pairs nicely with short sectors and turbulence‑safe periods when devices are stowed. And if views are your thing, choose a window seat on the ATR for a front‑row look at Botswana’s landscapes.
Pre‑download shows, music, ebooks, maps, and articles for offline use.
Pack wired headphones and a small power bank; don’t rely on seat power.
Enable offline modes in Spotify/Apple Music/YouTube/Netflix before boarding.
Bring a non‑glare reading option for bright daytime flights.
Skim Peolwane for local ideas you can actually use at your destination.
In sum, Air Botswana’s in‑flight entertainment is intentionally simple. With a little planning—and a good playlist or article queue—you’ll have exactly what you want, when you want it, even without screens or Wi‑Fi.
