Best Airlines for Cheap Flights to South Africa

Flying to South Africa doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when you know which airlines offer the best value. Whether planning a visit to Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban, choosing the right airline can help you find cheap flights to South Africa with excellent service and smooth connections.

So, check out this guide with 7 top airlines offering affordable flights to South Africa, including their key routes, highlights, and reasons travelers trust them.

1. Emirates

Emirates is one of the most well-known airlines in the world. Based in Dubai, the airline is famous for its excellent service, modern aircraft, and global network. Its young fleet ensures comfort and reliability on long trips.

Why Fly Emirates:
Emirates offers daily flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban through Dubai. Its generous baggage policy and award-winning entertainment system make it a favorite among travelers.

Top Routes:

• New York (JFK) → Dubai → Johannesburg (JNB)
• Toronto (YYZ) → Dubai → Cape Town (CPT)

In Summary: With frequent promotions and reliable connections, Emirates delivers excellent value and comfort.

2. Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline. It operates a fast-growing network and belongs to the Star Alliance. Based in Addis Ababa, the airline connects many global cities with African destinations.

Why Fly Ethiopian:
Ethiopian Airlines is known for its affordable fares and wide route network. Travelers flying to South Africa can easily connect through Addis Ababa. Its friendly service and reliability make it a solid choice.

Top Routes:

• Washington D.C. (IAD) → Addis Ababa → Johannesburg
• Newark (EWR) → Addis Ababa → Johannesburg

Also Consider: Star Alliance members can use or earn points when flying with Ethiopian Airlines.

3. United Airlines

United Airlines is a major U.S. carrier with global reach. It’s one of the few airlines offering nonstop flights between the U.S. and South Africa, making it very convenient for East Coast travelers.

Why Fly United:
United offers nonstop service from Newark to Johannesburg. This route saves time and avoids the hassle of layovers. Flights are frequent, and service is dependable.

Top Route:

• Newark (EWR) → Johannesburg (JNB)

Tip: Booking early often secures better prices, especially during holiday seasons.

4. Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has won many awards for its premium service. Based in Doha, the airline operates one of the youngest fleets and offers flights to cities worldwide.

Why Fly Qatar Airways:
Qatar Airways serves Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban with smooth layovers in Doha. Travelers enjoy comfortable seating, great food, and friendly crew members.

Top Routes:

• Chicago (ORD) → Doha → Johannesburg
• Los Angeles (LAX) → Doha → Cape Town

Bonus: Qatar often runs sales, making finding good deals on long-haul flights easier.

5. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline. With a strong reputation for onboard meals and hospitality, it’s a popular option for travelers who want quality at a fair price.

Why Fly Turkish Airlines:
Connecting through Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers excellent service and competitive pricing. Travelers can also enjoy free hotel stopovers on long layovers.

Top Routes:

• Boston (BOS) → Istanbul → Johannesburg
• Miami (MIA) → Istanbul → Cape Town

Tip: Istanbul layovers can add an extra destination to your trip at no extra cost.

6. British Airways

British Airways is the national airline of the United Kingdom. It connects North America and South Africa with frequent service through London.

Why Fly British Airways:
With easy connections through London, British Airways offers flexible schedules and dependable service. It’s also part of the oneworld alliance, so points and benefits are easy to use.

Top Routes:

• New York (JFK) → London (LHR) → Johannesburg
• Chicago (ORD) → London → Cape Town

Good to Know: Flights are reliable, and flexible booking policies make this a dependable option. Therefore, it’s a practical choice for families and business travelers alike.

7. Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is a British airline known for its bold branding and relaxed onboard atmosphere. It partners with other global airlines for easy connections to South Africa.

Why Fly Virgin Atlantic:
Virgin Atlantic flies through London and provides a stylish and comfortable experience. The airline’s loyalty program is great for earning rewards on long trips.

Top Route:

• Atlanta (ATL) → London → Johannesburg

Extra Tip: Virgin Atlantic offers good value for travelers seeking comfort without the high price.

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to South Africa

Finding cheap flights to South Africa isn’t just about choosing the right airline—it’s also about knowing when and how to book. Here are some expert tips to help you lock in a better fare:

• Book in advance. Ideally, reserve your ticket 2 to 6 months before your departure date. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, especially during holidays and school breaks.
• Be flexible with your dates. Flying midweek—on Tuesdays or Wednesdays—often results in lower fares than weekends. Additionally, flying outside of peak seasons can lead to better deals.
• Compare nearby airports. If you live near multiple airports, check fares from each one. Sometimes, driving a little farther can save you hundreds.
• Use a travel agent. Booking with a live agent at ASAP Tickets means access to unpublished fares, customized itineraries, and special discounts that aren’t available online.
• Sign up for fare alerts. This allows you to track deals in real time. You’ll be the first to know when prices drop on flights to South Africa. The easiest way is to subscribe to ASAP Tickets Travel Newsletter.

In short, planning and flexibility can go a long way toward reducing travel costs. So, don’t wait until the last minute—use these tips to find better fares and enjoy more value on your next trip.

When Is the Best Time to Find Cheap Flights to South Africa?

Timing can make a big difference when searching for cheap flights to South Africa. Fortunately, with a bit of flexibility and good planning, you can save a lot.

Off-Peak Travel (Best Savings)

If saving money is your priority, plan to travel during South Africa’s low seasons. These periods usually fall between mid-January and March and September to early November. During these months, fewer tourists visit, so airlines often drop prices to attract more passengers.

Shoulder Seasons (Still Great Deals)

Alternatively, shoulder seasons—such as April to May or late August—also offer a smart balance between good weather and affordable airfares. However, remember that Ramadan occurs in May-June, and flights can cost more when more people travel home. Although the flights may cost a bit more than off-peak times, you’ll still save compared to peak seasons.

Peak Seasons (Higher Prices)

On the other hand, December holidays, especially Christmas and New Year, bring a surge of travelers. Not surprisingly, flight prices soar during this period. If you must travel during the holidays, booking very early, ideally 6 months ahead, is best to get the best available rates.

In conclusion, knowing the rhythm of travel seasons can help you pick the perfect time to book. That way, you’ll enjoy your trip to South Africa without overspending!

How to Book Cheap Flights to South Africa

Booking cheap flights to South Africa is easier when you work with experts. We partner with over 200 global airlines at ASAP Tickets, including the top seven listed above.

Here’s how ASAP Tickets can help you save:

• We offer exclusive deals not listed online.
• Our agents customize flights to fit your schedule and budget.
• We can work with flexible dates or multi-city options to offer the itinerary that fits your plans and your budget.

Our agents handle all the details, so you don’t have to. With our support, you can book a smooth, affordable trip with confidence. So, call us at 844-300-7983 to speak with an expert and get started.