Flights from South Africa to the USA

Where from?

Where to?

Dates

Passengers & Class

1 Adult, Economy/Coach

Flights to the US from South Africa

Thinking about a trip to the United States? Great choice! In this guide, we’ll outline the best flights from South Africa to the USA. We'll cover non-stop flights, budget-friendly options, and important travel information.

Heads up: South Africans need a visa to visit the USA. You'll have to fill out an application, pay a fee, and go for an interview at the US embassy or consulate in South Africa. You'll also need to show your passport and proof that you have enough money for your trip. The kind of visa you need depends on why you're visiting. For a holiday, you'd usually get a B-2 visitor visa.

Check our guide for visa-free travel destinations for South Africans. It lists all the countries South Africans can visit visa-free, giving you some alternative options while you wait for your US visa.

Currency: The United States uses the US dollar. We recommend exchanging some South African Rand to dollars before arrival. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for smaller purchases.

Let’s explore where you can fly to in the United States from South Africa.

New York

For South Africans, reaching the Big Apple couldn’t be easier. United offers direct flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) from both Cape Town (CPT) and Johannesburg (JNB).

United operates daily Dreamliner (787-9) flights from Johannesburg, taking around 15 hours and 45 minutes. From Cape Town, United offers a near-daily service on the spacious 777-200, with a similar flight time. Both flights are overnight, perfect for catching some sleep and arriving refreshed.

While Newark (EWR) might sound like a detour, it's actually a major airport conveniently situated just outside New York City. Getting from EWR to NYC is simple. Trains run regularly between the airport and Manhattan, taking about 30 minutes. Alternatively, rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are readily available.

South African summers (December to February) coincide with New York's winter, which can be brisk but magical, with festive decorations and holiday markets. Alternatively, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery in Central Park.

With United’s direct flights from South Africa, experiencing the Big Apple is now easier than ever!

Atlanta

Looking for flights from Johannesburg to the US? Delta offers daily nonstop flights on their state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft, which takes about 16 hours.

Delta’s A350s have three seating options: Delta One Suites, Premium Select (premium economy), and Economy Class. We think it's the best option for flying to the US from South Africa because of Delta’s excellent service and comfortable seating across all cabin classes.

Travelling from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to the city of Atlanta is very easy. There are several transportation options available, including the MARTA subway, buses, taxis, and rental cars.

Atlanta itself is a fun city to explore. If you're into history, consider a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. For a different experience, check out the Georgia Aquarium. You'll be amazed by the variety of marine life, and you might even spot a whale shark or two!

We recommend visiting Atlanta in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the temperatures are mild. Plus, since Atlanta is a major airport, you'll find it easy to catch connecting flights to other destinations if needed.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is just a flight away from South Africa. United Airlines offers direct flights from Cape Town to Dulles International Airport (IAD) on a comfortable Boeing 777-200 aircraft. You'll be there in about fifteen and a half hours, departing every other day.

DC, as it’s often called, is packed with history and culture. From the world-famous White House and the iconic Capitol Building to countless museums and monuments, there's always something to see and do. If you're into politics or history, this is your place.

Want to escape the South African summer heat? We recommend visiting DC between March and May. The weather is pleasant and it's a great time to explore the city. If you prefer cooler weather, you could visit between September and November.

Getting from the airport to the city is easy. You can take a taxi, use a rideshare app, or catch the airport shuttle. It usually takes around half an hour.

United Airlines has a frequent flyer program called MileagePlus. If you often take flights from South Africa to the US, it’s definitely worth checking out. You can earn miles for every flight you take and use them for upgrades, free flights, or other perks.

Boston

While there are no direct flights from South Africa to Boston, it's worth mentioning as it often offers the most affordable route to the United States.

We've found flights with JetBlue departing from Johannesburg and stopping in Doha for around £400 one-way. It's a long journey, taking about 24 hours, but could be a good option if you're looking to save money.

You could even turn your stopover in Doha into a longer stay to explore the city and its culture. Of course, this option requires more time and effort compared to a direct flight, but it could potentially save you a significant amount of money.

This route is perfect for budget-conscious travellers who love a good deal and don't mind a longer journey. If you're after the cheapest way to fly to the US from South Africa, this could be your ticket. Just be prepared for a bit of extra travel time.

Book Flights from South Africa to the US

At Alternative Airlines, booking flights to the USA from South Africa couldn’t be easier. You can pay in over 160+ currencies, including the South African Rand and the US Dollar, with a choice of over 600+ airlines worldwide.

Rather than paying for your flights upfront, you can use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments.

If you’re a South African resident, you can now take advantage of PayJustNow when booking flights through Alternative Airlines. This Buy Now, Pay Later service lets you split your payments into 3 equal parts. You won’t be charged interest, providing payments are made on time.

Trusted globally

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines

Frequently Asked Questions

What airlines fly from South Africa to the USA?

Several airlines offer flights from South Africa to the USA. While only Delta and United Airlines provide direct flights, many other airlines offer options with one stopover. South African Airways no longer operates flights to the US.

Which month is the cheapest to fly to the USA from South Africa?

Generally, November is the cheapest month to fly from South Africa to the USA. This is the start of the off-peak season for tourism in the US, so airlines often lower their prices to fill up those empty seats. However, this isn't a hard and fast rule. Prices can fluctuate, and sometimes you might find amazing deals in other months.

Can I buy flights with cryptocurrency?

Yes, you can! With Alternative Airlines, you can book flights from South Africa using over 100 cryptocurrencies. This includes Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and Ripple (XRP), among many other altcoins.

Does South African Airways still fly to the USA?

No, South African Airways doesn't fly to the USA anymore. But don't worry, Delta and United still offer direct flights between South Africa and the US.