Book Flights from the USA to South Africa
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Flights from USA to South Africa
Planning your trip to South Africa? We make booking flights from the USA simple. Choose from direct routes or connecting flights, and split your costs with over 20 Buy Now Pay Later options.
This guide covers everything you need - from direct Delta and United flights to the best connecting routes through Doha, Dubai or Istanbul. We'll show you how to save money on tickets, navigate entry requirements, get around South Africa safely, and spread your flight costs with flexible payment plans.
Whether you're heading to Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban, we'll help you find the perfect flight with payment options that work for you!
Before you fly...
Entry requirements 🌐
Good news - US citizens can visit South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 30 days after your planned departure date.
There's one thing that catches people out though - you need two completely blank pages in your passport. Immigration officials check this strictly.
Quick facts 💡
- No visa required for stays up to 90 days
- Passport needs 30 days validity beyond your trip
- Two blank passport pages required (strictly enforced)
- No yellow fever vaccine needed for direct flights
- Yellow fever proof required if transiting through risk countries (Ethiopia, Kenya)
- South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR), though you can pay in US dollars when booking with us. Credit cards work everywhere in major cities, and ATMs are available at all airports.
Flight details ✈️
- Direct flights: 14-16 hours
- Connecting flights: 16-21 hours
- Round-trip costs: roughly $1,200-$3,000
- Peak season adds: roughly $500-$800
Direct flights from the USA
You've got three main departure points for direct flights to South Africa. Delta dominates from Atlanta, while United covers the East Coast options.
Flying from Atlanta 🛫
Delta Air Lines runs the show from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport:
- Cape Town: Operates three times weekly on the Airbus A350-900, taking about 15 hours.
- Johannesburg: Operates daily on the Airbus A350-900, also taking around 15 hours.
- These modern planes come with Delta One business class and proper entertainment systems.
Atlanta works brilliantly as a starting point because it's Delta's massive hub. You can connect from pretty much anywhere in the USA with short layovers.
Flying from Newark and Washington DC 🛫
You can fly from Newark to the following South African cities with United Airlines:
- Cape Town: 3 weekly flights, 14 hours
- Johannesburg: Daily flights, 14 hours
- Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Cabin: United Polaris business class available
United also operates flights to South Africa from Washington Dulles:
- Cape Town: 3 weekly flights, 14 hours
- Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The Newark to Johannesburg route takes about 14 hours, making it technically the shortest option from the USA. Perfect if you're connecting from anywhere in the New York area!
Best connecting routes by departure city
No direct flight from your home airport? Don't worry - connecting flights to South Africa often work out cheaper and give you more scheduling flexibility.
From New York (JFK) 🛫
Qatar Airways through Doha stands out as our top recommendation. The total journey takes 16 to 18 hours, and you'll transit through one of the world's most modern airports. Hamad International offers excellent connections to both Johannesburg and Cape Town, with daily flights to each city.
Emirates via Dubai runs a close second with these highlights:
- Total journey time of 16-19 hours
- Only carrier serving Durban from USA
- Premium Terminal 3 for smooth connections
- Great stopover opportunities in Dubai
From Los Angeles and the West Coast 🛫
Best options from LAX:
- Qatar Airways via Doha: 16-18 hours (fastest)
- Emirates via Dubai: 17-19 hours (Durban access)
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul: 17-19 hours (best value)
Middle Eastern routes beat European options by 2-3 hours from the West Coast. You're not backtracking east before heading south.
From Chicago 🛫
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul: 17-19 hours (often cheapest)
- United/Lufthansa via Frankfurt: 18-20 hours (Star Alliance benefits)
- Delta/KLM via Amsterdam: 18-20 hours (SkyMiles earning)
Minneapolis and Detroit also work well through Delta's Amsterdam partnership. Secondary Midwest cities connect efficiently through Chicago.
From the Southwest 🛫
Dallas/Houston/Phoenix options:
- American + Qatar via Doha (oneworld)
- United via Newark or Houston
- Turkish Airlines from Houston
Choose based on your loyalty program and preferred cabin class.
Making your layover count
Got a long connection? Turn waiting time into an adventure!
Dubai stopover with Emirates ✨
- Free hotel on long layovers (varies by class)
- Burj Khalifa 25 minutes from airport
- Gold souks and traditional markets
- Visa-free entry for US citizens (90 days)
Doha stopover with Qatar Airways ✨
- Free city tour program available
- Museum of Islamic Art
- Traditional souq markets
- Complimentary transit visa
Istanbul stopover with Turkish Airlines ✨
- Free Istanbul tour for eligible connections
- Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar accessible
- Traditional Turkish baths
- Metro connects new airport to city
Amsterdam stopover with KLM ✨
- Train to city centre in 15 minutes
- Compact city easy to explore
- Museums and canal tours
- Perfect for 4-6 hour layovers
Flying to specific South African cities from the US
Cape Town (CPT) ✨
Direct service runs from Atlanta, Newark and Washington DC. Cape Town gets particularly busy from December through March during the South African summer.
- Direct: 14-15 hours
- Connecting: 16-19 hours
Best for: Beach holidays, wine tours, Table Mountain, Garden Route
Johannesburg (JNB) ✨
Daily direct flights from Atlanta and Newark make Johannesburg the easiest South African destination to reach.
- Direct: 14-15 hours
- Connecting: 16-18 hours
Best for: Safari connections, business trips, Kruger National Park, city breaks
Durban (DUR) ✨
No direct international flights exist, but getting there is straightforward, with a total journey time of 17-18 hours:
- Fly to Johannesburg (14-15 hours)
- Domestic flight to Durban (1 hour, $60-150)
Best for: Beach holidays, warm weather year-round
South African Airways and FlySafair both run reliable domestic services.
Airlines operating between the USA and South Africa
Qatar Airways ✈️
- Qatar Airways serves 11 major US cities with connections through Doha. They operate up to 18 weekly flights to Johannesburg and 11-12 to Cape Town during peak season.
- The airline's Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft offer modern comfort, while their Qsuite business class wins consistent praise.
- Total journey times average 16 to 18 hours with excellent connection reliability.
Emirates ✈️
- Emirates flies from 12 US cities via Dubai, uniquely offering access to all three major South African destinations including Durban.
- Their Airbus A380s provide the famous shower spas in first class, though honestly, most people fly economy.
- Journey times run 16 to 19 hours total. Premium cabin pricing often beats European alternatives.
Turkish Airlines ✈️
- Turkish Airlines connects 10 US cities through Istanbul, frequently offering the most affordable fares.
- Their modern fleet operates through the new Istanbul Airport.
- Total journey times stretch to 17 to 19 hours, but the savings often justify the extra time for budget-conscious travellers.
KLM ✈️
- KLM operates as Delta's European partner, offering smooth connections through Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.
- Flight times total 18 to 20 hours including layovers. The airline's modern Boeing 787s provide decent comfort for the long haul.
Lufthansa ✈️
- Lufthansa partners with United in the Star Alliance, flying through Frankfurt. Multiple daily Frankfurt-South Africa flights provide scheduling flexibility.
- Journey times run 18 to 21 hours, with occasional weather delays affecting European hubs.
British Airways ✈️
- British Airways leverages its massive Heathrow operation, running 19 weekly flights to Johannesburg alone.
- As American's oneworld partner, they provide good connectivity for AA frequent flyers. Expect 18 to 21 hours total travel time, with London's premium terminals offering decent amenities.
Do South African Airways fly from the USA to South Africa?
South African Airways, the national carrier of South Africa, suspended US operations in March 2020 but plans to resume flights by late 2025 or early 2026.
Proposed routes include New York JFK to Johannesburg via Accra, Ghana.
Historically, SAA offered more competitive pricing than US carriers - their return could shake up the market nicely!
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Understanding flight costs
Economy round-trip tickets from the USA to South Africa typically cost $1,200 to $3,000. Several factors influence where you'll land in that range.
Seasonal impact 🌞
- Peak season runs December through March (South African summer), pushing fares to $2,000-$3,000. Christmas and New Year represent absolute peak pricing.
- Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) offer better value at $1,400-$2,000 while maintaining good weather.
- Low season (June-August) delivers the cheapest flights at $1,200-$1,800, perfect for safari enthusiasts since it's actually prime game viewing time.
Other factors 🕜
- Direct flights cost $200-$500 more than connections, though they save considerable time. Middle Eastern connections often price lowest, European routes sit mid-range, while direct flights command premiums.
- Booking timing matters. The sweet spot sits 2-3 months ahead for best prices. Booking 6-plus months out sometimes costs more, surprisingly. Last-minute fares almost always hurt your wallet.
- Day of departure influences costs significantly. Tuesday and Wednesday departures run 15-20% cheaper than weekends. Red-eye flights often get discounted too. Early morning departures generally cost less than afternoon or evening options.
Cabin Classes 💺
- Business class runs $4,000-$8,000, premium economy $2,000-$3,500, and standard economy $1,200-$3,000.
- Sometimes business class sales offer surprisingly good value compared to flexible economy fares.
Getting around South Africa after arrival
Once you land, several transport options help you explore the country.
Domestic flights connect major cities 🗺️
- Johannesburg to Cape Town takes 2 hours, costing $80-$200.
- The Johannesburg-Durban hop runs just over an hour for $60-$150.
- Cape Town to Durban requires 2 hours with fares from $100-$250.
Four main airlines operate domestically:
- South African Airways remains the national carrier with the most comprehensive network.
- FlySafair offers budget options with decent service.
- Lift entered the market recently, providing another choice.
You can book domestic legs separately or bundle them with your international ticket through Alternative Airlines.
Safari transport options 🐾
- Lodge hop flights use small aircraft to move between game reserves. Safari companies often include these in package prices. The scenic flights over wildlife areas become part of the experience themselves!
- Private transfers arranged by safari lodges provide door-to-door service. Guides meet you at the airport with your name on a board. There is no need to stress about navigation or directions.
Self-driving works but requires preparation 🚗
- Major rental brands operate from all airports. Remember South Africans drive on the left side of the road. Main routes maintain good conditions, but GPS navigation helps tremendously.
- International driving licenses help, though many renters manage without. Book automatic transmission if you can't drive manual. Full insurance coverage makes sense given local driving conditions.
- Avoid driving after dark when possible - wildlife and pedestrians create unexpected hazards.
City transport varies by location 🚌
- Uber and Bolt operate in all major cities, providing safer alternatives to street taxis. Pay through the app, no cash needed. Service quality generally matches what you'd expect in the USA.
- Johannesburg's Gautrain connects the airport to Sandton and Pretoria. Fast and reliable, though route coverage remains limited. Cape Town's MyCiTi bus system runs from the airport to the city center. Affordable but somewhat slow.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Skip unofficial minibus taxis - they're cheap but often overcrowded and poorly maintained. Never hitchhike, no matter how friendly someone seems.
Luxury train journeys 🚄
- The Blue Train runs Pretoria to Cape Town over 27 hours. Picture a five-star hotel on rails with all meals included. Expensive but uniquely South African.
- Rovos Rail offers multiple routes including safari packages. Six-star luxury with restored vintage carriages. These aren't just transport - they're experiences in themselves.
Timing your trip right
Best value months 📆
April and October offer 30-50% savings versus peak season while maintaining good weather. Safari conditions remain excellent with fewer tourists at attractions.
Booking strategies 💡
- Tuesday/Wednesday departures -15-20% cheaper
- Early morning flights means lower fares
- Book 2-8 months ahead
- Flexible dates save 20-35%
Weather patterns ⛈️
- Summer (Dec-Feb): 20-30°C (68-86°F), perfect for beaches
- Autumn (Mar-May): 15-25°C (59-77°F), mild and pleasant
- Winter (Jun-Aug): 10-20°C (50-68°F), prime safari season
- Spring (Sep-Nov): 15-25°C (59-77°F), wildflower displays
Safari timing 🦒
- Dry season (May-Sep): Best game viewing, animals at water sources
- Green season (Oct-Apr): Lush scenery, baby animals, fewer visitors
Staying safe during your visit to South Africa
South Africa's crime rates exceed US levels, but sensible precautions keep most tourists safe.
Transport safety 🚌
- Pre-book airport transfers
- Use Uber instead of street taxis
- Never hitchhike
- Keep car doors locked
Personal safety 🔒
- Don't walk alone at night
- Keep valuables hidden
- Use hotel safes
- Stick to tourist areas
Money safety 💵
- Use ATMs inside banks/malls
- Don't flash large amounts of cash
- RFID-blocking wallets recommended
- Notify your bank about travel
Our detailed South Africa safety guide covers more specific situations and locations 👇🏻
Avoiding common booking mistakes
Choosing the right airline ✈️
- Choose reputable airlines by checking safety records on airlineratings.com.
- Read recent passenger reviews beyond just looking at prices.
- Established carriers provide better protection when flights get disrupted.
Avoid long layovers 😴
- Watch out for excessively long layovers. Anything over 3 hours gets tiring, though overnight connections sometimes make sense for managing jet lag.
- Factor in time zone changes when planning connections.
Book with Alternative Airlines 💜
- At Alternative Airlines, we provide 7-days-a-week assistance with real humans available.
- Instant booking confirmations arrive immediately, and our team can help with changes and cancellations when life happens!
How Alternative Airlines makes booking simple
- Search our platform to compare 600+ airlines instantly.
- Add extras like seat selection and checked bags during booking.
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- Receive instant booking confirmation via email.
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We're family-run, not some massive corporation. That means we genuinely care about smooth journeys from search through landing.
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- Lock today's prices while you finalize plans.
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- Compare every airline from budget to luxury options.
Frequently asked questions
Can you fly direct from the USA to South Africa?
Yes, direct flights operate from Atlanta (with Delta) to both Cape Town and Johannesburg, plus Newark and Washington Dulles (with United) to Cape Town. United also flies Newark to Johannesburg daily.
These are the only direct routes available - no direct flights exist from JFK, LAX, Chicago, or other major US cities.
Direct flights take 14-16 hours and typically cost $200-500 more than connecting flights, but you save considerable travel time and avoid layover hassles.
Do US citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No visa required for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. However, passport requirements are strict: must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure date from South Africa, and must contain at least two completely blank visa pages (not pages with stamps).
Border officials strictly enforce this - insufficient blank pages result in denied entry. You'll receive an entry stamp on arrival. Children travelling need their own passports plus additional documentation.
Find out more in our South Africa visa guide here ✨
What's the cheapest way to fly to South Africa from the USA?
Book connecting flights through Middle Eastern hubs like Doha (with Qatar Airways) or Istanbul (with Turkish Airlines) - often $200-400 cheaper than direct flights.
- Fly during April or October shoulder seasons for 30-50% savings.
- Choose Tuesday or Wednesday departures to save 15-20% versus weekends.
- Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices.
- Use our Best Fare Finder to compare prices across different days.
Do I need vaccines to visit South Africa from the USA?
No yellow fever vaccine required for direct flights from the USA. However, if you transit through yellow fever risk countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, etc.), proof of vaccination becomes mandatory for South Africa entry.
- Routine vaccines (tetanus, hepatitis A) are recommended but not required.
- Malaria prophylaxis suggested only for Kruger National Park and northeast regions.
- Consult your doctor 4-8 weeks before travel for personalized advice.
Find out more about vaccinations needed for South Africa here ✨
Can I pay for my flight in instalments?
Absolutely! We offer over 20 Buy Now Pay Later options.
- US travellers can use Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm, PayPal Pay Later or Sezzle to split costs.
- South African residents can use PayJustNow or Payflex.
Most BNPL providers offer 4 interest-free payments over 6 weeks, while some extend to 12-18 months with interest. Approval is instant and no credit check is needed for most options.
How long is the flight from USA to South Africa?
Direct flights take 14-16 hours depending on your destination and departure city. Connecting flights range 16-21 hours total, including layover time.
Middle Eastern connections (Doha, Dubai, Istanbul) typically run 16-19 hours. European connections (London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt) take 18-21 hours.
The Newark to Johannesburg route is technically shortest at 14 hours. Factor in jet lag - South Africa is 6-10 hours ahead of US time zones.
When's the best time to visit South Africa?
This depends on your priorities.
- The best weather runs September through May with warm, sunny days.
- The best prices hit April and October with 30-50% savings versus peak season.
- The best wildlife viewing occurs May through September during dry season when animals gather at water sources.
- December through February offers perfect beach weather but highest prices and crowds.
- Avoid June-July if you dislike cooler temperatures (10-20°C/50-68°F).
Find out more in our detailed guide on when to visit South Africa ✨
What's the average cost of flights to South Africa?
- Economy round-trip flights typically cost $1,200-$3,000 depending on season and route.
- Peak season (December-March) runs $2,000-$3,000.
- Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-November) cost $1,400-$2,000.
- Low season (June-August) offers $1,200-$1,800 fares.
- Direct flights add $200-500 premium.
- Business class ranges $4,000-$8,000.
- Premium economy sits at $2,000-$3,500.
Prices will vary significantly based on booking timing, departure city and airline choice.
Which airlines fly from the USA to South Africa?
- For direct flights to South Africa, fly with Delta or United.
- For connections, Qatar Airways and Emirates offer excellent Middle Eastern routes with modern aircraft and superior service.
- Turkish Airlines provides budget-friendly Istanbul connections.
- European connections include KLM (Amsterdam), Lufthansa (Frankfurt) and British Airways (London).
- South African Airways plan to resume US flights in late 2025.
Choose the airline you fly with based on your home airport, preferred alliance (Star Alliance, oneworld, SkyTeam) and loyalty program.
Can I visit multiple South African cities in one trip?
Definitely! Johannesburg is the primary hub with excellent domestic connections. Flights between major cities take 1-2 hours and cost $60-250.
Popular combinations include Johannesburg (safari) plus Cape Town (beaches/wine), or adding Durban for coastal relaxation. Many travellers also add Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Botswana's Chobe.
Book multi-city South Africa flights through Alternative Airlines for seamless connections and coordinated schedules.