Is it cheaper to fly into Johannesburg or Cape Town?

Johannesburg (JNB) is almost always cheaper due to higher flight volume. It is usually worth flying to JNB and taking a separate, cheaper domestic flight to your final destination.

What is the best day of the week to fly?

Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest days to depart for international flights to South Africa.

Booking flights to South Africa

Book your flights at least 4 months in advance to secure the best rates for long-haul routes. Use aggregator sites like Google Flights to track price fluctuations, then book directly through the airline’s website to avoid third-party service complications.

Identify your primary entry point. Most international flights land at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. If you are heading straight to Cape Town, check for direct flights or a layover in JNB to save time.
Set a fare alert. Use Google Flights to track your specific dates. Set a toggle to 'Track prices' so you receive an email when the fare drops. Aim to book when the price is within the 'low' range indicated by the search engine.
Check airline alliances. South African Airways is part of Star Alliance. If you have miles with United, Lufthansa, or Air Canada, you can often use your points to offset the high cost of these long-haul tickets.
Finalize your booking direct. Once you find the flight, navigate directly to the airline's website. If there is a delay or a cancellation, dealing directly with the carrier is significantly easier than working through an online travel agency (OTA).

Is it cheaper to fly into Johannesburg or Cape Town?: Johannesburg (JNB) is almost always cheaper due to higher flight volume. It is usually worth flying to JNB and taking a separate, cheaper domestic flight to your final destination.
What is the best day of the week to fly?: Tuesday and Wednesday are typically the cheapest days to depart for international flights to South Africa.