Finding the best airlines for cheap flights to Cape Town can depend on various factors, including your departure location, travel dates, and individual preferences. However, some airlines are known for offering competitive prices and good deals on flights. You should always keep in mind that airline prices can fluctuate, so as digital nomads who are not restricted to peak season travel it's a good idea to compare prices across different platforms and be flexible with your travel dates outside of the summer season.
Take a look at our guide to How Expensive is Cape Town
(Updated October 2024)
Airlines That Fly To Cape Town
From Europe
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South African Airways (SAA): As the national flag carrier of South Africa, SAA may offer competitive prices for flights to Cape Town.
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British Airways: British Airways operates flights to Cape Town and sometimes offers deals, especially if you book in advance.
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KLM: This Dutch airline is part of the SkyTeam alliance and may have competitive prices on flights to Cape Town.
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Emirates: While Emirates is a premium airline, it occasionally offers competitive prices, and it's worth checking for deals.
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Ethiopian Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines is known for serving a wide range of destinations in Africa and may have competitive prices.
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Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways is a well-regarded airline with a global network, and it's worth checking for promotions on flights to Cape Town.
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Turkish Airlines: Turkish Airlines is another carrier that connects many destinations worldwide and may offer competitive fares.
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Low-Cost Carriers: Check low-cost carriers operate within South Africa if you choose to arrive in the country via Johannesburg Examples include FlySafair and Mango Airlines.
From North America
Travelers typically have to connect through major international hubs in Europe or the Middle East to reach Cape Town. However, airline routes and schedules can change, so it's crucial to check the most recent information when planning your trip. Here are some major airlines that commonly operate flights to Cape Town from North America, with layovers in their respective hubs:
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Delta Air Lines: Delta often operates flights to Cape Town with layovers in major European cities such as Amsterdam or Paris.
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United Airlines: United Airlines may have flights to Cape Town with layovers in European cities like Frankfurt or London.
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American Airlines: American Airlines may offer flights to Cape Town with layovers in European cities like London or Madrid.
From Asia
If you are arriving from Asia for more options it's best to fly into Johannesburg which enables you to visit Kruger National Park on Safari before continuing on a low-cost budget airline to Cape Town. Here are some major airlines that commonly operate flights from Asia to Johannesburg:
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Emirates: Emirates, based in Dubai, is a major airline that offers flights from various cities in Asia to Johannesburg, often with a layover in Dubai.
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Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways, based in Doha, connects several Asian cities to Johannesburg with layovers in Doha.
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Ethiopian Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines, based in Addis Ababa, operates flights from various Asian cities to Johannesburg, typically with a layover in Addis Ababa.
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Turkish Airlines: Turkish Airlines, based in Istanbul, serves several cities in Asia with flights to Johannesburg, usually with a layover in Istanbul.
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Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines may offer flights from Singapore to Johannesburg, potentially with a layover in Singapore or another hub.
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Cathay Pacific: Cathay Pacific, based in Hong Kong, may have flights from Asian cities to Johannesburg, with layovers in Hong Kong.
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Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, may operate flights from Asian cities to Johannesburg with layovers in Abu Dhabi.
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Air China: Air China may have flights from Beijing to Johannesburg, with layovers in Beijing or another hub.
Apply for the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa
Remember to use online travel agencies and flight comparison websites such as Skyscanner & Google Flights to compare prices and find the best deals for the dates you want to travel and check availability at our Coliving Spaces in Cape Town before booking. Additionally, signing up for airline newsletters and setting price alerts can help you stay informed about promotions and discounts. Keep in mind that the airline industry is dynamic, and new deals and promotions may arise, so it's a good idea to check multiple sources and be flexible with your travel plans.
Best time of year for cheap flights to Cape Town
The best time to find cheap flights to Cape Town can vary based on several factors, including the season, local events, and holidays. However, there are some general guidelines to consider:
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Off-Peak Seasons: The off-peak seasons, which typically offer lower prices on flights and accommodations, are in the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists.
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Avoid Peak Holiday Periods: Prices for flights tend to be higher during Cape Town summer season, such as Christmas and New Year's. Additionally, South Africa's school holidays can impact travel costs. Try to plan your trip during non-holiday periods for more affordable options.
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Midweek Travel: Flights are often cheaper if you can be flexible with your travel dates and fly on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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Book in Advance: Generally, booking your flight well in advance can help you secure lower prices. Airlines often offer better deals for those who book early.
- Stay Longer: If you are working remotely you can take advantage of better-value flights by booking flights across seasons making them better value or even cheaper. At the moment most nationals can stay for up to 90 days but the South African Digital Nomad Visa is COMING SOON!
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Use Fare Comparison Tools: Take advantage of online tools and websites that compare prices across various airlines and travel dates. Popular platforms include Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak.
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Be Flexible with Dates: If you have flexibility in your travel dates, use flexible date search options to find the cheapest days to fly. Sometimes adjusting your travel dates by a day or two can result in significant savings.
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Monitor Airline Sales and Promotions: Keep an eye on airline promotions, sales, and newsletters. Airlines often announce special deals, especially during certain times of the year or in response to events like travel expos.
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Consider Budget Airlines: Check for flights to Johannesburg and connect to Cape Town with low-cost carriers or budget airlines. Examples may include FlySafair and Mango Airlines in South Africa.
Remember that these are general guidelines, and prices can vary based on the specific airline, departure location, and other factors. It's advisable to start monitoring prices well in advance and be ready to book when you find a fare that fits your budget. Additionally, as travel conditions and airline policies can change, it's always a good idea to check for the most recent information and updates when planning your trip.
Our Other Useful Guides:
- Cape Town Digital Nomad Guide
- How Expensive Is Cape Town (Updated October 2024)
- 6 Digital Nomad Adventures in South Africa
- Cape Town in Summer
- What are Coliving Spaces for Digital Nomads
- The Best Neighbourhoods in Cape Town
- South Africa Digital Nomad Visa (Updated)
To connect with other digital nomads and remote workers to cowork in different locations around Cape Town - Join the local FREE CoWorking Days digital nomad meet up community or join us on our next Cape Town Coliving Retreat.
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