South African Airways sale now on – cheaper than flying British Airways to Cape Town

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South African Airways has launched its January sale with fares that undercut British Airways on the Cape Town route, albeit with a plane change in Jo’burg. It also covers lots of other places not on the British Airways network.

In Business Class, the headline sale fares are (these are midweek prices, weekends may be higher):

Johannesburg £2988
Cape Town £3018
Durban £3248
Port Elizabeth £3248
Nelspruit (Kruger) £3288
East London £3248
Windhoek £3219
Victoria Falls £3342
Harare £3362
Livingstone £3395
Maputo £3381
Lusaka £3404

Economy deals are also available (Johannesburg from £592) plus there are Business Class deals on other routes too. All flights are via Johannesburg.

The Business Class deals are valid for outbound travel before 9th December 2018. Flights must be booked by 8th February and you must stay over a Saturday night.

South African Airways is a member of Star Alliance. You can credit your flight to Miles & More, SAS EuroBonus, Singapore Airlines Krisflyer or one of the other major Star frequent flyer schemes if you don’t want to run a balance in SAA’s Voyager programme. It is also a Virgin Atlantic Flying Club partner as you can see here.

Details can be found on the SAA website here.

Your best option to maximise your miles when paying is American Express Preferred Rewards Gold. This offers double points – 2 per £1 – when you when you book flight tickets directly with an airline. Our review of Amex Gold is here.