South Africa has been and will always remain a must-visit location in Africa.
It’s known for its diverse wildlife experience; home to the wild’s most massive ostrich, largest reptile (leatherback sea turtle), largest mammal (bull elephant), and tallest animal (giraffe) to mention a few. You’ll also find impressive African landscapes and a country rich in culture and heritage.
South Africa has long remained among the most visited destinations in Africa, though actually getting there can be a bit hectic, especially when it comes to finding an efficient airline, and especially if you’re visiting Johannesburg over Cape Town (with less options for flights).
If you’re planning a visit to Johannesburg, we’ve put together tips on how you can find the cheapest flight.
How to Book The Cheapest Flights to Johannesburg
Book Early
While many people aren’t fans of planning months in advance, booking early is one of the best ways to find cheaper tickets to Johannesburg. This is not a route that often offers last minute discounts.
South Africa is a popular destination all year round, and even “off peak” season sells out. The weather is more temperate than other African countries, so even if you plan on traveling in low season, flights may still be limited.
Research shows that the cheapest day to book your flights is 56 days before departure. While this is ridiculously specific, travelers last year saved 28% on their flights with this rule.
Use Incognito Mode When Booking Online
The internet has made it easy for travelers to book their flights. Today, you can book any flight at the comfort of your bed, and using your laptop or even a smartphone.
But, the same ease of accessibility has made it complicated for some who have no idea of how the internet operates. Have you ever noticed a raised amount every time you visit a booking website? How do you think this happens?
These flight booking portals record your cookies and server details. So, the moment they detect that you’re visiting the site for the second time, they automatically raise the prices. Or, if you’re visiting from a first world country vs a third world country, the prices may see a hike.
Therefore, when making flight bookings online, it’s advisable to use a private browser or clear your cookies. Or you could use a VPN which masks your IP address.
Avoid Booking on the Weekends
Many people argue that booking a flight on the weekend is the best option. Sadly, it’s not. It’s expensive.
Weekends happen to be busy for many airlines. Thus, based on supply and demand, the prices tend to hike.
It’s therefore wise to book your flight on a weekday. Tuesdays often see the cheapest prices. Airlines tend to announce deals on Monday evenings, which means by noon the next day, competing airlines are scrambling to match the lower prices so they can stay in the game.
So if you’re planning a trip to Johannesburg, book your flight on a Tuesday.
Compare Different Websites
Each portal offers a unique price range for flights to Johannesburg. Therefore, when making the online booking, it’s advisable to consider all the available options before booking.
Take your time to compare different websites as this allows you to book a flight that meets your budget. Also, it’s advisable to avoid selecting a specific date of your departure. Instead, select the whole month.
This trick helps you figure out which is the cheapest day or time to travel to South Africa.
Book via the Airline’s Official Website
There are many third party booking websites out there, and these are a great tool for comparing prices across different airlines. Though you’ll typically receive the best rate by booking directly with the airline.
Booking directly also means you’re less likely to lose your airfare to some online con. So if you find a flight on a third party website for Kulula Flights, make a note of the price and then jump directly to their website.
Set Price Alerts
Thanks to advancements in tech, nowadays airline apps allow you to set price alerts and receive notifications about airfare changes straight to your phone.
You can set a price alerts for South Africa from a website of your choice. With these settings, you get notified whenever the ticket prices increase or decrease.
This allows you to easily monitor the fluctuation of flight pricing; you’ll typically receive notifications up to twice a week when there is a notable change in price, and a weekly summary of every price change so you can get an idea of where your fare is heading.
It only takes a second to set up, and the deals come to you. When you see one you like, act fast; other people have set alerts set too and cheap seats are always limited.
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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
