$488 Find Cheap Flights from New York to South Africa - Compare and Save

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Cheap Flights from New York to South Africa

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Johannesburg
Johannesburg1 stop$1,059
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stop$931
Durban
Durban2 stops$1,306
George
George2 stops$1,580
Johannesburg
Johannesburg1 stop$1,059
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stop$931
Durban
Durban2 stops$1,306
George
George2 stops$1,580
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for New York to South Africa flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from New York to South Africa to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest New York to South Africa flight route?

The cheapest ticket to South Africa from New York found in the last 5 days was to Cape Town, at $928 round-trip. The most popular route is from Newark Airport (EWR) to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (JNB), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $1,649.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from New York to South Africa?

No, with an average price for the route of $1,801, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from New York to South Africa?

The cheapest month for flights from New York to South Africa is February, when tickets cost $1,369 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and June, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,752 and $1,718 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from New York to South Africa?

To get a below average price on the flight from New York to South Africa, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 21% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 10 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$488
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 11% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 8% increase in price.
Flight from New York John F Kennedy Airport to Cape Town

FAQs - booking South Africa flights

  • Are nonstop flights available from New York to South Africa?

    If you’d like to fly nonstop from New York to South Africa, you can find direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Nonstop flights to South Africa are only available from this airport, and United Airlines is the only airline providing this service. There are at least four weekly trips from EWR to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), and the quickest nonstop flight takes about 14h 35min. JNB is the only airport in South Africa receiving nonstop flights from New York.

  • What can I do during a layover at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)?

    Most flights to regional airports in South Africa go through JNB, but there are a few things to do during a layover. Head to any observation deck and watch planes as they come and go, or grab a meal at one of several restaurants at the airport. You can also access some of the lounges by paying a single fee or go shopping at the airport’s duty-free shops. If your layover is more than 7h, head into town for a bit of exploration.

  • Which airport in South Africa should I fly to from New York?

    JNB is South Africa’s biggest airport and the primary hub for both domestic and international flights. We recommend flying into JNB, since you’ll find direct flights from EWR, you’ll be closer to attractions such as Kruger National Park, and you’ll have connections to over 20 South African destinations. However, if you plan to visit the coastal cities, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in the southern part of the country would be much better.

  • Which airport is closest to Kruger National Park?

    Kruger National Park is so large that there are nine entrance gates, and two of these are close to airports. The best airport for traveling to Kruger is JNB. You can get a nonstop flight to JNB from EWR and access Kruger National Park from the gates at Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit by car. Alternatively, you can take a connecting flight from JNB to the regional airports at Phalaborwa (PHW) or Hoedspruit (HDS). If you wish to access the southern gate, fly into Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) from JNB.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from New York to South Africa?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from New York to South Africa.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from New York to South Africa?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from New York to South Africa is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from New York to South Africa?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from New York to South Africa with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from New York to South Africa?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from New York to South Africa up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to South Africa

  • Before your ultra-long-haul flight from New York to South Africa, you’re welcome to relax in the lounges, rest zones, or spas at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). There’s a quiet room and a “relax and recharge” area in Terminal B, and you can access the lounges by paying at the door.
  • Flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to South Africa include at least a single layover en route. KLM and Delta are the leading airlines providing these flights, and Amsterdam is the most common layover city.
  • Those looking to drive themselves in South Africa can find car rentals at the major airports in the country. Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, and Enterprise are some popular rental agencies with counters in South African airports.
  • US citizens visiting South Africa will need a passport that is valid for at least 30 days with two consecutive blank pages. Those visiting for tourism purposes don’t need a visa for stays less than 90 days.
  • If you’re looking for cheap single-layover flights from New York airports, consider flying from JFK, which has the cheapest one-stop flights to South Africa of the three New York airports, while LaGuardia (LGA) has the most expensive flights.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from New York to South Africa

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from New York to South Africa? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.8
DeltaOverall score based on 8528 reviews
8.5Crew
7.8Entertainment
7.2Food
7.8Comfort
8.1Boarding
Airline reviews

We were delayed 2 hours because of a broken seat. Other than that it was a very nice flight.

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Aug 2026
Read more Delta reviews

We were delayed 2 hours because of a broken seat. Other than that it was a very nice flight.

Delta was fine though my flight was delayed 4 hours into LGA and my return into ORD involved a taxi of 1+ hour to the gate

an he late. super rude gate agent, to every person. spoke down at people.

One of the restrooms didn’t work. The ones that did never got replenished. Flight attendant just sitting there on their phone. No notification that the bathroom was broken so long lines. Apathetic crew.

Both of my flights to and from JFK experienced significant delays. Most notably, my first flight was delayed by six hours due to crew members being affected by delays on a previous flight. While I understand that disruptions can occur, Delta’s staffing and operational planning should include sufficient contingency measures to handle situations like this rather than placing the full burden of those delays on customers. Additionally, the $12 meal voucher offered as compensation was inadequate, particularly given the high cost of food and beverages at the airport. Considering the length of the delay and the substantial inconvenience caused, I believe more meaningful compensation would have been appropriate.

While it wasn't the crew's fault, it was a frustrating flight. We sat on the runway for 2+ hours. Both of the flight attendants were excellent and did a great job checking on the passengers. The pilot did keep us informed about the wait. I appreciate the crew apologizing for LaGuardia airport's backup.

It was strange that the flight attendant was so adamant about having phones turned to airplane mode that he was calling out names from networks shown and waiting until they were all gone. I've never experienced that before, and after already working through an hour+ delay, it felt tone deaf. I take dozens of flights per year and have never experienced anything similar.

Poor communication, we sat on the plane for an hour before pushing back. They were oversold and with a full plane kept looking for someone to step off for someone else to board. So after an hour wait at the gate we missed our departure window and proceeded to spend an additional hour on the tarmac waiting for a refiled flight plan according to the pilots. Occasional updates, somewhat insensitive crew to passengers needing to use the lavatory (it was 2 hrs beyond what anyone expected). Overall just poor execution...especially when the flight was listed as "arriving early" up until about 30 minutes past our departure time.

The Columbus-based WestJet crews that cover Delta commuter flights between LGA and CMH are excellent - this team included. Our flight today landed 40 minutes early, which is unheard of when flying out of LaGuardia. I've flown with the same crew in more challenging conditions, and they always rise to the occasion with helpful communication to the passengers so that we may manage expectations.

We were skipped when the snack cart passed and then the attendant said we weren’t . I am disabled and was in a row toward the back of the plane which was very difficult for me to navigate. Disabled people should not be forced to walk the plank.

Check in was chaotic with only one counter for business class and first class. The luggage conveyor belt at JFK airport was broken so the flight departure was delayed which made the flight stressful as I had a tight connection. Although the captain said they could make up the delay, they didn’t do so.

I had a good time. However, I paid for the wifi and it was in and out the whole flight.

3 hour delay…. Nearly 2 hours sitting on tarmac. Do better, United. Or at least have the sense to not say “we hope you enjoyed your flight with us” upon disembarking.

Everything except the food and entertainment. It was a great experience though

Flight was delayed from 35 minute delayed aircraft arrival to 90 minute delay causing us to miss international connecting flight on SWISS resulting in 16 hour delay to reach detonation causing significant angst, monetary loss and discomfort. SWISS transfer desk and staff was like robots not willing to help at all.

Best part: It’s operated by All Nippon Airways. It’s quite literally comfortable, reliable and respected from boarding to landing each and every time. It’s perfection without extremity in lavishness — it’s how flying should always be!

Delays!!! Serious delays. I was told by a member of staff in LGA that I would miss my DEN to LAX flight connection, so I was put on a later flight. Due to delays I would have been able to have made my original flight, where I was sat in business class - seat 1A: I was put on my original flight but bumped from business - 1A to economy 33C. I want a refund for paying business class but only flying economy

The plane was delayed coming in and on the tarmac. I was coming from another flight so it made for a very long day. The stewardess kept trying to slam the overhead bins closed and I was worried that she had damaged my new luggage. They ran out of snacks and lccdsddd me a hummus box which was nice. It took them a very long time to pick up the garbage so I could not go to the washroom and had little time. To prepare for disbarment. The TV system was hard to control from the armrest and picture wasn’t clear. The crew did apologize several times for the lateness. It took the Denver airport an unusually long time to de-ice the plane.

Their app did not recognize my Aeroplan frequent flyer number and would not allow me access to my boarding card. Ground staff was readily available at the airport to print it out to me.

Excellent as always. Service was excellent and fully bilingual. Cannot complain .Will travel again. Always have and will continue. Highly recommended.

It was a great experience for my first time flying with this airline. I will be flying with them a lot more now. Plane crew was amazing.

The TV wasn't working No music for the whole flight from JFK to LOS It was too burring.

I paid for internet that did not work and had to pay more to have it

Delay not posted, only departure time listed- not boarding time. We left an hour late and arrived 45 min late. Restrooms had backed up sinks and toilets not flushed ) passenger error). Lots of screen for entertainment didn’t work. But we arrived with our luggage

The Boeing 737 MAX on this route, flown in the middle of the night, is an UTTER FAILURE for business travellers. The whole point of business travel is to arrive alert and recover from travel quickly, and this little aeroplane with its quarter recline uncomfortable business seats does nothing for that. It’s a small step up from economy in that you have decent legroom, but that’s it. Absolute margin at the cost of the traveller.

I had a comfortable seat that makes my trip wonderful. I appreciate the Ethiopia crew, they were very helpful

My experience was great. The flight attendants were very helpful and nice, and the food was very good.

Terrible customer service I lost my bag luggage and I still haven’t received any information

The use of a domestic carrier without entertainment was disappointing and a let down

I had a full row so can't imagine how this could be better

DCA-LAX No screen on a 5 hour flight (almost) no food for sale on a 5 hour flight (practically) no wifi coverage or speed on a 5 hour flight I should have gotten my money back, shame on American

A crew member's attitude towards a couple passengers who couldn't speak English was rude. Just because they didn't understand what the passenger said, they were not given any snack.

The entire process could’ve been better. Delayed multiple times and American lied and said it was due to Weather in New York, even though other flights were taking off the entire time (including other American Airlines flights)

There were alot of delays without any information. First, my original flight was overbooked so I volunteered to stay back. The layover was hell, I sat in the airport for 4 hours. I was highly disappointed because no one was around to provide answers.

Great. Clean. Seats comfortable. Food was free. Had new release movies.

The boarding crew was very helpful with a little special problem I had. The inflight crew - so-so.

They kept us on the tarmac for 6 hours after already delaying our flight by 2 hours. No one had any answers. They sent our gate checked stroller to baggage claim instead of giving it back at the gate.

There was a big delay and I missed my connection flight

Crew and agents misguiding on tight connections, and lack of connecting crew looking for inbound planes. A very avoidable missed connection as a result.

I don’t like the music section but I believe it was a cost decision. I changed my flight last minute due to work issues and had to sit way in the back. The seats were way closer together than I would have preferred.

It was good ,I enjoyed it also crew were very respectful and patient waiting people parking their belongings.

there really needs to be more room with each seat for such a long flight.

The plane was delayed almost three hours because boarding was unorganized then we were delayed even longer because the plane had an issue. The plane didn't look well maintained, there was also alot of tape on the exterior. I won't fly kenya air ways again after this trip.

There was chaos checking because of a canceled flight the day prior. Also, we had an issue with tickets. The KQ agent went above a d beyond to help us get on board the flight Overall the 13+ hour flight is uncomfortable in coach. I may try to upgrade on return

For a long haul flight, the seats were too narrow. Paid for extra legroom but wish I could have paid for width! I was pressed against another person for the whole donation of the flight.

This one is not bad even it is late, but they apologize and every time they announced the update.

The kindness and good humor of all the people who this flight possible was a joy.

They fed me at the right time the flight was smooth and the captain explain everything

Food was awful and the seats were bad. No privacy in business class with the seat next to someone. 15 hours without WiFi!!!

Seriously one of the most disappoint experiences I have ever had when flying. My flight got delayed FIVE hours. Nobody wanted to help at the airport (“this is Kenyan booking, we cannot do anything”). I got on the phone with someone from Kenyan for one hour until he finally moved my ticket to a Delta ticket. Then the painful journey restarted - the Delta crew in land kept saying there was no other flight and ai had to wait. An agent called Gerard Robert was being so sarcastic I felt humiliated. He would say things like “you say you understand what I am saying but you are not understanding what so am saying”. I asked him to please speak in a less sarcastic tone and he said “I am not going to speak with you anymore, go find someone else”. These were his words. Tired, after 14 hours in a plane, I just wanted to cry. I looked for another agent, who was an angel and rebooked me to another flights. Thanks to her, I made it to my meeting in Washington-DC. I am going to send a formal complaint to Delta about agent Gerard Robert. It is not fair to speak with customers in that cynical, sarcastic tone. If one works in customer service, it ia important to mind that tones can make people feel humiliated. And turning the back to a customer by saying “Go find someone else” can’t be part of his training.

Everything you need to know for your flight from New York to South Africa

Cabin class types available on flights to South Africa