SkyTeam member Air France is selling its premium economy tickets to Johannesburg for only €812 from Italy. While Air France’s premium economy includes priority check-in, the security fast track, priority boarding, and 12 kg of hand luggage, it sadly no longer includes checked baggage. The Standard fare, which includes 2 x 23 kg of luggage, costs €150 more.
In some cases, you can also fly with KLM. While KLM’s premium economy is generally perceived as being better than Air France’s, the risk of being downgraded to economy class is high, as not many of their planes are currently equipped with a premium economy, but they still sell premium economy on all flights. I’ve already been downgraded 3 times, so Air France is the safer option.
These tickets are non-refundable but can be rebooked for a fee of €250 + the price difference.
Most Europeans will not need a visa to enter South Africa for a maximum of 90 days.
You can depart from the following airports:
- From Bologna: €812
- From Turin: €817
- From Milan: €819
- From Rome: €819
- From Venice: €819
- From Naples: €841
Our calendar displays all available dates for all 6 routes and can redirect you to Air France’s booking site:
Both Air France and KLM use a Boeing 777 for their flights to Johannesburg. Depending on the airline you choose, you’ll either fly via Paris or Amsterdam. Again, you’ll have to choose between KLM’s better premium economy, or Air France’s certainty that you’ll won’t be downgraded to economy.
By the way, you can also fly to South Africa with Lufthansa & SWISS from Luxembourg for €1,040. While the price sounds quite a lot higher, at least it already includes the 2x 23kg of luggage:
Search & Book
The fare rules merely mention a minimum stay requirement of 6 days (or a Sunday). You can use our calendar to find all available dates, or Google Flights. You can then book the flights directly on Air France’s website, regardless of which of the both airlines you decide to fly with.
Mileage
The inner-european flights are issued in booking class Y, while the long-haul flights are issued in booking class A. To give you an example, flying from Rome via Paris would get you:
- 17,998 RDM + 2,988 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 13,312 Miles on MEA Cedar Miles
- 13,312 Miles on GOL Aéreos Smiles
- 12,858 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 12,226 Miles on Aerolíneas Argentinas AerolíneasPlus
- 12,226 Miles on Saudia Alfursan
- 12,226 Miles on Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles
- 12,226 Miles on Korean Air Skypass
- 12,226 Miles on Garuda Indonesia GarudaMiles
- 12,226 Miles on Air Europa Suma
- 12,226 Award Miles on Etihad Guest
- 12,226 Award Miles on Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
- 12,226 Miles on ITA Volare
- 12,226 Points on SAS EuroBonus
- 11,542 Award Miles + 120 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- 6,798 Points on Malaysia Airlines Enrich
- 2,880 Award Miles + 58 XP on Flying Blue
- Customize Calculation
Aiming for a frequent flyer status? Feel free to use our status calculator to see where your itinerary leaves you:
Destination
Information & Tips for Johannesburg
Johannesburg is known for its role in South Africa’s history, with key sights like the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and Soweto’s Vilakazi Street. The local currency is the South African rand (ZAR), and most places accept cards, though cash can be useful in smaller shops and markets. Prices are generally affordable compared to global standards. The city has a mild, high-altitude climate—summers (October to March) are warm with afternoon thunderstorms, while winters are dry and sunny with cool nights.
We’ve compared various eSIM providers, such as Airalo and BNESIM. To see which plan is best for your travel needs, and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for South Africa 🇿🇦 Compared
→ All Dealz for Johannesburg
Information & Tips for South Africa
South Africa offers a diverse range of attractions, from the iconic Table Mountain and Robben Island in Cape Town to the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park and the scenic Garden Route. The local currency is the South African rand (ZAR), and while credit cards are widely accepted, cash is still commonly used, especially in smaller towns. The cost of travel is generally affordable, with budget-friendly options available for accommodation, food, and activities. The weather varies by region: the coastal areas have mild, Mediterranean-like climates, while the inland areas can be hot and dry in summer and cooler in winter.
South Africa’s transport infrastructure is mixed in quality and convenience. Within cities, public transport is limited, with minibus taxis being common but often confusing for visitors; private cars or ride-hailing apps like Uber are more reliable. Between cities, domestic flights are the fastest option due to long distances, while intercity buses offer affordable travel, though journeys can be long. Trains exist, but are generally slow and not widely used for tourism.
We’ve compared various eSIM providers, such as Airalo and BNESIM. To see which plan is best for your travel needs, and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for South Africa 🇿🇦 Compared
→ All Dealz for South Africa
Cover Picture: Ditmar Lange