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
- 12,358 Miles on CSA OK Plus
- 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
- 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
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 has 9,6 million inhabitants and is the largest city and most important business and financial center in Africa south of the Sahara. The city is well connected to Europe by air, flights for under 500€ (round trip) are becoming increasingly more common.
Best Time to Travel
The best times to visit Johannesburg are during fall (March – May) and during spring (September – Novemver). Temperatures are warm but pleasant and rainfall is comparatively rare.
From the Airport to the City
One possibility is taking the Gautrain, a type of local commuter rail. A trip to the city center takes about 25 minutes and costs approximately 12€. Taking a cab or an Uber runs you about 18€ to 24€.
→ All Dealz for Johannesburg
Information & Tips for South Africa
South Africa is the touristically most visited country in the south of Africa. Whether its Safaris, tours of wine regions or the Table Mountain – visitors won’t be disappointed!
Traditionally, flights from Europa to South Africa have been quite expensive. In recent years however, airlines such as Iberia, Egyptair and British Airways have been offering cheaper and cheaper flights – even in premium cabins! If you are flexible in regards to your point of departure, the array of airlines with cheap tickets becomes even greater.
Best Time to Visit
South Africa is a huge country and therefore doesn’t have a single best time to visit. It really depends on what you want to see. The cities Johannesburg and Cape Town have the best weather in Fall (March – Mai) and Spring (September – November).
Immigration & Visa Requirements
If you have a valid EU passport and a valid return ticket, you will be given a visitor’s visa with a validity of 90 days. Turn to the ministry of foreign affairs of your country for more information.
Currency
The currency used in South Africa is the Rand (ZAR). One Euro are approximately 16 ZAR. Make sure to use a credit card that does not charge high fees for withdrawals or payments in foreign currencies.
Finding the Best eSIM Plan
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