Deal Alert: New York and California to Johannesburg, South Africa From $676 Round-Trip

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.

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Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend you use Google Flights to find dates to fly, then book through an online travel agency such as Orbitz or Expedia, which allows you to cancel flights without penalty by 11pm Eastern Time within one day of booking. However, if you’re using the American Express Platinum Card, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through Amex Travel portal to get 5x MR points. Remember: Fares may disappear quickly, so book right away and take advantage of Orbitz or Expedia’s courtesy cancellation if you’re unable to get the time away from work or family.

Tickets to Johannesburg typically range from $1,800 and up, but this Virgin Atlantic sale slashes nearly $1,200 off the going rate. Sale fares begin in October, but the lowest rates are widely available between November 2018 and March 2019.

Note that Google Flights works for searching specific dates and rates, but does not actually link to a Virgin Atlantic booking page. So you will have to use Google Flights first to find the dates you want, then repeat the process on Virgin Atlantic in order to actually book your tickets.

Airline: Virgin Atlantic
Routes: LAX/SFO/JFK to JNB
Cost: $676+ round-trip in economy
Dates: November 2018 to March 2019
Booking Link: Kayak for Hong Kong Airlines flights. Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline for other airlines.
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare plus excellent trip delay insurance) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)

New York (JFK) to Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) for $676 round-trip in November in Economy Light:

New York (JFK) to Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) for $766 round-trip in November in Economy Classic:

Newark (EWR) to Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) for $766 round-trip in March in Economy Classic:

Newark (EWR) to Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) for $766 round-trip in March in Economy Classic:

San Francisco (SFO) to Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) for $800 round-trip in Economy Classic over Christmas/New Year's:

Los Angeles (LAX) to Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) for $800 round-trip in Economy Classic:

Maximize Your Purchase

Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as the American Express Platinum Card (5x on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel), Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Premier Rewards Gold or Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.

H/T: The Flight Deal