Rare EWR-JNB business class award space open through 2021
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
If you’ve got South Africa on your 2021 travel bucket list, you’re in luck: United is currently offering wide-open saver award space on the Newark (EWR)-Johannesburg (JNB) route through November 2021, as first reported by View from the Wing. You can find at least two open seats on each flight, most of which are operated by Ethiopian Airlines, Swiss and Lufthansa. You’ll need 88,000 – 92,500 United miles each way per ticket, depending on your travel date.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
United miles are fairly easy to get at the last minute, thanks to a partnership with Chase Ultimate Rewards. You can simply transfer your UR points to United at a 1:1 ratio. The miles will be available pretty much instantly. Just keep in mind that since it is Christmas, if there are any technical issues with your transfer, you probably won’t have an easy time getting it resolved today.
In November, the South African government announced it would lift all travel restrictions, welcoming tourists from all over the world. If you do take advantage of this open award space, just keep in mind that you’ll need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of departure. You’ll also be subject to the following restrictions:
- Face masks are required in all public spaces
- A curfew is in effect every night from midnight until 4 a.m.
- Gatherings will be restricted to 50 percent of the venue’s capacity, with 250 people allowed at a maximum indoors, or 500 people maximum at outdoor venues;
- Individuals may purchase alcohol between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
This is a great opportunity to score a rare award on some terrific airlines. Just keep in mind that travel restrictions could change at any moment. With the coronavirus vaccine likely not becoming available to the general public until summer, it’s probably best to book your travel for fall 2021 to be safe.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
Earn 90,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Offer ends 11/10/2021.
With Status Boost™, earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer expires 11/10/2021.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $75 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®.
- Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club® for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.