Rare EWR-JNB business class award space open through 2021
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.
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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
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- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
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Rewards Rate
6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
2X | 2x points on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.Earn 125,000 points75,000 pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.