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United's Newark-Cape Town nonstop to return for 2020-21 season

Zach Honig
Zach Honig

December 16, 2019 • 2 min read

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Sunday night, United Airlines Flight 1122 departed Newark Liberty International Airport bound for Cape Town, marking the first time United Airlines has operated service to South Africa. It's also the first time any carrier has flown nonstop between North America and Cape Town, so naturally it's been a cause for celebration for leisure and business travelers in the New York City area and beyond.

Now, United's vice president of international network, Patrick Quayle, has confirmed that the route has been such a success that it'll return for the 2020-21 season as well, running from late 2020 through March 2021, with a possible launch as early as November.

United currently offers 2-2-2 seating on the 787-9 operating nonstop flights between Newark and Cape Town. (Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)

Currently, the flight operates with the below schedule, though it's likely United will increase the frequency for next year's northern winter season.

Newark (EWR) 8:30pm Departure → Cape Town (CPT) 6:00pm (+1) Arrival (Wed, Fri, Sun)
Cape Town (CPT) 8:50pm Departure → Newark (EWR) 5:45am (+1) Arrival (Mon, Thu, Sat)

United is currently working to finalize next year's schedule, so it isn't possible to book a flight just yet. Still, for anyone hoping to travel to the Mother City next year, you can rest assured that you'll be able to fly nonstop from the U.S. with United.

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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
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No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Currently, the flight operates with the below schedule, though it's likely United will increase the frequency for next year's northern winter season.

Newark (EWR) 8:30pm Departure → Cape Town (CPT) 6:00pm (+1) Arrival (Wed, Fri, Sun)
Cape Town (CPT) 8:50pm Departure → Newark (EWR) 5:45am (+1) Arrival (Mon, Thu, Sat)

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