Johannesburg – South Africans could see more rands in their pockets as the price of flights is likely to drop as the spring season starts.
This is according to research conducted by Cheapflights, a global travel search site that compares flights, hotels and rental cars.
“This is welcome news for cost-fatigued travellers, who have been facing rising airline ticket prices both internationally as well as to local destinations this year,” Laure Bornet, general manager of KAYAK EMEA, which manages Cheapflights.co.za said.
According to data from global travel search engine Cheapflights.co.za, South Africans travelling during the winter months (June to August) saw an almost 20% increase in the cost of airline tickets this year compared to the same period pre-pandemic.
“Among many reasons behind this significant rise in flight prices might have been the folding of local carrier Comair, rising fuel costs, and airport chaos. This followed an increase in demand for flights as travellers spread their wings after travel restrictions were finally eased.”
But relief is in sight as Cheapflight’s flight search data in the June to August 2022 period, shows around a 26% decrease in flight prices for long-haul destination trips during this spring (September to November), compared to the travel period over the past winter (June to August 2022).
“The international round-trip price for spring appears to be as little as about R12 700 on average, while it was over R17 000 during the winter period,” Bornet said.
“Average flight prices for travelling in South Africa over the next three months (could) see a drop of about 12%, compared to prices recorded for travels happening in the June to August 2022 period.”
Cheapflights said that South African travellers could now book a domestic flight for about R2 300 on average this spring.
“Passengers who plan their travels strategically and fly out of peak season this year can stack up the savings while still getting to do a trip across the country, or take that long-desired journey abroad.”
There are also seasonal flight price changes that travellers can benefit from.
“This spring flight prices are currently seeing an even bigger decrease compared to what we observed before the pandemic,” Bornet added.
Looking at flight prices from June to August versus September to November, Bornet said that over the past three years, the seasonal price drop in flight prices in 2022 was notably significant. On 10 long-haul destinations SA travellers can fly for less than R12 000.
With the average international return flight cost being around R12 000 over this spring period, Cheapflights.co.za reveals the 10 best-value long-haul destinations that travellers can visit within this budget.
Heading up the list are UAE destinations Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Bornet explained that these regions are tourist hotspots and some of the commonly used connecting airports in the region, which have average flight prices of below R10 000 respectively.
Meanwhile, Indian destinations are also becoming more accessible, with flights to Mumbai and New Delhi below the R11 000 mark.
“This is great news for the Indian community in South Africa and everyone else who is keen to experience this unique, ancient culture.”
UAE destinations, as well as India, are then followed by Istanbul in Turkey, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Malé in Maldives and Bangkok in Thailand. Closing up the list are Athens, Greece, and Vienna and Austria.
“With an average round-trip economy price of around R12 000, these are among the most affordable European destinations and a good starting point for South Africans looking to travel to this part of the world,” Bornet said.