[Expired] [Deal Alert] U.S. to South Africa From $1,786 Round-trip in Premium Economy

Update:The offer mentioned below has expired and is no longer available.

Cash flights from the U.S. to South Africa are notoriously pricey, but SWISS is offering a great deal on premium economy seats from several U.S. cities to Johannesburg that start at under $1,800 round-trip.

Here’s what you need to know!

Fare Deal — Details

This deal is valid on tickets originating in several cities served by SWISS, including Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), and Washington, D.C. (IAD).

There is a catch, however. The flights between the U.S. and the airline’s hub in Zurich (ZRH) will be in economy and then the leg between Zurich and Johannesburg (JNB) will be in premium economy.

Still, for such a long journey, it’s a great price to pay for the ability to travel in premium economy for more than 20 hours.

Note that you can search for your dates through Google Flights, but you’ll want to book directly at SWISS.com, as the flights aren’t bookable directly through Google Flights. You may find cheaper rates if booking through an online travel agency (OTA), but we suggest booking directly through the airline if you need to change your reservation after purchase.

• Class: Premium Economy/Economy
• Routes: Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), and Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Johannesburg (JNB)
• Dates: October 2023 to March 2024
• Rates: As low as $1,786 round-trip (when booked through the airline)

Best Ways To Book

There’s widespread availability between this fall and next spring, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding travel dates that work for you.

Either way, once you’ve settled on dates, you’ll want to book your flight using a credit card that rewards you for travel purchases. Here are a few of our favorites here at Upgraded Points:

• The Platinum Card^® from American Express: 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with the airline or through AmexTravel.com (capped at $500,000 spent in purchases per calendar year, then 1x points)
• The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express: 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com
• Chase Sapphire Reserve^®: 5x Ultimate Rewards points on flights booked through Chase Travel; 3x points on all other travel purchases
• Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card: 5x Ultimate Rewards points on flights booked through Chase Travel; 2x points on all other travel purchases
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: 5x Capital One miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel; 2x miles on all other purchases (including travel)

Final Thoughts

This is an excellent deal for a lengthy, often expensive route. SWISS is a fantastic airline to fly, especially in premium economy. This deal won’t last, so make sure to book ASAP!