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United Airlines has announced that it will operate its nonstop flight between Newark (EWR) and Cape Town (CPT) in South Africa on a year-round basis, expanding the seasonal service it offered when it first launched the route between the 2 cities.
United had suspended the route as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic but plans to resume the thrice-weekly service on June 5, 2022. And this time, it will operate year-round, which is a substantial increase in capacity on the route.
Chicago-based United uses a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with 48 lie-flat Polaris business class seats, 21 Premium Plus seats, 39 Economy Plus seats, and 149 economy seats on its nonstop flights between Newark’s Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT).
When the flights resume, they’ll operate according to the following schedule:
The outbound flight (EWR-CPT) will operate as UA1122 on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with an average flight time of 14 hours 55 minutes.
The return flight (CPT-EWR) will operate as UA1123 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with an average flight time of 15 hours 40 minutes.
This flight makes United the only U.S. airline that flies nonstop to Cape Town. It must’ve proven popular among flyers since the airline is making this a year-round service. And as a bonus, you’ll have the chance to spend a lot of time in United’s very solid business class product: Polaris.
Hot Tip: Learn more about the best ways to fly to South Africa with points and miles in our detailed guide!
Booking this flight with points and miles is straightforward, with United’s own MileagePlus program offering one of the best redemption options. Saver-level business class seats can be booked using just 70,000 United miles each way, which can be transferred instantly from Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Hot Tip: If you’ve got your eye on this flight, make sure you read up on all the best ways to earn a bunch of United MileagePlus miles.
Alternatively, you could book a round-trip flight (with a stopover) using 104,000 ANA miles since the program is an Amex transfer partner, or use 60,000 Asiana Club miles each way.
Cape Town is an incredible city full of history, culture, and amazing food. Plus, it is a great place to base yourself if you’re eager to explore the vineyards in the area or experience a safari.
United’s nonstop flight from the East Coast makes it easy for flyers in a multitude of U.S. cities to access this South African gem with just 1 stop (or without a stop if you’re based in the New York City area). Clearly, United thinks it has a winner on its hands since it’s increasing it to a year-round route.
We wouldn’t be at all surprised to see flights fill up soon after this route resumes.
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