South Africa can be one of the more challenging places to get to from the US using points. There are limited nonstop options, and even with connections, award seats are typically limited, especially in first and business class.
On top of that, paid fares are usually high. While we often see cheap first & business class fares from South Africa to the US, the reverse isn’t true, leaving those of us based in the US with limited options.
At the moment Kenya Airways has what might just be the best “legitimate” (non-mistake) business class fare sale I’ve ever seen for travel between New York and Johannesburg.
$2,100 Kenya Airways business class tickets to South Africa
Kenya Airways is charging just $2,100 for roundtrip business class from New York to Nairobi.
The connection times aren’t very long for the most part, and you can even fly the 787 the whole way, meaning you get a flat bed for the entire journey.
Availability is quite good with this fare for travel through mid-December, and can be searched using ITA Matrix or Google Flights.
Kenya Airways 787 business class
I’ve reviewed Kenya Airways’ 787 business class on the flight from New York to Nairobi, so check that out for all the details. They offer a solid business class product with friendly service, decent food, and comfortable fully flat seats.
No, there’s no wifi, the seats aren’t cutting edge, and the food isn’t amazing, but I wouldn’t hesitate to fly them again, especially at this price.
Earning miles & maximizing credit card rewards
This is a “Z” fare, and the itinerary covers a distance of 18,320 flown miles. Check wheretocredit.com for details of how many miles you’d earn for these fares with various programs. Generally programs credit anywhere from 100% to 150% miles for these fares.
For example, Delta credits 100% redeemable miles and MQMs, and awards MQDs equal to 20% of the distance flown.
If you take advantage of this fare, make sure you use a card offering bonus points for airfare purchases. You can earn up to 5x points, which I value at up to 1.7 cents each, for an additional return of 8.5%.
| Card | Points earned on airfare spend |
|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent |
| Citi Prestige Card | 5x ThankYou points per dollar spent |
| American Express® Gold Card | 3x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | 3x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent |
| Citi Premier℠ Card | 3x ThankYou points per dollar spent |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 2x Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent |
Bottom line
If you’re looking to travel to South Africa this year, this is a pretty unbeatable business class fare, especially if you value SkyTeam miles. Kenya Airways has a solid business class product, and getting a flat bed the entire way is the icing on the cake.
Anyone plan to take advantage of these great business class fares?
(Tip of the hat to zoqfotpik)
Hey Ben I think you meant New York to Johannesburg*, not Nairobi above your ITA matrix photo? A
Lucky,
You got a hand-picked crew for your flight. Everyone I know has never had a good experience with crew on Kenya Airways, and in Economy the food I had was awful. The airline isn’t how you’re describing it for the majority of people.
Please, include the type or airliner I.e Boeing 787-8, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-10?
Had a wonderful breakfast flight from Nairobi to Capetown last year on Kenya’s 787-8 in business class. The service was excellent and they did all they could to make sure were happy. One of a few flights that stand out as memorable.
@ricardo Kenya Airways only operates the -8 variant of the 787
I believe they have upgraded the catering since your flight Lucky. I flew the JFK flight recently, and food was exceptional. Chocolate cake was the best dessert I’ve been served on a plane.
The food on Kenya airways economy class is a joke. Horrible foul smelling plastic receptacles I wouldn’t serve a dog in. Crew is rude and condenscending act like they are doing you a favor, and the number of times I have found actual live coakroaches on those flights and in the seat crevices is just . The toilets are crappy. Let me just leave it there. Even Business class which I have also flown severally is really not all that. They just treat you better I guess because they have to coz generally they have managers and other senior staff in that cabin. Otherwise KQ just needs to close up shop and go home.
Really, msema kweli?
You do seem to have a problem.