Cheap Kenya Airways Business Class Fares From New York To South Africa

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)