SAEC NEWS

Flight price relief is on the itinerary for travellers, this spring

South Africans could see more rands stay in their pockets, as the price of flights is likely to drop as the spring season starts. 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.

In fact, South Africans travelling during the winter months (June to August) saw an almost 20 per cent increase in the cost of flight tickets this year compared to the same period pre-pandemic, according to data* from global travel search engine Cheapflights.co.za.

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 following an increase in demand for flights as travellers spread their wings after travel restrictions were finally eased. However, relief is in sight as Cheapflight’s flight search data in the June to August 2022 period, shows around a 26 per cent 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. Average flight prices for travelling in South Africa over the next three months see a drop of about 12 per cent, compared to prices recorded for travels happening in the June to August 2022 period. SA’s travellers can book a domestic flight for about R2,300, on average to have a trip 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 longdesired journey abroad. There are always 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,” noted Laure Bornet, general manager, KAYAK EMEA, which manages Cheapflights.co.za.

Looking at flight prices from June to August versus September to November, over the past three years, the seasonal price drop in flight prices in 2022 is notably significant.

10 long-haul destinations where 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, tourist hotspots and some of the commonly used connecting airports in the region, which have average flight prices of below R10,000, respectively.

Indian destinations are also becoming more accessible, with flights to Mumbai and New Delhi below the R11,000 mark which is great news for the Indian community in South Africa and everyone else who is keen to experience this unique, ancient culture. These are then followed by Istanbul in Turkey, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Malé in Maldives and Bangkok in Thailand.

Closing the list are Athens, Greece, and Vienna, 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.