Find out what your options are for using your Qantas points to experience the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of South Africa. Unfortunately, it's easier said than done!
Key takeaways
- Qantas runs a non-stop flight connecting Australia with South Africa.
- Flying via the Middle East with Qatar Airways and Emirates is a good one-stop option.
- If you don't mind a two-stop trip, you can get to South Africa with British Airways.
Top up your account using Qantas credit card sign up bonus points.
Direct flight options
Sadly your choice of Qantas Points flights between Australia and South Africa is limited to what's on offer with Qantas.
Qantas
Availability: Poor | Charges: Average | In-flight experience: Good | Stops: 0
As the national flag carrier of Australia, Qantas is a popular choice for those looking to fly to South Africa using Qantas Points. Qantas fly to Johannesburg direct from Sydney. However, finding award seat availability in Business and First Class on this route is nigh on impossible if you are not booking far in advance.
Multi-stop flight options
More likely than not, you'll need to consider a one or two-stop route via SE Asia or the Middle East. Connection times, especially with the Gulf carriers, tend to be short (often less than two hours).
Qatar Airways
Availability: Good | Charges: Low | In-flight experience: Excellent | Stops: 1
Qatar Airways offers consistently good reward seat availability for flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban via Doha from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Their Business Class seat is renowned as being one of the best in the world, making it a top choice for luxury travellers. Unlike Emirates, airline charges are much lower on Qatar Airways.
Emirates
Availability: Good | Charges: High | In-flight experience: Excellent | Stops: 1
Emirates, known for its exceptional in-flight experience, offers flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban via its hub in Dubai from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. However, their high taxes and charges make it much less of an attractive use of Qantas points compared to other options, particularly Qatar Airways.
British Airways
Availability: Poor | Charges: High | In-flight experience: Average | Stops: 2
South Africa is a popular destination for British sunseekers, especially around Christmas and New Year. So, unless you book well in advance, finding a reward seat can be like finding a needle in a very large haystack. Fly from Sydney to London via Singapore and connect to Cape Town and Johannesburg. British Airways' Club Suite is a marked improvement on their old Club World product.
Summary
| Airline | Availability | Charges | In-flight experience | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Poor | High | Average | 2 |
| Emirates | Good | High | Excellent | 1 |
| Qantas | Poor | Average | Good | 0 |
| Qatar Airways | Good | Low | Excellent | 1 |
