What is the cheapest airline that flies from California to South Africa?

Qatar Airways, Delta, and United Airlines are the most popular carriers operating from California to South Africa

Which airlines fly to South Africa?

British Airways, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines are the top three most popular airlines that fly to South Africa from California according to our data. British Airways is the first choice among our users, with 41% of people opting to fly with this airline when travelling to South Africa. Keep in mind that there are 5 different airlines that fly to South Africa on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

How long is the flight from California to South Africa?

On average, it takes 20h 36m to fly from California to South Africa if you fly out of San Diego (the most popular airport in California) and into Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport (the most popular airport in South Africa). If you’re flying out of San Jose and into Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport, then the flight time is around 21h 55m.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to South Africa?

Prices for flights from California to South Africa are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to South Africa?

There are 5 operators available for flights from California to South Africa as of December 2025.

How old do you have to be to fly from California to South Africa?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and stopovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from California to South Africa.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to South Africa?

The required travel and health documents for your South Africa trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's licence and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at South Africa. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

R9 919 Cheap Flights from California to South Africa in 2025/26

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Find the cheapest flights from California to South Africa

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Cheap return flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

19:50 - 10:50

SFO

JNB

30h 00m1 stop

18:00 - 16:40

JNB

SFO

31h 40m1 stop

R17 006Turkish Airlines

Wed, Mar 11 - Fri, Apr 3

18:50 - 10:50

SFO

JNB

30h 00m1 stop

19:10 - 16:45

JNB

SFO

31h 35m1 stop

R17 190Turkish Airlines

Tue, Feb 3 - Tue, Feb 10

19:25 - 10:30

SFO

JNB

29h 05m1 stop

20:15 - 16:30

JNB

SFO

30h 15m1 stop

R17 224SWISS

Sat, Feb 7 - Wed, Feb 18

19:25 - 10:30

SFO

JNB

29h 05m1 stop

20:15 - 16:30

JNB

SFO

30h 15m1 stop

R17 240SWISS

Sat, Feb 7 - Wed, Feb 18

19:25 - 10:30

SFO

JNB

29h 05m1 stop

20:15 - 16:30

JNB

SFO

30h 15m1 stop

R17 408SWISS

Sun, Jan 18 - Tue, Feb 3

10:35 - 18:35

SFO

JNB

22h 00m1 stop

22:00 - 12:15

JNB

SFO

24h 15m1 stop

R17 542United Airlines

Sat, Jan 17 - Mon, Feb 2

19:25 - 10:30

SFO

JNB

29h 05m1 stop

19:45 - 12:40

JNB

SFO

26h 55m1 stop

R17 643Multiple Airlines

Sat, Feb 7 - Sat, Feb 14

11:55 - 19:00

SNA

JNB

21h 05m1 stop

21:55 - 20:04

JNB

SNA

32h 09m1 stop

R18 983Virgin Atlantic

Tue, Feb 3 - Tue, Feb 10

18:25 - 18:35

SNA

JNB

38h 10m3 stops

22:00 - 20:42

JNB

SNA

32h 42m3 stops

R19 050United Airlines

Tue, Feb 3 - Tue, Feb 10

21:00 - 13:40

SFO

CPT

55h 40m3 stops

14:20 - 21:13

CPT

SFO

39h 53m2 stops

R19 385Multiple Airlines

Sat, Apr 18 - Sat, May 2

Turkish Airlines flights from California to South Africa

Our best Turkish Airlines deals on California to South Africa flight tickets

Turkish Airlines

Mar 11

SFO19:50San Francisco

30h 00m

1 stop

JNB10:50Johannesburg OR Tambo

Apr 3

JNB18:00Johannesburg OR Tambo

31h 40m

1 stop

SFO16:40San Francisco

R17 006

Find similar

Turkish Airlines

Feb 3

SFO18:50San Francisco

30h 00m

1 stop

JNB10:50Johannesburg OR Tambo

Feb 10

JNB19:10Johannesburg OR Tambo

31h 35m

1 stop

SFO16:45San Francisco

R17 190

Find similar

Turkish Airlines

Apr 30

SFO18:45San Francisco

30h 45m

1 stop

JNB10:30Johannesburg OR Tambo

May 12

JNB17:50Johannesburg OR Tambo

31h 50m

1 stop

SFO16:40San Francisco

R17 508

Find similar

SWISS flights from California to South Africa

Our best SWISS deals on California to South Africa flight tickets

SWISS

Feb 7

SFO19:25San Francisco

29h 05m

1 stop

JNB10:30Johannesburg OR Tambo

Feb 18

JNB20:15Johannesburg OR Tambo

30h 15m

1 stop

SFO16:30San Francisco

R17 224

Find similar

SWISS

Feb 7

SFO19:25San Francisco

29h 05m

1 stop

JNB10:30Johannesburg OR Tambo

Feb 18

JNB20:15Johannesburg OR Tambo

30h 15m

1 stop

SFO16:30San Francisco

R17 240

Find similar

SWISS

Jan 18

SFO19:25San Francisco

29h 05m

1 stop

JNB10:30Johannesburg OR Tambo

Feb 3

JNB20:15Johannesburg OR Tambo

30h 15m

1 stop

SFO16:30San Francisco

R17 408

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Wed 11/3

19:50-10:50

1 stop30h 00m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Fri 3/4

18:00-16:40

1 stop31h 40m

R17 006

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Tue 3/2

18:50-10:50

1 stop30h 00m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 10/2

19:10-16:45

1 stop31h 35m

R17 190

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Sat 7/2

19:25-10:30

1 stop29h 05m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 18/2

20:15-16:30

1 stop30h 15m

R17 224

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Sat 7/2

19:25-10:30

1 stop29h 05m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 18/2

20:15-16:30

1 stop30h 15m

R17 240

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Sun 18/1

19:25-10:30

1 stop29h 05m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 3/2

20:15-16:30

1 stop30h 15m

R17 408

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Sat 17/1

10:35-18:35

1 stop22h 00m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Mon 2/2

22:00-12:15

1 stop24h 15m

R17 542

San FranciscoJohannesburg

SFO - JNB

SFOJNB

San Francisco

Sat 7/2

19:25-10:30

1 stop29h 05m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sat 14/2

19:45-12:40

1 stop26h 55m

R17 643

Santa AnaJohannesburg

SNA - JNB

SNAJNB

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Tue 3/2

11:55-19:00

1 stop21h 05m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 10/2

21:55-20:04

1 stop32h 09m

R18 983

Santa AnaJohannesburg

SNA - JNB

SNAJNB

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Tue 3/2

18:25-18:35

3 stops38h 10m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Tue 10/2

22:00-20:42

3 stops32h 42m

R19 050

San FranciscoCape Town

SFO - CPT

SFOCPT

San Francisco

Sat 18/4

21:00-13:40

3 stops55h 40m

Cape Town Intl

Sat 2/5

14:20-21:13

2 stops39h 53m

R19 385

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from California to South Africa

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to South Africa?

The cheapest month to fly to South Africa from California is in March. Flight prices, which tend to average around R19 569, are often lower during this time because this is during the off-season. If you don’t want to visit South Africa in March, then you should wait until May to fly from California, when ticket prices are also cheap, with an average price of R19 754.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to South Africa?

According to our data, Monday is the cheapest day to fly to South Africa from California. The lowest ticket price found for a Monday departure recently was R17 396. Keep in mind that prices can always vary depending on your route and whether or not you are flying domestic or international. Flights from California to South Africa on a Saturday will generally be more expensive and average around R25 285. Keep in mind that these prices on both days could fluctuate depending on the season and the demand.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to South Africa?

Flying to South Africa from California in the evening is the least expensive time of day to depart. momondo users have found prices as low as R21 836 when looking at flights departing in the evening. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to South Africa is at midday when prices are around R32 749.

How far in advance should I book a flight to South Africa?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to South Africa from California when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to South Africa for around R21 802 when searching weeks before you fly. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to South Africa from California for as low as R20 089 on momondo.

Can stopping save me money on California to South Africa flights?

You could potentially save up to 7% on your flight if you consider stops on a California to South Africa flight.

Cheap California to South Africa flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from California to South Africa

Fastest flight time	19h 45m
Direct flights	None

The fastest flight from California to South Africa takes 19h 45m

There are no direct flights from California to South Africa. There are no popular flight routes from California to South Africa.

Search flight deals

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to South Africa?
Prices for flights from California to South Africa are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to South Africa?
There are 5 operators available for flights from California to South Africa as of December 2025.
How old do you have to be to fly from California to South Africa?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and stopovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from California to South Africa.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to South Africa?
The required travel and health documents for your South Africa trip may vary depending on your itinerary and personal circumstances. As a general rule, you should carry multiple documents, including a national ID card or driver's licence and a passport valid for six months after your intended arrival at South Africa. We recommend that you seek guidance from your airline or a reliable third party such as IATA.

Best airlines flying from California to South Africa

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from California to South Africa with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Turkish Airlines	PriceFrom R16 059	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,3 4 108 reviews	Search Turkish Airlines flights
Cathay Pacific	PriceFrom R16 699	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,6 1 102 reviews	Search Cathay Pacific flights
British Airways	PriceFrom R17 952	Free Cancellation	Rating 6,7 7 600 reviews	Search British Airways flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom R18 673	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,4 9 100 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
KLM	PriceFrom R21 653	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,7 1 429 reviews	Search KLM flights

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from California to South Africa?

To find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo gathers a range of flights from a large pool of different airlines and agents; you can then use our insights and filters to find and book the right flight to South Africa from California.

Can I find flights from California to South Africa with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo allows you to filter the results for California to South Africa flights to just show those with flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights from California to South Africa?

Once all potential California to South Africa flight options are in front of you, momondo lets you sort and filter flights based on preferences such as airline, price and flight times amongst many other options.

I’m not ready to book a flight from California to South Africa right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Of course. momondo tracks the price of California to South Africa flights. All you need is a valid email address and we will do the rest; it is that quick and easy.