Flying from South Africa to Europe, Asia, North America or other distant destinations can involve many hours in the air, one or more connections and a considerable amount of planning.
A cheap flight isn’t necessarily a good flight.
A slightly more expensive ticket may offer a much better departure time, shorter connections, better baggage allowances or a more convenient airport.
For South African travellers, the distance involved also makes comfort and connection times particularly important.
Whether you’re flying from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban or another South African airport, it pays to look beyond the headline ticket price.
This guide explains what to consider when planning a long-haul international flight.
What Is a Long-Haul Flight?
There isn’t one universally accepted definition of a long-haul flight, but the term generally refers to flights involving several hours in the air and often covering thousands of kilometres.
For South African travellers, flights to destinations such as Europe, the Middle East and Asia can involve substantial travel times.
Some journeys are relatively straightforward.
Others may involve:
- A domestic connection
- An international connection
- Multiple airlines
- Different airports
- Overnight connections
- Long layovers
The more complicated the journey, the more important it becomes to consider the entire itinerary rather than simply comparing ticket prices.
Start With Your Final Destination
Before searching for flights, decide where you actually need to end up.
This sounds obvious, but it can make a significant difference to the cost and convenience of your trip.
For example, if you’re travelling to a major European city, it may be possible to fly into one airport and continue by train or another flight.
Similarly, a destination with limited direct services may be cheaper when combined with a connection through a major international hub.
However, don’t assume that the cheapest airport is automatically the best option.
Consider the cost and time required to travel from the airport to your final destination.
Choose Your Departure Airport Carefully
Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport is a major international gateway for South African travellers.
Cape Town International Airport also has a significant number of international services.
Depending on where you live, however, you may need to consider a domestic connection before beginning the international part of your journey.
When comparing flights, calculate the complete journey from your home to your destination.
A slightly more expensive flight from a nearby airport may sometimes be more convenient than a cheaper international ticket that requires a difficult domestic connection.
Direct vs Connecting Flights
One of the biggest decisions is whether to fly directly or use one or more connections.
Direct flights
Advantages include:
- Less travel time
- Fewer opportunities for delays
- No need to change aircraft
- Less chance of missed connections
- Easier luggage handling
The disadvantage is usually price.
Direct flights can cost more than itineraries involving a connection.
Connecting flights
Connections can reduce the ticket price and provide access to destinations that don’t have direct services.
However, they also introduce additional risks.
You need to consider:
- Connection time
- Airport layout
- Immigration requirements
- Baggage arrangements
- Possibility of delays
- Whether you need to change terminals
For a long international journey, these factors can be more important than saving a relatively small amount of money.
How Long Should a Flight Connection Be?
There is no single perfect connection time.
A very short connection may be stressful, while an extremely long layover can make the journey unnecessarily tiring.
When evaluating a connection, consider:
- Whether both flights are on the same ticket
- Whether you need to change terminals
- Whether immigration is required
- Whether you need to collect your luggage
- The size of the airport
- The time of day
- The consequences of missing the connection
A connection that looks reasonable on a flight-search website may be much less attractive once you understand the airport involved.
Why Very Short Connections Can Be Risky
Suppose your first flight arrives late.
If you only have a short amount of time before the next flight, even a relatively small delay can create a problem.
This is particularly concerning when:
- You need to pass through immigration
- You need to change terminals
- You need to go through security again
- You have to take a shuttle between terminals
When comparing two flights, don’t automatically choose the itinerary with the shortest possible connection.
A little extra time can make the journey considerably less stressful.
What About Long Layovers?
Long layovers aren’t always bad.
In some cases, they can provide an opportunity to:
- Rest
- Eat
- Explore the airport
- Use airport facilities
- Take a shower
- Catch up on work
- Leave the airport if immigration rules allow
However, very long layovers can make an already lengthy journey exhausting.
If you have an overnight layover, check whether you’ll have access to suitable accommodation.
This can turn a cheap flight into a considerably more expensive journey.
Consider the Airport, Not Just the City
Major cities sometimes have multiple airports.
They may differ considerably in:
- Distance from the city centre
- Public transport
- Taxi costs
- Operating hours
- Airline availability
- Transfer times
When comparing flights, check the actual airport.
A ticket that saves R1,000 may not be a bargain if getting from the airport to your accommodation costs several hundred rand and takes hours longer.
One Ticket vs Separate Tickets
This is an extremely important consideration when searching for cheap flights.
A conventional itinerary may be booked as one ticket covering the entire journey.
Alternatively, you may find cheaper fares by purchasing separate tickets.
For example:
Johannesburg → Istanbul
followed by
Istanbul → London
could potentially be booked separately.
The risk is that the airlines may not be responsible for the second flight if the first flight is delayed.
You may also need to:
- Collect your luggage
- Check in again
- Pass through immigration
- Re-clear security
- Allow considerably more connection time
Separate tickets can sometimes save money, but the potential risk needs to be understood.
Check Your Baggage Allowance
The cheapest flight isn’t necessarily the cheapest complete trip.
Check:
- Cabin baggage allowance
- Checked baggage allowance
- Maximum bag weight
- Number of checked bags
- Personal-item allowance
- Fees for additional baggage
Two airlines may offer apparently similar fares but have very different baggage policies.
If you are travelling for several weeks, baggage costs can make a significant difference.
Our guide How to Choose the Right Luggage for International Travel can help you choose luggage that suits your journey.
Don’t Assume Every Fare Includes Checked Luggage
Some airlines sell different fare classes.
The cheapest fare may include only a small cabin bag or personal item.
A higher fare might include:
- Checked luggage
- Seat selection
- Changes
- Refund options
- Priority services
Always compare the total price for the fare you actually need, rather than the lowest advertised price.
Think About Seat Selection
On a long flight, your seat can have a noticeable effect on comfort.
You may prefer:
Window seat
Useful if you want to:
- Look outside
- Sleep against the wall
- Avoid people walking past
Aisle seat
Useful if you:
- Prefer easier access to the toilet
- Want to move around regularly
- Don’t want to disturb another passenger
Middle seat
Usually less popular, but sometimes unavoidable on busy flights.
If you are travelling with another person, consider whether sitting together is important enough to justify paying for seat selection.
Extra Legroom
Extra-legroom seats can be particularly valuable on long-haul flights.
However, compare the additional cost with the length of the flight.
Paying a relatively small amount for extra space on a very long journey may be worthwhile for some travellers.
For a short connection or short flight, the same upgrade may not provide much value.
Consider the Aircraft
Different aircraft can provide noticeably different experiences.
When possible, check:
- Aircraft type
- Seat configuration
- Seat pitch
- Seat width
- Entertainment system
- Power outlets
- Wi-Fi availability
- USB charging
However, aircraft can sometimes be changed after booking.
Don’t choose a flight solely because of the aircraft listed at the time of purchase.
Meals on Long-Haul Flights
Many long-haul international flights include meals, but don’t assume every fare or airline provides the same service.
Check whether meals are included and whether you can request special meals if necessary.
If you have dietary requirements, it’s generally better to arrange this in advance rather than relying on what happens to be available on board.
Staying Comfortable During a Long Flight
Comfort becomes increasingly important as the flight duration increases.
Useful items may include:
- Travel pillow
- Eye mask
- Earplugs
- Comfortable clothing
- Light jacket
- Water bottle suitable for airport security requirements
- Moisturiser
- Entertainment
- Phone charger or power bank where permitted
Don’t pack everything into your checked luggage.
Anything essential during the flight should be accessible in your cabin baggage.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Long-haul flights aren’t the time to prioritise appearance over comfort.
Choose clothing that allows you to sit for several hours without restriction.
Layers are particularly useful because aircraft cabins can feel cold or warm at different stages of the journey.
Comfortable shoes are also helpful because your feet may swell during a long flight.
If you are travelling somewhere with very different weather conditions, consider what you’ll be wearing when you leave the airport at the destination.
Think About Sleep
Long-haul flights can disrupt your normal sleep schedule.
This becomes particularly important when crossing several time zones.
Depending on your destination and flight schedule, you may want to adjust your sleeping pattern gradually before departure.
A comfortable neck pillow, eye mask and noise-reducing headphones or earplugs can make resting easier.
Avoid relying on medication or sleep products without understanding their risks and suitability for you.
Managing Jet Lag
Jet lag can be particularly noticeable after long international journeys.
Factors that may affect it include:
- Number of time zones crossed
- Direction of travel
- Sleep during the flight
- Arrival time
- Exposure to daylight
- Local schedule
After arrival, try to adapt to the local schedule rather than continuing to follow South African time.
Getting outside during appropriate daylight hours can also help your body adjust to the new schedule.
Check Visa and Transit Requirements
A flight itinerary can sometimes involve transit through countries you weren’t planning to visit.
Don’t assume that you can transit through every airport without checking the requirements.
Depending on your nationality and itinerary, you may need:
- A transit visa
- An electronic travel authorisation
- A visa
- Proof of onward travel
- Additional documentation
This is especially important when booking separate tickets or changing airports.
Visa and transit requirements can change, so check current official requirements before travelling.
Consider Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can be particularly valuable on complicated international itineraries.
Potential concerns include:
- Flight delays
- Missed connections
- Medical emergencies
- Lost baggage
- Trip cancellation
- Travel interruptions
The right policy depends on your circumstances and destination.
Our guide Travel Insurance for South Africans: What to Check Before You Buy explains the main features to compare before purchasing cover.
What About an eSIM?
If you’re travelling internationally, staying connected can be useful for:
- Maps
- Airport information
- Ride-hailing
- Messaging
- Flight updates
- Hotel directions
- Translation
An eSIM can provide a convenient way of accessing mobile data without purchasing a physical SIM card at your destination.
Before buying one, check that your phone supports eSIM technology and that the plan covers the countries you are visiting.
Our guides How eSIMs Work When Travelling Overseas from South Africa and How to Choose the Best eSIM for International Travel: A South African Traveller’s Guide explain the options in more detail.
Consider the Time of Departure
Flight departure time can affect the entire travel experience.
An overnight flight may allow you to sleep during the journey.
A daytime flight may make it easier to remain awake and adjust to the destination’s time zone.
Also consider how you will reach the airport.
A very early international flight may require:
- An airport hotel
- An expensive early-morning taxi
- Leaving home in the middle of the night
A slightly later flight can sometimes be more convenient even if the ticket costs a little more.
Don’t Ignore the Return Flight
When comparing fares, look at the entire journey.
A cheap outbound flight isn’t particularly useful if the return flight is extremely expensive or inconvenient.
Check:
- Outbound schedule
- Return schedule
- Baggage
- Connection times
- Airports
- Fare conditions
For some destinations, a return ticket may be significantly cheaper than two separate one-way tickets.
For others, separate one-way fares may make more sense.
Consider Open-Jaw and Multi-City Flights
You don’t necessarily have to return from the same airport where you arrived.
For example:
Johannesburg → Istanbul
then travel through Europe
London → Johannesburg
could be more practical than returning to Istanbul simply to catch the return flight.
This is sometimes called an open-jaw itinerary.
If you’re visiting multiple destinations, a multi-city booking can also simplify the journey.
Our guide How to Plan a Multi-City International Trip from South Africa: Flights, Connections, Budget & Itinerary explains how to approach this type of trip.
Compare the Total Cost
When comparing long-haul flights, consider:
Ticket + baggage + seat selection + transfers + meals + accommodation during long layovers + other fees
This gives you a much better indication of the real cost.
A flight advertised at R9,000 may become considerably more expensive after extras.
Another flight costing R10,000 may include more of what you actually need.
The cheapest advertised price isn’t necessarily the cheapest trip.
When Is a More Expensive Flight Worth It?
Paying more can make sense when the additional cost provides something valuable.
For example:
- Direct flight
- Much shorter journey
- Better connection
- More convenient departure time
- Checked baggage
- Better cancellation conditions
- Better airport
- Better arrival time
Ask yourself:
What am I actually getting for the extra money?
If the answer is simply a slightly better departure time, you may decide the saving is worth more.
If the alternative involves an additional 12 hours of travel and a difficult overnight connection, paying more could be worthwhile.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
There is no single date that guarantees the cheapest fare.
Airfares can vary according to:
- Season
- Demand
- Destination
- Airline
- Available seats
- Holidays
- Events
- Booking conditions
Rather than waiting for a supposedly perfect price, monitor fares and compare different dates where possible.
Flexibility can sometimes be more valuable than trying to predict the absolute lowest fare.
Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
If your schedule allows flexibility, compare several departure and return dates.
Even moving your trip by a day or two can sometimes produce a different fare.
Also compare:
- Weekday departures
- Weekend departures
- Morning flights
- Evening flights
- Different connection cities
Flexibility gives you more opportunities to find a combination that suits both your budget and schedule.
Use Flight Search Tools Carefully
Flight comparison websites are useful for discovering options.
But don’t stop at the first price you see.
Once you find an attractive itinerary, check the airline’s own website where possible.
Compare:
- Final price
- Baggage
- Fare conditions
- Seat selection
- Change fees
- Cancellation conditions
This gives you a clearer picture of what you’re actually buying.
A Long-Haul Flight Planning Checklist
Before booking, check:
Flight
- Departure airport
- Arrival airport
- Direct or connecting
- Total travel time
- Number of stops
- Connection duration
- Aircraft type
Cost
- Base fare
- Checked baggage
- Cabin baggage
- Seat selection
- Meals
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation during long layovers
Documents
- Passport validity
- Destination visa
- Transit requirements
- Proof of onward travel if required
Comfort
- Seat choice
- Legroom
- Sleeping arrangements
- Comfortable clothing
- Entertainment
- Charging options
Travel protection
- Travel insurance
- Emergency contacts
- Important documents
- Access to mobile data
Final Thoughts
Planning a long-haul flight is about much more than finding the lowest ticket price.
The best itinerary is usually the one that provides the right balance between price, travel time, connections, baggage, comfort and convenience.
A cheaper flight can make sense if the savings are substantial and the journey is manageable.
But if a small additional payment gives you a much shorter journey, a better connection or a more convenient airport, it may be worth paying the difference.
For South African travellers, long international journeys can involve considerable distances, so take the time to compare the complete itinerary rather than focusing only on the advertised fare.
Check the connection times, baggage allowance, airport, visa requirements and total journey time before booking.
And once your flight is sorted, don’t forget the rest of the trip.
Your luggage, accommodation, travel insurance, mobile connectivity and destination planning all contribute to the overall experience.
The best long-haul flight isn’t necessarily the cheapest one. It’s the one that gives you the best overall journey for the money you’re prepared to spend.