United Airlines will resume service to the African continent with new seasonal service to Cape Town, South Africa.
Starting on December 15, 2019, United will operate three flights weekly from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Cape Town (CPT). The flight will utilize a 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring:
- 48 seats in Business Class
- 88 seats in Economy Plus (extra legroom economy)
- 116 seats in Economy Class
The flights will operate through the end of March, though strong performance may extend the life of route. This marks the only nonstop route between the USA and Cape Town.
|
From |
To |
Depart |
Arrive |
Aircraft |
|
Newark |
Cape Town |
8:30 p.m. |
6:00 p.m.+1 |
787-9 |
|
Cape Town |
Newark |
8:50 p.m. |
5:45 a.m.+1 |
787-9 |
The flight will operate Wednesday/Friday/Sunday southbound and Monday/Thursday/Saturday northbound.
United describes its latest destination in mostly tourist terms:
Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and the country’s center of trade and commerce. Located at the shore of Table Bay, the city is home to some of the most popular attractions in South Africa including Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Travelers to South Africa often begin their African journey in Cape Town before touring the Cape Winelands, viewing the African penguins at Boulder Beach or traveling beyond Cape Town to explore South Africa’s natural beauty including its many national parks, game reserves and beautiful coastlines and beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces.
Based on the calendar schedule and thrice-weekly service, this certainly appears to be a route geared toward leisure travelers.
Tickets are not yet for sale…this will be a great time to put United’s new dynamic award pricing to the test.
CONCLUSION
We’ve been booking a lot of clients to Cape Town for the holidays at Award Expert. I’m sure this new flight will be a popular one.
Are you looking forward to traveling to South Africa on United Airlines?
If you cant book these anywhere close to saver levels there is pretty decent saver availability from JFK on SAA…
I’ll be most interested in looking at space during peak Xmas – New Years period.
190K in business each way I assume. While I can see save 80K saver space on SAA, Swiss etc now with departure dates around then.
Only 16 seats in economy class?
Wouldn’t that be nice?! But alas, there will be 116.
I got very excited because I hoped it was going to be to jro because we have an up coming trip to Tanzania so if anyone knows a good way from dar to jro please comment. I know it’s not the right place but thank you.