SA Airways lures US travellers

19 June 2007 South African Airways (SAA) has introduced lower and more flexible fares for flights between the US and South Africa. The new fares make it easier for travellers to access flights from more than 30 cities in the US to more than 25 destinations in southern Africa through SAA's service from New York's JFK and Washington Dulles International airports to Johannesburg. They also feature simpler rules that allow for between a 3-day minimum and 12-month maximum stay. SAA gives the example of tickets for a round trip flight from New York or Washington DC to Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban starting from as low as US$1 100 during the Fall months (August, September and October). From South Africa, SAA offers connecting flights to more than 25 destinations within southern Africa, giving travellers the opportunity to explore beyond South Africa's borders. "This new fare structure makes it easier and more affordable for North American travellers to access southern Africa and all of its wonders, whether it's the experience of the Cape Town winelands and Table Mountain, the rush of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or the expansive desert and sand dunes of Namibia," said SAA executive vice-president for North America Marc Cavaliere. "Coupled with South African Airways' award-winning service, our membership in the Star Alliance, and the fact that we know Africa better than any other airline, there simply is no better way to and from the continent." SAA has been voted "leading airline to Africa" and "leading business class to Africa" by the World Travel Awards, and offers the only non-stop service between the US and South Africa, with direct service from New York and daily departures from Washington DC. Through its Star Alliance membership, the airline is able to offer its customers access to 855 destinations in 155 countries and more than 16 000 flights daily, including convenient connections from more than 30 cities in the US through code share service with Star Alliance partner United Airlines. In addition, members of United Airlines' Mileage Plus programme are able to earn miles on all SAA flights. SouthAfrica.info reporter