Hey guys! Planning a trip from the sunny beaches of Durban to the vibrant city of Pretoria? Finding cheap flights can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But don't worry, I'm here to help you navigate the world of flight bookings and snag the best deals possible. Whether you're traveling for business, visiting family, or just exploring a new city, getting a good price on your flight is always a win.

Why Fly from Durban to Pretoria?

Before we dive into how to find those elusive cheap flights, let's quickly touch on why this route is so popular. Durban and Pretoria are two major South African cities with strong economic, governmental, and cultural ties. Many people travel between these cities for work, government affairs, academic pursuits, and of course, leisure.

• Business: Pretoria, as the administrative capital of South Africa, attracts many business travelers. Durban, with its bustling port and industrial sector, sees a lot of commercial activity as well. This constant flow of professionals makes the Durban to Pretoria route a busy one.
• Government: As the seat of government, Pretoria hosts numerous conferences, meetings, and administrative functions. Government employees and those interacting with government agencies frequently travel from Durban.
• Education: Pretoria is home to several prestigious universities and research institutions. Students and academics often travel between Durban and Pretoria for studies, conferences, and collaborations.
• Tourism: While perhaps not as tourist-heavy as other routes, people do travel between these cities for leisure, to visit family, or to explore the unique attractions each city offers. Durban's beaches and warm climate are a stark contrast to Pretoria's historical monuments and jacaranda-lined streets.

Understanding Flight Options

Okay, so you know why you might want to fly this route, but what are your options? Generally, when you're looking at flights from Durban (King Shaka International Airport - DUR) to Pretoria, you’ll actually be flying into Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport - JNB) first. Pretoria doesn't have a major commercial airport, so JNB is the closest and most convenient option. From Johannesburg, you can then take a bus, train, or taxi to Pretoria, which is about an hour's drive away.

The primary airlines operating on this route include:

• South African Airways (SAA): As the national carrier, SAA often has several daily flights between Durban and Johannesburg.
• Kulula: A low-cost airline that offers budget-friendly options.
• British Airways (operated by Comair): Provides a mix of economy and business class options.
• FlySafair: Another popular low-cost carrier known for its competitive pricing.

Direct vs. Indirect Flights

It's important to note that most flights from Durban to Johannesburg (the first leg of your journey to Pretoria) are direct. However, occasionally, you might find options with layovers, usually in other major South African cities. While indirect flights might sometimes be cheaper, they will significantly increase your travel time. For most travelers, a direct flight is the preferred choice.

Top Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how do you actually find those elusive cheap flights from Durban to Pretoria (via Johannesburg)? Here are some tried-and-true strategies:

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

This is probably the most important tip I can give you. If you have some wiggle room with your travel dates, you can often save a significant amount of money. Flight prices fluctuate based on demand, so flying on weekdays (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is generally cheaper than flying on weekends. Similarly, avoiding peak season (like school holidays and major events) can drastically reduce your airfare.

• Use flexible date search tools: Most airline websites and online travel agencies (OTAs) have options to search for flights across a range of dates. Use these tools to see which days offer the lowest prices.
• Consider flying early morning or late at night: These flights are often less popular and therefore cheaper.

2. Book in Advance (But Not Too Far in Advance)

While last-minute deals can occasionally pop up, relying on them is risky. Generally, the sweet spot for booking domestic flights is about 1-3 months in advance. This gives you enough time to monitor prices and snag a good deal before the flights start filling up.

• Set up fare alerts: Use websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak to set up email alerts that notify you when the price of your desired flight changes. This allows you to track price fluctuations and book when the price drops.
• Avoid booking too early: Booking too far in advance (e.g., more than 6 months) might not always get you the best price. Airlines often adjust their pricing strategies closer to the departure date based on demand.

3. Compare Prices Across Multiple Airlines and OTAs

Don't just stick to one airline or website. Different airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) may offer different prices for the same flight. It's essential to shop around and compare prices before making a booking.

• Use metasearch engines: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo search across multiple airlines and OTAs to give you a comprehensive view of available flights and prices.
• Check airline websites directly: Sometimes, airlines offer exclusive deals on their own websites that you won't find on OTAs.
• Be wary of hidden fees: Some OTAs may add on extra fees for things like baggage or seat selection. Make sure to factor these fees into your price comparison.

4. Consider Budget Airlines

Low-cost carriers like Kulula and FlySafair often offer significantly cheaper fares than traditional airlines. However, be aware that these airlines typically charge extra for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and onboard meals.

• Factor in extra costs: When comparing prices, make sure to factor in the cost of any extras you'll need, such as checked baggage. Sometimes, the total cost of a budget airline flight with extras can be higher than a traditional airline's fare.
• Read the fine print: Budget airlines often have stricter rules about baggage allowances and other policies. Make sure you understand these rules before booking.

5. Be Flexible with Airports (If Possible)

While this isn't usually a factor for the Durban to Pretoria route (since you're almost always flying into Johannesburg), in some cases, flying into a different airport near your destination can save you money. However, for this specific route, focusing on OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is your best bet.

6. Clear Your Browser Cookies and Cache

This might sound like a myth, but some people believe that airlines and OTAs track your browsing history and may show you higher prices if you've searched for the same flight multiple times. Clearing your browser cookies and cache can help you see the most accurate prices.

• Use incognito mode: Alternatively, you can use your browser's incognito mode to prevent websites from tracking your browsing history.

7. Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Loyalty Programs

Airlines often send out special deals and promotions to their newsletter subscribers and loyalty program members. Signing up for these programs can give you access to exclusive discounts and earn you points that you can redeem for future flights.

• Consider joining a frequent flyer program: If you fly frequently, joining a frequent flyer program can be a great way to earn rewards and save money on future flights.

8. Check for Package Deals

Sometimes, you can save money by booking your flight and accommodation together as a package deal. Many OTAs offer package deals that can be cheaper than booking each separately.

• Compare package deals with individual bookings: Before booking a package deal, make sure to compare the total cost with the cost of booking your flight and accommodation separately to ensure you're actually saving money.

9. Consider Alternative Transportation from Johannesburg to Pretoria

Once you land in Johannesburg, you'll need to get to Pretoria. While taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient, they can be quite expensive. Consider these more budget-friendly options:

• Gautrain: The Gautrain is a rapid rail link that connects OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria. It's a fast, efficient, and relatively affordable way to travel between the two cities.
• Bus services: Several bus companies operate routes between Johannesburg and Pretoria. This is usually the cheapest option, but it can also be the slowest.

Final Thoughts

Finding cheap flights from Durban to Pretoria requires a bit of planning and research, but it's definitely possible. By being flexible with your travel dates, booking in advance, comparing prices, and considering budget airlines, you can significantly reduce your airfare and save money for other aspects of your trip. So, go ahead and start planning your trip – Pretoria awaits!

Happy travels, guys! And remember, the early bird gets the worm (and the cheapest flight!).