What is the Emirates loyalty programme called?

Emirates’ loyalty programme is called Emirates Skywards.

What baggage allowance does Emirates offer?

Economy Class passengers departing from Africa receive 2 checked bags at 23kg each. Business and First Class passengers receive 2 checked bags at 32kg each.

Which South African cities does Emirates fly from?

Emirates operates daily flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to Dubai.

What are popular Emirates destinations?

Popular Emirates destinations include Dubai, London, Bangkok, Mumbai, Karachi, New York, Sydney, Paris and Cairo.

Cheap Emirates Flights: Flight Bookings & Specials

Q: How can I check in for Emirates flights?

Emirates online check-in opens 48 hours before departure and closes 90 minutes before departure. Passengers should arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure.

Emirates offers you don’t want to miss

DUBAI ON SALE FROM R9,559!

Sale ends 18 November 2026 at midnight

All travel to Dubai must be completed by 30 November 2026

Subject to availability. Black-out dates may apply

One free network change

Flying anywhere with Emirates?

Get one free date change across flights in the Emirates network on tickets booked from 2 April 2026.

Extra costs may apply: If your new flight costs more, you may have to pay the fare difference. Travelstart admin fees may also apply.

Complimentary 96-Hour Dubai Visa with Emirates

Limited time offer: book Emirates return flights from South Africa to Dubai and get a complimentary 96-hour visa. Book by 31 October 2026 for travel until 10 December 2026.

T&Cs apply.

Popular flights with Emirates

Prices observed in the past 7 days start from R2,989 one-way and R4,859 round trip. Fares and availability may change at any time, and additional terms may apply.

Economy

Phuket

R11,529

R65,449

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IATA code:

Hub airport:

Dubai International Airport

Alliance:

Emirates Group

Loyalty program:

Emirates Skywards

Inflight magazine:

Open Skies

Frequently asked questions

About

Emirates is a Dubai-based international airline founded in 1985 and operated by the Emirates Group, owned by the Government of Dubai. It is the world’s largest international carrier by passengers carried and operates one of the world’s biggest fleets, connecting passengers from South Africa to over 140 destinations across six continents via its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB).

From South Africa, Emirates operates daily flights from Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo), Cape Town International, and Durban (King Shaka) to Dubai, with convenient onward connections worldwide. The airline offers Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class across its fleet.

Emirates flies to and from Heathrow Airport (LHR). Book cheap flights to London, Dubai, Copenhagen and other exciting places!

Popular flight routes with Emirates are from Johannesburg to Dubai, Cape Town to Dubai, Durban to Mauritius and Cape Town to New York.

Baggage

Emirates offers generous checked baggage allowances for passengers departing from Africa, including South Africa. All allowances are per passenger on a piece concept.

Checked Baggage (departing from Africa):

First Class: 2 pieces at 32kg each (adults/children); 1 piece at 23kg (infants)
Business Class: 2 pieces at 32kg each (adults/children); 1 piece at 23kg (infants)
Economy Class: 2 pieces at 23kg each (adults/children); 1 piece at 23kg (infants)

Hand Baggage:

First and Business Class: 2 carry-on pieces (one briefcase plus one handbag or garment bag); maximum 7kg per piece
Economy Class: 1 carry-on piece; maximum 7kg

Baggage allowances may vary by route. Excess baggage charges apply if the free allowance is exceeded.

Check-in

Online Check-in: Available from 48 hours before departure and closes 90 minutes before departure. Passengers can select seats at no extra cost during online check-in.

Airport Check-in: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure. Go through security at least 60 minutes before departure.

Boarding: Boarding gates close 90 minutes before scheduled departure time.

On-board

Premium Economy

Emirates Premium Economy offers more legroom, plush seats, elevated dining and a cabin designed for comfort. Premium Economy is available on flights departing from O.R. Tambo International (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International Airport. Terms and conditions apply.

Economy Class

Enjoy over 4,500 channels of on-demand entertainment on the ice entertainment system, gourmet meals and Wi-Fi connectivity when you fly Emirates Economy Class.

Economy Class Cabin Services:

Over 4,500 on-demand entertainment channels via the ice system
Wi-Fi services on board
Gourmet meals and beverages
Inflight entertainment options for children

Destinations

From South Africa, Emirates operates daily nonstop flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) from three South African cities:

Johannesburg – O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB): Daily
Cape Town – Cape Town International Airport (CPT): Daily
Durban – King Shaka International Airport (DUR): Daily

From Dubai, Emirates connects passengers to over 140 destinations across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Australasia. Early check-in opens 4 hours before departure.

The information on this page is correct as of date of publishing. While every effort is made to keep information as fresh as possible, Travelstart takes no responsibility for any of the information being out of date or incorrectly noted.

Why fly with Emirates

Value

Emirates includes generous baggage in every fare — Economy Class passengers departing from South Africa receive 2 pieces of checked baggage at 23kg each, plus complimentary meals and entertainment. Strong all-in value compared to airlines that charge for these as extras.

Network

Emirates operates daily direct flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban to Dubai, with seamless one-stop connections to over 140 destinations worldwide. Ideal for reaching Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Australia without complicated routing.

Comfort

Fly long-haul with solid legroom, full meals, and top-tier entertainment on every flight. Premium Economy is available on select routes from Johannesburg and Cape Town, while Business Class offers lie-flat seats and lounge access.