Cheap SAA flights to New York

The best time to visit New York is during January to March, these are the months in which New York has the closest experience to an off-season. During the summer season prices for accommodation and flights increase. There are super cool events around this time of year like concerts, parties and Americans celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Generally, any time of the year is a great time to visit New York. The people are fun-loving, caring and outgoing and there is almost always a crowd everywhere you go. The city is so alive, it never really sleeps. There are restaurants, bars and nightclubs open until the early hours of the morning. Summer brings out the best in New York City with the hallowed courts of the US Open. School holidays in New York is a great jumble, there are crowds of people everywhere, and some parents with children also schedule their annual holidays round about this time of year.

SA passport holders can apply for a U.S. visa by visiting the official website for Visa Services of the United States of America in South Africa.

See this useful guide on how to apply for your USA visa.

Safety precautions should be taken in any country, and New York City is no different. Whilst there are no vaccination requirements for visitors to the United States, it is recommended that you check the city which you are visiting for any locally based outbreaks. Upon your arrival in New York, it is best to avoid any ride invitations, especially those in unmarked vehicles. Get to the hotel as soon as possible so that you can leave your luggage in a safe place.

If you are keeping very valuable items with you, like a laptop, it is best to keep it in the hotel safe. Avoid answering the hotel door for anyone, make sure you look through the peep hole before opening. With so many yellow taxis in New York, it is best to avoid any unmarked taxis that do not represent a taxi organization. Bear in mind that it is always good to tip your driver.

Find accommodation in New York to suit your trip, from budget-friendly hotels and apartment-style stays to boutique properties and luxury hotels. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway or a business trip, compare New York hotels by location, facilities and price.

Consider Midtown Manhattan for major attractions and Broadway, Lower Manhattan for financial-district stays and waterfront sights, or Brooklyn for neighbourhood cafés and creative spaces. Choose accommodation near a subway station to make exploring easier, and check room sizes, additional fees, breakfast options and cancellation terms before booking. Compare accommodation on Travelstart and book a New York stay that fits your plans and budget.

Getting around New York can involve subways, buses, taxis, ride-hailing services and walking, depending on your itinerary. Choose accommodation near a subway station and plan your journeys around the neighbourhoods and attractions you want to explore.

The subway is useful for travelling between neighbourhoods, while buses offer an alternative for shorter journeys. Use OMNY contactless payment with an accepted card, device or OMNY card on subway and bus services. Check current routes, fares and service updates before travelling; overseas card fees may apply.

Walking is a good option for exploring nearby sights in Manhattan and other neighbourhoods. For airport journeys, compare public transport, official taxis and pre-booked transfers based on your arrival airport, luggage and accommodation location. At JFK Airport, AirTrain connects with subway and Long Island Rail Road services. Allow extra time for traffic when travelling by road.

Planning to explore beyond New York City? Compare car rental options with Travelstart for your pick-up location and dates. Check insurance, deposits, mileage limits and driving-document requirements before booking, and factor parking, tolls and applicable congestion charges into your budget.

South African Airways (SAA) has connected travellers since 1934. From its Johannesburg hub, the airline serves destinations including Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka, Lagos and Mauritius. Its network gives travellers options for journeys within South Africa and across Africa.

As a Star Alliance member, SAA also offers access to connecting journeys with partner airlines. Whether you’re travelling for business, visiting family or planning a holiday, compare available SAA flights and fares on Travelstart.

Explore SAA flights to Cape Town, or browse more routes on our South African Airways page.

No. South African Airways (SAA) does not currently operate direct flights to New York. Search your travel dates on Travelstart to compare available flights with other airlines, including fares, stops and journey times, and book an option that suits your plans and budget.

Your arrival airport depends on the flight you book. Flights to the New York area may arrive at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which is in neighbouring New Jersey. Check the airport name and code in your Travelstart flight details before booking, and consider transfer time and cost to your accommodation.

SAA does not currently operate its own flights to New York. When booking with another airline on Travelstart, check the cabin and checked baggage included in your selected fare. Allowances vary by airline, cabin class and itinerary, and extra baggage may cost more. Confirm the allowance shown on your ticket before packing.

Compare several departure dates where possible. Midweek and off-peak flights may sometimes cost less, but prices depend on demand and availability. Search your dates to view current fares.