Find First Class Flights to South Africa

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Cheap First Class Flight Deals to South Africa

 
These are the cheapest deals for flights from the United Kingdom to South Africa currently on KAYAK along with options from the most popular airlines KAYAK users selected for this route. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent first class return flight deals to South Africa

Tue, 28 Apr - Sun, 10 May
British Airways Logo
19:00 - 07:00
LHR
-
JNB
11h 00mdirect
British Airways Logo
19:25 - 05:35
JNB
-
LHR
11h 10mdirect
£4,945British Airways
Tue, 28 Apr - Sun, 10 May
British Airways Logo
19:00 - 07:00
LHR
-
JNB
11h 00mdirect
British Airways Logo
21:15 - 07:30
JNB
-
LHR
11h 15mdirect
£4,948British Airways
Sat, 25 Apr - Mon, 18 May
British Airways Logo
19:00 - 07:00
LHR
-
JNB
11h 00mdirect
British Airways Logo
19:25 - 05:35
JNB
-
LHR
11h 10mdirect
£5,066British Airways
Sun, 25 Jan - Sat, 31 Jan
British Airways Logo
18:30 - 07:35
LHR
-
JNB
11h 05mdirect
British Airways Logo
22:00 - 07:25
JNB
-
LHR
11h 25mdirect
£6,339British Airways
Mon, 29 Dec - Fri, 2 Jan
British Airways Logo
21:15 - 10:25
LHR
-
JNB
11h 10mdirect
British Airways Logo
22:00 - 07:25
JNB
-
LHR
11h 25mdirect
£7,338British Airways
Sun, 25 Jan - Sat, 31 Jan
Emirates Logo
14:05 - 10:25
STN
-
JNB
18h 20m1 stop
Emirates Logo
18:50 - 12:05
JNB
-
STN
19h 15m1 stop
£7,995Emirates
Sun, 25 Jan - Sat, 31 Jan
Emirates Logo
14:05 - 10:25
STN
-
JNB
18h 20m1 stop
Emirates Logo
18:50 - 12:05
JNB
-
STN
19h 15m1 stop
£8,007Emirates
Tue, 13 Jan - Tue, 20 Jan
Emirates Logo
15:50 - 20:35
LHR
-
JNB
26h 45m1 stop
Emirates Logo
18:50 - 20:00
JNB
-
LHR
27h 10m1 stop
£8,026Emirates
Sun, 25 Jan - Sat, 31 Jan
Emirates Logo
13:35 - 20:35
LGW
-
JNB
29h 00m1 stop
Emirates Logo
10:25 - 11:40
JNB
-
LGW
27h 15m1 stop
£8,051Emirates
Tue, 28 Apr - Sun, 10 May
Multiple Airlines Logo
22:15 - 20:25
LHR
-
JNB
21h 10m3 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
13:25 - 07:05
JNB
-
LHR
18h 40m1 stop
£8,427Multiple Airlines

Latest first class flight deals to South Africa

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stop£8,055
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stop£8,055

Good to Know - First Class Flights to South Africa

Low seasonApril
Average price round-trip£4,497
Best time to beat the crowds (7% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (13% more expensive on average)
(price for this month)

FAQs for South Africa first class flights

  • What can I expect with First Class flights to South Africa with British Airways?

    British Airways are extremely accommodating to First Class flyers and will go above and beyond in their efforts to make them feel comfortable. As well as their exclusive lounges located in airports around the world, on the flight, you’ll be offered touchscreen handsets, noise-cancelling headphones and larger television screens. You can also benefit from a personal suite, top-class dining, and delicious beverages.

  • Are there First Class lounges at South Africa’s Airport?

    Those who hold First Class tickets can benefit from the large variety of exclusive premium and platinum lounges. If you have First Class flights to South Africa and you’re arriving at South Africa’s Airport, then take advantage of the SAA’s Arrivals Lounge or the Tambo International Airport. They’re the perfect choice if you’re looking at freshening up before exiting the airport or you’re waiting for a connecting flight.

  • What do Emirates offer to First Class flyers?

    Those flying with First Class flights to South Africa with Emirates can benefit from the First Class service on board. They offer world-class food to their First Class passengers and faultless service and amenities. The onboard menu includes the option of caviar and you’ll also be gifted with pyjamas for the long-haul flight, as well as a branded amenity kit.

  • What is the most popular airline offering First Class flights to South Africa?

    Among KAYAK users, British Airways is the most popular airline offering First Class seats on flights to South Africa.

  • Which airlines offer First Class tickets on flights to South Africa?

    Traveling to South Africa and want to offer yourself a First Class experience? Depending on the origin, the following airlines offer seats in First Class: British Airways and Emirates.

  • How does KAYAK find such good deals on First Class tickets to South Africa?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to South Africa for economy class as well as First Class travelers.

  • How much is a first class flight to South Africa?

    First class tickets to South Africa differ in price depending on the departure airport. On average, first class fares cost £5,339 for a return trip to South Africa, while the cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was £3,876.

  • What is the best airline for first class flights to South Africa?

    The highest-rated airline by KAYAK users offering first class flights to South Africa is Emirates, with an overall rating of 8.1.

Top tips for finding first class flights to South Africa

  • Those looking to travel to South Africa from London can expect that the long-haul flight will average at approximately 11h 30min. First Class flights are essential for this long trip. With First Class flights to South Africa, you’ll experience luxury and premium seating, flatbeds, and the ultimate privacy, no matter the airline.
  • If you’re flying with First Class flights to South Africa with British Airways, then benefit from the Concorde Lounge and the First Wing Lounge located at London Heathrow Airport. These exclusive lounges are dedicated to British Airways First Class flyers and can both be found in Terminal 5.
  • First Class flights to/from Cape Town International Airport means that you can make use of the VIP lounges that are accessible to first class passengers. Make use of the Bidvest Premier Premium Lounges, they can be found in the Domestic Departures Terminal, as well as the International Departures Terminal. You can make use of shower facilities, beverages, newspapers, magazines, and more.
  • The most expensive day to fly First Class to South Africa is Friday, while the cheapest is Saturday.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying to South Africa

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly first class to South Africa? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.1
EmiratesOverall score based on 3434 reviews
8.2Entertainment
8.3Crew
8.1Boarding
7.9Food
8.0Comfort
Airline reviews

The journey was nice, all the crews were very good and services are excellent

10.0 ExcellentSABINA, Nov 2025
MAN - DXB
Read more Emirates reviews

The journey was nice, all the crews were very good and services are excellent

Great flight - Clubhouse met our needs, and the staff provided good service. Boarding felt a little chaotic, but given the size of the aircraft, it's always going to be challenging. Whilst the crew were friendly, the number of passengers meant that we received our breakfast items, but had finished breakfast before we were served a drink. Lunch was much better organised, and throughout the flight, the crew were attentive. Found the seats and ICE to be excellent. Disembarkation was fine, and everything possible to expedite the process was being done.

It was delayed for 2 hrs. Flight attendants were not attentive.

Crew were excellent and the bar service and chat fantastic. Cheese board delicious. Amenity kit good, very disappointing not getting pyjamas on this leg of the flight and needed to reuse from earlier flight.

We loved flying with Emirates in business class, the staff were fabulous, going above & beyond

Emirates First Class is always a treat with Caviar and service is always personalised.

They should resume the fast track for business / first class passengers

Wifi was not operational for the whole trip. Other than this, flight was well received .

The seating is spaced out nicely, The crew could have offer more drinks.

Food no so good. Extra charge to much for front seats cost me £163 then other people sat near me for nothing 🤬

Terrible last row seats many seats available but no offer to move to better seat

Delay on my previous leg, had to run to catch my flight. But that happens. Overall ok.

Delay and had to run between flight to get my connection due to this delay but besides that the overall experience was ok. I arrived with just an hour of delay.

At the airport, terrible, I do not want to even remember it. It was too humiliating for a business class passenger.

Couldn’t get boarding pass in SLC even with help from a redcoat, so had to find a desk in AMS to get boarding pass. Technical problems so not sure why. Very inconvenient. The KLM app is not as user friendly as most apps. Also had to wait almost an hour on the tarmac for a fuel truck, which caused us to miss a connecting bus in LUX.

The immigration hall in Amsterdam was understaffed, so passport checking was slower than it should be for a major airport. They need to get the automatic readers up and running for non EU passport holders. Waiting in line after a long flight feels a bit abusive.

First of all we couldn’t check in online, then we learn at the airport we were on stand by for KLM’s mistake of overbooking. The seats were not comfy at all. Our luggage got lost.

Ad experience - been flying many years with them but they are losing out to other carriers with their service and bagage / seating policy. My 2 12-yo kids were not placed with the parent. Absurdity.

Short flight so it was okay. Nice crew, all very pleasant and professional. We were near the back in row 27 so just as we got our drinks, we started our descent so had to drink very quickly!

KLM remains a quality flag carrier airline which maintains its standards whilst all their competitors are lowering theirs.

Food has been disappointing in both legs of flight to india

Great staff great experience, made a 2 hour delay very bearable

Great staff, great experience, made a 2 hour delay very bearable

Food was the worst I’ve had on a VA flight. Normally it’s a lot better

I was my pleasure to fly virgin on my birthday for my first solo trip ever 🫶🏼

These are one of the older seat arrangements facing away from the windows! Not particularly convenient sets. No storage spaces. NO COAT HANGING HOOKS. Inconvenient business class seat compared to any other airlines of similar class. Staff are excellent! Extremely professional, friendly. Food is good too.

Overall, flight was excellent but check in was very slow for Premium Economy. Economy queue was shorter but we weren't allowed to use it.

The staff was not very polite but the flight was very very nice and comfortable and the entertainment was great

Great crew - old style upper class seats on the older fleet now feels dated

Premium economy more comfortable than economy, but not by much. Did was awful, do not try the omelette. Flight crew were helpful. Flight was delayed by over an hour. Overall but bad, arrived safely and thank God.

I had a memorable experience. I dont have any comments at this time regarding waht could be better.

The crew was not helping us in the airports ..Very bad experience..the washrooms are not meeting the expectations..need more good service... The hotel service was good but there is a very long wait time which wasted time to go through..

Need to do a lot of improvement on service and cleaness

Our first flight was delayed and when we got off that plane, nobody was really helping to direct us to the next gate. It was very frustrating. One staff simply said hurry, which wasn’t helpful. We had to go a long way to get to the next gate. Another issue on the plane itself was the bathrooms were disgusting and filthy and it didn’t seem like anybody was checking on them were cleaning them and it was a long flight. There was urine on the floor and they stunk. Also, the screen in front of my seat did not work, and I tried different headphones and still had no sound. You would think somehow those things are reviewed occasionally for working order.

They only gave us 30 minutes to make an international connecting flight. We didn’t make the connection but they did do a good job rebooking us despite the chaos. Our bags didn’t make it back and their process for customer support is pretty bad when it comes to luggage.

The Boeing 737 MAX on this route, flown in the middle of the night, is an UTTER FAILURE for business travellers. The whole point of business travel is to arrive alert and recover from travel quickly, and this little aeroplane with its quarter recline uncomfortable business seats does nothing for that. It’s a small step up from economy in that you have decent legroom, but that’s it. Absolute margin at the cost of the traveller.

The food was terrible and the seating was uncomfortable, but the airline did a great thing letting us board in Abbis Ababa on our connecting flight after our original flight was very delayed.

Checking in wasn't organized, too many so-called diplomats were jumping line while everyone was waiting in line. They should have their own line not to impede on other passengers that was also waiting to be served. We all paid money and there should be no discrimination because everyone's money should have the same value diplomat or not! If they want to give diplomats some special treatment then let them create their own check in desk and not treat other passengers some that are (elderly, some with children, pregnant women) making them stand longer in line than necessary just because people are jumping line 😡

Lost suite case and pillow that’s used by senior and they didn’t leave it at the airport

Forgotten Suite inside of the top compartment but went back to ask and they didn’t leave at the lost and found place. Also the checking in was so horrible. I had multi city and one of the passenger saint have visa go go go Dubai. The Ethiopian airlines never had information about requirement for US permanent resident so couldn’t go to Dubai. And when coming back to US we were told we can not use our Addis to Washington ticket and they forced us to get new ticket. Very horrible experience.

Nice lounge but had a 5 hour layover which is a lot

Flight on time and priority boarding worked. I travelled economy although business was available as no flights are cheap these days and at least with BA loyalty card I get a baggage allowance for nothing. That made the flight comparable or even cheaper than the ‘budget’ alternative. As for catering and entertainment - not on a BA short haul economy ! At least we were offered biscuits and water! Catering for economy short haul has been reduced to the minimum - no tea or coffee or other drinks than water (from a large bottle with a paper cup on offer). They will say this is better for the environment, which it is, but proper waste management is still needed for empty packets etc. so actually it’s a money saver.

Audi visual not working for a whole group of seats in first class. How does a plane leave the main hub in such poor condition? How much that we can’t see so immediately is also compromised?

The check-in baggage belt was broken (which is understandable) but what was surprising is they would check you in, give a baggage tag and then you have to drag the baggage to a different counter at the end of airport. No vegetarian option in in-flight meal. British Airways remains the worst big name airlines and always my last option while booking.

main meals are horrible but then you dont fly for the food

It was good. Couldn’t Check in online and select seats

It was great. Enough space and room for legs . Great service to.

⭐ British Airways Review — A Journey of Highs, Lows, and Lessons ⭐ I recently flew Business Class round-trip from Boston to Mumbai with British Airways, and my experience was a tale of two extremes — from disappointment to exceptional service, and then back to inconsistency. Boston → London: A Surprisingly Poor Start My journey began on a disappointing note. On a 6-hour Business Class flight, I was surprised to discover that there wasn’t a single proper vegetarian meal option available. I was offered a few bakery items only after repeatedly requesting something to eat. The flight attendant shrugged, offered no solution, and eventually — quite literally — threw some bread at me after much delay. This was not only disheartening, it was extremely surprising given my wonderful Business Class experience with BA last year. I stepped off that flight genuinely hungry and had to make a mad dash to the lounge just to get a proper meal. London → Mumbai: A Complete Turnaround The next sector restored my faith in British Airways. The entire crew was warm, welcoming, attentive, and genuinely caring. A special shoutout to Phiroze and the entire team serving the Business Class cabin — their professionalism, hospitality, and thoughtful service were extraordinary. They truly embodied what makes British Airways a global leader, and I am deeply grateful for the experience they provided. This is the BA I know and love. Mumbai → London: A Strange Meal Schedule This sector was generally fine, but the meal timing was puzzling. Lunch at 10:30 AM — for a Business cabin — felt unusual, and most passengers, including myself, barely touched it. The rest of the service was smooth, but the scheduling definitely needs a rethink. London → Boston: Mixed Experience Again The flight itself was decent, but the Business Lounge at Heathrow for this leg was a letdown. Arrived during lunch hours: no hot vegetarian options available Lounge area: dirty dishes everywhere Even after politely alerting the staff, the dishes were ignored and left uncleared For a premium cabin passenger — and at one of the world’s busiest international hubs — this was disappointing. Overall Impression My journey with British Airways felt inconsistent — two great sectors sandwiched between two that fell short of the BA standard. When BA is good, it is world-class. When it misses, the gap is noticeable. I genuinely hope the airline takes this feedback as constructive insight. I continue to believe in British Airways, and I commend the outstanding crew on the London → Mumbai sector — they were the highlight of my entire trip. With a little more focus on vegetarian meal availability, lounge service, and consistency across crews, BA can ensure every Business Class passenger experiences the premium journey they promise.

We were in business class and I had seat # 1. This was a night flight and after dinner was served, lights were dimmed and I went to sleep. The crew were loud and noisy so I didn’t get much sleep. I expect the crew to enjoy themselves but would Appreciate some decency in staying quiet while the passengers sleep

Have travelled business class with other airlines who profess to be the best in the world. They can however not beat the service and comfort that BA provide.

Everything you need to know for your flight to South Africa

Cabin class types available on flights to South Africa

Cabin classes available on flights to South Africa. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.