JNB - CPT flight/transfer time
 

Hi - I just cashed in miles for last minute-ish quick trip to Capetown (just five full days). I want to fly on to Capetown after arriving in JNB that evening. (Flying direct from ATL.) If my ATL-JNB flight arrives around 5:35, how much time to I need to allow for onward flight to CPT? I see a 7:30 flight but not sure if that gives me enough time to get to domestic and check in, etc after international arrival. I'd prefer not to wait around till 9:30 flight if not necessary.

Also, my flight back to ATL is around 8pm. How early of a flight do you recommend I take back to JNB? I don't want to cut it too close but don't want to waste a day sitting in airport. I've flown out of numerous airports in Africa and not had the best experience with flights leaving when they are supposed to, but those in which I had issues (that I expected) were absolutely not Capetown/JNB caliber of airports! (Never been there.)

Many thanks in advance for any input!

Hi there Maxwell, I'd try to leave 2 hours between connecting flights, if you are arriving at 5.35, a 7.30 flight to Cape Town should be totally fine. On the return leg you should aim to arrive in Jhb at 6pm at the latest if your onward flight is at 8, it might be safe to arrive a little earlier rather than later as it can get busy early mornings and evenings.

Enjoy your trip and enjoy Cape Town.

Thank you!

Ive made many tighter connections from the Delta Flight. Best bet is to carry on your luggage and then you can go right to the connections desk which is near the Transit Hotel and the lines move fast. You bypass Passport Control and go right to your connecting flight. If you are running tight, they will also let you go right to the front of the line so you can make your connection. Pre Print your SAA boarding pass, carry on your luggage and you are good to go. Enjoy Cape Town.

thank also Monyline!

I believe that MONYLINE gave you very wrong information.

The JNB-CPT flight is a domestic flight, and you must go through immigration at JNB. Immigration at JNB is a bit unpredictable -- several times I've gotten through quickly, once or twice it's taken an hour. You'll also need to collect any checked bags.

(In fact, you would need to go through passport control even if connecting to an international flight, but you wouldn't have to go through immigration.)

why not stay the night at the airport? it's such a long flight... so many things can go off. would you consider getting a room at the airport for the night, then leaving at, say 4am. fly in and start your day then, instead of having stress about your fight being on time... and then arriving in cape town too late to do anything but go to bed anyway. just a thought. i don't like fying when my connecting flight is another airine and i have to stress about what will happen if i miss it.

I also think MONYLINE is describing the situation if you are transiting to another international flight, which I have done many times (to Botswana or Zambia).

My understanding is, as DonT says, if you are changing to a domestic flight then you must pass through immigration- you cannot use the "in transit" lane even if you don't need to collect bags.

Thanks everyone - since I have only 5 full days in CPT, I'm going to fly on that night but built in 2.5 hours to get through to my domestic flight, and then 3 hours flying back out from JNB to ATL. (I wish they would fix this board to notify you when people reply!!)