Elainee

Going to South Africa over Christmas holiday. Only have Amex points left and must travel business class (too old to go coach). Flexible dates. So far Air France seems to have best prices. Cheaper from NYC than from Paris to JNB. All you who have done this, please help.

wally34949

Do you want to do a stopover in Europe? If you do, what city? I've heard Air France's business class is not as nice as others.

rkkwan

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class if you have enough AMEX MR points.

Elainee

Virgin said no seats available, but I wonder if the seats have been opened yet. When do the seats become available??

wally34949

Usually 331 days ahead, or 11 months. It is high season and it will be hard to get the seats.

antipest

Hi Elainee

Virgin Upper Class reward availability from LHR to JNB is 3,4,5,6,10,11,24,25 Dec. Returns are only displayed upto 25th Dec(open availability). There is normally a blackout period week before Christmas and a week after New Year. Getting reward flights at this period is like finding rocking horse droppings.
Best of luck

Mark

Elainee

I bit the bullet...Just bought ticket to go London, JNB for Christmas/New Year, business class $2699.99 on Air France. Non-stop Paris to JNB. Plus I can change, cancel for $148. We will fly to London, stay overnight, spend a day in Paris and fly that evening to JNB. Most business class is a lot more than this, but special fare over tomorrow.