YYZHRE

There is really no easy/fast way to do it. The fastest option is actually a 6:40 dep AA YYZ -JFK connect to SAA JFK - JNB (total time 20 hours 20 min gate to gate); the return can be done all *A SAA & AC with a 3-4 hour wait at JFK. This is a very popular route as a gateway to africa; business is often sold out.

My preference is AC YYZ-LHR; SAA LHR-JNB and take a day room at LHR. It's longer but the whole thing less stressful. The return is fast with a 2 hr wait at LHR.

Other *A options are AC YYZ-GRU/SAA GRU-JNB but there is 4-5 wait in GRU on the return; AC-LH via FRA or AC-SWISS via ZUR; or ET through ADD (although that does not go daily from YYZ).

I would book SAA on the international legs in and out of JNB, as it's easier to in-line bags and there are no hassles with weight/number if you end up on an Airlink or Express flight to CPT. Also, if you're looking for mileage, check the class carefully. SAA is tight with it on discount fares.

RCyyz

I think SAA also flies from EZE so that's another possibility.

allbrosca

I've done IAD-JNB, FRA-CPT and JFK-JNB-CPT from YYZ. JFK was by far the best, FRA the worst. Couldn't get cpmfortable in the LH J seats. Long layonver in FRA on the way there too. When I went JFK it was in January, so I went to JFK on the last flight of the night and stayed in an airport hotel. Worried about weather.

rankourabu

The day room is a great idea. We just did it in January. Since we were taking advantage of the <$500ish RT WAS-JNB FD fares in Y for a quick 10 day vacation, it was perfect to break up the long trip and catch up on sleep. Took the free bus to the IBIS... 29GBP for the day (and one of the few hotels that allows 8am checkin). Room was certainly not the Hyatt, but very sufficient for the day's stay.

cooleddie

My tip of advice:

Go to http://matrix.itasoftware.com/ and run a search through the Flight Matrix (it is done by Google)

Phone the carrier and book the fare you want.

Flight matrix is probably the best flight search engine ever. You can customize it to say "AC+" and find the best flights / best routes.

jmolony

For Aeroplan accrual:

First
F, A, P
150%

Business
C, D, J, Z
125%

Economy
Y, B, M, K, H, S, Q
100%

T, V, L, W, G
50%

allbrosca

Also may take a long time to post and a high number need to be claimed as missing credits!

ACflyerDE

And check here for mileage accrual on AC codeshare flights operated by SAA:

http://www.aircanada.com/shared/en/common/flights/pop_aeroplanmileage_sa.html

Although not explicitely outlined, J C D Z will earn 25% COS bonus on top.

Guy Betsy

Fares from YYZ:
LH,AC,LX,UA - fare basis KLXRCT40 between US$1403-1430 connecting via FRA or ZRH

LH & SA - KLXRCT40 & HSAOW US$1562

Based on mid Nov departure

jmolony

I believe K fares on LH earn no points!

swedish_canadian

If you have access to Air Canada's business site you can find flights there. Not sure why they show up there and not on the regular aircanada.com but that's how I got my flight to Cape Town. Then once getting the ticket number I just called up SAA and selected seats.