Apr 15, 2019, 2:02 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
]United Airlines Preparing New Nonstop Seasonal Service Between New York/Newark and Cape Town, South Africa
United's new nonstop service will save customers nearly eight hours of travel time roundtrip between New York and Cape Town
CHICAGO, April 15, 2019
United Airlines today applied with the U.S. Department of Transportation for authority to begin new service between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. United plans to operate nonstop three-times weekly flights to Cape Town starting in December 2019.
"We are always looking at ways to expand our industry-leading international route network to offer our customers more convenient options. We're thrilled to announce the addition of Africa to our global route offering," said Patrick Quayle, United's vice president of International Network. "
This new flight will provide customers with the only nonstop service between the United States and Cape Town." United's nonstop service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will decrease the current travel time from New York to Cape Town by more than four hours and provide customers from more than 80 U.S. cities with easy one-stop access to Cape Town. If approved, United's service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 48 seats in United Polaris business class, 88 seats in United Economy Plus and 116 seats in United Economy.
United's new nonstop service will save customers nearly eight hours of travel time roundtrip between New York and Cape Town
CHICAGO, April 15, 2019
United Airlines today applied with the U.S. Department of Transportation for authority to begin new service between New York/Newark Liberty International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. United plans to operate nonstop three-times weekly flights to Cape Town starting in December 2019.
"We are always looking at ways to expand our industry-leading international route network to offer our customers more convenient options. We're thrilled to announce the addition of Africa to our global route offering," said Patrick Quayle, United's vice president of International Network. "
This new flight will provide customers with the only nonstop service between the United States and Cape Town." United's nonstop service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will decrease the current travel time from New York to Cape Town by more than four hours and provide customers from more than 80 U.S. cities with easy one-stop access to Cape Town. If approved, United's service between New York/Newark and Cape Town will be operated with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring 48 seats in United Polaris business class, 88 seats in United Economy Plus and 116 seats in United Economy.
Cape Town is the oldest city in South Africa and the country's center of trade and commerce. Located at the shore of Table Bay, the city is home to some of the most popular attractions in South Africa including Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Travelers to South Africa often begin their African journey in Cape Town before touring the Cape Winelands, viewing the African penguins at Boulder Beach or traveling beyond Cape Town to explore South Africa's natural beauty including its many national parks, game reserves and beautiful coastlines and beaches of the KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces.
26 April 2019
Update: APPROVED ^
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...flight-457638/
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/ar...flight-457638/
Best Routing for UA flyer (Paid/Miles) to South Africa (JNB, CPT, ...)[Consolidated]
UA to launch Seasonal EWR-CPT - 3x Weekly year-round starting 5 June 2022
Sep 26, 2019, 10:19 pm
#181
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
Just curious - does anyone have insights into how bookings are going so far? Contemplating going to SA at the end of next year if this sticks around (would be traveling with a toddler, so no interest in connecting in Europe), so this would be ideal if it stays in place.
As of now there are 9 Polaris seats selected on the seat map.
Take these data points as you will.
Oct 31, 2019, 2:28 pm
#182
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: UA Plat
Posts: 754
I was on it, in 2000. Back then South African was still partnering with Delta. I finally, a year ago, was able to use those Delta miles
On the outbound we flew ATL-CPT, and on the return JNB-CPT-FLL-ATL. Same plane, no getting off. I think in CPT they had additional passengers board (I assume they had no/little local traffic just flying JNB-CPT on the 747). FLL was just a fuel stop.
Very happy about this new route.
Nov 1, 2019, 10:24 am
#183
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,838
Nov 1, 2019, 12:45 pm
#187
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,454
I can't tell if there is snark embedded in that -- clearly personal security. Certainly there is safe transportation between airport and lodging, but what good is it to get an overseas multiday layover if you don't feel very safe being out? Certainly CPT is superior to JNB but even those of us who love ZA need to be realistic that there is real risk on the ground.
Nov 1, 2019, 1:12 pm
#188
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: PDX
Programs: DL Plat, UA Plat 1MM, AS MVP, Hyatt Discoverist, Avis Presidents Club, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 3,938
I can't tell if there is snark embedded in that -- clearly personal security. Certainly there is safe transportation between airport and lodging, but what good is it to get an overseas multiday layover if you don't feel very safe being out? Certainly CPT is superior to JNB but even those of us who love ZA need to be realistic that there is real risk on the ground.
Nov 1, 2019, 2:20 pm
#189
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,861
Having spent significant time in both Mexico and South Africa I would say the risks are quite similar. Stay away from problem spots, avoid driving at night on rural roads, don't stay out till 3AM etc and odds are you will be OK. The roads are probably more dangerous in South Africa, so fly if that's an options rather than driving.
Nov 1, 2019, 4:31 pm
#190
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,454
I bet there are FAs who won't "do Mexico". I do visit South Africa, and I do not visit Mexico. But I also believe that the view that traveling in South Africa carries significant risks not present elsewhere in the UA system a not unreasonable assessment that is not necessarily a reflection of "biases and preconceived notions".
Nov 1, 2019, 4:46 pm
#191
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MFR
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,880
I can't tell if there is snark embedded in that -- clearly personal security. Certainly there is safe transportation between airport and lodging, but what good is it to get an overseas multiday layover if you don't feel very safe being out? Certainly CPT is superior to JNB but even those of us who love ZA need to be realistic that there is real risk on the ground.
I would never hire someone who could not perform every aspect of their job.
If they’re so afraid of being out, they should stay in their room and order room service. Or find another job which doesn’t require them to travel.
Nov 1, 2019, 7:53 pm
#192
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TPA
Programs: All The Programs
Posts: 2,204
I didn’t realize FAs could arbitrarily decide what they will and won’t “Do”.
I would never hire someone who could not perform every aspect of their job.
If they’re so afraid of being out, they should stay in their room and order room service. Or find another job which doesn’t require them to travel.
I would never hire someone who could not perform every aspect of their job.
If they’re so afraid of being out, they should stay in their room and order room service. Or find another job which doesn’t require them to travel.
FAs bid on routes, so they do quite literally decide which routes they do and don't fly. Did you think Ed Bastian sends out the monthly schedule and then should fire those who don't comply?
Nov 1, 2019, 10:41 pm
#193
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: None - previously UA
Posts: 4,861
I’m sure they won’t have trouble finding takers for a trip to CPT in winter. Where will the crew stay, I would assume the Westin or similar?
Nov 2, 2019, 6:52 am
#194
Join Date: May 2010
Location: TPA
Programs: All The Programs
Posts: 2,204
Yea ... Cape Town is beautiful. Some may refuse to fly to Africa, but I'm quite certain United won't have a problem finding employees to work this flight.