JNB first class

[jordanbmz]

Does anyone have any tips for securing a first class flight to JNB?

Just wondering if there any way to increase changes such as flight choice and which days.

Doesn’t really matter which day we fly but I’m keen to fly first class if possible for our honeymoon.

We’ll be flying in January/February 2026. Ideally the 7pm flight landing 7am. The business class do seem to go quick on this flight rather than the 9pm flight. Unsure if that will lower changes of FC.

Any suggestions welcome

[jordanbmz]

Does peak/off-peak make a difference to chances also?

[NorthernLass]

Presumably you mean award seats? If F is your priority, you’re better off choosing a destination where BA consistently releases some award seats (e.g. NYC, MEX). There’s no guarantee of F being released, and looking at SeatSpy, hardly any availability for 2 people to/from JNB.

If you’re stuck on the destination, your best bet is to set up a SeatSpy alert AND check daily on ba.com, however you will probably need a Plan B.

Also, just remembered that DXB quite often gets F availability (though less likely in peak season, so again this is going to affect your chances), so another option might be to fly there then get a connecting flight to JNB.

[davefl]

I had no problem getting F for avios from JNB, but as it’s a pre-refit 380 I’m regretting it. I wouldn’t make it your 1st choice if it’s a special occasion

[jordanbmz]

davefl wrote:

I had no problem getting F for avios from JNB, but as it’s a pre-refit 380 I’m regretting it. I wouldn’t make it your 1st choice if it’s a special occasion

Ah that’s a shame. Maybe we stick to BC and hold off on FC for another trip. SA is the destination for our honeymoon

[jordanbmz]

davefl wrote:

I had no problem getting F for avios from JNB, but as it’s a pre-refit 380 I’m regretting it. I wouldn’t make it your 1st choice if it’s a special occasion

Annoyingly we are going to MEX next month but missed the FC release. We are set on the honeymoon destination but can always try it for another trip in the future.

Direct is the preference so will just try our luck