Johannesburg on points

Across the 1 sourced route we track, Johannesburg in business runs about 168,000 points per person round trip, from a low of 156,000 up to 180,000. Under 168,000 points is great — that is already at or below the typical price for this route. Above 180,000 is more than any route we have sourced for this cabin. The same seats bought with cash run roughly $5,500 to $9,000.

The routes we track book through Avianca LifeMiles, which Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Points, Bilt Points points can transfer into. Starting from zero, the planner's fastest two cards for this trip are the American Express Gold Card and the Capital One Venture X. Transfers are one way, so confirm award space before you move points.

Award calendars typically open about 11 months (roughly 330 days) before departure, and partner saver seats go first. For a Sep 2027 trip that means searching from Oct 2026; the plan works backward from that date so your points land before the window opens.