Route cheat‑sheet

• Airports: Johannesburg (JNB) → Polokwane (PTG)
• Typical duration: ~1h05 nonstop
• Airlines: typically Airlink on direct services (schedules vary)
• Booking window: Domestic sweet spot is 2–6 weeks; peak holidays need longer
• Cheapest days: Tuesday–Thursday; first/last flights can be value or premium depending on demand

When to fly & how to save on this specific route

For Johannesburg to Polokwane, price pressure comes from school holidays, long weekends and local events at the destination. If your dates are fixed, secure fares early and choose departures that dodge the heaviest traffic. If you’re flexible, compare early‑morning vs late‑evening legs and consider secondary airports where listed (JNB).

Airline & fare‑brand tactics (plain English)

• Light/Saver: cabin bag only; good for overnight trips if you travel light.
• Standard/Flex: adds checked baggage and friendlier change rules—often cheaper than adding extras later.
• Seat selection: families should pre‑seat; tall travellers consider exit/extra‑legroom rows.

Local travel insight — Polokwane

• Weekday morning flights suit business travellers; late Sunday returns can fill fast—book earlier.
• Summer thunderstorms can affect afternoon operations—earlier departures are steadier.

Ground transport & arrival logistics

• At PTG, car hire is the practical choice; city transfers take ~15–25 minutes in light traffic.
• For rural Limpopo meetings, build road buffers and fuel up in town before long stretches.

Weather & seasonal notes (what changes your plan)

Summer brings heat, afternoon storms or coastal winds depending on region; winter mornings can be crisp with occasional fog. Build small buffers for weather‑related delays, and prefer earlier flights when same‑day connections matter.

Baggage clarity

• Cabin allowance: size and weight are policed—pack under‑seat items smartly.
• Checked bags: included on Standard/Flex; verify kilograms on checkout.
• Sports/photography gear: some items require pre‑approval—add during booking if possible.

On‑the‑day checklist

• Arrive ~90 minutes before departure; print/phone boarding pass ready.
• Security: liquids, laptops, belts—prepare for quick screening.
• Backup plan: install the airline app for disruption alerts and same‑day seat maps.