Route cheat‑sheet

• Airports: Johannesburg (JNB) → Richards Bay (RCB)
• Typical duration: ~1h15 nonstop
• Airlines: commonly Airlink on direct sectors (subject to schedule)
• 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 Richards Bay, 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 — Richards Bay

• Harbour and industrial traffic peaks early—morning arrivals help with same‑day meetings.
• For St Lucia and iSimangaliso trips, plan to arrive before sunset; wildlife roads are slower after dark.

Ground transport & arrival logistics

• RCB has limited ground transport—reserve car hire or transfers ahead of time.
• Mobile coverage improves along main routes but can dip near wetlands—download maps offline.

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.