Route cheat-sheet

• Airports: Cape Town (CPT) → East London (ELS)
• Typical duration: usually 1-stop via JNB; occasional directs seasonally
• Airlines: often Airlink (via JNB); check for direct frequency by season
• 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 Cape Town to East London, demand moves with local calendars, events and weather patterns. Secure fares early for fixed dates; if flexible, compare early vs late departures and consider seasonal directs vs via-JNB options.

Airline & fare-brand tactics (plain English)

• Light/Saver: cabin bag only—ideal for short stays if you pack smart.
• Standard/Flex: includes checked baggage and better changes—cheaper than piecemeal add-ons later.
• Seat selection: families pre-seat; tall travellers choose exit/extra-legroom when available.

Local travel insight — East London

• If you’re planning Nahoon/Gonubie surf, aim for daylight arrivals; wind picks up in summer afternoons.
• Wild Coast road trips are slower at night—arrive earlier where possible.

Ground transport & arrival logistics

• ELS has straightforward ground transport—pre-book car hire or shuttles during holiday weeks.
• Beachfront accommodation fills up around school holidays; book rooms early.

Weather & seasonal notes (what changes your plan)

Coastal winds, inland storms or winter cold fronts can all affect punctuality. Prefer earlier flights when you have onward road legs or time-critical plans.

Baggage clarity

• Cabin allowance: size/weight limits enforced—pack under-seat items smartly.
• Checked bags: included on Standard/Flex—verify kilograms at checkout.
• Special items: sports/photography gear may require pre-approval—add during booking if permitted.

On-the-day checklist

• Arrive ~90 minutes before departure; save boarding pass offline.
• Security ready: liquids, laptops, belts.
• Install airline app for disruption alerts and same-day seat maps.