Route cheat-sheet

• Airports: Johannesburg (JNB/HLA) → Durban (DUR)
• Typical duration: ~1h10 nonstop; very frequent
• Airlines: FlySafair, Airlink, LIFT and SAA on various waves (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 Durban, 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 — Durban

• Business peaks Monday morning and Friday evening—mid-week and mid-day legs often price softer.
• Humidity and summer storms can ripple delays—earlier departures are steadier for same-day meetings.

Ground transport & arrival logistics

• At DUR, rideshare is strong; Umhlanga is ~20–25 minutes off-peak; South Coast runs longer with traffic.
• If your destination is the North Coast, arrive earlier to avoid late-evening humidity/traffic mix.

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.