Lufthansa

Lufthansa Technik were handed a suspension by SACAA earlier this week – Image: Adobe Stock

You can now get a return flight to Europe for under R5000, but…

South Africans can take advantage of heavily discounted airfares from Lufthansa for early 2021 – but you have to book now.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa Technik were handed a suspension by SACAA earlier this week – Image: Adobe Stock

For those who are brave enough to plan a trip to Europe in 2021, here’s an opportunity too good to be missed — flights to cities across Europe at heavily discounted rates.  

German airliner Lufthansa’s promotion offers flights until 30 April 2021, but there is a catch: All reservations must be made by 20 December 2020.

So while the European Union is currently a no-go territory for most international travellers, if borders reopen within the next five months, ticket holders would be able to score a return flight to destinations such as Zurich for under R5,000. Tempted?

If we weigh up the options, when spring arrives in Europe in 2021, international travel should hopefully be easier thanks to the coronavirus vaccine which is set to be rolled out in several countries.

LUFTHANSA COMMITS TO SOUTH AFRICANS 

International airlines had been unable to operate scheduled international flights to South Africa for more than six months of 2020 as a result of the national lockdown and travel ban.

Lufthansa German Airlines was the first airline to land in South Africa on 1 October once scheduled airlines were allowed to resume operations.

DISCOUNTS TO BOOST FREQUENCIES

Lufthansa has begun to increase frequencies on its South African routes. The airline operates flights between Johannesburg and Frankfurt, and Cape Town and Munich.

Frequencies have been limited due to a slow-down in demand for travel, but with these special fares there is bound to be a surge in bookings.

By the end of December, Lufthansa will increase frequencies to five weekly flights between Johannesburg and Frankfurt, and three weekly flights between Cape Town and Munich. Additional flights will be added in the coming months.

THE DISCOUNTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DESTINATIONS

Lufthansa is offering promotional fares to Europe, available for travel between Johannesburg or Cape Town, and numerous cities served in Lufthansa’s European flight network.

BARGAIN FARES UP FOR GRABS

Exceptional return airfares are available to several destinations across Europe.

Return flights to Zurich are available from under R5,000 including taxes. Other cities — including Geneva, Barcelona, Lisbon, Madrid, Copenhagen, Budapest, Amsterdam, Oslo, Vienna, Helsinki and Stockholm — can be reached for under R6,000 per person return, including taxes. 

With these bargain airfares there’s no need to think twice.  Seats are subject to availability, however, and terms and conditions will apply.

VALIDITY OF PROMOTIONAL FARES

The special fares are valid on flights operated by Lufthansa and its partner airlines for travel until 30 April 2021.

Tickets must be purchased on Lufthansa’s website. And, to secure the special prices, all reservations must be made by 20 December 2020.