Cheap flights to North America

Depending on the time of year you plan to visit North America and the purpose of your trip, the two biggest countries in the continent, America and Canada, both have diverse weather conditions. During winter the eastern part of the US gets considerably colder than the West Coast and in Canada the weather is bitterly cold throughout the country. The best time to visit both countries is late spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to early October). Mexico and Panama have two seasons: dry and wet; the dry season lasts from mid-December until mid-April and the rainy season is from May to November. The Caribbean countries enjoy warm weather all year round with a few rainy spells in summer from May to November.

The countries of North America cover a vast area, and getting around is easiest by plane. If you're flying to North America and plan to travel around the United States, Mexico, Canada and beyond, then you'll find both domestic and international flights. If you are staying in one location or wish to explore destinations off the beaten track, you can hire a car. Before you book flights to North America, find out what deals your destination airport offers on vehicle rental. You can also find inter-state buses with affordable deals for long-distance travel to complement your North America flight deals.

Once you book flights to North America, get ready for a real adventure! Looking for an active holiday? Mountain-goers can enjoy trekking through the Canadian Rockies, while surf-enthusiasts can catch a wave in Hawaii. Cities like New York and New Orleans are famous for their diverse cultural and culinary highlights. Meanwhile, Mexico is a popular destination during the southern hemisphere's winter. Stroll along miles of palm-lined beaches, and learn about the history of indigenous cultures such as the Maya and the Aztecs as you explore ancient ruins.

You can find cheap flights to North America departing from a number of airports in South Africa, including Johannesburg and Cape Town. The duration of flights to North America will depend on your chosen destination, and the majority involve at least one stopover. One of the quickest flights to North America is the direct route from Johannesburg to New York, which takes around 15h 45min. For those travelling to Canada, you can fly from Cape Town to Toronto in around 21h 30min. If you are heading further south to Mexico, fly from Johannesburg to Mexico in around 25h 15min. Sometimes flights to North America with two or more stopovers can be shorter than options with only one connection. Compare flight deals to North America to ensure you find the best route.

South African citizens need a tourist visa to visit most countries in North America. Visa requirements differ in each country, so check restrictions when booking direct or transit flights to North America. Tourist visas for the United States are valid for trips of up to six months and can be applied for at an embassy or visa application centre. South African passport holders must also apply for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada or a Multiple Immigration Form for Mexico. Remember that visas will add an extra cost on top of your North America airfare. After you have organised your visa and cheap flights to North America, you should also research currency exchange rates in nearby bureaus, as they may offer better deals than the airport.

Yes, flights with stopovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to North America on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, KLM is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to North America.

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in North America. One-way flights to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson typically cost R666, while return flights cost around R726.

A return flight to North America will typically cost around R4 812, however they can be found for as little as R4 366.

For those looking to save time traveling to North America, Cape Town Intl offers the quickest one-way flight (15 hours 30 minutes).

Yes. Those touching down at Los Angeles can take advantage of the car hire services offered upon their arrival.

Yes. Los Angeles has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport is the closest property to Los Angeles (0,0 km away from Los Angeles).