Delta/Air France/KLM Offer $764 SFO to Johannesburg Fares on Long-Haul Route

January 11, 2026 at 07:01 PM•3 min read

Delta Air Lines, in partnership with Air France and KLM, is offering roundtrip fares from San Francisco to Johannesburg, South Africa, starting at $764, highlighting competitive pricing on the long-haul route.

Key Points

1Delta, Air France, and KLM are offering SFO to JNB roundtrip fares starting at $764 (Basic Economy) and $1,034 (Regular Economy).
2The Basic Economy fare has strict limitations, including no checked bag allowance or advance seat assignment, making the $1,034 fare a significantly better value proposition for most passengers.
3The route operates through the Delta/Air France/KLM transatlantic joint venture, likely connecting via European hubs like Paris or Amsterdam.
4This competitive pricing highlights the strategic importance of the US-South Africa air travel market for the joint venture.

The Delta Air Lines, Air France, and KLM joint venture is offering competitive roundtrip fares from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa. The promotional pricing starts at $764 for Basic Economy, with a Regular Economy option available for $1,034. This pricing strategy targets the highly competitive US-South Africa air travel market.

The Transatlantic Joint Venture Advantage

This long-haul route is facilitated by the extensive transatlantic airline partnership between Delta, Air France, and KLM. The SFO to JNB journey typically involves a connection, often through the European hubs of Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Delta's own nonstop service to Johannesburg operates from its hub in Atlanta (ATL).

The joint venture allows for seamless connectivity and a wider network of destinations.
Delta's Atlanta-Johannesburg route utilizes the Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Air France-KLM recently expanded its reach in the region through a codeshare agreement with South African carrier Airlink.

Fare Class Comparison: Basic vs. Regular Economy

Passengers must carefully consider the significant differences between the two available fare classes. The Basic Economy fare, priced at $764, is a lower-cost option but comes with notable restrictions.

Key Details of the Fare Offer

The Regular Economy fare, priced at $1,034, includes several essential benefits:

Advance seat assignment is permitted.
A normal-sized carry-on bag is included.
One checked bag is allowed.

In contrast, the Basic Economy versus Regular Economy difference is substantial for the $764 fare:

No advance seat assignments are allowed.
Checked bags are not included; fees are $75 each way for the first bag.
The fare does not allow for changes or mileage earning.
Cancellations after the 24-hour risk-free period result in no value for future travel.

Market Impact and Competitive Landscape

The offering of these competitive long-haul fares from a major US gateway like San Francisco underscores the ongoing competition for leisure and business traffic to South Africa. The route, covering approximately 16,979 kilometers, is a key long-haul segment for global carriers.

This aggressive pricing by the Delta/Air France/KLM partnership is a direct move to capture market share against competitors. The SFO to JNB flights are a critical component of the joint venture's expanded network into Africa. Industry observers note that such promotional pricing often occurs during periods of lower demand, such as late January or early February. The long flight duration, averaging around 20 hours, makes the amenities and baggage allowances of the Regular Economy fare a more appealing option for many travelers. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights. The strategic moves by major carriers like Delta Air Lines on these intercontinental routes are closely watched by the industry.