R9 711 Find Cheap Flights from Johannesburg to California – Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from OR Tambo to California departing on 16/12. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap Flights from OR Tambo to California

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stopR16 880
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stopR16 830
San Diego
San Diego2 stopsR17 553
Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stopR16 880
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stopR16 830
San Diego
San Diego2 stopsR17 553

Book Cheap OR Tambo to California Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from OR Tambo to California that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from OR Tambo to California

Mon, Sep 7 - Sun, Sep 20
Virgin Atlantic Logo
20:15 - 15:45
JNB
-
SFO
28h 30m
1 stop
Virgin Atlantic Logo
6:00 - 19:40
SFO
-
JNB
28h 40m
1 stop
R16 830Virgin Atlantic
Mon, Dec 21 - Fri, Jan 1
United Airlines Logo
22:00 - 12:43
JNB
-
LAX
24h 43m
1 stop
United Airlines Logo
0:35 - 18:35
LAX
-
JNB
32h 00m
2 stops
R16 880United Airlines
Thu, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 25
British Airways Logo
19:35 - 17:24
JNB
-
SFO
31h 49m
2 stops
British Airways Logo
17:25 - 10:25
SFO
-
JNB
31h 00m
1 stop
R16 880British Airways
Thu, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 25
British Airways Logo
19:35 - 18:45
JNB
-
SFO
33h 10m
1 stop
British Airways Logo
20:35 - 10:25
SFO
-
JNB
27h 50m
1 stop
R17 099British Airways
Tue, Dec 1 - Tue, Jan 5
Turkish Airlines Logo
18:50 - 10:50
JNB
-
LAX
26h 00m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
18:30 - 11:00
LAX
-
JNB
30h 30m
1 stop
R17 200Turkish Airlines
Thu, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 25
Turkish Airlines Logo
18:50 - 16:30
JNB
-
SFO
31h 40m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
18:35 - 11:00
SFO
-
JNB
30h 25m
1 stop
R17 469Turkish Airlines
Thu, Dec 3 - Sun, Jan 10
KLM Logo
23:59 - 18:55
JNB
-
SAN
52h 56m
2 stops
KLM Logo
6:15 - 22:00
SAN
-
JNB
53h 45m
2 stops
R17 553KLM
Thu, Dec 3 - Sun, Jan 10
KLM Logo
23:59 - 12:10
JNB
-
SAN
46h 11m
1 stop
KLM Logo
7:00 - 22:00
SAN
-
JNB
29h 00m
2 stops
R17 671KLM
Fri, Sep 4 - Fri, Sep 11
Qatar Airways Logo
14:05 - 21:59
JNB
-
BUR
40h 54m
2 stops
Qatar Airways Logo
7:03 - 9:10
BUR
-
JNB
41h 07m
2 stops
R24 117Qatar Airways
Sun, Sep 20 - Sat, Sep 26
Qatar Airways Logo
14:05 - 18:23
JNB
-
SNA
37h 18m
2 stops
Qatar Airways Logo
8:06 - 9:00
SNA
-
JNB
39h 54m
2 stops
R30 058Qatar Airways
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for OR Tambo to California flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from OR Tambo to California to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly, and much more.

How much is a return flight from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to California?

This analysis is based on the cheapest return trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to California departing in December.

Flight prices are below average for this route right now.

Flights to California from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport usually cost between R18 277 and R23 663 in December.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was R16 880 on United Airlines (Dec 21–Jan 1).

What is the cheapest month to fly from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to California?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to California is September, when tickets cost R16 847 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are August and July, when the average cost of return tickets is R21 290 and R21 003 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to California?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to California, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below-average price on a flight from Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport to California, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 3% compared to booking last-minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 7 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

R9 711
Best time to beat the crowds (6% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 4% lower on average.
Flight from Johannesburg to Los Angeles

FAQs - booking California flights

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Johannesburg to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Johannesburg to California.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Johannesburg to California?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Johannesburg to California is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Johannesburg to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly from Johannesburg to California with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Johannesburg to California?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Johannesburg to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying from OR Tambo to California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Johannesburg to California. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from OR Tambo to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7,8
KLMOverall score based on 1545 reviews
7,2Entertainment
7,7Comfort
7,8Boarding
7,3Food
8,4Crew
Airline reviews

Crew is not the cheerful type. very slow meal service (this is their style as have flown this many times)

6,0 GoodGlenn, Feb 2026
AMS - JFK
Read more KLM reviews

Crew is not the cheerful type. very slow meal service (this is their style as have flown this many times)

Legroom not all it could be, especially when the seat in front is reclined. Otherwise it was good, food and beverage were nice.

This fight left ahead of time which meant it arrived early which was great. Staff were very professional, but as with all these Short hop Flights the food was a disappointing snack There was no entertainment on this flight, but I did not expect any

I flew premium economy and this was a good option. Although the seats didn’t recline much, I was able to get some sleep with my head propped against the window. The food was good and the entertainment was wonderful The staff were very attentive and professional

Overall very poor. Flight was disorganised, staff were rude and this is my second experience with KLM that I've had baggage go missing. It feels like, if you are an economy customer, KLM staff do not show you any care. I shall never fly with KLM again. Worst airline in Europe

Seats were nice and comfy. Crew was polite and attentive. Business class is awesome and worth the money.

It was operated by Delta. Boarding took a long time. How difficult can it be? Overall decent trip. Liked the Salt Lake City airport. Better option than Chicago for transfers.

The flight was again delayed for more then 2 hours with some lousy explanation regarding the reason of the delay. Although the flight was delayed for more than 2 hours, no refreshments were offered (according to EU regulations). Last 4 flights on KLM - always at least 2 hrs late. So be prepared that you cannot plan anything with KLM.

We left one hour late because of technical difficulties. The economy comfort seats are great for the price. The crew was mediocre, they do not provide a pleasant experience, they just deliver food and drinks and give orders, not very amicable, no service and hospitality focus.

It was nice to be on a legacy airline, people try at least.

Lounge was top notch h with great variety of food and drinks. Cabin crew were great. Smooth flight.

My seat 3G did not go down fully and the buttons were not working properly

Great staff, great experience, made a 2 hour delay very bearable

Food was the worst I’ve had on a VA flight. Normally it’s a lot better

The staff was not very polite but the flight was very very nice and comfortable and the entertainment was great

My ticket was for Premium Economy and all the seats were taken, I was placed in Economy class and I’m looking for a refund.

Unfortunately delayed 2 hrs due to faulty tyre.. which had to be changed, but better safe than sorry.

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meal was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast. Staff were fantastic friendly nice they came round and check we need anything else to eat or drink

Lots of legroom on the flight. No interaction from the staff at all on the plane. They only attended to the First Class passengers. There was no entertainment. Security I was body scanned even though I hadn't set off an alarm, my father-in-law in his 80s, was stopped and subjected to a through body search, told that they would have to place their hands in intimate places. There were several border guards present, and as we walked off we could hear the TWA officer talk about the procedure as if he was training. My father-in-law was a little upset about the whole process. A kind explanation would have been more acceptable, and it felt dehumanizing to him.

If I could fly Virgin Atlantic airlines to every place, I need to go, I would. Leaving Heathrow through the special virgin air entrance, security is completely white glove service. I love this airline. From ticketing agents to flight staff everyone tries to make it a wonderful & happy flight experience. I wish other airlines copied the positive culture of Virgin Airlines.

Flight be on time would be a good start. Then train your flight attendants to be attentive and friendly. This time they completely forgot my row for the measly snack! United, do better!

We boarded the plane and were about to take off when we were notified that the tires had to be checked. Upon inspection, they were found to need replacement, so the entire plane had to be deboarded. After we exited the plane, United staff forced us to stay in the gate area by posting "Do Not Exit" signs on the doors connecting the gate area to the terminal. Many of us had already rebooked our flights and had no checked bags, but they told us we could not leave. This seemed inappropriate to hold people under false pretenses. When the agent told us we could leave, I asked them to please take down the "Do Not Exit" signs, as they were misleading. The agent refused, and I told them that it didn't feel right to hold people like that.

It was a short, comfortable flight. It did leave an hour late due to the pilot having to be replaced (family emergency) but that didn’t inconvenience myself & my friend. The situation was explained, eventually.

There was a piece of plastic baked into my buttermilk biscuit! I have a pictures. The flight attendants in first class were really apologetic, and tried to rectify the situation. I I am very appreciative that they were able to give me some packets of pretzels and gummy bears. I understand they don't personally handle the food until warming it up so I know it wasn't their fault. I don't know whether it was a newer aircraft, or different food packaging, but I was happy that when the food was being warmed up - it didn't smell like plastic. Jokes on me with finding plastic in my food.

The seats were uncomfortable, as if the cushions haven't been switched out in many years. I felt like I was on an old bus. The food was delicious. thank you. Onboard entertainment, very limited. Unless you like violent movies. Why in the world would you have such severely violent movies on a plane? if you don't want to see such things, you don't have a choice. Have you considered that when choosing entertainment? Good god. Why would you have the Godfather? Or black women being brutally beaten with a club? Why in the hell would you put that kind of material on a plane? As for Kayak: Why when I ordered Qantas, was the plane on United?

United was excellent. We had very good experience flying the carrier. Certainly. We will opt to fly them for sure. Lufthansa is out.

The seat that I got this time is really good.

UA594 was delayed multiple times. I ended up getting picked up so I can make it in time for work 6AM on Monday, 7/6/2026

We were Polaris passengers and found the service poor. The food was ok but the flight attendants were not attentive and rushed the service.

Flight was canceled and United offered zero assistance. Left many of us in an unsafe situation

Paid $10 for wifi for full flight duration and the wifi wasn’t available after initial 2 hours

All the crew members were too slow and rude. Most of the times the registers were empty, while hundreds of customers were waiting in line, and it was impossible to get a supervisor. Despite being in line on time, I missed my freight, plus a some customers who were ahead and behind me.

Wasn’t allowed to continue with the purchased tickets because I hadn’t been able to go on the first scheduled leg.

Do I need to repeat my complaints about my lost carry on bag?

As gold member there is no priority checkin. Meaning you either have to board with your zone or last with business class pax. As economy pax all the baggage bays are filled by the time you arrive

All over with Qatar airlines my experience was really bad due to delays and then putting me on different airlines and after 8 hours of wait I had to listen to their is no plane to fly for another 24 hours. Wore experience ever.

Transit , Too long for terminal change, for a moment I thought Qatar airlines going to Los Angeles by bus. Please make transit convenient and quick.

some sections of airport are too cramped. The screening of luggage was twice and a huge hassle. They kept saying my boarding the for my next flight was in 10 minutes but were dragging the screening too long. having a 2 hour connecting time with this much delays in screenings is not good. They could see I was traveling with special needs kid yet I was" randomly chosen" to be personally screened again.

Ambience of the aircraft was great. Spacious seats with sufficient leg room in economy class. The layover could have been shorter.

Just snacks, could have more options.boarding was good. Everything else was good. We had a very bad experience with Qatar airways. We were deplaned a few minutes after boarding the flight. Had to wait 8 hours at the airport for the next replacement aircraft to take off. Had a harrowing experience. Were offered coupons for a small meal at the airport. Uncertainty caused a lot of stress and I got a cold and flu like symptoms.

They lost my luggage on my way to Namibia (I was unable to review that flight as I was in the bush/off line) It took 3 days to get my bag and I had to pay $375.00 to have it transported to my location as it was over 100 Kilometers from that Airport and the local Airlink carrier would not got that far.

Great flight, last one out the air-conditioning was far to hot and the return it was to cold and then issued blankets. On the outward bowned the headset connector didn't work properly. You had intermittent sound from the audio socket.

Terrible service especially for premium economy. Much more comfortable seats on other providers

Our original booking with Kayak -our first experience -was exactly what we wanted and worked well. Updates were friendly and reassuring as were the contacts with UnderPricer so a big win-win. We learned a lot on your reliability and will definitely put you on our organisational list for the future.

If they wouldn't have canceled the flight WITHOUT informing me until I looked at my ticket and saw I had 2 extra layovers in 2 different cities than the ones I paid for? That would have been nice.

Poor BA get a lot of stick and have some problems getting your bags to the same destination BUT the whole experience is very much 5 star and probably due to excellent, helpful and sooo British staff. We travelled in economy plus.

The 7 hour delay in Johannesburg was extremely tiresome, with poor communication at check-in and a sad R120 voucher as compensation. All in all sitting for 10 hours on an airport was pretty bad. At arrival the baggage arrival took 2 hours. All in all, a very, very long trip.

British Air ways was good - American Airlines not: waited at gate for “mechanical issues” and stood at gate.. plane delayed, … staff at desk rude, had to check my personal carry on item, toilet not working… “please use the working one sparingly- it will overflow in the cabin”

Annoying customer pushing my seat did not make this pleasant.

the headphone jack was damaged making it impossible to keep a clear sound. while it is beyond the airline's control how many children are on each flight, it becomes very difficult to enjoy the flight when there are 5 or 6 children all crying and screaming at the same time. I know there is no good solution at the industry level, but I think there are good reasons to try to develop some solutions rather than just say it is the luck of the draw. maybe you could show a seating map where children who are booked are a different color, that would allow us to know what to expect and possibly rebook to a different seat or take a different flight. maybe some of the covid-related ideas about redesigning the cabin for more privacy and hygiene could be further developed and tested. on my leg from London to Washington DC, the passenger next to us was coughing consistently for long periods of time. it was obvious she had been ill and knew it before boarding. this leads me to think we should consider additional screening measures because some of the public is no longer acting responsible or ethical in regards to covid and health protocols. just answering questions on a check-in survey does not seem sufficient to convince people to not fly when they are ill and symptomatic.

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