Totally O/T - flights to South Africa

[Megalegs]

Hi,

Sorry this is totally off topic but it is getting to me!

I am getting really frustrated & wondered if anyone can help.
My family lives in Cape Town S.A, and me & my husband have been trying to visit for Xmas last year & this year, but flights seem to be £1000 plus each! (He is a teacher & so we are restricted to out of term holiday dates)

Does anyone know how to get cheaper flights than this?

Thanks
Megan.

[nick.martin]

Does your husband not get days of holiday he can take? Even though he gets compulsory ones.

[alisonellerbrook0]

Christmas is always an excuse for airlines to dramatically increase their prices. I used to work for Trailfinders and sold schedules all the time... if you can travel before around 15th December you are more likely to get something more reasonable.
Alternatively, you could try looking at a charter flight (package holiday airline) flying to South Africa (if they do) or even Tanzania/Gambia and get an 'internal' African flight to SA.
Unfortunatley, there's no real cheap way of doing it at this time of year.

[nick.martin]

What I find is a really cheap holiday time is after christmas, if you leave early on new years day.

[DeterminedOne]

There are often people selling tickets on www.gumtree.com at reduced prices....you just need to double check that you can transfer the name on the ticket before purchasing..

Laura

[Megalegs]

Hi,

We are totally restricted regards my husbands holidays, he can't take any extra unless its a special occasion, like when we got married.

Thanks for the link to the gum tree site, there are a couple of offers on there & I have e-mailed them. Fingers crossed!

Thanks
Megan.

[alisonellerbrook0]

Good luck!
I have exactly the same issue, my husband is a teacher and my dad lives in the USA, costing us almost £800 each to go over in August it's a real pain in the bum

[Megalegs]

Totally sympathise!
There were rumours that they were going to combat this by changing it so that the schools have a 2 week break every 8 weeks, that way they are a lot more broken up! Much better idea I think!!
We should start a petition!

Megan. x

[Megalegs]

Thanks to Laura (determined one) I got 4 flights to Cape Town booked for Xmas at a very reasonable rate! Thank you for the Gum Tree tip off.

The company that gave me this offer is called Classic Travel if anyone else needs to know! Tom at Classic Travel was very helpful. (Don't think he is a member of Shell tho)

Thanks from a very happy lady!

Megan. x

[alisonellerbrook0]

Glad you got it sorted Megan, I will make a note of their details.
We should start a campaign for Partners of Teachers!!!