$832 Cheap Flights to East London
One-way
Departing from
United States
Going to
East London, South Africa
East London (ELS)
South Africa • May, 2026
73% AI deal score
$2,050 $893
East London (ELS)
South Africa • January, 2026
36% AI deal score
$832
Top Cheap Flight Deals from United States to East London
Recent round-trip flight deals to East London
Mon, Mar 16 - Thu, Mar 26
Cheapest
New York (JFK) - East London (ELS)
Norse Atlantic UK airlines • 2 stops • London (LGW), Cape Town (CPT)
East London (ELS) - New York (JFK)
Airlink airlines • 2 stops • Johannesburg (JNB), Nairobi (NBO)
$2,050
$1,114
-$936
46%
Tue, Jan 27 - Thu, Feb 19
New York (JFK) - East London (ELS)
Kenya Airways airlines • 2 stops • Nairobi (NBO), Cape Town (CPT)
East London (ELS) - New York (JFK)
Airlink airlines • 2 stops • Johannesburg (JNB), Nairobi (NBO)
$1,975
$1,197
-$778
39%
Thu, Mar 12 - Tue, Mar 17
Miami (MIA) - East London (ELS)
LATAM Chile airlines • 2 stops • São Paulo (GRU), Johannesburg (JNB)
East London (ELS) - Miami (MIA)
Airlink airlines • 2 stops • Johannesburg (JNB), São Paulo (GRU)
$1,850
$1,338
-$512
28%
Mon, Mar 9 - Sat, Mar 14
San Diego (SAN) - East London (ELS)
Hawaiian Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Orlando (MCO), London (LGW), Cape Town (CPT)
East London (ELS) - San Diego (SAN)
Airlink airlines • 3 stops • Johannesburg (JNB), Nairobi (NBO), New York (JFK)
$1,381
Mon, Mar 2 - Mon, Mar 23
Atlanta (ATL) - East London (ELS)
Etihad Airways airlines • 2 stops • Abu Dhabi (AUH), Johannesburg (JNB)
East London (ELS) - Atlanta (ATL)
Safair airlines • 2 stops • Cape Town (CPT), Doha (DOH)
$1,383
Wed, Feb 11 - Wed, Mar 4
Chicago (ORD) - East London (ELS)
Frontier Airlines airlines • 3 stops • Atlanta (ATL), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Johannesburg (JNB)
East London (ELS) - Chicago (ORD)
Safair airlines • 2 stops • Cape Town (CPT), Istanbul (IST)
$1,402
The cheapest time to fly to East London
Ready to jet to East London on a budget? Check out these popular routes with surprisingly cheap fares (one-way prices):
Last-Minute Flights from United States to East London
Need to get to East London ASAP? Even if you're booking a flight on short notice, there are often last-minute deals available:
Next 2 weeks deals
Last-Minute Flight Deals!
Discover incredible flight deals to East London, South Africa, with prices starting from $832 for departures within the next two weeks.
⌛ Last-Minute
Los Angeles - ELS
A great last-minute steal for a cross-country flight.
Found 1 week ago
$1826
round-trip
Facts About Flights from United States to East London
To help you plan your journey, here are some quick East London flight facts and tips.
East London city airports
East London Airport (ELS) is the primary airport serving the city of East London, located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It's a smaller, yet vital airport connecting the region to major South African hubs. Expect a range of domestic flights, primarily to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, making it easy to connect onwards to international destinations. The airport offers essential amenities such as car rental services, restaurants, and shops to cater to travelers' needs. While not as large or bustling as major international airports, East London Airport provides a convenient and accessible gateway to the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas of the Eastern Cape.
Pro tip: search “East London (Any)” to see fares to all East London airports – sometimes one is cheaper than the others on your dates.
Insights for flights to East London
Cheapest airport
East London (ELS)
East London Airport (ELS) is your gateway to the Sunshine Coast! While it's a smaller airport, ELS offers essential facilities and connectivity to major South African cities. It's a convenient starting point for exploring the beautiful Eastern Cape.
Nonstop vs. 1-stop
20+ cities
East London Airport isn't a major hub, but it still connects you to over 20 destinations! Popular routes include flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, making it a convenient gateway to South Africa's major cities.
Number of airlines
10+ airlines
East London is served by more than 10 airlines, including popular full-service carriers and low-cost airlines like FlySafair, CemAir, and Airlink.
ELS Airport Deal Stats
Current most discounted routes
Avg. most discounted routes (last 3 months)
ELS airport insights
Best days to catch a deal
Mon, Sun
Based on the provided data, Monday has the highest count of cheapest deals for flights from East London Airport. Therefore, you're most likely to find a deal on Monday, while Thursday and Tuesday have the lowest counts.
Avg. deal survival time
14.2 hours
Deals for flights departing from East London Airport typically last for about 14.2 hours. This means you should book quickly when you find a good price.
Rare deal frequency
8 deals
In the past month, we discovered 8 rare deals for flights from East London Airport. These rare deals, identified by an AI Deal Score of 90+, typically include mistake fares, special promotions, or ultra-discounts.
Average price drop
-21%
The average price drop for flights to East London Airport is 21.0%, offering a potential saving opportunity for travelers. Monitoring flight prices to this destination could help you secure a better deal.
Next 4 weeks: deal forecast
East London Flight Forecast - Next Month
Based on current trends, flight prices to East London are expected to remain stable throughout February 2026, with a slight increase possible during the second week due to a local festival.
Top 5 biggest price drops (last 3 months)
Found on December 31
Tokyo - ELS
$1,975 → $567
71%
Found on December 31
Melbourne - ELS
$2,000 → $646
68%
Found on December 31
Quito - ELS
$2,625 → $924
65%
Found on January 1
Barcelona - ELS
$1,475 → $562
62%
Found on December 30
New York - ELS
$2,050 → $893
56%
Check these nearby airports too
Looking for more options? These airports near ELS sometimes drop rare deals too:
East London (ELS)
~3 rare deals/month
George (GRJ)
~10 rare deals/month
Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
~13 rare deals/month
If you’re flexible with departure cities, it’s worth keeping an eye on nearby airports — especially ELS and GRJ for long-haul deal surprises.
When Is the Best Time to Fly from United States to East London
Timing is everything when hunting for cheap flights. Here are data-backed insights on the best times to fly to East London:
Cheapest month
November
Cheapest month
The cheapest month to snag a flight to East London is November. As the Southern Hemisphere eases into late spring, you'll find fewer tourists and better deals. This makes it a perfect time to explore the city's beautiful beaches and cultural attractions without breaking the bank!
Best day to book
Tuesday
Best day to book
The best day to book your flight to East London tends to be on a Tuesday. Airlines often release deals early in the week to fill seats, so keep an eye out. Booking mid-week can save you some serious cash for your trip!
Cheapest days to fly
Wednesday
Cheapest days to fly
Flying to East London on a Wednesday is often the cheapest option. Mid-week flights are generally less popular, leading to lower prices. So, if you're flexible, consider scheduling your trip to start or end on a Wednesday to save money for your adventures in this vibrant city.
Advance booking sweet spot
2 months
Advance booking sweet spot
The sweet spot for booking flights to East London is about two months in advance. This timeframe often balances lower prices with sufficient availability. Booking closer to your travel dates might lead to higher costs, so plan ahead to secure the best deals!
East London Airports & Ground Transportation
One big question for travelers is which East London airport to fly into. Here’s a quick guide to East London’s airports and how to get to the city from each:
London City Airport (LCY)
Welcome to London City Airport, your gateway to convenience right in the heart of East London! LCY stands out with its incredibly close proximity to Canary Wharf and other key business districts, making it a favorite for business travelers. Despite its smaller size, the airport offers a range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and executive lounges to make your travel experience smoother. Getting into central London is a breeze thanks to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station located a short walk from the terminal, connecting you to the city's extensive public transport network. Its short runway can make for exciting takeoffs and landings!
Tip: Pack light to save time, as LCY is designed for quick getaways!
London Southend Airport (SEN)
London Southend Airport offers a refreshing alternative to the hustle and bustle of the larger London airports. Located a bit further from East London but still easily accessible, SEN prides itself on providing a relaxed and efficient travel experience. The airport boasts a modern terminal with a variety of shops and restaurants, ensuring you have everything you need before your flight. Direct train services whisk you into the heart of London Liverpool Street in approximately one hour, making it a convenient option for reaching the city. Plus, you might find some great flight deals!
What to Do in East London
East London isn’t just about getting there – it’s about enjoying the country once you arrive! Here are some top things to do in East London, organized by interest:
Sightseeing & landmarks
Get your camera ready to explore East London's iconic landmarks! From the historic Tower of London to the modern marvel of the Shard, there's a sight to wow every traveler. Don't forget to wander through the vibrant street art scene in Shoreditch for some Instagram-worthy backdrops!
Arts & culture
Immerse yourself in East London's thriving arts and culture scene! Catch a cutting-edge performance at the Barbican Centre, or explore the independent galleries and studios in Hackney. The area is a melting pot of creativity, offering everything from traditional theatre to experimental art installations.
Food & nightlife
Prepare your taste buds for an adventure in East London's diverse food scene! From Brick Lane's famous curry houses to trendy street food markets, there's something to satisfy every craving. As the sun sets, the area comes alive with buzzing bars, live music venues, and underground clubs.
Shopping & fashion
Indulge in some retail therapy in East London's eclectic shopping districts! Browse the vintage boutiques and independent designers in Shoreditch, or hunt for unique finds at Spitalfields Market. Whether you're after high-end fashion or quirky souvenirs, you're sure to discover something special.
Nearby getaways
Escape the city bustle with a short trip to one of East London's nearby getaways! Explore the charming coastal town of Greenwich, or take a scenic walk through Epping Forest. With easy access to the countryside and coast, you can enjoy a refreshing break from urban life.
East London Weather
Weather in East London
Sat, Jan 3
15%
24° 17°
15%
Sun, Jan 4
Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to East London
Pro Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to East London
Finally, to wrap up, here’s a cheat sheet of pro tips that experienced travelers use to save on East London flights:
Be Flexible with Your Dates: East London calling! If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can snag some seriously sweet flight deals. Mid-week flights and off-season travel are your best friends for budget-friendly adventures.
Book in Advance (But Not Too Early!): The early bird gets the worm, but not always the cheapest flight! Aim to book 2-3 months in advance for domestic flights to East London to hit that sweet spot between availability and price.
