All you need to know about these super convenient round-trip, nonstop frights to Accra, Ghana!
Flying internationally can be nerve-racking for many people - especially for the first time! Though it wasn’t my first time flying internationally, it was my longest flight to date. Rest assured traveling to Ghana (this particular set originates out of New York) is a breeze.
My preferred set of flights to Accra, Ghana is Delta 420 and 421 - nonstop flights out of and returning to JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport) in New York City. The flights drop into Ghana at least 4 times per week. The flight to NYC to Ghana is approximately 9.5 hours, and the return flight is about 10.5 hours. Because they are overnight, you’ll likely sleep most of the way (I certainly do). Though I prefer to drive to NYC to fly out, these flights can also be booked as a connecting flight if you do not live close to New York. If used as a connecting flight, be sure the last leg of the trip reads JFK - ACC, and the opposite on the return (i.e. the first leg reads ACC - JFK).
Small storytime: Once I arrived at JFK and got to the terminal, I met the family of this little girl. We were all having fun and getting excited, and then we said our "for now" goodbyes as we started to board. I boarded with priority because of my Delta Gold Card so I was already seated, and just as the last few were boarding, doesn't this family have the whole row beside me. It was unbelievable, and the reunion was like we hadn't seen each other in years. The kids sat with me, ate with me, and watched movies with me the whole way to Ghana. It was something I will never forget.
What I particularly love about these flights are that they are both overnight flights. Delta has a great in-flight accommodation package for overnight settings. I fly economy each time I go and am incredibly satisfied! Personally, besides perhaps not having a place to recline your legs further, I am absolutely content with not upgrading to first class. I am also a Delta Gold Card member through American Express, which I go into more detail in at the end of the post if you’re interested in learning about those perks!
In Flight
When you first board the plane, you are met at your seat with a small pillow and a blanket. The blanket is actually quite large and I haven’t had any problems with it not covering me. Then after everyone is seated, the flight attendant will come around first thing to hand out an eye mask and headphones (both are optional to take). The eye mask is made of silk and is very soft, and the headphones are regular auxiliary jack headphones that are compatible with any device with that kind of connection.
The headphones in particular are for the entertainment system on the flight. Each headrest has an entertainment system and screen built into the back of it. It’s pretty incredible to be honest. Delta has hundreds of movies, music options, games, and more.
Each entertainment system is available as soon as you are seated, so you don’t have to wait in the chaos as everyone is boarding around you. My preferred movie: Beauty and the Beast.
When the plane is pulling back, the safety overview is right on the back of the screen so you don’t have to fuss with taking your headphones in and out (there is also a live-action display with the flight attendants as usual on flights). The entertainment system also automatically pauses any time the pilot or flight attendant is making an announcement, so you don’t have to worry about missing any important information! The entertain system also doubles as a flight tracker, so you’ll always see where in the world you are while you’re simultaneously 5 miles in the sky.
Meals
In-flight meals are also a nice perk of these Delta flights. Approximately one hour into the flight, the first meal is served. This is hot meal with desert included. There is typically an African-inspired meal choice that I find to be in good taste, as it kicks off everyone’s excitement. There is also a pass of complimentary beverages that includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. After dinner, they bring by coffee, tea, and water to settle in. They also serve a mid-flight snack (usually a sandwich – but I’m usually sleeping by then), and then about an hour before landing, they serve a hot breakfast item (usually an empanada or something similar) and a snack box. They also offer in-flight snacks and drinks for purchase throughout the whole flight.
By the time you finish breakfast, the flight attendants make a pass to collect any remaining trash. Then – they begin handing out the customs forms (I always start getting excited here). As you start to descend into beautiful Accra, Ghana, take a moment to prepare for the wonderful time ahead. Just typing this makes me want to catch the next flight out!
Just like that, you’ve arrived in Ghana. The flight attendants and pilots on every flight yet have always been sure to welcome everyone the authentic Ghanaian way, exclaiming “Akwaaba” over the intercom. Now that you’ve been officially welcomed, be sure to check out your next steps, entry requirements, Customs experience, and currency exchange on my Arriving in Ghana post.
Return Flight
The return flight back to New York is much like the flight to Accra. The only slight change is that on the way back, the meals are more American-based options. (Which, I suppose, is fitting). Me, I wish they would serve fufu and peanut butter soup on both flights and call it a day. And if you’re interested, check out the best Fufu and Peanut Butter Soup at @livingoomghana!
Once you’ve arrived back in New York City (or are here visiting from Ghana), you’ll be immediately directed to U.S. Customs and Immigration, which is quite the jaunt from the terminal. American Citizens will enter one lane, and visa holders will enter a separate lane. It seems that both lanes move efficiently.
When you arrive in New York, you need to collect your checked baggage whether you are connecting to a flight or NYC is your destination. Please be sure to do this. Then, exit the baggage area, grab some Dunkin’, and either head to your transportation or catch your next flight.
Upon arriving home, you’ll already be thinking of your next trip to Gh!
Check out Delta's flights from your preferred city here!
AMEX Delta Gold Card
I absolutely LOVE the perks that come with having this card. I originally had applied for this card while booking my first trip to Ghana. I am incredibly glad I did! Having this card, I am able to earn miles every time I make a purchase. For the most part, I get:
1 mile per $1 spent on everyday eligible purchases
2x miles per $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets
2x miles spent on Delta purchases
Of course, you also get miles once you fly as well. There are also other great perks for domestic flights, such as first checked bag free, priority boarding, etc. just for being a card member. Please review the full terms here. The miles can be redeemed 5,000 at a time, for $50 towards a flight purchase.
Also, please note that Delta offers several rewards cards for whichever best suits you. Find more about those options here!
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