Which layover airport has the shortest travel time from Atlanta to Cape Town?

Flights connecting via Newark (EWR) have the shortest average one-way travel time: 19h 40m.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl?

Turkish Airlines is the most popular carrier operating from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl

How many flights depart from Atlanta to Cape Town on average per week?

6 flights are operational weekly from Atlanta to Cape Town as of October 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Mon, with 33% of flights per week taking off on this day.

What airlines fly to Cape Town?

Delta, Ethiopian Air and Turkish Airlines are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Cape Town from Atlanta according to our data. Delta is the first choice among our users, with 59% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to Cape Town. Keep in mind that there are 6 different airlines that fly to Cape Town on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

Which layover airport offers the lowest fares from Atlanta to Cape Town?

Flights via Doha (DOH) offer the lowest average round-trip price of $1,263.

Which layover airport has the shortest connection time from Atlanta to Cape Town?

Newark (EWR) has the shortest average layover time for this route: 2h 29m.

Which airport is the most popular layover for flights between Atlanta and Cape Town?

Doha (DOH) was the most common stop: 40% of momondo users choosing 1-stop flights on this route connected there.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport?

Prices for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport?

As of October 2025, there are 6 operators available to choose from for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport.

How old do you have to be to fly from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport?

Although the minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service may have their own age limits, which could be impacted by factors such as flight length, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cape Town Intl Airport?

The travel and health documents you'll need for your trip to Cape Town Intl Airport may differ based on your itinerary and personal situation. Typically, you should have several documents on hand, such as a national ID card or driver's license and a passport that is valid for six months after your intended arrival at Cape Town Intl Airport. It is always advisable to seek advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.

$486 Cheap Flights from Atlanta to Cape Town in 2025/26

1 adult

0 bags

Discover deals from 900+ travel sites with momondo.

Save money when you book flights with momondo

Big names and deals

Search 100s of travel sites to compare prices.

Filter for what you want

Free Wi-Fi? Stopover? Instantly customize your results.

Trusted and free

We’re completely free to use - no hidden charges or fees.

Price Alerts

Not ready to book? to track prices.

Search flight deals

Find the cheapest flights from Atlanta to Cape Town

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

9:35 am - 2:35 pmATL-CPT

22h 00m1 stop

1:50 pm - 8:00 amCPT-ATL

25h 10m2 stops

$947Ethiopian Air

Find Deal

qua, nov 19 - ter, dez 2

9:35 am - 2:35 pmATL-CPT

22h 00m1 stop

1:50 pm - 8:00 amCPT-ATL

25h 10m2 stops

$948Ethiopian Air

Find Deal

qua, nov 19 - ter, dez 2

9:35 am - 2:35 pmATL-CPT

22h 00m1 stop

1:50 pm - 8:00 amCPT-ATL

25h 10m2 stops

$999Ethiopian Air

Find Deal

seg, nov 3 - dom, nov 16

9:35 am - 2:35 pmATL-CPT

22h 00m1 stop

1:50 pm - 8:00 amCPT-ATL

25h 10m2 stops

$1,000Ethiopian Air

Find Deal

sex, nov 21 - dom, nov 30

7:35 pm - 10:30 amATL-CPT

31h 55m1 stop

7:00 pm - 3:15 pmCPT-ATL

27h 15m1 stop

$1,133Qatar Airways

Find Deal

seg, nov 3 - seg, nov 10

8:35 pm - 10:30 amATL-CPT

31h 55m1 stop

12:35 pm - 3:15 pmCPT-ATL

33h 40m1 stop

$1,134Qatar Airways

Find Deal

seg, out 27 - qua, nov 12

9:50 pm - 11:50 amATL-CPT

31h 00m1 stop

5:15 pm - 7:45 pmCPT-ATL

33h 30m1 stop

$1,141Turkish Airlines

Find Deal

seg, nov 24 - qua, dez 24

9:50 pm - 11:50 amATL-CPT

31h 00m1 stop

5:15 pm - 7:45 pmCPT-ATL

33h 30m1 stop

$1,164Turkish Airlines

Find Deal

qui, nov 27 - qui, dez 11

9:20 pm - 9:45 amATL-CPT

53h 25m2 stops

7:00 pm - 11:59 pmCPT-ATL

35h 59m2 stops

$1,176Multiple Airlines

Find Deal

seg, nov 3 - seg, nov 10

10:50 pm - 11:50 amATL-CPT

31h 00m1 stop

6:55 pm - 11:59 pmCPT-ATL

36h 04m2 stops

$1,191Multiple Airlines

Find Deal

seg, out 27 - dom, nov 2

Qatar Airways flights from Atlanta to Cape Town

Our best Qatar Airways deals on Atlanta to Cape Town flight tickets

Qatar Airways

Nov 3

ATL7:35 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

31h 55m

1 stop

CPT10:30 amCape Town Intl

Nov 10

CPT7:00 pmCape Town Intl

27h 15m

1 stop

ATL3:15 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

$1,133

Find similar

Qatar Airways

Oct 27

ATL8:35 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

31h 55m

1 stop

CPT10:30 amCape Town Intl

Nov 12

CPT12:35 pmCape Town Intl

33h 40m

1 stop

ATL3:15 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

$1,134

Find similar

Qatar Airways

Oct 27

ATL8:35 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

31h 55m

1 stop

CPT10:30 amCape Town Intl

Nov 2

CPT12:35 pmCape Town Intl

33h 40m

1 stop

ATL3:15 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

$1,172

Find similar

Delta flights from Atlanta to Cape Town

Our best Delta deals on Atlanta to Cape Town flight tickets

Delta

Oct 22

ATL5:35 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

21h 50m

1 stop

CPT9:25 pmCape Town Intl

Nov 2

CPT9:30 pmCape Town Intl

16h 20m

ATL6:50 amAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

$2,698

Find similar

Delta

Oct 25

ATL10:40 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

14h 35m

CPT7:15 pmCape Town Intl

Nov 10

CPT9:30 pmCape Town Intl

16h 20m

ATL6:50 amAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

$2,732

Find similar

Delta

Oct 26

ATL10:40 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

14h 35m

CPT7:15 pmCape Town Intl

Nov 12

CPT11:45 pmCape Town Intl

28h 00m

1 stop

ATL8:45 pmAtlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

$2,773

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

qua 11/19

9:35 am-2:35 pm

1 stop22h 00m

Cape Town Intl

ter 12/2

1:50 pm-8:00 am

2 stops25h 10m

$947

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

qua 11/19

9:35 am-2:35 pm

1 stop22h 00m

Cape Town Intl

ter 12/2

1:50 pm-8:00 am

2 stops25h 10m

$948

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

seg 11/3

9:35 am-2:35 pm

1 stop22h 00m

Cape Town Intl

dom 11/16

1:50 pm-8:00 am

2 stops25h 10m

$999

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

sex 11/21

9:35 am-2:35 pm

1 stop22h 00m

Cape Town Intl

dom 11/30

1:50 pm-8:00 am

2 stops25h 10m

$1,000

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

seg 11/3

7:35 pm-10:30 am

1 stop31h 55m

Cape Town Intl

seg 11/10

7:00 pm-3:15 pm

1 stop27h 15m

$1,133

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

seg 10/27

8:35 pm-10:30 am

1 stop31h 55m

Cape Town Intl

qua 11/12

12:35 pm-3:15 pm

1 stop33h 40m

$1,134

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

seg 11/24

9:50 pm-11:50 am

1 stop31h 00m

Cape Town Intl

qua 12/24

5:15 pm-7:45 pm

1 stop33h 30m

$1,141

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

qui 11/27

9:50 pm-11:50 am

1 stop31h 00m

Cape Town Intl

qui 12/11

5:15 pm-7:45 pm

1 stop33h 30m

$1,164

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

seg 11/3

9:20 pm-9:45 am

2 stops53h 25m

Cape Town Intl

seg 11/10

7:00 pm-11:59 pm

2 stops35h 59m

$1,176

AtlantaCape Town

ATL - CPT

ATLCPT

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

seg 10/27

10:50 pm-11:50 am

1 stop31h 00m

Cape Town Intl

dom 11/2

6:55 pm-11:59 pm

2 stops36h 04m

$1,191

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Atlanta to Cape Town

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Layovers

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cape Town?

If you are unable to visit Cape Town during the month of April, then departing from Atlanta during the month March is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around $1,588.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Cape Town?

The cheapest day to depart on your flight to Cape Town is on a Tuesday when prices can be found for as low as $1,685. This is often the case because there is less demand to fly during this day of the week. The most expensive day to fly to Cape Town is Friday, with ticket prices averaging around $2,085.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Cape Town?

Our most recent data shows that the best time of day to fly to Cape Town is in the morning. Flights from Atlanta to Cape Town during this time can be as low as $1,498. Flights to Cape Town are more costly in the afternoon, with an average ticket price of $2,091. Departure times in the afternoon fall within the peak daily travel times, which is why tickets can be more expensive.

What is the cheapest Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl flight route?

Fly from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl for the best Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson - Cape Town Intl flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Cape Town?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Cape Town from Atlanta when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Cape Town for around $1,792 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Cape Town from Atlanta for as low as $1,498 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

How have Atlanta to Cape Town flight prices changed over time?

As of October 2025, prices for Atlanta to Cape Town flights are approximately 4% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

When to book flights from Atlanta to Cape Town

Are you open to changing your travel dates? Check out the ideal times to fly from Atlanta to Cape Town according to our flight data. Find out which month and days have the cheapest flights.

Estimated round-trip price

Cheap Atlanta to Cape Town (ATL to CPT) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Atlanta to Cape Town

Best Price Found	$1,919
Fastest flight time	14h 20m
Direct flights	Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri and Sun
Airports in Cape Town	1 airport

The best flight deal from Atlanta to Cape Town found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $1,919

The fastest flight from Atlanta to Cape Town takes 14h 20m

Direct flights go from Atlanta to Cape Town on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. There are no airlines offering direct flights.

There is 1 airport near Cape Town: Cape Town Intl (CPT)

Search flight deals

How far is Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl by plane?
A flight from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl will travel around 8119.9 mi. In terms of flight time, this usually takes a little over 22h 00m.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport?
Prices for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport?
As of October 2025, there are 6 operators available to choose from for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport.
How old do you have to be to fly from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport?
Although the minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service may have their own age limits, which could be impacted by factors such as flight length, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cape Town Intl Airport?
The travel and health documents you'll need for your trip to Cape Town Intl Airport may differ based on your itinerary and personal situation. Typically, you should have several documents on hand, such as a national ID card or driver's license and a passport that is valid for six months after your intended arrival at Cape Town Intl Airport. It is always advisable to seek advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.
What is the most popular plane model from Atlanta to Cape Town?
Based on momondo bookings for this flight route, the most popular plane model on flight routes from Atlanta to Cape Town is Airbus A350-900 (95.83% of total bookings). The next most popular plane models are Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (0.83%), Airbus A321neo (0.83%), and Airbus A321 (sharklets) (0.83%).
What is the most popular airline from Atlanta to Cape Town?
Based on momondo bookings for this flight route, the most popular airline on flight routes from Atlanta to Cape Town is Delta (55% of total bookings). The next most popular airlines are Ethiopian Air (21%), Turkish Airlines (12%), and United Airlines (6%).

Best airlines flying from Atlanta to Cape Town

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Atlanta to Cape Town with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Ethiopian Air	PriceFrom $930	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 875 reviews	Search Ethiopian Air flights
Turkish Airlines	PriceFrom $959	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.3 4,010 reviews	Search Turkish Airlines flights
Qatar Airways	PriceFrom $1,137	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 3,652 reviews	Search Qatar Airways flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $1,300	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 8,982 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
Delta	PriceFrom $1,544	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 7,982 reviews	Search Delta flights
Virgin Atlantic	PriceFrom $1,685	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.5 670 reviews	Search Virgin Atlantic flights

Delta Flights From Atlanta to Cape Town
The lowest priced Delta flight from Atlanta to Cape Town from the last 72 hours was $1,544. Generally, Delta has 3 flights on this route every week with an average price of $1,991. Delta is rated 7.9/10 by our users.
Virgin Atlantic Flights From Atlanta to Cape Town
Across 670 Virgin Atlantic reviews on momondo, the average score is 7.5/10. Virgin Atlantic flies from Atlanta to Cape Town about 3 times each week, with ticket deals ranging from $1,685 to $1,929. Price data is based on momondo searches in the last 72 hours.

Stellenbosch

Franschhoek

Paarl

Somerset West

Simon's Town

Gordon's Bay

Wellington

Hermanus

Porterville

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Atlanta to Cape Town?

momondo compares prices from hundreds of airlines and agents so you can find and book the best deal on flights from Atlanta to Cape Town. Millions of users trust and use momondo every year so you are in good hands.

Can I find flights from Atlanta to Cape Town with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo allows you to filter the results for Atlanta to Cape Town flights to just show those with flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights from Atlanta to Cape Town?

Once all potential Atlanta to Cape Town flight options are in front of you, momondo lets you sort and filter flights based on preferences such as airline, price and flight times amongst many other options.

I’m not ready to book a flight from Atlanta to Cape Town right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Of course. momondo tracks the price of Atlanta to Cape Town flights. All you need is a valid email address and we will do the rest; it is that quick and easy.

An easier way to manage your Cape Town trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

Start using Trips

Find my bookings

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

1 adult

sáb 11/15

sáb 11/22

Email me momondo's favorite deals

By creating a price alert you accept our terms of use and privacy policy.

Find better results for your trip to South Africa

Airports servicing South Africa

Popular cities in South Africa

Flights to Johannesburgfrom $817

Flights to Durbanfrom $1,059

Flights to Port Elizabethfrom $1,110

Flights to Hoedspruitfrom $1,255

Flights to Georgefrom $1,332

Flights to East Londonfrom $1,288

Flights to Skukuzafrom $1,532

Flights to Pietermaritzburgfrom $1,347

Flights to Bloemfonteinfrom $1,517

Flights to Kimberleyfrom $1,593

Flights to Richards Bayfrom $1,616

Flights to Polokwanefrom $1,484

Fly to other destinations from Atlanta

Flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Syracuse Hancock Intl

Flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Palm Beach Intl

Flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

Flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Raleigh-Durham

Flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Tampa

Flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to San Antonio

Cheap flights from Atlanta to Cape Town from $486

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Atlanta to Cape Town departing on 11/11. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

Big names and deals

Big names and deals

Filter for what you want

Filter for what you want

Trusted and free

Trusted and free

Price Alerts

Price Alerts

Find the cheapest flights from Atlanta to Cape Town

Cheap round-trip flights

Cheap one-way flights

Cheap last minute flights

Cheap direct flights

Qatar Airways flights from Atlanta to Cape Town

Our best Qatar Airways deals on Atlanta to Cape Town flight tickets

Delta flights from Atlanta to Cape Town

Our best Delta deals on Atlanta to Cape Town flight tickets

momondo Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Atlanta to Cape Town that are best for you.

See travel insights to Cape Town from

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Atlanta to Cape Town

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

What is the cheapest month to fly to Cape Town?

If you are unable to visit Cape Town during the month of April, then departing from Atlanta during the month March is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around $1,588.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Cape Town?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Cape Town?

What is the cheapest Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl flight route?

Fly from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl for the best Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson - Cape Town Intl flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to Cape Town?

What cabin class options are available on Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl flights?

There are 3 cabin classes available to choose from on Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

How have Atlanta to Cape Town flight prices changed over time?

As of October 2025, prices for Atlanta to Cape Town flights are approximately 4% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl?

Turkish Airlines is the most popular carrier operating from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl

What airlines fly to Cape Town?

Which airport is the most popular layover for flights between Atlanta and Cape Town?

Doha (DOH) was the most common stop: 40% of momondo users choosing 1-stop flights on this route connected there.

Which layover airport offers the lowest fares from Atlanta to Cape Town?

Flights via Doha (DOH) offer the lowest average round-trip price of $1,263.

Which layover airport has the shortest travel time from Atlanta to Cape Town?

Flights connecting via Newark (EWR) have the shortest average one-way travel time: 19h 40m.

Which layover airport has the shortest connection time from Atlanta to Cape Town?

Newark (EWR) has the shortest average layover time for this route: 2h 29m.

How many flights depart from Atlanta to Cape Town on average per week?

6 flights are operational weekly from Atlanta to Cape Town as of October 2025. The most popular departure day for this route is Mon, with 33% of flights per week taking off on this day.

When to book flights from Atlanta to Cape Town

Cheap Atlanta to Cape Town (ATL to CPT) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Atlanta to Cape Town

Best Price Found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Cape Town

How far is Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson to Cape Town Intl by plane?

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport?

How old do you have to be to fly from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to Cape Town Intl Airport?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Cape Town Intl Airport?

What is the most popular plane model from Atlanta to Cape Town?

What is the most popular airline from Atlanta to Cape Town?

Best airlines flying from Atlanta to Cape Town

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Atlanta to Cape Town with momondo

Delta Flights From Atlanta to Cape Town

Virgin Atlantic Flights From Atlanta to Cape Town

Traveling to a place near Cape Town?

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Atlanta to Cape Town?

Can I find flights from Atlanta to Cape Town with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights from Atlanta to Cape Town?

I’m not ready to book a flight from Atlanta to Cape Town right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

An easier way to manage your Cape Town trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to South Africa

Airports servicing South Africa