Whether you’re planning to visit the bustling streets of Lagos, explore the historic city of Calabar, or take a scenic trip to Abuja, finding the best flight deals in Nigeria can be a real game-changer. Let’s face it: flying can be expensive, especially when you’re booking last minute or trying to fly to popular destinations. But don’t worry; I’m here to spill all the insider secrets on how to score the best flight deals from Nigeria, so you can travel without breaking the bank!
1. Be Flexible With Your Dates And Destinations
One of the golden rules of finding cheap flights from Nigeria is to be as flexible as possible. If you’re not locked into specific dates or a particular destination, you open up a world of possibilities. Prices can vary dramatically depending on the time of year, day of the week, or even the time of day. For instance, flights from Lagos to Abuja or Kano can fluctuate significantly in price. Using tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Wakanow allows you to compare prices for an entire month. You might find that flying mid-week, such as on a Tuesday or Wednesday, could save you some serious naira. And if you’re feeling adventurous, use these platforms’ “Explore” features to find the cheapest destinations you can fly to from Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt.
2. Book At The Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights from Nigeria. There’s a sweet spot for booking: about 6-8 weeks for domestic flights and 2-3 months for international flights. This is especially important when flying to popular destinations like Dubai, London, or New York, where prices can skyrocket if you wait too long. For domestic flights within Nigeria, avoid booking last minute, especially for routes like Lagos to Abuja, where demand is consistently high. Research shows that booking on a Tuesday morning or late at night on a weekday often yields the best prices, as airlines release deals and promotions during these times.
3. Use Fare Alerts
Why spend hours searching for flights when you can have the deals come directly to you? Fare alerts are your secret weapon. Platforms like Jumia Travel, Travelstart, and Google Flights allow you to set fare alerts for your desired routes. Once you’ve set your alert, you’ll get notifications whenever there’s a price drop. This means you’ll be among the first to know when a Lagos to Accra or Abuja to Nairobi flight is suddenly on sale.
3. Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines are becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria and West Africa. Carriers like Air Peace, Dana Air, Arik Air, and Green Africa Airways offer more affordable, no-frills flights for those who don’t mind flying without some of the extras. While you might not get a full meal service or extra legroom, the savings can be significant. Remember to read the fine print, as budget airlines often charge extra for checked baggage, seat selection, and other amenities. If you’re traveling light and don’t mind a no-frills experience, these airlines can help you save a lot.
4. Mix And Match Airlines
Gone are the days when you needed to book a round-trip flight with a single airline. Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets with different airlines is cheaper than booking a round trip. This strategy, known as “mix and match,” can be especially useful for flights from Nigeria to Europe or other parts of Africa. Use flight comparison websites like Travelstart or Wakanow to explore different combinations. You could fly to London with British Airways and return with Virgin Atlantic, saving a good amount of money in the process.
5. Explore Alternate Airports
Major airports like Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja are often the first choices for travelers, but they’re not always the cheapest. If you’re willing to drive a little farther or catch a connecting flight, consider using smaller, regional airports. For example, flights from Ibadan or Owerri could be less expensive than flights from Lagos. Similarly, when flying to Europe or the Middle East, consider flying into less popular airports. This approach can sometimes save you not only money but also time by avoiding the hustle and bustle of major airports.
6. Use Points And Miles
If you’re a frequent traveler, whether domestically within Nigeria or internationally, getting on board with a frequent flyer program is a no-brainer. Many banks in Nigeria, like GTBank and Zenith Bank, offer credit cards that let you earn points or miles on your everyday purchases. These points can be redeemed for flights with major carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. Don’t forget about loyalty programs like British Airways’ Executive Club or Emirates Skywards, which can save you big money on flights. Sign up, collect those miles, and watch as your next flight to Dubai or New York gets significantly cheaper.
7. Travel During Off-Peak Times
If your schedule is flexible, try to avoid traveling during peak seasons like Christmas, Easter, or the summer holidays. Flights within Nigeria and to international destinations are often most expensive during these times. Traveling during the off-peak season can save you a lot of money, as well as the stress of crowded airports and long lines. You’ll find cheaper flights and more accommodation options at lower prices, plus you get to enjoy your destination without all the tourist crowds.
8. Hunt For Error Fares
Error fares are like finding hidden treasure in the world of air travel. These happen when airlines or booking sites accidentally list fares for much lower than intended—sometimes as low as half or a quarter of the original price. Websites like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal are great resources for finding these error fares. But remember, you need to act fast! These deals don’t last long, and airlines often correct their mistakes quickly. Once you spot a deal, book immediately and avoid making any non-refundable plans until you’ve received a confirmed ticket.
9. Be Smart With Layovers
Non-stop flights are convenient but can be more expensive. If you’re looking to save money, consider flights with layovers. Sometimes, breaking your journey with a stopover in a city like Addis Ababa, Istanbul, or Nairobi can significantly reduce your airfare. Some airlines even offer free stopover packages, allowing you to explore another city for a day or two without additional cost. It’s like getting a mini-vacation during your vacation!
10. Use Incognito
Here’s a little trick that can make a big difference: always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode. Airlines and booking websites use cookies to track your searches, and they can increase the price of flights if they notice that you’re repeatedly looking for the same route. Using private browsing mode or clearing your cookies can help avoid this issue, potentially saving you from artificially inflated prices.
Conclusion
Finding the best flight deals from Nigeria doesn’t have to be a headache. With these tips and tricks, you can travel smarter and save more, all while having incredible adventures. So, the next time you think of booking a flight—whether it’s a quick domestic hop from Lagos to Abuja or a grand adventure from Nigeria to Europe or the Middle East—keep these strategies in mind. Not only will your wallet thank you, but you’ll also have more funds to explore and enjoy wherever you’re headed.
Now, go out there and grab those deals. The world is waiting for you!
