A Complete Guide to Booking Cheap Flights from Nigeria
Let’s be honest—everyone loves a good deal, especially when it comes to flights. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of snagging a ridiculously cheap ticket that makes you feel like you just outsmarted the entire airline industry. But with fluctuating prices, hidden fees, and a jungle of booking platforms, finding budget-friendly flights from Nigeria can feel like cracking a secret code.
Well, consider this your cheat sheet. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway to Ghana, a work trip to Dubai, or a dream vacation to Europe, here’s how to book the cheapest flights without stress.
1. Book Early—But Not Too Early
Yes, we’ve all heard that booking in advance saves money. But did you know there’s a sweet spot? For international flights, booking 6-8 weeks ahead usually gives you the best rates. Domestic flights? About 3-4 weeks in advance should do the trick. But don’t go overboard—booking too early can sometimes mean paying more because airlines release their priciest fares first.
2. Use Incognito Mode
Airlines are watching you. Okay, maybe not literally, but every time you search for the same flight, their websites remember and often increase the price just to mess with your head. The trick? Use incognito mode or clear your cookies before searching again. It’s like playing hide and seek with airline algorithms.
3. Fly on the Right Days
Not all days are created equal in the world of flight pricing. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have the cheapest fares, while Fridays and Sundays will burn a hole in your pocket. If your schedule is flexible, aim for midweek flights to save big.
4. Compare, Compare, Compare!
You wouldn’t buy a car without checking multiple dealerships, right? So why book the first flight you see? Use comparison sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak to find the best deals across different airlines. Then, cross-check on the airline’s official website—sometimes they offer exclusive discounts.
5. Be Flexible with Your Destination
Ever tried the “Everywhere” feature on Skyscanner? If you’re feeling adventurous, just enter “Lagos” as your departure city and select “Everywhere” as your destination. You’ll be surprised by how many cheap travel options pop up. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to fly to a neighboring country first, then hop on a budget airline to your final destination.
6. Consider Budget Airlines
While major airlines like Emirates and British Airways offer luxury, budget airlines like Air Peace, RwandAir, and FlyDubai often have way cheaper fares. Just be mindful of baggage fees and onboard charges—they make their money back in sneaky ways.
7. Sign Up for Flight Alerts
Nobody has time to check flight prices every hour. Let technology do the work. Sign up for price alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner, and they’ll notify you when fares drop for your preferred routes.
8. Use Airline Reward Programs & Travel Points
If you fly often, loyalty programs are your best friend. Sign up for airlines’ frequent flyer programs and start racking up points. Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, some Nigerian banks offer travel reward credit cards that give discounts or miles on flights.
9. Avoid Last-Minute Bookings (Unless It’s a Hack!)
Last-minute flights are usually expensive, but here’s a secret: some airlines slash prices on empty seats 24-48 hours before departure. This doesn’t always work, but if you’re flexible and a bit of a risk-taker, you might just score a steal.
10. Pack Light to Avoid Extra Charges
Some flights seem cheap at first—until you realize they charge a fortune for checked luggage. Travel light, stick to a carry-on, and save yourself from unnecessary baggage fees.
Finding cheap flights from Nigeria isn’t rocket science—it’s about knowing when to book, where to look, and how to outsmart the system. With these tips, you’ll never overpay for flights again.
Where are you flying next? Get booking, and let Airweys help you navigate your next adventure with ease!
