Flights often end up being the most expensive part of traveling. But getting to and from your destination doesn’t have to break the bank! We’ve put together a foolproof system to help you find cheap flights from Lagos to any destination. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway, a backpacking adventure in Europe, or a long-term trip, these insider tips will help you save money on flights.
No matter if it’s domestic, international, or long-haul, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
1. Tips for Finding Cheap Flights From Lagos
Before we get into our go-to methods for scoring cheap flights, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
1.1. Be Flexible
Flexibility is your best friend when it comes to snagging the cheapest flights. Try to be open to different times, days, dates, months, and even destinations. If you can mold your travel plans around flight prices, you’ll often find great deals.
1.2. Avoid Holidays
Airlines tend to raise prices during public and school holidays. If you can avoid traveling at these peak times, you’ll save a ton of money and snag a budget airline to your destination. If you’re restricted to traveling during holidays, consider flying out a day before or after the rush, or even taking an overnight flight, which is often cheaper.
1.3. Fly During the Off-Season
If you have the freedom to travel at any time, aim for the off-season. Peak months like December and January are usually the most expensive due to holiday demand. Try to plan your trips during spring or autumn to take advantage of cheaper flights and fewer crowds.
1.4. Book Midweek
While it’s not a hard rule, flights booked on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper because airlines release sales midweek. Similarly, flying on these days can also be more affordable, especially on less crowded routes.
1.5. Watch Flight Trends
Manually tracking flight prices over a few days or weeks can help you identify patterns and grab the best deals. Don’t solely rely on price alerts from search engines. Prices can fluctuate daily, so keep a close watch!
1.6. Don’t Leave It Too Late
Booking your flights too early or too late can both cost you. For non-peak times, the best time to buy is usually 1 month to 2 weeks before your trip. Prices typically rise after the 2-week mark, so keep an eye on trends and be ready to jump on a good deal.
1.7. Consider Third-Party Booking Websites
Booking through third-party sites can be controversial, but it’s often cheaper if you don’t need to make changes. Just be sure to check the ticket’s terms and conditions, including baggage policies and other extras.
2. How to Research and Find Cheap Flights from Lagos
To find the best flights, it’s essential to compare prices across multiple websites. Here’s our recommended strategy:
2.1. Broad Search with Trip.com
Start with Trip.com, which lets you search multiple locations at once. Set your departure date as “anytime” if you’re flexible, or choose a specific month or date range. Filter your options and check out the cheapest flights available.
2.2. Consider Alternative Transport
For destinations with multiple nearby airports or if your final destination isn’t well-served by flights, consider taking over-land transport like buses. Get Rent a Car can help you find cars, or you can use platforms like Trip.com to book a ticket.
2.3. Compare with Travelstart
After getting a broad view with Trip.com, head to Travelstart, Wakanow, or WakaTheWorld to search for your specific route and dates. Trip.com often provides tips on cheaper flights if you can be flexible by a day or two, so pay attention to those suggestions.
2.4. Compare, Compare, and Compare
Even after finding a good option, do a final comparison of prices between Trip.com and Travelstart, Wakanow or WakaTheWorld to ensure you’re getting the absolute best deal.
3. Using Travel Agents for Cheap Flights
Travel agents rarely offer the lowest prices, but occasionally, they run exclusive sales. So, it’s worth a quick check on major travel agency websites, especially for complex routes or peak seasons. If you find a good deal through an agent, you might even score benefits like checked bags or easier layovers.
4. How to Find Cheap Flights for Long-Term Travel
If you’re planning to visit multiple continents or explore long-term, book flights on high-traffic routes. These routes usually have the most competition, which keeps prices lower. For example, if you’re flying from Australia to Europe, consider London. From there, you can travel overland to your actual destination.
4.1. Avoid “Around the World” Fares
While these fares seem convenient, they’re often restrictive and expensive. It’s usually cheaper to book flights independently using the methods above.
4.2. Sign Up for Budget Airline Alerts
Once you’ve booked your long-haul flights, sign up for budget airline email alerts. You’ll be notified of sales and can jump on great deals, which is especially helpful for covering large distances across continents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Finding Cheap Flights from Lagos
Which website is best for finding cheap flights?
Trip.com, Travelstart, WakaTheWorld, and Wakanow are go-to platforms for comparing prices.
What day should I book my flights for the best deals?
Midweek bookings tend to offer the best prices, and good deals often appear on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
How do I find cheap international flights from Lagos?
Stay flexible with your travel dates and choose high-traffic routes. You can always use overland transport to reach your final destination.
What’s the best way to get cheap last-minute flight tickets?
Compare all available flights and consider booking through third-party sites if you don’t anticipate needing changes.
By following these strategies, you’ll consistently find the best flight deals, no matter where you’re headed. Happy travels!
Also read: Top 10 Affordable International Destinations for Nigerian Travelers in 2024