Flying out of Nigeria, whether from bustling Lagos or Abuja’s calmer airport, can be a costly affair. The rise in the cost of jet fuel due to the removal of subsidy, and devaluation of Naira means flight tickets have jumped through the roof.
Notwithstanding, competition has helped put a lid on prices. Yet every smart traveller knows there are tricks to save thousands of bucks here and there if one understands the game of flight booking.
The difference between paying ₦450,000 and ₦280,000 for the same route, for example, could simply be timing, choice of airline, or booking method.
And when you’re travelling as a family or a group, the savings can potentially run into millions. That’s what this article is about – how you can save on your travel costs.
Book Early, But Not Too Early
Most airlines release tickets 11 months ahead. Prices are usually high at first, then fall about 6–8 weeks before departure. If you wait too close to your travel date, fares climb again. So, the sweet spot is around 2 months before your trip.
Fly on Weekdays Instead of Weekends
Flights leaving on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper. Fridays and Sundays cost more because of heavy demand from workers and leisure travellers. A Lagos–London ticket could be ₦50,000 or more cheaper just by shifting the day.
Use Flight Comparison Engines
Instead of checking airlines one by one, use trusted flight search tools. These platforms compare dozens of airlines and routes at once, showing you the cheapest options. You can use the search engine on JolibaLive Travel Expedition page to instantly scan prices across multiple carriers.
These are world class platforms with direct API links to the major airlines around the world. Try it today!
Avoid Peak Seasons
December, Easter, and summer holidays are expensive for Nigerian travellers. If you can travel off-peak, like February or late September, you will pay far less. For example, an Abuja–Dubai ticket in December can cost double the same route in February.
Choose Nearby Airports
Sometimes the cheaper route is not from your first choice. A Lagos–Accra–New York ticket might be less than a direct Lagos–New York flight. Abuja travellers may also find bargains by connecting via Lagos or Addis Ababa.
Travel Light
Budget carriers are expanding in Africa. They may look cheap on paper, but luggage fees add up. A ₦200,000 fare can quickly rise to ₦300,000 once you add two suitcases. If you pack light, you enjoy the savings.
Set Fare Alerts
Prices change daily. Set alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Travelstart so you are notified once fares drop. Many travellers book within hours of receiving these alerts and save huge amounts.
But we’d be glad if you book through our platform. JolibaLive is an affiliate partners to both Skyscanner and Travelstart.
Book Round Trips or Multi-City Tickets
Sometimes, buying two one-way tickets is more expensive than a round trip. All it takes is planning – plan when to travel and when you’re retuning, and get the advantage of a return-ticket.
Also, booking a multi-city ticket (e.g., Lagos–London, return via Paris) can unlock better pricing.
Watch Out for Currency Fluctuations
With the naira’s volatility, booking in foreign currency can sometimes fluctuate. If you have access to a dollar card, compare prices in both naira and USD before paying.
You can monitor live exchange rates of major global currencies on the JolibaLive Business page, and view other price movements such as the stock markets, cryptos, and world commodity prices like gold and oil.
Final Thought
Travel costs may rise in 2025, but the smart Nigerian traveller will always find ways to save. The key is flexibility—change your date, route, or booking method, and you’ll see the difference.
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