December Flights to Accra: How to Get a Better Fare for the Holidays

December in Accra means concerts, festivals, beach parties, weddings and long-awaited family visits, and a lot of people flying in at once. Fares climb quickly as the holidays approach. Here's how to keep the cost of getting there under control.

1. Book as early as you can

Holiday fares to Accra rarely drop closer to departure. Compare prices now and set a fare alert on your route. Departures in the week before Christmas usually rise fastest.

2. Be flexible with your dates

• Leave in early December instead of the days right before Christmas.
• Compare midweek departures with weekend ones.
• Return after the first week of January, when the rush home eases.
• Check a few days either side of your ideal dates before you book.

3. Look beyond direct flights

One-stop routes via hubs such as Brussels, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Casablanca or the Gulf can cost less than a direct flight in peak season. Compare total journey time and layover length, not just price.

4. Count your bags

Travelling with gifts or extra luggage? Filter for fares that include the checked bags you need. Adding bags later can wipe out the saving from a cheaper ticket.

Before you fly

• Passport: make sure it's valid well beyond your return date.
• Entry: many visitors need a visa arranged in advance, and Ghana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the Ghana Immigration Service for current rules for your passport.
• Arrival: international flights land at Kotoka International Airport (ACC), close to the city centre.
• Money: the currency is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS). Mobile money and cards are widely used; carry some cash for markets.
• Hotels: book early. Osu, Airport Residential and East Legon fill up fast over the holidays.

Compare fares to Accra

Planning your time in the city? Our guide to 3 days in Accra covers where to stay and what to see.