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

December is when Lagos fills up: homecoming trips, weddings, concerts and family gatherings all land in the same few weeks. That demand pushes fares up fast, especially for the days just before Christmas. You can't change the season, but you can change when you book, which days you fly and which route you take.

1. Book now, not in December

Holiday fares to Lagos rarely get cheaper as the date approaches. If you haven't booked yet, compare prices now and set a fare alert so you see movement on your route. The departures that climb fastest are the ones around 18–23 December.

2. Move your dates by a few days

• Fly out in the first or second week of December, before schools break up.
• Try a midweek departure (Tuesday or Wednesday) instead of a Friday or Saturday.
• Return in the second or third week of January rather than on 1–3 January, when everyone flies back.
• If you're flexible, compare a few dates either side before you commit.

3. Compare one-stop routes, not just direct flights

Direct flights are the most convenient but often the most expensive in peak season. One-stop routes via hubs such as Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Casablanca or the Gulf can cost noticeably less. Check the total journey time and the layover length before you choose.

4. Check baggage before you compare prices

If you're bringing gifts, the cheapest ticket is not always the cheapest trip. Use the baggage filter on the results page and compare fares that already include the checked bags you need.

Before you fly

• Passport: check it is valid well beyond your return date.
• Entry: most visitors need a visa arranged before travel, and Nigeria requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the Nigeria Immigration Service for current rules.
• Arrival: international flights land at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Ikeja. Allow extra time to cross to the island in December traffic.
• Hotels: book early too. Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Lekki fill up quickly over the holidays.

Compare fares to Lagos

Planning your days there? Read our guide to 3 days in Lagos for where to stay and what to see.