Detty December 2026: How to Save on Flights to Nigeria
Every year it's the same story. Owambe invitations land, the group chat starts planning, everyone wants to be in Lagos for December, and then you check flight prices and your spirit leaves your body. December is the most expensive time of the year to fly to Nigeria, because half the diaspora is trying to get home in the same three weeks.
You can't make December cheap, but you can make it a lot less expensive. Here's how.
1. Avoid the peak dates
Fares are highest for flights landing in Nigeria in the week or two before Christmas, and for flights leaving Nigeria in the first week of January, when everyone returns to work and school. Shifting your trip by even a few days can make a real difference.
| Option | Why it can save money |
|---|---|
| Fly out late November or the first days of December | You arrive before the main rush and still catch the season |
| Fly out on or just after Christmas Day | Fewer people want to travel on the day itself |
| Return mid-January instead of the first week | The back-to-school, back-to-work crowd has gone |
| Fly midweek | Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than weekends |
2. Compare Lagos and Abuja
Most people search only for Lagos, but flights into Abuja are sometimes cheaper, and the other way round. If your family is in the east or the north, Abuja may even be closer. If you land in one city and need the other, a local flight between Lagos and Abuja usually costs far less than the difference on an international fare.
You can also try flying into one city and out of the other, for example into Lagos and home from Abuja. Search it as a "multi-city" trip.
3. Consider a connecting flight
Direct flights are the most popular, so they fill up and get expensive first. One-stop routes via Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Casablanca, Cairo, Doha or Dubai can cost noticeably less in December. The trade-off is a longer journey, so check the total travel time and layover before you book.
4. Haven't booked yet? Don't panic
It's mid-October, and many people still haven't booked. The very cheapest December fares are usually gone by now, but you still have options:
- Book soon. December prices rarely drop as the date gets closer, because demand stays strong right up to departure.
- Set price alerts on two or three booking sites for your route and dates.
- Be flexible: combine the tips above, such as off-peak dates, Abuja instead of Lagos, or one stop instead of direct.
- Consider a January trip instead. You miss the biggest parties, but fares and hotels are much calmer, and the weather is still lovely.
You can see the latest fares we've found on routes like Lagos ⇄ London and Abuja ⇄ London in the Travel deals section of our homepage, updated every few hours.
5. Count the bags, not just the fare
Nobody travels home for Christmas with one small bag. Before you book, check how many checked bags are included and how much an extra one costs. A cheaper fare with one bag can end up costing more than a pricier fare with two.
6. Protect yourself from ticket scams
December is peak season for fake "cheap ticket" sellers on WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook. Stay safe:
- Be very careful with deals that look far cheaper than anything on the airline or major booking sites.
- After paying, ask for the booking reference and check it yourself on the airline's own website using "Manage booking".
- Pay with a card or method that gives you some protection. Avoid direct bank transfers to people you don't know.
- If booking through a UK travel company, check whether your booking is protected (for example, under ATOL) and keep all confirmations.
7. Plan the money side too
Flights are only part of the December spend. Hotels and short lets in Lagos and Abuja also climb in price during the season, so book accommodation early if you're not staying with family. And set a realistic budget for outings, because Detty December has a way of finishing your money before January.
Quick checklist
- ✅ Avoid flying in the week before Christmas and back in the first week of January
- ✅ Compare Lagos and Abuja, and try multi-city trips
- ✅ Look at one-stop routes and check transit visa rules
- ✅ Set price alerts and book soon if you haven't already
- ✅ Count baggage costs in the total price
- ✅ Verify your booking reference on the airline's website
Enjoy the season, and travel smart. For more guides, see The Cheapest Time to Fly Lagos to London and the rest of our Travel section.
Prices, schedules and visa rules change often. Always confirm the latest fares, baggage allowances and travel requirements before booking. Some links on this site may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.