Booking affordable flights from Nigeria can be a headache. Fares fluctuate frequently and costs from different airlines and booking sites can vary wildly. How do you ensure you find the cheapest fare every time?
The answer lies in using the right apps. Top flight booking and comparison apps leverage technology to scan hundreds of sites and airlines to get you the lowest possible fares. No more wasting hours manually checking prices across different websites.
In this comprehensive guide, we reveal the 10 best apps Nigerian travelers should use to save time and money when booking both domestic and international flights originating from Nigeria.
For each app, we provide an overview of key features, pros and cons, pricing and tips for getting the lowest fares. Read on to find the perfect flight apps to add to your travel toolkit.
An Overview of Flight Booking Apps
Here’s a quick look at how flight apps work and their benefits:
- Flight apps scan prices across airline sites, online travel agencies, and other sources.
- Advanced algorithms quickly filter and compare options across dates, airlines, routes etc.
- Apps provide an easy interface to quickly view and select the cheapest fare.
- Flight status tracking, real-time alerts if prices drop, and easy booking features are included.
- Using apps saves huge time versus manually comparing flight options.
- Bulk promo codes, exclusives deals and loyalty programs offer additional savings in some apps.
For Nigerian travelers, flight apps are essential to easily find and book the most affordable fares whether heading to Lagos, Abuja, London, Dubai or anywhere else. Let’s look at the top 10 options.
10 Best Apps for Comparing and Booking Cheap Flights from Nigeria
1. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is one of the most popular free apps globally for flight bookings. With over 100 million downloads, it compares cheap flights across airlines and travel sites quickly.
Key Features
- Finds the cheapest daily flight rates with flexible date options
- Compares major airlines including local carriers like Air Peace and international ones
- Filters by stops, duration, airline, flight times
- Gets price drop alerts
- Booking links redirect to airline/agency sites
Pros
- Global flight search including lesser-known airlines
- Saves favorite searches and alerts for price drops
- Fast and intuitive interface
- Provides promo and discount codes
Cons
- Doesn’t offer its own bookings
- Some ads and pop-ups
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Enable price drop alerts and consider nearby airports for better deals.
2. Google Flights
Google Flights is a solid free flight search engine from Google. Its strong search filters and easy comparison charts make finding the cheapest flights quick.
Key Features
- Flexible date and destination search with price graphs
- Filters for stops, times, airlines, connections
- Comparison chart displays fares from across days and airlines
- Book directly on airline sites
Pros
- Fast and simple search interface
- Useful comparison charts to visualize prices
- Filters help find best value flights
Cons
- Doesn’t include smaller airlines in search
- No booking through app
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Try nearby airports and consider longer routes with better rates.
3. Kiwi
Kiwi is a top international booking app offering exclusive fares at up to 90% discounts. Its algorithm-based approach delivers cheap flights.
Key Features
- Searches across 600+ airlines globally
- Offers exclusive promo deals and private rates
- Price alerts and predictions using artificial intelligence
- Book directly through the app
Pros
- Access to cheap promo fares and bulk deals
- Price predictor functionality
- Allows cancellations and changes
Cons
- Limited options for local Nigerian carriers
- Extra fees for baggage and seat selection
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Opt for promotional deals and use price prediction to track dips.
4. Priceline
Priceline is a top app for finding affordable published and off-the-book fares. Its package deals can offer added savings.
Key Features
- Name-Your-Own-Price bidding on flights
- Bundle deals on hotels, cars, flights
- Easily search and filter flight options
- Direct bookings at discounted rates
Pros
- Offers opaque discounted blind booking
- Package deals create savings
- Cancellations and changes allowed
Cons
- Limited route options from Nigeria
- Name-your-price bids aren’t always successful
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Make reasonable bids and look for bundling opportunities.
5. Momondo
Momondo is a metasearch app allowing flight bookings alongside rental cars and hotels for bundled savings.
Key Features
- Searches across airline and booking sites
- Filters for stops, duration, airlines etc.
- Integrated hotel and car search
- Book directly on airline websites
Pros
- Good for package trip planning
- Clean simple interface
- Cashback rewards program
Cons
- Limited promotional discounts
- No major price prediction features
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Opt for package deals and use cashback offers.
6. Hopper
Hopper uses AI and deep data to make airfare predictions and recommendations for cheap flights.
Key Features
- Predicts best time to book flights with 95% accuracy
- Price drop alerts and notifications
- Flexible, whole-month search filters
- Book flights through app
Pros
- Unique price prediction algorithms
- Broad search across airline and booking sites
- Allows cancellations and changes
Cons
- Can’t search multiple destinations
- Limited route options for local Nigerian carriers
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Use price alerts and buy when predictions say fares are lowest.
7. Hitlist
Hitlist lets you track flight prices and get alerts when airfares drop to your target prices.
Key Features
- Add flight deals to track and get notified of price drops
- Sets price alerts for dates and routes
- Broad search across booking sites and airlines
- Book through airline websites
Pros
- Simple price tracking
- Customized alerts for target prices
- Search history makes rebooking quick
Cons
- No exclusive promotional fares
- Doesn’t include smaller local airlines
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Be flexible on dates and take advantage of price drops.
8. Expedia
Expedia is a leading global booking app offering discounted airfares, hotel stays, vacation packages and more.
Key Features
- Search across 700+ airlines globally
- Packaged deals on flights, hotels, cars
- Sort and filter flight search results easily
- Direct booking with free cancellations
Pros
- Comprehensive worldwide flight results
- Great for package trip booking
- Rewards program offers additional discounts
Cons
- Higher change and cancellation fees
- Limited options on Nigerian local carriers
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Opt for discounted package deals and use rewards points.
9. Arik Air App
The official app of Nigerian carrier Arik Air allows booking local and international Arik flights directly.
Key Features
- Direct booking for Arik Air’s destinations
- Enter passenger details and make payments
- Access e-tickets
- Check-in and get boarding passes
Pros
- Convenient booking for Arik flights
- Entry of required Nigerian traveler data
- Smooth check-in and boarding
Cons
- Only includes Arik Air flights
- Higher fares than third-party sites
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Book early for lowest fares on direct Arik flights.
10. Travelstart Nigeria
Travelstart offers discounted flights from top airlines within Nigeria and worldwide.
Key Features
- Search and compare fares across 400+ airlines
- Book flights with discounts and promotions
- Packaged deals on hotels and car rentals
- Price alerts when fares change
Pros
- Customized flights and package deals
- Sales and promotions offer lower fares
- Cashback rewards program
Cons
- Booking fees apply
- Limited support options
Cost: Free
Tips for Savings: Use promotional codes and opt for packages.
Key Factors in Choosing the Best Flight Apps
Here are some key criteria to evaluate when selecting flight apps:
- Number of airlines compared – More options ensure lowest fares.
- Route search – Apps with worldwide or focused regional search work best.
- Promotions and discounts – Sign-up bonuses, cashback, and sales lower costs.
- Price tracking tools – Price drop alerts and predictions help time bookings.
- Booking and cancellation policies – Flexibility reduces risks.
- Package deals – Bundling flights with hotels and cars creates savings.
- Rewards programs – Apps that offer loyalty points provide added value.
- Nigerian carriers – Inclusion of key airlines like Arik, Air Peace offers convenience.
Tips for Using Flight Apps Effectively
Follow these tips to maximize savings when using flight apps for Nigerian travel:
- Be flexible with dates and nearby airports when searching.
- Set up price tracking and get alerts to buy when fares drop.
- Read terms carefully – some add hidden fees during booking.
- Don’t share personal/payment details unless booking.
- Compare promotion codes and bundled package deals.
- Sign up for rewards programs and frequent flier miles.
- Avoid booking on public WiFi networks.
- Confirm required visa/travel documents before purchase.
Wrapping Up
Finding affordable flights from Nigeria just got much easier with these top flight booking and comparison apps! Their advanced search algorithms and data-driven tools help you save huge time and money. Make sure to download a few of these apps before your next trip for the best deals on flights originating within Nigeria to local and international destinations. Safe travels!