How To Book a Flight in Nigeria

How To Book a Flight in Nigeria: Booking a flight and traveling by air is one of the safest and fastest ways to reach distant destinations efficiently. Whether for business trips, vacations, or personal visits, flights are highly recommended for long-distance travel due to their convenience, speed, and safety compared to other means of transportation. While there are various options for travel, such as road or rail, flying is often the best choice when time is of the essence.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to book a flight in Nigeria, ensuring you do so with ease.

Major Airports in Nigerian States:

While air travel is becoming increasingly accessible across Nigeria, not every state currently has a functioning airport. Some airports are still under construction or development, meaning that travelers in those regions need to use nearby airports in neighboring states. Below are the major airports in key Nigerian states that offer both domestic and international flights:

1. Lagos:
   Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA)
   As the busiest airport in Nigeria, MMIA in Lagos provides numerous domestic and international flights.
2. Abuja:
   Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
   This airport in Nigeria’s capital city serves as a central hub for domestic and international travel.
3. Kano:
   Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport
   The major airport in northern Nigeria, serving both domestic and international destinations.
4. Port Harcourt:
   Port Harcourt International Airport
   A critical airport in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, offering connections to both national and international locations.
5. Enugu:
   Akanu Ibiam International Airport
   Serving southeastern Nigeria, with flights to several African and international destinations.

Steps on How to Book a Flight in Nigeria

Booking a flight in Nigeria is easy and straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you:

1. Choose a Booking Platform

You can book your flight through various platforms:

• Airline’s Official Website: You can go directly to the airline’s website.
• Travel Agency: You can visit travel agencies that assist with flight bookings.
• Third-Party Flight Booking Platforms: Sites like Wakanow are widely used. I recommend Wakanow because it’s reliable and offers the best deals, making it easier to compare flights.

2. Search for Flights

• Visit the Wakanow website (or the platform of your choice).
• Enter your departure city and destination (the state you’re flying to).
• Select your travel date and indicate if it’s a one-way or return trip.
• One-way means you’re flying to your destination only.
• Return means you’re booking a flight to go and return on a specific date.
• Choose your travel class: Economy, First Class, Premium, etc. (Keep in mind that the higher the class, the higher the price).
• Click on Search to find available flights.

3. Compare Flights and Prices

Once you have the search results, compare different flight options based on:

• Flight Time: Pick a departure time that suits your schedule.
• Airline: You’ll see options like Arik Air, Air Peace, Dana Air, etc.
• Price: Compare the ticket prices and choose one that fits your budget. Booking a flight at least one month ahead of your travel date can often get you cheaper fares.
• Passengers: Specify how many passengers are flying, and if you’re flying with a child, the child’s age will be requested.

4. Select Your Flight

After comparing your options, select the flight that best suits your needs and click on Book or Select to continue.

5. Enter Passenger Details

You’ll need to provide the following details:

• Full Name (as it appears on your ID or passport).
• Email Address and Phone Number (to receive confirmation).
• Nationality.
• ID Type: For domestic flights, a valid government-issued ID (like your National ID card, driver’s license, or passport) will be required.

6. Choose Extras (Optional)

Some platforms offer the option to select extras, such as:

• Seat preferences (window or aisle seat).
• Baggage allowance (additional luggage, if needed).
• In-flight meals (if available).

7. Make Payment

Choose your preferred payment method:

• Credit/Debit Card.
• Bank Transfer.
• Mobile Wallet (such as Paga or Opay).

Enter your payment details and complete the transaction. Ensure the payment is processed successfully.

8. Receive Confirmation

After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email that contains:

• Your flight itinerary.
• Your e-ticket.

Ensure you save this confirmation as you will need the e-ticket to check in at the airport.

9. Check-in

On the day of your flight, you can either:

• Check-in online through the airline’s website (usually available 24 hours before the flight).
• Check-in at the airport: Arrive at least 1-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2-3 hours before an international flight. I recommend arriving early to avoid any delays.

These steps will help ensure that your booking experience is smooth and hassle-free. Safe travels!

Here’s a refined version of your points on the advantages of booking a flight over road transport in Nigeria:

Advantages of Flying Over Road Transport in Nigeria for Long-Distance Travel

While road transportation is still widely used and essential, especially for short trips, flying offers several advantages when it comes to long-distance travel in Nigeria. I’m not saying that other modes of transportation are not good, but here are some reasons why booking a flight is often the better option for far journeys:

1. Time-Saving
   Flights drastically reduce the time it takes to travel long distances. What might take you 10-15 hours by road, you can cover in just an hour or two by air. This is especially crucial when you have urgent business, appointments, or events to attend.
2. Avoiding Bad Roads
   Many parts of Nigeria suffer from poor road infrastructure, especially in rural areas or during the rainy season. Bad roads lead to slowdowns, traffic, and discomfort during road trips. By flying, you avoid these road conditions entirely, ensuring a smoother and more reliable journey.
3. Safety
   Insecurity is a major concern on many Nigerian roads. There have been numerous reports of kidnappings, armed robbery, and other forms of crime on highways. Flying eliminates these risks, providing a safer and more secure way to travel, particularly when heading to volatile regions.
4. No Vehicle Breakdown Worries
   Long road trips can take a toll on vehicles, leading to unexpected breakdowns in the middle of nowhere. This can cause delays and inconvenience, especially in regions with limited roadside assistance. Air travel bypasses this problem entirely.
5. Reduced Fatigue and Stress
   Road travel over long distances can be tiring, especially due to traffic jams, bad roads, or long hours of sitting. Flying is more comfortable and less stressful, as you spend less time in transit and avoid road-related discomforts.
6. Increased Security at Airports
   Airports are equipped with tight security measures, including screening and surveillance, which greatly reduces the risk of incidents compared to road travel. You can travel with peace of mind knowing that the chances of encountering security issues are much lower.
7. Kidnapping Risks on Highways
   Unfortunately, many highways in Nigeria are hotspots for kidnappings and other criminal activities. Flying not only saves you time but also minimizes the risk of being targeted during your journey, especially in areas known for security challenges.
8. Reliability
   Flights are generally more reliable than road travel. Delays caused by traffic, road accidents, or bad weather conditions are common on the road. With air travel, there is more predictability and fewer unexpected interruptions, ensuring you arrive at your destination on time.

While road transportation is an important and sometimes unavoidable option, these are some key reasons why flying can offer a better, faster, and safer experience for long-distance trips in Nigeria.