How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Benin

Finding a good flight deal can sometimes feel like a challenge, but with the right strategies, you can save money and make your trip to Benin more affordable. Here’s how to get the best prices for flights to Benin.

Book at the Right Time

Timing matters when booking flights. Ideally, book your flight around 2-3 months in advance for international travel to Benin. Prices tend to rise closer to the departure date. If you’re booking during high-season months or holidays (like from December to January), book even earlier if possible.

Take Advantage of Midweek Flights

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Flights that leave on weekdays, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, are often cheaper than weekend departures. If your schedule is flexible, aim to fly midweek to save some extra cash.

Use Flight Comparison Tools

Using flight comparison websites can make finding the best deal easier. Some good tools include:

Google Flights
Skyscanner
Momondo

All of these platforms allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and see if there are cheaper days to fly. For Google Flights, take advantage of the “Track Prices” feature to receive notifications when prices drop.

Use Incognito Mode

Flight prices may appear to increase after repeated searches on your browser. To avoid any price hikes, search for flights using incognito mode or clear your browser cache before searching again.

Check Regional and Local Airlines

While large carriers like Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines usually service flights to Cotonou, Benin’s largest city, don’t forget smaller airlines. ASKY Airlines, for instance, offers regional flights into Benin from neighboring West African countries.

Sometimes, it’s cheaper to fly into a nearby country like Nigeria and then take a regional flight or bus into Benin.

Consider Layover Routes

Non-stop flights are convenient, but they can be costly. If you’re open to some extra travel time, a flight with one or two layovers might save you a significant amount of money. Common layover hubs for Benin include Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and Paris.

Keep an Eye on Layover Duration

Make sure the layover is not too short or too long. A comfortable 2-4 hour window is ideal to avoid any risks of missing your next flight but without spending too much time waiting at the airport.

Set Price Alerts

If you find flight prices to Benin over your budget, don’t rush to book immediately. Most flight comparison tools have an option to set up price alerts. This way, you’ll get notified if prices drop, giving you the chance to grab a better deal without constantly checking back.

Be Flexible with Airports

If you’re flying to Benin, your main airport option will be Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou. But, depending on your origin, it might be cheaper flying into a neighboring country with a larger airport, such as Lagos in Nigeria, and taking regional transport to Benin.

Avoid Booking on Peak Days

Airlines usually hike prices on Fridays, weekends, and close to holidays. Try to avoid booking your flight on these days if you’re looking for savings.

Early Mornings and Late Nights

Flights during very early mornings or late at night can sometimes be cheaper than flights during more popular hours of the day.

Use Points or Frequent Flyer Miles

If you’re part of a frequent flyer program, check your mileage or rewards points: you might be able to redeem them for your flight to Benin or to get a discount. Many of the major frequent flyer programs, such as those with Star Alliance, will have partners offering flights to Benin.

Final Check Before Booking

Before you finalize your booking, make sure the price includes all taxes and checked baggage fees. Sometimes, a flight may seem cheaper, but extra fees can add up. Always double-check!