How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Burundi

Traveling to Burundi can seem tricky when you’re looking for affordable flights. But with the right tools and timing, you can easily score a great deal. Here’s how to find the best flight options for Burundi without all the stress.

Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. Generally, the best time to book flights is about six to eight weeks before your planned departure. Buying tickets too early or too late can cost you more. Last-minute travelers often pay higher prices.

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It’s best to avoid booking during peak seasons like major holidays. Mid-week flights, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, tend to have cheaper fares since fewer people travel during the middle of the week.

Use Flight Comparison Tools

There are several great tools out there to help you compare flight prices. Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo are excellent options. They show the cost across multiple airlines and dates, giving you a clear picture of when it’s cheapest to fly.

Another useful feature with Skyscanner and Google Flights is the “Anytime” or “Flexible Dates” option. It allows you to pick cheaper days within your travel window, which can save you a significant amount.

Google Flights

Google Flights is user-friendly and powerful. It gives you an interactive calendar that shows price changes daily. You can also filter results by layovers, times, or specific airlines. Set up alerts, and you’ll get notifications on price drops.

Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a traveler favorite because of its ability to search for flights across the entire month. It’s perfect if your travel dates are flexible. You can also search from nearby airports to find even better deals.

Momondo

Momondo digs through different airlines and booking platforms to find you the lowest prices available. It also has price-trend data, showing you how much a flight may go up or down in the future. The interface is simple, so you won’t have any trouble navigating.

Set Up Flight Alerts

Don’t sit around refreshing your browser every hour. Set up price alerts on websites like Google Flights and Skyscanner. Once you select your preferred route and travel dates, they’ll email you as soon as the price drops or increases. This way, you can grab flights when prices dip.

Flexibility Is Key

If you’re flexible with your travel dates and destination, you’ll have a better chance of saving money. Try adjusting the departure or return dates by a day or two. Also, if you are willing to travel with a layover instead of a direct flight, you can sometimes get cheaper fares.

Another tip: Consider flying into nearby countries like Rwanda or Uganda and then taking a short regional flight into Burundi. It’s possible to save money this way, especially when you can find a deal flying to a nearby country.

Avoid Booking Through Airlines Directly

While it’s sometimes tempting to book directly with an airline, you might not find the best deals there. Instead, use third-party booking platforms like Kiwi, Priceline, or even Skyscanner to compare carriers and get cheaper prices.

Airlines That Fly to Burundi

Sourcing flights into Burundi’s Bujumbura International Airport (BJM) can sometimes feel overwhelming. Major airlines that fly to Burundi aren’t as plentiful as in other destinations, but you have some solid options.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines are some of the most popular long-haul choices. These airlines usually have flights with a layover, sometimes in Addis Ababa, Kigali, or Istanbul.

Consider Regional Airlines

If you’re planning to visit other countries nearby, look into regional flights. RwandAir and Kenya Airways offer flights around East Africa, including Burundi.

Regional flights are often cheaper than long international ones but make sure you check the baggage policy. Some regional carriers have stricter weight limits and can charge high fees for overage.

Take Advantage of Airline Rewards

Frequent flyer miles or points can go a long way. If you’re already signed up for a loyalty program with any major carriers, check to see if they can be used for flights to or from Burundi.

Even if you don’t have a lot of points, using them for a partial payment could reduce your flight cost.

Consider Multiple Routes

If you can’t find a good direct or one-stop option for Burundi, look into creative routing. Flying via different countries like Kenya, Tanzania, or even the Middle East sometimes unlocks better deals.

Don’t be afraid to build your route in different legs. For example, getting a cheap flight to Kigali, then a shorter, less expensive connection into Bujumbura.

Look For Budget Airlines

Although budget options into Burundi are pretty limited, there are a few airlines that might offer better rates through their sales, especially if you’re coming from neighboring countries.

Airlines like Fly540 and Jambojet can provide cost-effective travel within East Africa. Keep an eye on their promotions.

What to Know About Layovers

Most flights to Burundi will have at least one layover. Popular layover cities include Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines or Nairobi with Kenya Airways.

If you have to pick a layover, try to choose one with a short but manageable time frame. Some layovers can be as long as 10 to 14 hours, which is a lot of time to waste in an airport while waiting for a connection. However, a longer layover can be useful if you want to explore a new city and make it part of your journey.

Double-Check for Hidden Fees

Some third-party platforms or smaller budget airlines have hidden fees. Always check if the price you’re paying includes taxes, luggage fees, and seat selection. Saving $20 on a flight can quickly get expensive after all the extras are added.

Also, make sure to verify baggage policies, especially on regional airlines. Some may not offer free checked luggage or have very limited weight allowances. Avoid surprises by reading the fine print carefully.

Consider Flying from Nearby Airports

If you don’t live near a major airport, it might be worth checking airports a few hours away that have more international flights. Bigger airports tend to have more competition among airlines, which can lead to cheaper ticket prices.

Also, some airports may have better connections to Burundi because of proximity to East Africa-located hubs like Kigali or Nairobi.

Check for Student, Senior, or Group Discounts

If you’re a student or a senior, check for special discounts. Websites like StudentUniverse often have deals for younger travelers. Additionally, if you’re traveling in a large group, some airlines provide group rates. Be sure to inquire about any discounts you might be eligible for.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Once you’ve booked your flight, make sure to protect your investment with travel insurance. This can cover you in case of cancellations, delays, or any other travel mishaps. It’s always better to have a backup plan, especially when traveling long distances.