How to Find the Best Flight Deals to Gabon

Finding the best flights to Gabon doesn’t have to be hard. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can save money and time. Here are some useful tips to help you book affordable flights to Gabon.

Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to booking a flight. It’s usually better to book your flight a few months in advance to find cheaper rates. For an international trip like this, aim for 3-6 months ahead of your departure.

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If you wait too long, prices tend to increase. But don’t book too early either. Prices can fluctuate, so booking around the 3-6 month range gives you the best shot at finding a good deal.

Use Flight Comparison Tools

Always compare prices on different search engines before booking. Some of the best flight search engines include Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo.

These platforms let you see prices across multiple airlines, which helps you find the best deal. Be sure to search in incognito mode, so airlines don’t increase prices based on your repeated searches.

Set Price Alerts

Don’t forget to set price alerts when you search. Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to track price changes at no cost. This way, you’ll be notified when prices drop.

Act fast when you see a good deal. Often, these won’t last long. Having alerts helps you avoid constantly checking flights every day.

Be Flexible with Dates

One of the easiest ways to find a cheaper flight is to be flexible with your travel dates. Flying mid-week, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, is often cheaper than traveling on weekends.

Also, check for flights a few days before or after your ideal departure. Even a day’s difference could mean saving hundreds of dollars.

Fly Into Nearby Airports

Libreville’s Léon-Mba International Airport is the main entry point to Gabon, but you could also check flights to nearby countries in West or Central Africa. Sometimes it’s cheaper to connect through a nearby airport and then take another flight or bus into Gabon.

This strategy works especially well if you plan on exploring neighboring countries like Cameroon or Congo. Just be sure to check visa and travel requirements for each country beforehand.

Look for Alternative Routes

Another way to save money is by looking for flights with one or more layovers. While direct flights are more convenient, connecting flights are usually cheaper.

Instead of flying directly from your home country, consider booking a ticket with a stopover in cities like Paris, Istanbul, or Casablanca. These cities are common layover hubs and might offer cheaper flights thanks to the extra stop.

Consider Different Airlines

A few airlines service Gabon. The national airline, Afrijet, has regional flights; however, there are other popular airlines offering international services to Libreville.

Ethiopian Airlines
Air France
Turkish Airlines
Royal Air Maroc
Brussels Airlines

Each airline has its own pricing structure. Compare options to understand which one offers the best balance of cost and convenience for your trip. Don’t hesitate to mix and match different airlines for your round trip if it saves you money.

Check for Regional Airlines

Once you are in the region, you can look into smaller airlines. These regional carriers often have cheaper deals than big international airlines, especially for shorter routes.

Some airlines that service nearby countries include Air Côte d’Ivoire, RwandAir, and ASKY Airlines.

Search for Hidden-City Flights

Hidden-city ticketing is when you book a flight where your intended destination is a layover, not the final stop. For example, if you find a round-trip ticket from Paris to Kinshasa with a layover in Libreville, you might just stay in Libreville and skip the last leg.

This method is risky and isn’t always allowed by airlines. You should never check luggage when using hidden-city ticketing because your bags will be sent to the final destination. It’s also possible that airlines may block you from future flights if they catch you regularly using this strategy.

Use Points and Miles

If you have a frequent flyer account or travel rewards credit card, now is the time to use your points. Flying to Gabon can be pricey, so redeeming points or miles could save you a lot.

Check with your airline or credit card provider to see if you can use points to pay for part or all of your flight. Sometimes transferring points to an airline’s loyalty program can yield even better deals.

Avoid Peak Seasons

Gabon’s peak tourist season runs from May to September. Prices tend to go up during these months due to the pleasant weather. Try visiting during the shoulder season, from October to April.

Not only will you find fewer tourists, but you’ll also find cheaper flights and discounted accommodations. Don’t worry about missing out: Gabon’s tropical climate means you can still enjoy the country’s unique wildlife and rainforests.

Check for Student and Discounted Fares

If you’re a student or under 26, you may be eligible for discount flights. Check websites like StudentUniverse or STA Travel for special rates.

These sites sometimes offer deals for non-students as well, so it’s worth checking out even if you’re not in school. Be sure to compare these discounts with other flight aggregators to make sure you’re getting the best price.

Use Stopover Programs for Free or Cheap Layovers

Some airlines offer stopover programs that let you explore their home country for free or for cheap while you’re on your way to Gabon. For example, Turkish Airlines lets you explore Istanbul, while Air France offers layover deals in Paris.

This option is great if you want to add another destination to your trip without spending too much money.