Finding cheap flights to Lesotho doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few key tips and a little patience, you can score a great deal and save money for the experiences that matter.
1. Book at the Right Time
Timing is everything. Prices tend to fluctuate, and airlines often have certain windows where flights are cheaper. It’s best to start looking at least 2-3 months ahead of time to secure the best price, especially for international flights.
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Avoid booking at the last minute. While you might occasionally find a bargain, most of the time prices go up as the departure date gets closer. Try to book during the middle of the week, as weekends tend to have higher prices.
Consider Low-Season Travel
Lesotho doesn’t have as many tourists as some other locations, but there are still high- and low-season periods. The country has a cooler climate from May to August, and flights to Lesotho during these months tend to be cheaper than in the high season.
2. Use Flight Comparison Tools
There are plenty of online tools designed to help you compare prices across multiple airlines. Use them. Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo allow you to see which airline is offering the lowest price for your dates, or even for the whole month if your schedule is flexible.
Enable price alerts in these tools. You’ll get email notifications when flight prices go up or down for your trip to Lesotho. This allows you to pounce when a great deal comes your way.
Don’t Forget About Local Airlines
When planning to visit a smaller country like Lesotho, local and regional airlines often offer competitive prices. South African Airways, Airlink, and Maluti Sky (a Lesotho-based carrier) are some of the main airlines that fly to Moshoeshoe I International Airport in Lesotho.
These might not always show up in every flight comparison tool, so it’s worth checking their own websites occasionally to see if you can find a good deal directly.
3. Be Flexible with Your Dates and Airports
The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to find a cheap flight. Try searching different dates if your travel schedule isn’t set in stone. Flights on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are typically cheaper.
Also, if you don’t mind long layovers, you may find cheaper flights with one or more stops. Though it makes the trip longer, it can knock off quite a bit from the price.
Consider Nearby Airports
Lesotho’s main airport is Moshoeshoe I International Airport, but it’s often more practical to fly into nearby cities like Johannesburg in South Africa. Flights to Johannesburg are generally cheaper and more frequent. From there, you can catch a short regional flight or travel overland to Lesotho via bus or rental car.
4. Look for Error Fares and Sale Alerts
Airlines and booking sites occasionally make mistakes, meaning they may post flights at extremely low prices. These “error fares” can offer huge discounts—sometimes even less than half the original price.
Follow blogs or sign up for email alerts from sites like Secret Flying or Airfarewatchdog. They monitor these deals and can help you snag one before it disappears. If you see an error fare for Lesotho, don’t wait too long! These prices tend to vanish fast.
5. Use Airline Miles and Points
If you have any airline miles or credit card points, this could be a great time to use them. Many airlines or alliances have partner airlines that fly to Lesotho or nearby South Africa, so you can potentially get a flight using points for a fraction of the price.
Plus, if you’re signed up for programs with airlines that fly to South Africa (such as United or Delta), check if they have any award flights available for your trip. It could greatly reduce your travel costs.
6. Consider Layovers Wisely
Long layovers can be a strategic way to save money. Flights with layovers tend to be cheaper than non-stop options, and choosing an airport you’re interested in visiting can make a layover more enjoyable.
For Lesotho, flights from Europe and the US often have layovers in places like Johannesburg or Addis Ababa. Some layovers are pretty long (8+ hours), so factor in the possibility of needing meals or accommodation during this time.
Check Visa Requirements for Layover Countries
Make sure that you won’t need a visa for any of the countries where you’ll have a layover. Some regions require transit visas just to pass through the airport. Check the requirements before you book that cheap flight with multiple stops to Lesotho!
7. Try Budget Airlines
If you’re flying within Africa, budget airlines can be a great way to save. While they often come without fancy perks, the cost difference can be huge.
Look into carriers like FlySafair, Mango Airlines, or Fastjet. These airlines might not fly directly into Lesotho, but you can get a cheap flight to a nearby city and then take overland transportation into the country.
Plan for Baggage Fees
Many budget airlines charge for checked baggage, and even carry-on luggage might have size or weight limits. Be sure to check the airline’s baggage policy before booking to avoid any surprise fees that could eat into your savings.
8. Search for Flights in Incognito Mode
It might sound strange, but some users claim that flight prices increase the more you search for the same route. Airlines and booking engines might track your search history and raise prices based on demand.
To avoid this, search for flights using incognito or private browsing mode. It’s easy to do, and it might just save you a few bucks.
9. Pay Attention to Add-On Fees
Before you get too excited about a low price, check if there are any hidden fees. Some budget airlines will offer rock-bottom prices but then charge for extras like seat selection, drinks, meals, or even printing your boarding pass at the airport.
Look at the complete cost before booking so you don’t get hit with surprise expenses that chip away at the initial savings.
10. Book Directly with Airlines When Possible
While flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights are great for finding deals, it’s sometimes better to book directly with the airline. If anything goes wrong (like rescheduling or cancellations), dealing directly with the airline can save you a lot of hassle.
Some airlines also offer special deals or perks when booking through their own platforms, such as checked baggage or faster reward earning points.
11. Set Realistic Expectations
Flights to Lesotho aren’t the cheapest out there, simply because fewer airlines fly to this destination. However, with careful planning and some research, you can find good options within your budget.
Understand that flights might include a combination of major and smaller airlines. The goal is to be patient, and keep checking those price comparison tools.
Conclusion
Finding a good flight deal to Lesotho isn’t impossible. Start your search early, use price comparison tools, be flexible with your travel dates, and keep an eye out for error fares. Don’t forget about using miles or points if you have them. With the right approach, you’ll be able to save a significant amount on your flights and have more to spend on your Lesotho adventure!
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