Finding the best flight deal to Malawi can save you a lot of money. It doesn’t have to be a stressful process, and with the right approach, you can travel there without spending a fortune. Here’s how you can do that.
Book at the Right Time
Timing is crucial when it comes to finding the best fares. Generally, flights are cheaper when booked 1-3 months in advance. If you’re traveling during peak seasons, like holidays or school vacations, book even earlier. Don’t wait until the last minute, as prices usually go up.
Did you know that you can get up to 40% cheaper prices on flight and hotel bookings by using a VPN? Try NordVPN today! They offer a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee!
Avoid booking on weekends. Airlines tend to post fare changes on Monday, so the best days to book are usually Tuesday and Wednesday when there’s less competition. You can also set price alerts to track fares over time.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
Flight comparison sites are your best friend. Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo allow you to compare prices from different airlines. You’ll see what’s available from various carriers, and these platforms often show budget airlines you might not find on bigger booking sites.
Once you find a good deal, go directly to the airline’s website and see if booking through them offers a cheaper rate. Booking directly with the airline can avoid extra fees if something goes wrong with your flight.
Airlines That Fly to Malawi
There aren’t many direct flights into Malawi, so most travelers head to Lilongwe (LLW) or Blantyre (BLZ) via a layover. Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways, and Kenya Airways are usually your go-to options. Most travelers choose Ethiopian Airlines for its frequent flights and relatively lower rates.
From Europe or the U.S., you’ll likely stopover in Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Johannesburg before connecting to Malawi. Keep an eye out for layovers that are too short or too long, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the airport.
Regional Flight Options
If you’re traveling from nearby countries, look into local airlines or regional carriers like Malawi Airlines or Airlink. Also, flying into Johannesburg (South Africa) or Nairobi (Kenya) and then catching a low-cost flight to Malawi might be cheaper than a direct long-haul flight.
Be Flexible with Your Dates
Changing your travel dates by even a day or two can make a big difference in flight prices. Use the “flexible dates” option on flight search engines to see fares across a range of days. You might find that flying mid-week is much cheaper than a Friday or Saturday departure.
Consider Alternative Airports
Malawi has two main airports: Lilongwe (LLW) and Blantyre (BLZ). You might find that one airport has cheaper flights than the other, even if they are only a day’s drive apart. Compare flights to both destinations to see what works best for you.
Don’t Forget Layover Options
It’s often cheaper to break your trip into separate flights instead of booking a single, long flight. Consider booking a flight to a hub like Johannesburg or Nairobi and then booking another flight from there to Malawi. This requires more effort but can save hundreds of dollars if planned well.
If you’re booking a flight with a layover, make sure it’s a reasonable amount of time between flights. Short layovers might lead to missed connections, and long ones can be exhausting.
Keep an Eye On Sales
Airlines frequently offer sales, and it’s worth checking their websites or signing up for their newsletters to be the first to hear about discounts. Social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook also share flash sales and discount codes from time to time.
Seasonal promotions, such as Black Friday or New Year’s sales, are common, and booking during these times could net you a better deal.
Consider Booking Via a Travel Agent
If you’re purely looking to save time, checking with a travel agent might help. They often have access to deals that aren’t listed on public sites. While some agents charge a small fee, the time and money saved can make it worth it if you’re flying during a busy season.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap flights to Malawi is all about strategy: book early, be flexible, and use the right tools. Monitor flight comparison sites, book directly when possible, and watch for sales. Going the extra mile to research alternative routes or dates can lead to significant savings on your next trip.
Leave a reply