THE SHORT VERSION / When to book flights for Detty December
Book Detty December flights to Lagos (LOS) or Accra (ACC) by September or October for the best fares. Prices climb sharply from November. The most expensive dates are departures from 18 to 24 December and returns from 1 to 5 January, so flying midweek or returning on or after 6 January saves money.
- Book by
- September or October
- Lagos airport
- LOS
- Accra airport
- ACC
- Most expensive out
- 18 to 24 Dec
- Most expensive back
- 1 to 5 Jan
- Lagos ↔ Accra
- About 1 hour
When should you book Detty December flights?
Book by September or October. December flights to West Africa are driven by diaspora demand, and seats around Christmas sell out. Fares usually rise steadily from November, and last-minute December fares can cost two or three times as much.
Typical economy fares (return)
| From | Booked early | Booked in November or later |
|---|---|---|
| London | About $750 to $1,100 | Much higher, often $1,500+ |
| US East Coast | About $950 to $1,400 | Often $1,800+ |
| Houston, Atlanta, Toronto | About $1,100 to $1,600 | Often $2,000+ |
| Lagos to Accra | About $150 to $250 | Rising close to Christmas |
These are Detty List estimates based on typical fares, not live prices.
Direct flights vs connections
- Direct flights from London and some US cities to Lagos and Accra are the fastest but usually the most expensive. Airlines that have served these routes include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, United and Air Peace. Check current schedules, because routes change.
- One-stop connections through Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Casablanca, Doha, Dubai or Nairobi are often cheaper, with longer journey times.
- Open-jaw tickets (fly into Lagos, out of Accra) suit a two-city trip. See Lagos to Accra.
8 ways to save on Detty December flights
- Book by October.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper.
- Avoid 18 to 24 December departures if you can.
- Return on or after 6 January.
- Compare one-stop routes against direct flights.
- Set fare alerts on a comparison site.
- Check baggage allowances: some carriers include two checked bags, which matters if you're bringing gifts.
- Consider open-jaw tickets for two-city trips.
Which airport should you fly into?
- Lagos: Murtala Muhammed International (LOS).
- Accra: Kotoka International (ACC).
- Abuja: Nnamdi Azikiwe International (ABV). See Abuja.
What to do after landing
- Activate your eSIM before you leave the airport.
- Take a pre-booked ride or ride-hailing, not unmarked taxis.
- Keep documents handy for immigration and your yellow fever check.
THE PRACTICAL DETAILS
Book the essentials
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to book flights for Detty December?
Book by September or October. Fares to Lagos and Accra rise sharply from November and peak for departures between 18 and 24 December.
How much is a flight to Lagos in December?
Early-booked economy returns from London typically cost about $750 to $1,100, and from the US East Coast about $950 to $1,400. Late bookings can cost far more.
How long is the flight from Lagos to Accra?
About one hour.
