In plain English
The cheapest fare can become expensive after baggage, airport transfer, overnight hotel and missed-connection risk. Compare the whole journey, not only the first price shown.
Before paying
Flight comparison worksheet
Take screenshots of the fare rules and baggage allowance before purchase.
Which Nigerian airport should you choose?
Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport uses the code LOS and serves Nigeria’s largest commercial city. Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport uses ABV and can suit trips to the Federal Capital Territory or central and northern destinations. Other international airports may fit a regional trip, but schedules can be less frequent.
Compare the international fare plus the domestic road or air connection to the final city.
Direct flight or connecting flight
A nonstop flight reduces connection risk but may cost more. A one-stop itinerary can be sensible when it is issued on one ticket and has enough transfer time. A self-transfer may require collecting baggage, entering the transit country and checking in again.
Check transit-visa rules for your passport even when you do not plan to leave the airport.
Baggage and ticket rules
Economy fare families can have different checked-bag allowances on the same airline. A third-party booking screen may show the cheapest light fare first. Read the allowance for every segment, particularly when a domestic partner operates one leg.
Name spelling must match the passport. Also check change fees, fare difference, refund form and no-show rules before paying.
Arriving in Lagos
International and domestic terminal areas are separate. If a domestic connection is booked separately, allow time for immigration, baggage, road transfer, check-in and traffic. Confirm whether the domestic flight uses MMA2 or the General Aviation Terminal.
Use an official pickup arrangement or recognised transport option, and do not hand baggage to an unsolicited helper.
Booking for Christmas, Easter and school holidays
High-demand periods reduce cheap inventory and make last-minute replacement flights expensive. Search flexible dates and both Lagos and Abuja where the onward journey is practical. A fare with reasonable change conditions may be worth more than the absolute cheapest non-changeable ticket.
Families should check seat selection, infant baggage, stroller rules and whether all travellers are on the same reservation. Children travelling with one parent may need consent or relationship evidence for some borders or airlines.
Protecting yourself from booking scams
Check the airline record locator on the operating airline’s own website after purchase. A payment receipt from an agent is not proof that a live ticket has been issued. Confirm the passenger name, flights, ticket number, baggage and contact details.
Be cautious when a social-media seller demands a transfer to a personal account or creates urgency around a fare that cannot be independently verified. Use a traceable payment route and keep the fare rules.
Frequently asked questions
What airport code is Lagos Nigeria?
LOS.
What airport code is Abuja?
ABV.
Is a direct flight always cheaper?
No. Compare the full cost and connection risk.
Can I connect on separate tickets?
Yes, but you carry the missed-connection, baggage and transit-entry risk.
How early should I arrive?
Follow the airline's current instruction; international check-in can close well before departure.
Related Explainer.NG guides
Sources and checking policy
We use official sources for rules and government processes. Rates, prices, schedules and requirements can change, so follow the linked source before paying or travelling.
Explainer.NG is independent and is not an immigration office, bank, airline, airport or government agency.