Seen Here: FlySafair is encouraging South African travellers to plan ahead, compare fares and consider flying in November or late January to find potentially more affordable tickets during the festive season. Photo Credit: Supplied
FlySafair shares six practical tips to help South Africans find better airfares and save on festive-season travel.
JOHANNESBURG, 10 NOVEMBER 2026 – South Africans planning festive-season travel could save on airfares by rethinking when they fly, with November and late January emerging as potential alternatives to the traditionally expensive December travel period.
As demand for air travel increases during the festive season, FlySafair expects the busiest period to extend from early December into the first weeks of January. However, passengers with flexible schedules could find more competitive fares by avoiding peak departure and return dates.
“December is our peak travel season, and flights generally fill faster because demand is higher,” says Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair.
“Our fares are demand-based, so when fewer people are flying, such as in November or later in January, there is more opportunity to find a lower fare. A few simple choices can make a real difference to what you pay.”
Why festive-season flight prices increase
December remains one of South Africa’s busiest periods for air travel, driven by school holidays, family gatherings, long weekends and the annual migration of holidaymakers towards popular coastal destinations.
According to FlySafair, historical booking patterns show that passenger numbers increase as schools close, with another surge around Christmas. Although Christmas Day typically brings a brief slowdown, travel demand remains high throughout the festive period, particularly as holidaymakers begin returning home in the New Year.
Events such as the Cape Town Sevens and the Rage festivals in Plettenberg Bay and Ballito are also expected to stimulate leisure travel earlier in the season.
The airline uses dynamic pricing, meaning fares are influenced by demand and remaining seat availability. Lower-priced tickets are generally available when bookings first open, with prices adjusting as seats are sold and departure dates approach.
Airline expands capacity ahead of festive demand
To accommodate increased passenger volumes, FlySafair continues to invest in its fleet and operational capacity.
Between January 2024 and September 2025, the airline added eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet, making it Africa’s largest operator of the aircraft type. It has also increased capacity on selected routes over the festive period.
The investment is intended to support seasonal demand while helping the airline maintain competitive fares.
Six ways to find cheaper flights this festive season
1. Travel outside peak periods
Passengers with flexible schedules should consider travelling in November or later in January rather than during the busiest festive weeks. Lower demand during these periods could improve their chances of securing more affordable tickets.
2. Book your flights early
FlySafair recommends booking approximately 49 days before departure, identifying this as a period when favourable fares are typically available. The airline says travellers could save up to 50% compared with booking on the day of departure.
However, this is a guideline rather than a guarantee, as fares vary according to the route, travel date and availability.
3. Compare different dates and destinations
The airline’s Low Fare Search tool allows passengers to compare ticket prices across different travel dates. Moving a departure or return flight by a day or two could result in meaningful savings.
Travellers should also consider alternative destinations if their preferred holiday location is expensive or has limited availability.
4. Consider flying on Tuesdays and Saturdays
Tuesday and Saturday flights are generally less popular travel days and may offer better opportunities to find competitive fares, depending on the route and availability.
5. Reduce baggage expenses
Travelling with carry-on luggage can help passengers avoid checked baggage fees. FlySafair’s carry-on allowance is 7kg, with maximum dimensions of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm.
For passengers requiring checked baggage, purchasing it online before departure is considerably cheaper. A 20kg bag costs R185 online compared with R375 at the airport, representing a saving of R190.
6. Look out for special deals and promotions
Passengers can subscribe to FlySafair’s newsletter and follow its social media platforms for promotional fares and flash sales.
The airline also offers FlySafair Special Deals and FlyMore Auctions, through which customers can bid on a package of 10 flight sectors to use within a year. Travellers planning to fly in groups of 10 or more can enquire about group-booking arrangements.
Flexibility could make the difference
While December travel remains unavoidable for many South Africans because of work commitments, family responsibilities and school holidays, passengers who can adjust their schedules may be better positioned to manage their travel budgets.
“We know many South Africans have to travel in December,” says Gordon. “But if you have some flexibility, even a small change to your dates can help your travel budget go further.”
With festive-season demand expected to remain high, the airline’s advice is to plan ahead, compare available fares and consider the additional costs associated with air travel before confirming a booking.
Passengers can compare fares and make bookings through www.flysafair.co.za or the FlySafair mobile application.
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