Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku | GP News Media – Community Newsroom Pictures: Supplied
As the festive season approaches, South Africans are once again gearing up for the busiest travel period of the year—and with that comes the annual spike in flight prices. FlySafair, the country’s leading low-cost carrier, has unpacked the reasons behind these seasonal fare trends and shared practical strategies to help travellers keep their holiday trips affordable.
Why December Prices Rise
Airports across South Africa are preparing for as much as a 40% increase in passenger traffic this festive season. With so many travellers flying within a limited time frame, demand surges—especially between 12 December 2025 and 12 January 2026—and fares shift accordingly.
“When thousands of South Africans travel during the same short festive period, demand peaks and seats sell out quickly,” explains Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair. “Like most airlines globally, we use dynamic pricing, which means the lowest fares are available first, and prices adjust as those seats begin to book up.”
Dynamic pricing works as follows:
- The earliest bookers get access to the lowest fares.
- As flights fill up and the departure date gets closer, remaining seats become more expensive.
Airline Capacity Is Growing to Meet Demand
To help stabilise fares and support travel demand, FlySafair has significantly expanded its fleet. Between January 2024 and September 2025, the airline added eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft, including two delivered in August 2025. This brings its fleet of 737-800s to 37 aircraft, making FlySafair Africa’s largest operator of this aircraft type.
This expansion has enabled the airline to schedule 12–14 additional flights per day on busier routes over peak periods—an investment aimed at keeping fares as competitive as possible.
How to Secure Lower December Fares: Expert Tips
FlySafair says travellers can still secure excellent festive season deals with the right planning. Their top tips include:
1. Be flexible with your dates
Most travellers leave and return on the same popular days. Shifting your trip by even one or two days can result in significant savings.
2. Use FlySafair’s Low Fare Finder
This online tool highlights the cheapest fares across a range of dates—making it easier to spot deals and compare options at a glance.
3. Add baggage online to save instantly
Pay R155 online versus R350 at the airport, saving R195 on each trip.
4. Try alternative destinations
If your preferred route is fully booked or pricey, consider discovering a new South African city. With coastal getaways, bush retreats, and cultural hubs across the country, flexibility can unlock both great fares and memorable experiences.
5. Consider FlyMore Auctions
FlySafair’s FlyMore platform lets travellers bid on bundles of 10 flight sectors to use within a year—a smart way to secure value and enjoy complete date flexibility.
Good News for 2025 Travellers
While festive travel naturally reflects peak-season demand, domestic airfare increases remain below inflation this year. This means that despite the rush, flying remains more affordable than many assume—especially for those who book early.
“December is a concentrated peak period, but with proper planning, festive travel can remain very accessible,” says Gordon. “Booking ahead and being flexible with your dates are still the best ways to secure the lowest fares.”
Planning Your Festive Getaway?
South Africans are encouraged to start exploring their travel options early.
Find the most affordable fares at FlySafair.co.za, and follow @FlySafair on social media for travel deals, tools, and seasonal tips.
