From avoiding the December rush to choosing smarter travel dates, FlySafair shares six practical ways South Africans can make their holiday budgets go further

The festive season is fast approaching, and for many South Africans, that means packing their bags and heading for the coast. However, with December being one of the busiest and most expensive times to fly, securing an affordable ticket can be a challenge.

According to FlySafair, travellers looking for cheaper flights in South Africa could benefit from adjusting their holiday plans. In particular, flying during November or towards the end of January 2027 may offer better value than travelling during the peak December period.

“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 December Flights Are More Expensive

South Africa’s festive travel rush typically begins as schools close for the summer holidays, with demand increasing around Christmas and New Year.

FlySafair expects particularly strong demand from early December 2026 through the first weeks of January 2027.

Popular coastal destinations are likely to experience increased passenger numbers, while major events such as the Cape Town Sevens and Rage festivals in Plettenberg Bay and Ballito are expected to contribute to the early holiday rush.

Although Christmas Day traditionally sees a brief dip in passenger numbers, flights remain busy throughout the festive period as holidaymakers travel between destinations and return home.

Like many airlines, FlySafair operates on a dynamic pricing model. This means ticket prices fluctuate according to demand, seat availability and how close the departure date is.

As flights fill up, lower-priced seats become less available, making early planning particularly important.

6 FlySafair Tips for Finding Cheaper Flights

Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, visiting family or exploring somewhere new, these six tips could help you secure a more affordable flight.

1. Avoid Peak December Travel Dates

If your schedule allows, consider travelling in November or towards the end of January rather than during the busiest festive weeks.

According to FlySafair, these periods generally experience lower demand, creating more opportunities to find affordable fares.

Even shifting your departure or return date by a few days could make a noticeable difference to your overall travel costs.

2. Book Your Flights Around 49 Days in Advance

When it comes to finding cheaper flights, timing can make all the difference.

FlySafair recommends booking approximately 49 days before departure, when travellers may find some of the most competitive fares.

According to the airline, booking during this window could result in savings of up to 50% compared with purchasing a ticket on the day of departure.

However, this is a guideline rather than a guarantee, as prices depend on demand, availability and the route.

Holiday destinations such as Zanzibar, Mauritius, Hoedspruit and George tend to attract earlier bookings, while flights between major business centres often see more last-minute reservations.

For travellers with fixed holiday dates, booking early remains one of the simplest ways to secure preferred flights before lower-priced seats sell out.

3. Compare Different Travel Dates and Destinations

A little flexibility could go a long way.

FlySafair’s Low Fare Search tool allows travellers to compare ticket prices across different dates, making it easier to identify more affordable options.

Rather than automatically booking your usual departure and return dates, explore flights a day or two earlier or later.

If your preferred destination is particularly expensive, consider an alternative city for your next getaway.

You might discover a new favourite destination while saving money in the process.

4. Consider Flying on Tuesdays or Saturdays

Not all travel days attract the same level of demand.

According to FlySafair, Tuesdays and Saturdays are generally less popular flying days, meaning flights may fill more slowly.

For travellers with flexible schedules, choosing one of these days could improve the chances of finding a better fare.

5. Travel Light and Save on Baggage Fees

Sometimes, saving money on flights has less to do with the ticket itself and more to do with additional travel costs.

Travelling with carry-on luggage only can help avoid checked baggage fees while making the airport experience quicker and easier.

FlySafair’s carry-on allowance is limited to:

  • Weight: 7kg

  • Dimensions: 56 × 36 × 23cm

For those who need checked luggage, booking baggage online before arriving at the airport can deliver significant savings.

A 20kg checked bag costs R185 when purchased online, compared with R375 at the airport.

That’s a saving of R190 per bag.

6. Keep an Eye Out for Flight Deals and Promotions

For travellers hunting for affordable flights, staying informed about airline promotions can pay off.

FlySafair recommends subscribing to its newsletter and following its social media platforms for updates on special offers and flash sales.

Travellers can also explore FlySafair Special Deals and FlyMore Auctions, which allow customers to bid on bundles of 10 flight sectors for use within a year.

Groups of 10 or more passengers can enquire about dedicated group booking options.

FlySafair Expands Capacity for the Festive Season

As demand for domestic and regional travel continues to grow, FlySafair has invested in expanding its fleet and increasing capacity on selected routes.

Between January 2024 and September 2025, the airline added eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft, becoming Africa’s largest operator of the Boeing 737-800.

The additional aircraft support the airline’s ability to accommodate increased passenger demand, particularly during peak holiday periods.

FlySafair currently connects 10 domestic destinations and operates six international routes, offering South Africans a range of travel options across the region.

How to Save on Your Next South African Holiday

While travelling during December is unavoidable for many South Africans, a few strategic decisions could help stretch holiday budgets further.

From booking flights in advance to travelling with less luggage, the key is to compare options before committing to a booking.

“We know many South Africans have to travel in December,” adds Gordon. “But if you have some flexibility, even a small change to your dates can help your travel budget go further.”

For those still planning their summer escape, November and late January could offer an opportunity to enjoy the same destinations without the peak-season prices.

Travellers can compare fares and explore current promotions at www.flysafair.co.za or through the FlySafair app.

Flight prices are subject to availability and demand. Applicable fuel surcharges and additional fees may apply.