FlySafair explains festive season fare trends and shares practical tips to help South Africans save and keep air travel accessible.
Why Prices Increase in December
December is South Africa’s busiest travel period, with airports preparing for up to 40% more passengers over the festive season. With so many people travelling at the same time, seats fill up quickly, which has an impact on fares, but the good news is that there are simple ways to secure the most affordable options.
“When thousands of South Africans travel during the same short festive period, particularly between 12 December 2025 and 12 January 2026, 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.”
Here’s how it works:
- Lowest fares appear early when ticket sales open for the flight.
- As seats fill and departure dates approach, prices adjust to reflect remaining availability.
To support demand, FlySafair continues to invest in additional capacity each year. Between January 2024 and September 2025, FlySafair has added eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet. The most recent additions came in August 2025, when the airline took delivery of two 737-800s. These aircraft brought the total Boeing 737-800 fleet to 37 aircraft, making FlySafair Africa’s largest operator of this aircraft type. This investment helps keep fares competitive, even during peak periods. This has resulted in FlySafair adding 12–14 extra flights per day on high-demand routes during peak periods.
Practical Tips to Secure Better December Fares:
- Be flexible with your departure and return dates. Most travellers leave and return on the same dates. Shifting your flight by one or two days can make a noticeable difference.
- Use the Low Fare Finder. FlySafair’s online tool shows the most affordable fares across multiple dates, making it easier to spot the best fares.
- Add baggage online. Pay R155 online versus R350 at the airport, a simple way to save R195.
- Be flexible with your destinations. If your first choice is fully booked or pricey, consider exploring a new city this December. South Africa has incredible options, from coastal escapes to vibrant inland destinations, so a little flexibility can unlock great fares and unforgettable experiences.
- Look out for FlySafair Special Deals and FlyMore Auctions, where you can bid on a bundle of 10 flight sectors to use within a year. It’s a smart way to secure great value and enjoy flexibility for future travel.
The Good News: Flying Is Still Affordable!
“Domestic airfare increases remain below inflation this year,” says Gordon. “While December is a concentrated peak period, early planning helps keep festive travel accessible. Booking ahead and being flexible with your dates are the best ways to secure the lowest fares.”
FlySafair remains committed to keeping air travel accessible. By planning ahead and using the airline’s tools, South Africans can enjoy affordable flights this festive season.
Ready to lock in your festive flight? Find the best deals now at www.flysafair.co.za or follow FlySafair on social media for more travel tips.
About FlySafair:
FlySafair, Southern Africa’s leading low-cost carrier and proud Trusted Domestic Carrier for the Springboks and Proteas offers budget-friendly flights starting at R570* for domestic travel between ten destinations. FlySafair also operates five international routes, connecting South Africa with our African neighbours from Johannesburg starting from R1 400*, as well as Cape Town to Windhoek, starting at just R1 800*.
Since operations began in 2014, the airline has been ranked the top on-time low-cost airline in the world by Cirium. In 2025, FlySafair received five awards at the SACAA Civil Aviation Industry Awards, including Aircraft Operator, Aviation Innovation, People Development, Aviation Professional presented to Blacky Komani, and Best Airline by Public Vote. FlySafair was also awarded the Skytrax Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2025.
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