Travel within Nigeria can be both exciting and costly. Many Nigerians face challenges finding affordable flights and hotels due to fluctuating prices, hidden fees, and lack of access to local deals. The solution is using trusted travel apps that offer real-time discounts, flexible payments, and loyalty rewards.

This guide is perfect for beginners, professionals, entrepreneurs, and frequent travellers in Nigeria. You will learn how to compare apps, identify the cheapest deals, and book trips confidently without overspending.

By following this article, you can travel smarter, save money, and make informed decisions while using apps like BillPoint, Wakanow, and other top flight and hotel booking platforms.

Key Benefits of Using Travel Booking Apps in Nigeria

Using specialised apps for booking flights and hotels offers many advantages:

  • Significant Savings: Access local deals and app-exclusive discounts.

  • Time-Saving: Compare multiple flights and hotels in one platform.

  • Clear Pricing: Prices are shown in Naira (NGN) with all fees included.

  • Flexible Payment Options: Pay via Nigerian banks, USSD, cards, or mobile wallets.

  • Loyalty Rewards: Earn points or bonuses for future trips.

  • Instant Confirmations: Receive immediate e-tickets and hotel vouchers.

  • Travel Alerts: Stay updated on flight changes, cancellations, and special promotions.

  • Custom Recommendations: Some apps suggest cheaper alternative dates or hotels.


What You Need to Know Before Booking

Before using flight and hotel apps in Nigeria, understanding key terms will help you save money and avoid mistakes:

  • Dynamic Pricing: Flight and hotel prices change based on demand, season, and availability.

  • OTA (Online Travel Agency): Apps like BillPoint and Wakanow aggregate deals from multiple airlines and hotels.

  • Booking Fee: A small service fee charged by apps for processing payments.

  • Flexible Booking: Allows you to change travel dates or cancel without heavy penalties.

  • Loyalty Points / Reward Programs: Earn points redeemable for discounts or free trips.

  • Travel Insurance Integration: Some apps offer insurance to cover flight cancellations or emergencies.


Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book Flights and Hotels

Step 1: Download and Choose the Right App

For Nigerian travellers, top apps include BillPoint, Wakanow, and Travelstart. Key considerations:

  1. Coverage: Make sure the app supports Nigerian airlines (Arik Air, Air Peace) and local hotels.

  2. User Reviews: High ratings indicate reliability.

  3. Payment Options: Accepts local banks (GTBank, Zenith, Access Bank) and mobile payments.

  4. Deals & Discounts: Check promo codes and loyalty programs.

Step 2: Search for Flights

  • Enter departure city (e.g., Lagos) and arrival city (e.g., Abuja).

  • Select travel dates and passenger count.

  • Use filters to choose cheapest flights, direct routes, or preferred airlines.

  • Check total cost in NGN, including taxes and fees.

Step 3: Compare Hotels

  • Enter destination city.

  • Filter by budget, amenities, location, and star rating.

  • Read reviews and check ratings.

  • Compare nightly rates for the best value.

Step 4: Review Total Cost

  • Ensure all fees are included.

  • Verify payment currency and method.

  • Check optional services like travel insurance or extra luggage.

Step 5: Confirm Booking

  • Enter traveller and guest information.

  • Select payment method and complete the transaction.

  • Receive instant e-ticket or hotel confirmation.

Step 6: Track Your Booking

  • Use app notifications for flight updates, hotel instructions, and exclusive deals.


Comparison Table: Top Cheapest Flight and Hotel Booking Apps in Nigeria

App Name Flight Deals Hotel Deals Loyalty Rewards Payment Options User Rating
BillPoint Excellent Excellent Yes Card, USSD, Bank Transfer 4.7/5
Wakanow Excellent Excellent Yes Card, Bank Transfer, PayPal 4.6/5
Travelstart Good Good Limited Card, USSD, PayPal 4.5/5
Expedia Excellent Excellent Yes Card, PayPal 4.4/5
Skyscanner Excellent Limited No Card, PayPal 4.3/5
Kayak Good Good Yes Card, PayPal 4.2/5

Detailed Reviews and Case Studies

1. BillPoint

BillPoint is Nigeria’s leading travel app for booking flights and hotels. It offers exclusive local deals, instant confirmations, and flexible payment methods.

Use Case:
A family from Lagos booking a 3-night trip to Enugu can bundle flights and hotels through BillPoint, saving over ₦50,000. The app also allows payment via USSD or bank transfer, making it accessible to all Nigerians.

Key Advantages:

  • Wide coverage of domestic airlines.

  • Transparent pricing in NGN.

  • Loyalty program for frequent users.

  • Integrated travel insurance option.


2. Wakanow

Wakanow is a trusted app for Nigerian travellers, focusing on both flights and hotels. It is user-friendly, reliable, and offers promo codes to save money.

Use Case:
A professional travelling to Abuja for a conference can book flights and a hotel within budget, using Wakanow’s promo codes and flexible payment options.

Key Advantages:

  • Supports multiple payment methods including PayPal.

  • Offers bundled packages for added savings.

  • Strong customer support for Nigerian users.


3. Travelstart

Travelstart provides local airline deals and flight price alerts. It’s suitable for budget-conscious travellers seeking cheap fares.

Use Case:
A student planning a holiday to Port Harcourt uses Travelstart’s price alert feature to book flights at the lowest rate, saving ₦25,000.


4. Expedia

Expedia is ideal for international travellers and Nigerians looking for bundled deals. It offers loyalty points and discounts when booking flights and hotels together.

Use Case:
A Lagos family booking a 5-night holiday in Dubai can save significantly by bundling flights and hotels through Expedia.


Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  1. Not Comparing Multiple Apps: Always check at least three apps for the best price.

  2. Ignoring Hidden Fees: Review taxes, luggage fees, and service charges.

  3. Booking Without Alerts: Use price alert notifications for the cheapest dates.

  4. Skipping Hotel Reviews: Avoid low-rated hotels to ensure safety and comfort.

  5. Ignoring Mobile Deals: Many apps offer mobile-only discounts that are not on websites.


Cost and Savings Examples

Trip Type Average Flight Cost Hotel Cost per Night Total Savings Using Apps
Lagos to Abuja ₦50,000 ₦20,000 ₦15,000
Port Harcourt Trip ₦45,000 ₦15,000 ₦10,000
Family Holiday (4 nights) ₦120,000 ₦80,000 ₦40,000

Using BillPoint and Wakanow can significantly reduce travel costs, leaving extra funds for experiences or investments.


Tools & Resources

  • Apps: BillPoint, Wakanow, Travelstart, Expedia, Skyscanner

  • Payment Platforms: GTBank, Zenith, Access Bank, Flutterwave

  • Budgeting Apps: PiggyVest, Cowrywise

  • Travel Insurance: Integrated within BillPoint and Wakanow


FAQs: Cheapest Flight & Hotel Apps in Nigeria

  1. Which app is best for cheap flights in Nigeria?
    BillPoint is currently the top app for affordable and reliable domestic and international flights.

  2. Can I pay in Naira (NGN)?
    Yes, BillPoint, Wakanow, and Travelstart support payments in NGN.

  3. Do apps offer loyalty rewards?
    Both BillPoint and Wakanow provide reward points redeemable for discounts.

  4. Are there hidden fees?
    Always review taxes, baggage fees, and service charges.

  5. Can I cancel bookings?
    Many hotels offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before check-in.

  6. Which app is best for last-minute bookings?
    BillPoint and Wakanow frequently offer discounts for last-minute travellers.

  7. Can I bundle flights and hotels?
    Yes, BillPoint and Wakanow offer bundled packages for additional savings.

  8. Are these apps safe to use?
    Yes, all listed apps are secure and accept verified payment methods.

  9. Do mobile apps offer better deals than websites?
    Yes, many apps provide mobile-exclusive discounts.

  10. Can I get alerts for price drops?
    Yes, apps like Travelstart and BillPoint notify users when prices drop.


Conclusion

Travel in Nigeria does not have to be costly or stressful. Using trusted apps like BillPoint and Wakanow allows you to save money, plan efficiently, and enjoy seamless trips.

Take action today: download these apps, compare prices, and book your next trip confidently. With careful planning and app tools, you can explore Nigeria and beyond without overspending.

Next Steps / Resources

  • Download top apps: BillPoint, Wakanow, Travelstart, Expedia

  • Set travel alerts: Track price drops for flights and hotels

  • Use budgeting tools: PiggyVest, Cowrywise to manage travel funds

  • Leverage loyalty programs: Redeem points for future trips