FlySafair Shares Festive Season Fare Trends

FlySafair has unpacked why flight prices increase in December and shared practical ways for South Africans to secure more affordable fares this festive season.

Why December Fares Increase

December remains South Africa’s busiest travel month. Airports expect up to 40 percent more passengers, with demand peaking between 12 December 2025 and 12 January 2026.

Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, explains that dynamic pricing drives fare changes. “The lowest fares are available when ticket sales open. As seats fill up and the departure date gets closer, prices adjust to reflect remaining availability.”

This pattern follows two simple steps:

• Lowest fares are released first when bookings open.
• Prices rise as more seats sell and fewer are left.

FlySafair Increases Capacity to Support Demand

To help keep fares competitive, FlySafair has invested heavily in fleet growth. From January 2024 to September 2025, the airline added eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Two of these joined the fleet in August 2025.

This brings the airline’s Boeing 737-800 fleet to 37 aircraft, making FlySafair the largest operator of this aircraft type in Africa. The added capacity supports demand and allows FlySafair to schedule 12 to 14 extra flights per day on high-traffic routes during peak periods.

How to Secure Better December Fares

Travellers can still save this festive season by planning early and making small changes. FlySafair recommends:

• Be flexible with your dates. A one- or two-day shift can lower fares.
• Use the Low Fare Finder. It highlights the most affordable options at a glance.
• Add baggage online for R155 instead of R350 at the airport.
• Stay open to different destinations. Exploring a new city can unlock better value.
• Watch for FlySafair Special Deals and FlyMore Auctions. You can bid on a bundle of 10 flight sectors to use within 12 months.

Flying Remains Affordable Despite Peak Demand

“Domestic airfare increases are still below inflation,” Gordon says. “December is a concentrated peak period, but early planning helps keep festive travel accessible.”

FlySafair encourages travellers to book ahead, use its online tools and stay flexible to secure the best fares.

Travellers can find the latest deals at www.flysafair.co.za and follow FlySafair on social media for more tips.