When it comes to planning a trip, booking your flight is often the first major step that turns your travel dream into a reality. Whether you are flying locally within Nigeria or heading on a regional adventure, a seamless booking process can save you from unnecessary stress and extra costs. Unfortunately, many travelers still make avoidable mistakes when booking flights, leading to last-minute cancellations, additional fees, or even missed flights.

To help you enjoy a smooth journey, we’ve outlined five of the most common booking mistakes travelers make—and how you can avoid them. These tips are particularly valuable if you’re planning your Nigeria travel, whether for business, leisure, or a family visit.

1. Entering Incorrect Personal Details

One of the most common—and costly—mistakes travelers make is entering incorrect personal information during the booking process. A misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or mismatched traveler ID can result in denied boarding or the need to purchase a brand-new ticket.

For example, airlines often require that the name on your booking matches exactly with the name on your government-issued ID or international passport. A small typo, such as “Jonh” instead of “John,” may seem harmless, but it can create complications during check-in or immigration clearance.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Always double-check your personal details before finalizing your booking.

• Ensure that your name, date of birth, and ID number match exactly as they appear on your official identification.

• If you are booking for someone else, request a copy of their ID to confirm accuracy before submitting details.

Correct details mean a smooth check-in experience and no surprises at the boarding gate.

2. Ignoring Airline Communication

Another common booking mistake is failing to provide correct contact details or ignoring airline communication. Many travelers enter outdated phone numbers or secondary email addresses they rarely check. The problem? You may miss critical updates about flight changes, cancellations, or gate information.

In the dynamic world of Nigeria travel, where weather conditions, air traffic, and scheduling updates can affect flights, staying connected with your airline is essential.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Provide your active phone number and a frequently checked email address when booking.

• Opt-in for SMS alerts if your airline offers this service.

• Keep your phone handy on your travel day to receive timely notifications.

A simple update like a change in boarding gate could save you from missing your flight.

3. Forgetting to Notify the Airline If Running Late

Life happens—traffic delays, unexpected meetings, or family emergencies can make you late for your flight. Unfortunately, many travelers assume nothing can be done if they’re running behind schedule. This isn’t always true.

For instance, Ibom Air advises passengers to notify them at least four hours before departure if they are unable to make their flight. This keeps your ticket alive and may provide an opportunity to rebook without the full penalty of a no-show.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• If you know you’ll be late, contact your airline immediately.

• Familiarize yourself with the airline’s late policy before your travel day.

• Build in extra time to account for Nigeria’s unpredictable city traffic, especially in Lagos and Abuja.

Being proactive can make the difference between salvaging your booking and losing your ticket entirely.

4. Booking Non-Transferable Tickets for Someone Else

A surprisingly common error in Nigeria travel is booking a ticket in the wrong name and assuming it can be transferred to another person. Airlines operate under strict security guidelines, and tickets are almost always non-transferable.

If you mistakenly book a flight under your name instead of a friend’s, you can’t simply “give” them the ticket. The traveler’s ID must match the name on the booking. If not, they won’t be allowed to board.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Confirm the traveler’s legal name before booking the ticket.

• Avoid nicknames or shortened versions of names. Always use the name that appears on the ID.

• If you accidentally book under the wrong name, contact the airline immediately to see if a correction is possible.

Booking correctly the first time saves both money and frustration.

5. Overlooking ID and Passport Requirements

Imagine arriving at the airport, excited to start your journey, only to be turned away at check-in because you forgot the correct form of identification. This happens more often than you might think.

For domestic flights in Nigeria, a valid government-issued ID—such as a National ID card, Driver’s License, or Voter’s Card—is mandatory. For regional flights, such as traveling from Lagos to Accra or Abuja to Douala, an international passport is required.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Verify the ID requirements for your route at the time of booking.

• Always pack your ID in an easily accessible spot, like your wallet or carry-on bag.

• For international or regional travel, double-check that your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date.

Prepared travelers breeze through check-in while others scramble at the last minute.

Bonus Tip: Rushing Through the Booking Process

Although we’ve focused on five main booking mistakes, another hidden culprit is simply rushing through the booking process. In a hurry, travelers often skip terms and conditions, overlook baggage rules, or miss special add-ons like seat selection or travel insurance.

Take a few extra minutes to review everything before hitting the “confirm” button. The small effort now saves you from unpleasant surprises later.

Conclusion

Travel should be an enjoyable experience, not a stressful one. By avoiding these five common booking mistakes—incorrect personal details, ignoring airline communication, forgetting to notify when late, booking tickets for the wrong person, and overlooking ID requirements—you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and stress-free journey.

If you’re planning your next Nigeria travel experience, remember that careful preparation at the booking stage makes all the difference. Double-check your details, stay informed, and travel with confidence.

Safe travels!