From Safari to the City of Roses: Tips for Flying from Nairobi to Portland

From Safari to the City of Roses: Tips for Flying from Nairobi to Portland - Research Flights and Book Early for the Best Fares

Planning ahead is key to scoring the best deals on flights, especially for long-haul itineraries like Nairobi to Portland. Flights on this route can be pricey, with economy fares often $1,000 or more roundtrip. However, with some strategic planning, you can knock a few hundred dollars off the cost.

I recommend starting your research at least 2-3 months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to monitor airfares and watch for sales. Sign up for fare alerts on Google Flights and set a price tracker. Input your desired route, travel dates and budget price threshold and Google will email you when fares drop.

Be flexible with your dates if possible. Shifting your trip a few days earlier or later can reveal big savings. Use the price graph calendar on Google Flights to visualizeairfare patterns and pinpoint the cheapest travel windows. Midweek flights tend to be less expensive than weekends.

Consider booking connecting flights rather than nonstop. This adds a layover, but breaks up the journey and can lead to major cost savings, especially if you connect at a hub like Doha, Dubai or Amsterdam. I once saved over $600 by booking a connection versus nonstop from San Francisco to Bangkok.

Check both revenue and award fares. You can sometimes score an award ticket for fewer miles than the cash price. Programs like Aeroplan and Etihad Guest offer decent award availability and reasonable redemption rates on this route. Just be sure to factor in fuel surcharges.

Monitor for fare sales and be ready to pounce when airlines release discounted seats. Sign up for the mailing lists of all airlines operating this route to stay on top of deals. Set a fare alert on ExpertFlyer to get notified if award space opens up.

Book at least 2-3 months out for the lowest fares. Prices will only go up closer to departure as seats fill. I try to lock in my flights 4-5 months in advance if possible. The one exception is during major sales, when deep discounts can spontaneously materialize late in the booking window.