04 Jun 2025
Traveling from Ghana to Finland is a big step, whether you're heading there to study, work, or visit loved ones. But before you board the plane, it all starts with booking your flight. And this is where many people make mistakes, some of which can be expensive. If you're planning to book your ticket soon, here are the top mistakes Ghanaians should avoid when booking flights to Finland and what to do instead.
Many travelers believe that last-minute deals are always cheaper. But for long international flights like Accra to Helsinki, that’s rarely true.
Book your ticket at least 6–8 weeks in advance. Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to monitor prices.
A flight may look cheap, but what’s included in the price? Many people don’t check if the fare includes:
Some airlines offer “light” fares that only cover hand luggage. Once you add extra bags or food, the cost rises. Always check the full fare breakdown. A €450 ticket with everything included is often better than a €390 one with hidden fees.
Don’t book the first flight you find. Some airlines may be cheaper with the same level of comfort.
Compare not just price, but also flight time, layovers, and baggage policy.
If your travel dates are flexible by a few days, you might save money.
Many people lock in one date and miss cheaper options just before or after that day. Use the “flexible dates” option on booking sites. Sometimes leaving on a Tuesday instead of a Friday can save up to €100.
There are many online travel agents offering bigger discounts. But some are unreliable.
Or book directly from the airline’s official website.
Ghanaians travelling to Finland often need a Schengen visa. If you don’t have your visa approved yet, avoid booking non-refundable tickets.
If your visa is delayed or denied, you may lose all your money. Only book refundable or changeable tickets if your visa is pending. Always check the airline's refund policy before paying.
Some routes include layovers in countries like Turkey, Germany, or the Netherlands. These countries may require a transit visa, depending on your passport and airline.
To save money, some travelers book two separate tickets with different airlines. For example:
If the first flight is delayed and you miss the second, you lose your money. Always book connecting flights under one ticket, so the airline is responsible if things go wrong.
If you're moving to Finland for studies or work, you may be eligible for:
Contact the airline directly or check their website for special migrant or student deals.
Flight prices change daily. Some people book right away without checking trends.
Set alerts on tools like:
They notify you when prices drop.
Sometimes it’s cheaper to book a longer route where your desired city is a layover.
Example: Book Accra → Helsinki → Stockholm
But get off at Helsinki, which is your actual destination. This strategy, called hidden city ticketing, should only be used for one-way trips and carry-on luggage only. Airlines don’t like it, and it won’t work for return tickets.
Learn more about it on Skiplagged.
Once you're in Finland, you'll need to send money to Ghana from Finland regularly. Avoid banks with high fees. Services like ACE Money Transfer offer low-cost Ghana transfers from Finland with real-time exchange rates.
Avoiding mistakes when booking your flight can save you hundreds of euros and a lot of stress. From picking the right website to checking visa rules, each step matters. So take your time, compare wisely, and plan ahead. Your journey from Ghana to Finland deserves a smooth and affordable start.
6–8 weeks before your trip. Avoid holiday seasons if you want better prices.
It's safer to wait for visa approval before booking non-refundable tickets.
Yes, flights with one or two stops are usually cheaper than direct ones.
Contact the airline immediately. If it's within 24 hours, some offer free changes.
Many airlines offer students an extra bag. Contact the airline before booking.
