Cheapest Arik Air Booking Online
The process of booking a flight with Arik Air is designed to be simple and user-friendly.
Steps for Arik Air Flight Booking Online:
- Go to the Website: Visit
www.arikair.com. - Enter Flight Details: Use the search form on the homepage. Select your trip type (One Way/Round Trip), departure and arrival cities, dates, and number of passengers.
- Search: Click the “Search Flight” button.
- Select Flight: A list of available flights will be displayed. Choose the flight time and fare that works for you.
- Enter Passenger Information: Carefully enter the full names and contact details for all passengers.
- Payment: Proceed to the payment page. Arik Air accepts payments via major local and international debit/credit cards.
- Confirmation: After a successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket and booking reference (PNR).
Arik Manage Booking
Arik Air provides a “Manage Booking” feature that allows passengers to make changes to their reservations online. To access this, you will need your Booking Reference (PNR) and the surname used for the booking.
Through the Manage Booking portal, you can:
- View your itinerary.
- Request changes to your flight date or time (subject to fare rules and fees).
- Select or change your seat.
- Update your contact information.
Table of Contents
Welcome to the ultimate resource for Arik Air, a cornerstone of the Nigerian aviation industry. For years, Arik Air has been a key player, connecting cities across Nigeria and West Africa. This guide is designed to be your final stop for any information you need about the airline, whether you are planning a trip, managing a booking, or are simply curious about its operations
Arik Name
The official registered name of the airline is Arik Air. It was founded in 2002 but commenced operations on October 30, 2006. The airline was established by Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, a prominent Nigerian businessman, and it quickly grew to become West Africa’s leading airline.
At its peak, it operated a large fleet and served numerous domestic, regional, and long-haul international destinations. Although the airline has since been taken over by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to ensure its continued viability, it still operates under the well-known “Arik Air” brand.
Arik Website
The official website for Arik Air is https://www.arikair.com/. This is the primary digital portal for all passenger services. However, it’s important to note that the actual booking engine, reservation management, and loyalty program portals are often hosted on a subdomain: arikair.crane.aero. This indicates the underlying technology provider for their passenger service system.
On the official website, customers can:
- Book flights and search for fares.
- Check-in for flights online.
- Check flight status and schedules.
- Manage existing bookings.
- Find information on company policies, including baggage and special assistance.
- Access contact details for customer support.
For all official transactions and information, it is crucial to use these official web addresses to prevent fraud and ensure you receive accurate information.
Arik IATA Code
The official IATA code for Arik Air is W3. This two-letter airline designator is used globally in timetables, reservation systems, and on tickets to identify Arik Air. When you see a flight number like W3 324, the “W3” signifies that the flight is operated by Arik Air. This code is essential for travel agents and booking systems to correctly identify and book flights on the airline.
Arik Office Address
Arik Air’s corporate headquarters and main operational base are located at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Head Office Address
Arik Air Aviation Centre, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Domestic Wing), Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.
This central location houses the airline’s primary administrative and operational departments. In addition to its headquarters, Arik Air maintains ticket sales offices and customer service desks at all the airports it serves across Nigeria. Passengers seeking in-person assistance can visit these airport counters for help with bookings, payments, rescheduling, and other inquiries.
Arik Loyalty Program Name
Arik Air’s frequent flyer program is named Arik Affinity Wings. This loyalty scheme was designed to reward passengers for their continued patronage. Members of the Affinity Wings program earn miles for every flight they take, which can then be redeemed for flights and other benefits. The program is structured with different tiers, and as members fly more frequently, they can move up to higher tiers, unlocking more exclusive privileges.
Arik Customer Care Number
Arik Air provides several channels for customers to get in touch for support and inquiries. The primary contact number for their call center is:
0700003592745
Other Contact Methods
- Email: For non-urgent matters, refund requests, or detailed inquiries, you can email the customer service team at callcentre@arikair.com.
- Airport Counters: For immediate assistance, especially on the day of travel, the customer service staff at the airport ticket desks are available to help.
When contacting customer care, it is highly recommended to have your booking reference number (PNR) and other relevant details ready to ensure a faster and more efficient resolution to your query.
Arik Booking Channel
Arik Air provides a variety of channels through which customers can book their flights, offering flexibility to suit different preferences.
Official Website (www.arikair.com)
The most direct and often most reliable way to book is through the official website. This channel gives you access to all available flights and fares directly from the airline.
Travel Agencies (Online and Physical)
Arik Air flights can be booked through a vast network of IATA-certified travel agents across Nigeria and beyond. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Flightpadi, Wakanow, and Travelstart also feature Arik Air flights, often allowing for easy comparison with other airlines.
Airport Ticket Offices
For those who prefer to book in person or need to make last-minute travel arrangements, Arik Air’s sales desks at airports are a convenient option.
Arik Air Mobile App
Although availability and functionality can vary, Arik Air has previously offered a mobile app for booking and managing flights. It’s best to check the official app stores (Google Play Store and Apple App Store) for the latest version.
Arik Crane
The term “Arik Crane” refers to the technology that powers the airline’s core operational systems. Arik Air uses the Crane Passenger Service System (PSS), a product developed by the technology company Hitit. This is not a separate entity but the back-end software that manages:
- Reservations and Booking: The entire booking process on the website is handled by the Crane IBE (Internet Booking Engine).
- Inventory Control: Managing the number of seats available on each flight.
- Departure Control System (DCS): The software used for airport check-in and boarding.
- Loyalty Management: The Arik Affinity Wings program runs on the Crane platform.
When you see arikair.crane.aero in your browser’s address bar during booking, it simply means you are interacting with this secure, specialized airline management system.
Arik Air Baggage Policy
Arik Air’s baggage policy is an essential aspect to understand before you fly to avoid extra charges. The allowance depends on the route (domestic, regional, or international) and the class of travel.
Carry-On Baggage
- Domestic Flights: One piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 6 kg.
- Regional/International Flights: One piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 12 kg.
- Dimensions: The standard dimensions for a carry-on bag are 55cm x 35cm x 25cm. In addition, a small personal item like a handbag or laptop case is usually permitted.
Checked Baggage
- Economy Class (Domestic): 20 kg
- Business Class (Domestic): 30 kg
- Infants: 10 kg on all routes.
Important Note: Arik Air has a strict policy that no single piece of checked baggage should weigh more than 30 kg for health and safety reasons, regardless of your total allowance. If you have more than 30 kg of luggage, it must be packed in multiple bags.
Excess Baggage
Any baggage exceeding the free allowance will be subject to excess baggage fees. These fees are charged per kilogram and can be significant, so it’s advisable to weigh your bags before heading to the airport.
Arik Air Onboard
The onboard experience with Arik Air is tailored to provide comfort and safety.
- Cabin Crew: The airline’s cabin crew are trained to international standards to assist passengers and ensure a safe flight.
- Refreshments: On most domestic flights, passengers are typically offered a snack pack, which usually contains a snack, a biscuit, and a fruit juice. On longer flights, a more substantial meal service may be available, particularly in Business Class.
- In-flight Magazine: Arik Air has an in-flight magazine that provides entertainment and information about the airline and its destinations.
- Seating: The seating is standard for the aircraft type, with options for extra legroom in emergency exit rows, which can sometimes be purchased for an additional fee.
Arik Air Cabin Class
The onboard experience with Arik Air is tailored to provide comfort and safety.
- Cabin Crew: The airline’s cabin crew are trained to international standards to assist passengers and ensure a safe flight.
- Refreshments: On most domestic flights, passengers are typically offered a snack pack, which usually contains a snack, a biscuit, and a fruit juice. On longer flights, a more substantial meal service may be available, particularly in Business Class.
- In-flight Magazine: Arik Air has an in-flight magazine that provides entertainment and information about the airline and its destinations.
- Seating: The seating is standard for the aircraft type, with options for extra legroom in emergency exit rows, which can sometimes be purchased for an additional fee.
Arik Air Destination
Arik Air’s route network has changed over the years. Currently, its focus is primarily on domestic routes, connecting major economic and political hubs within Nigeria.
Current Domestic Destinations (include but are not limited to):
- Abuja (ABV) – Secondary Hub
- Asaba (ABB)
- Benin City (BNI)
- Ilorin (ILR)
- Jos (JOS)
- Kaduna (KAD)
- Kano (KAN)
- Lagos (LOS) – Main Hub
- Port Harcourt (PHC)
- Sokoto (SKO)
- Warri (QRW)
- Yola (YOL)
The airline periodically re-launches regional routes, so it’s always best to check the official website for the most current list of destinations.
Arik Air Routes
Arik Air operates a classic hub-and-spoke model, with Lagos (LOS) and Abuja (ABV) serving as its main operational bases.
Key Arik Domestic Routes
- Lagos (LOS) ↔ Abuja (ABV) (This is one of the busiest routes in Africa)
- Lagos (LOS) ↔ Port Harcourt (PHC)
- Abuja (ABV) ↔ Port Harcourt (PHC)
- Lagos (LOS) ↔ Kano (KAN)
- Abuja (ABV) ↔ Benin (BNI)
Arik Air Schedule
Flight schedules for Arik Air can be found on their official website. To check the schedule for a specific route:
- Navigate to the booking section on the Arik Air website.
- Enter your desired departure and arrival cities.
- Select your intended date of travel.
- The system will display all available flights for that day, along with their departure and arrival times.
Flight schedules are always subject to change due to operational requirements, weather, or other factors. It is highly recommended to check your flight status online 24 hours before your trip.
Arik Air Check-In
Arik Air offers two main methods for checking in for your flight.
Online Web Check-In
This is the most convenient option.
- Availability: Online check-in typically opens 24 hours before the scheduled flight departure and closes 3 hours before departure for domestic flights.
- Process: Visit the Arik Air website and click on the “Check-In” tab. You will need your PNR (Booking Reference) and your surname to access your booking. You can then confirm passengers, select seats, and receive your boarding pass. You can print it or save it on your mobile device.
Airport Check-In
If you have bags to check in or were unable to check in online, you must do so at the airport.
- Counters: Check-in counters at the airport typically close 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
- Recommendation: It is advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight to allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and boarding.
Arik Air Refund
Arik Air’s refund policy is strictly tied to the fare conditions of the ticket purchased.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Many of the lowest-priced promotional fares are non-refundable.
- Refundable Tickets: More flexible and expensive tickets may be partially or fully refundable. A cancellation or refund fee will usually be deducted.
- Process: To request a refund, you must first cancel your reservation. Then, you can send a refund request via email to callcentre@arikair.com, including your PNR and payment details. If you booked through a travel agent, the refund must be processed by that agent.
Arik Air Fleet
Arik Air’s fleet has been streamlined in recent years. The airline now primarily operates a fleet of narrow-body aircraft well-suited for its domestic and regional network.
| Aircraft Type | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| Boeing 737-700/800 | Domestic & Regional Routes |
| Bombardier CRJ900/1000 | Domestic & Regional Routes |
| Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 | Short-Haul Domestic Routes |
At its peak, the airline operated a much larger and more diverse fleet, including Airbus A330s and A340s for its long-haul operations to London, New York, and Johannesburg.
Arik Air Rechedule Flight
Passengers can reschedule their Arik Air flights, but this is subject to the fare rules of the ticket. Fees and a potential fare difference will apply.
- How to Reschedule: The easiest way is through the “Manage Booking” portal on the website. Alternatively, you can call the customer care line or visit an Arik Air ticket office.
- Recommendation: It is always more cost-effective to make changes well in advance of your travel date.
Arik Air Cancel Flight
To cancel an Arik Air booking, you can use the “Manage Booking” portal or contact customer service. Whether you are eligible for a refund or a travel credit after cancellation depends entirely on the fare rules of your ticket. It is critical to review these rules at the time of purchase.
Arik Air Frequent Flyer Program
The frequent flyer program for Arik Air is Arik Affinity Wings. The program allows loyal customers to earn and spend miles.
- Earning: Members earn miles for flights taken with Arik Air.
- Redeeming: Miles can be used to pay for future flights.
- Tiers: The program features different tiers, and moving up the tiers provides enhanced benefits like bonus miles and priority services.
You can sign up for the Affinity Wings program via the Arik Air website.
Arik Air Pay Later
Arik Air has partnered with third-party services like Fly Fairly to offer “Fly Now, Pay Later” options. This allows travelers to book their flights and pay for them in installments. This is not a direct Arik Air product but is facilitated through these financial technology partners. You would typically book through the partner’s platform to access this service.
Arik Air Alliance
Arik Air is not a member of any major global airline alliance like Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam. It operates as an independent carrier.
Arik Air Rating
- Safety Rating: Arik Air has a good safety rating from AirlineRatings.com, currently holding a 7/7 star rating. The airline is IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certified, which is the global benchmark for airline safety.
- Customer Reviews: Customer feedback is mixed. Positive reviews often praise the professionalism of the pilots and the convenience of the flight schedules. Negative reviews frequently cite issues with customer service responsiveness and occasional flight delays or cancellations.
Arik Air Feedback
A summary of customer reviews indicates the following:
Strengths:
- Experienced pilots and a strong safety record.
- Convenient schedules on major domestic routes.
- A vital connector for many cities within Nigeria.
Areas for Improvement:
- Customer service communication and accessibility.
- Consistency in on-time performance.
- Modernization of the online user experience.
Arik Air News
Arik Air is frequently in the news as a key player in Nigerian aviation. Recent updates often revolve around:
- Route Adjustments: The airline periodically re-launches or increases frequencies on key domestic routes like Abuja-Port Harcourt and Lagos-Asaba.
- Operational Updates: Announcements regarding fleet maintenance, system upgrades, or changes in policy (e.g., VAT on excess baggage).
- Industry Role: As one of Nigeria’s oldest surviving private airlines, its performance is often seen as a barometer for the health of the local aviation sector.
For the latest official news, the press release section of the Arik Air website is the best source.
Arik Air Award
Over its many years of operation, Arik Air has received numerous awards, both locally and internationally. It has often been named “Airline of the Year” at Nigerian aviation awards ceremonies. In 2024, it was recognized as the “Labour Friendly Airline of the Year” by the Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council (JCNC) of the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
Arik Air FAQ
Q1: Is Arik Air still operating? A: Yes, Arik Air is fully operational. It is currently under the management of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and continues to fly to numerous domestic destinations.
Q2: Can I get a full refund from Arik Air? A: Full refunds are rare and depend on the fare rules of your ticket. Most tickets are non-refundable or only partially refundable after fees.
Q3: How do I contact Arik Air customer service? A: You can call them at 0700003592745 or email callcentre@arikair.com.
Q4: Does Arik Air fly to London or New York anymore? A: No, Arik Air currently does not operate long-haul international flights to London or New York. Its network is focused on domestic and, at times, regional routes.
Q5: What is the difference between Arik Air and Air Peace? A: They are two separate and competing Nigerian airlines. Air Peace is currently the largest airline in Nigeria with a more extensive domestic, regional, and international network, while Arik Air is a legacy carrier with a long history, now focusing primarily on domestic routes.
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