How to find cheap last minute flights?
Traveling on a whim or dealing with sudden travel plans often comes with the dread of sky-high flight prices. But don’t worry landing affordable, last-minute flight deals isn’t as impossible as it may seem. With the right strategies, tools, and mindset, you can fly without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into some practical methods to snag cheap flights at the eleventh hour.
Why Last-Minute Flights Are Often Expensive
Before we get into the tips, it’s essential to understand why last-minute tickets cost more. Airlines aim to maximize profits, and seats left unsold until the last minute are priced higher to capture those who need to fly urgently. However, some empty seats can lead to discounted prices if you know where to look.
1. Use Flight Comparison Tools and Aggregators
Flight comparison websites and apps are game-changers when it comes to finding cheap tickets.
Best Platforms to Use:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Hopper
- Kayak
- Momondo
These platforms aggregate flight prices from various airlines, allowing you to compare fares in real time. Set price alerts to track drops and book the moment you see a deal.
Pro Tip:
Utilize the “Explore Everywhere” feature on Skyscanner if you’re flexible with destinations. Sometimes nearby cities or alternate airports have cheaper options.
2. Embrace Flexible Travel Dates and Times
Flexibility is your biggest ally when searching for last-minute flights.
How to Maximize Savings:
- Fly Midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) – Fares tend to drop on these days.
- Red-Eye and Early Morning Flights – Less popular, hence cheaper.
- Weekend Flexibility – Return flights on Sundays are pricier; opt for Mondays or Saturdays.
Tools to Use:
- Google Flights Calendar View – Visualize the cheapest days to fly.
- Hopper Predictions – Shows the best days to book and fly.
3. Consider Alternate Airports and Routes
Flying from or into secondary airports can sometimes save you hundreds.
Examples:
- Instead of LAX, try Long Beach or Burbank.
- For New York, consider Newark or Islip.
Multi-City and Layovers:
- Stopovers – Sometimes adding a layover slashes prices significantly.
- Multi-City Flights – Booking two one-way flights can occasionally cost less than a round-trip ticket.
4. Leverage Airline Flash Sales and Error Fares
Keep an eye out for flash sales and mistake fares.
Where to Find Them:
- Secret Flying
- The Flight Deal
- Scott’s Cheap Flights (now Going)
Set alerts and join airline newsletters. Flash sales are short-lived, so book fast when you spot one.
5. Use Airline Miles and Rewards Programs
Frequent flyer programs can significantly cut costs, especially for last-minute flights.
Key Programs:
- Delta SkyMiles
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- United MileagePlus
Tips to Boost Miles:
- Use credit cards that accumulate points.
- Transfer hotel points to airline partners.
- Check for reward seat availability even if the cash price is high.
6. Sign Up for Last-Minute Deal Newsletters and Alerts
Airlines and travel agencies frequently send out exclusive last-minute deals through newsletters and alerts.
Best Newsletters to Join:
- Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going) – Known for mistake fares and secret deals.
- Airfarewatchdog – Sends alerts for price drops on your chosen routes.
- Travelzoo – Weekly deals and top 20 travel discounts.
Why This Works:
Many airlines want to fill remaining seats, so subscribers often get the first look at deeply discounted fares. Sometimes, deals are released quietly to avoid slashing public ticket prices.
7. Book Directly Through Airline Websites
Sometimes third-party booking sites add extra fees. After finding a good deal on an aggregator, visit the airline’s website directly.
Benefits of Booking Directly:
- Lower Fees – No hidden service fees.
- Flexible Changes – Airlines offer more flexible change/cancellation policies for direct bookings.
- Extra Perks – Loyalty points or free upgrades may apply.
8. Be Ready to Book Immediately
Last-minute deals don’t stick around for long. When you find a cheap flight, book it immediately.
Tips for Quick Booking:
- Save Payment Details – Most flight booking apps allow you to save credit card information.
- Preloaded Apps – Download airline and aggregator apps for fast booking.
- Enable Notifications – Real-time notifications can help you act swiftly.
9. Look for One-Way Tickets
Sometimes, booking two one-way tickets with different airlines is cheaper than a round trip.
How to Search for One-Ways:
- Mix & Match Airlines – Use different carriers for outbound and return flights.
- Combine Budget Airlines – For example, fly out with Spirit and return with Frontier.
- Consider Nearby Airports – Fly back to a different airport close to your home city.
10. Use Incognito Mode to Avoid Price Hikes
Have you ever noticed flight prices increasing after repeated searches? Airlines track browsing data and sometimes raise prices based on demand.
Solution:
- Use Incognito Mode – Clear cookies or use private browsing to prevent price hikes.
- Switch Devices – Search on your phone and book on your laptop to avoid tracking.
11. Explore Budget Airlines for Last-Minute Flights
Budget airlines frequently offer lower fares, even at the last minute.
Popular Budget Airlines:
- Europe: Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
- US: Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant
- Asia: AirAsia, Scoot, Cebu Pacific
Pro Tip:
Watch out for hidden fees (baggage, seat selection, etc.), but even with extras, budget airlines often provide the cheapest fares.
12. Use Travel Credit Cards and Cashback Offers
Some travel credit cards offer discounts, points, or cashback when booking flights.
Top Travel Cards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Capital One Venture
- American Express Platinum
Use cards that offer bonus points on travel purchases and check for last-minute travel portals that come with card memberships.
13. Consider Package Deals (Flight + Hotel)
Bundling flights and hotels can sometimes save money compared to booking separately.
Best Sites for Bundles:
- Expedia
- Hotwire
- Priceline
Even if you don’t need a hotel, booking one night can slash airfare costs, making the package worth it.
14. Travel Light and Avoid Extra Fees
Budget airlines often charge exorbitant fees for checked luggage. If you’re flexible, travel with only a carry-on.
Packing Tips:
- Pack Efficiently – Use compression bags.
- Wear Bulky Items – Jackets and boots can be worn instead of packed.
- Check Airline Policies – Some airlines allow a small personal item for free.
15. Ask for Standby Seats at the Airport
If you’re open to flying at any time, asking to be put on standby can lead to huge savings.
How Standby Works:
- Arrive at the airport early and request a standby seat.
- Standby passengers fill last-minute cancellations or no-shows.
This method doesn’t guarantee a seat, but when successful, it’s often much cheaper than regular bookings.
Conclusion(How to find cheap last minute flights)
Finding cheap flights last minute may seem daunting, but with the right tools, flexibility, and strategies, you can travel affordably without too much stress. The key is to remain adaptable, use every resource available, and always be ready to pounce on a good deal. Whether you’re heading off on a spontaneous getaway or responding to an emergency, there’s always a way to fly without burning a hole in your wallet.
FAQs
1. What is the best day to book last-minute flights?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the cheapest fares. Flying midweek can reduce costs compared to weekends.
2. Are last-minute flights really cheaper?
They can be, but not always. Flexibility, alternate airports, and apps like Hopper increase your chances of finding discounts.
3. Which apps are best for finding cheap last-minute flights?
Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper are top-rated for tracking last-minute flight deals.
4. Can I save money by booking at the airport?
Yes, some budget airlines offer cheaper fares for in-person bookings, but it’s not guaranteed. Standby seats can also provide savings.
5. How do I get notified of last-minute deals?
Sign up for alerts from Scott’s Cheap Flights, Airfarewatchdog, and travel newsletters to receive deal notifications directly in your inbox.