Sometimes, travel plans pop up unexpectedly — a sudden business trip, a family emergency, or just a spontaneous getaway. When you need to book a flight at the last minute, prices can skyrocket, making it feel impossible to find a good deal.
But fear not! With a few smart strategies, you can still snag cheap flights even when booking just days (or hours) before departure. Here are some quick and easy tricks to get cheap last-minute flights without sacrificing convenience or comfort.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
One of the biggest factors in flight prices is flexibility. If your schedule allows, consider flying on less popular days like Tuesday or Wednesday, or during off-peak hours such as late-night or early-morning flights.
Last-minute fares are often cheaper during these times because airlines want to fill seats that would otherwise fly empty.
2. Use Flight Search Engines with Last-Minute Deals
Popular flight search engines like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo have filters or sections dedicated to last-minute deals. Use these tools to compare prices across multiple airlines quickly.
Set fare alerts for your desired routes so you get notified if prices drop unexpectedly.
3. Check Budget and Low-Cost Airlines
Low-cost carriers often release last-minute seats at discounted rates to fill their planes. While budget airlines may charge extra for baggage or seat selection, the base fare can be significantly cheaper.
Airlines like Southwest, Spirit, Ryanair, and EasyJet often have last-minute specials you can find on their official websites or apps.
4. Consider Nearby Airports
If you live near multiple airports or your destination has several nearby airports, check flights to and from all options. Sometimes, flying out of or into a secondary airport can save you a substantial amount on last-minute bookings.
Just factor in ground transportation costs and time to make sure it’s still worth the savings.
5. Book One-Way Tickets or Mix Airlines
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets (outbound and return separately) rather than a round trip can save money, especially if you mix and match airlines.
For last-minute flights, this flexibility allows you to piece together cheaper legs and avoid higher round-trip prices.
6. Use Airline Rewards, Points, or Credit Card Miles
If you’ve accumulated airline miles or credit card points, last-minute flights are a perfect way to redeem them. Many frequent flyer programs allow you to book award tickets close to the departure date, sometimes with reduced fees.
Check your mileage balance and redeem for flights to stretch your budget.
7. Follow Airlines on Social Media
Airlines frequently post flash sales and exclusive discount codes on their social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
Following airlines can give you an edge in spotting last-minute deals before they sell out.
8. Clear Your Browser Cookies or Use Incognito Mode
Some travelers believe flight prices increase when a route is repeatedly searched in the same browser. While the effect is debated, it’s worth clearing your cookies or searching for flights in a private/incognito browser window to potentially see better fares.
9. Be Ready to Book Immediately
When searching for last-minute deals, prices can change rapidly. If you spot a good deal, act fast.
Have your payment information ready, know the baggage rules, and confirm all details before booking to avoid surprises.
10. Consider Booking Package Deals
Sometimes bundling your flight with a hotel or car rental through sites like Expedia or Priceline can offer last-minute savings. These packages might not always be cheaper than booking flights alone, but it’s worth comparing.
Final Thoughts
Last-minute flights don’t have to drain your wallet. With flexibility, smart search strategies, and a bit of quick action, you can find affordable seats even when time is tight.
Remember to check multiple sources, consider alternative airports, and use loyalty points when possible. Most importantly, stay calm and ready to book fast!
