Cheap Flights for Last-Minute Travelers: Tips and Tricks

Traveling last-minute doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Whether you’re heading out on an unexpected business trip, visiting family in a hurry, or simply embracing spontaneity, it’s still possible to find affordable flights if you know where to look. Here are some tips and tricks for scoring cheap flights as a last-minute traveler.
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Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
Flexibility is key when booking last-minute flights. Airlines often have seats to fill, and prices can drop significantly as departure dates approach.
- Midweek Travel: If possible, aim to fly on less popular days like Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday. Flights on these days tend to be cheaper because they’re less in demand compared to weekends or Mondays.
- Early Morning or Late-Night Flights: Off-peak hours can also offer lower prices. Consider booking flights that depart very early in the morning or late at night—known as “red-eye” flights—to save money.
- Use a Flexible Date Search: Many flight search engines, such as Google Flights and Skyscanner, allow you to search for flights within a range of dates. This feature lets you see which days offer the cheapest options.
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Set Fare Alerts
Fare alerts are a powerful tool for last-minute travelers. By setting up alerts on travel websites and apps, you’ll be notified as soon as prices drop for your desired route.
- Price Drop Alerts: Apps like Hopper and Kayak allow you to set price drop alerts for specific routes. As soon as there’s a significant reduction in fares, you’ll receive a notification, enabling you to book quickly.
- App Notifications: Enable push notifications on travel apps so you can get real-time updates on fare changes. This is particularly useful when time is of the essence.
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Consider Alternative Airports
Flying into or out of alternative airports can lead to substantial savings, especially if you’re willing to travel a bit further.
- Nearby Airports: Check if there are any smaller or less popular airports near your destination. Often, flights to these airports are cheaper because they’re less congested. For example, flying into Oakland instead of San Francisco, or Newark instead of JFK, can sometimes offer lower fares.
- Multiple Airports: If you’re flying from a major city, compare prices from all the airports in the area. Sometimes a short drive or train ride to a different airport can save you a significant amount on your flight.
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Leverage Last-Minute Deals
Airlines often offer last-minute deals to fill remaining seats, and knowing where to find these can help you secure a bargain.
- Airline Websites: Some airlines have sections on their websites dedicated to last-minute deals. These are often listed as “deals of the week” or “special offers,” and can provide significant discounts.
- Deal-Finding Apps: Apps like Scott’s Cheap Flights and Secret Flying specialize in finding and notifying users of last-minute flight deals. Signing up for these services can keep you in the loop on the best bargains available.
- Flash Sales: Keep an eye out for flash sales from airlines or travel websites. These limited-time offers can include deeply discounted fares, especially for last-minute travel.
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Be Open to Connecting Flights
Non-stop flights are convenient, but they often come with a higher price tag—especially last-minute. If you’re willing to endure a layover or two, you might find significantly cheaper options.
- Search for Connecting Flights: Use flight search engines to compare prices between non-stop and connecting flights. Sometimes a flight with a layover can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a direct flight.
- Mix and Match Airlines: Don’t limit yourself to booking your entire trip with one airline. Sometimes booking different legs of your journey with separate airlines can save you money. Use platforms like Kiwi.com that allow you to mix and match flights from different carriers.
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Use Frequent Flyer Miles and Points
If you’ve accumulated frequent flyer miles or credit card points, last-minute travel is the perfect time to use them.
- Miles for Last-Minute Flights: While some airlines charge a premium for last-minute award bookings, others offer deals or lower mileage requirements as the departure date approaches. Check your frequent flyer account to see if you can redeem miles for your trip.
- Credit Card Travel Portals: Many credit cards have travel portals where you can use points to book flights. These portals often have more availability for last-minute flights than booking directly with an airline.
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Check Budget Airlines
Budget airlines often have lower fares than major carriers, and this holds true even for last-minute bookings. However, be mindful of additional fees.
- Compare Total Costs: While budget airlines like Spirit, Ryanair, and EasyJet may offer cheaper base fares, they often charge extra for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals. Compare the total cost with full-service airlines to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Last-Minute Seats: Budget airlines sometimes offer steep discounts on remaining seats as the departure date nears, so it’s worth checking their websites directly.
Conclusion
Finding cheap flights at the last minute may seem challenging, but with the right approach, it’s entirely possible. By staying flexible, leveraging alerts, and exploring alternative options, you can score affordable fares even when booking close to your travel date. Keep these tips and tricks in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to snagging a great deal on your next spontaneous adventure.