How to Find Cheap Flights at the Last Minute?
Finding cheap flights at the last minute can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies and tools, you can secure great deals without breaking the bank. Airlines often release unsold seats at discounted prices to fill planes, making last-minute deals more accessible than you might think. Below, we outline the best methods to help you find affordable flights quickly.
1. Use Flight Comparison Websites and Apps
The fastest way to compare prices is by leveraging flight comparison websites such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo. These platforms aggregate prices from different airlines and travel agencies, offering a comprehensive overview of available flights. By setting up alerts, you can receive notifications about price drops, ensuring you catch the best deal before it disappears.
| Platform | Key Features | Website Link |
|---|---|---|
| Google Flights | Flexible date search, price tracking | Visit Google Flights |
| Skyscanner | Broad search, nearby airports | Visit Skyscanner |
| Kayak | Price trends, budget airline filters | Visit Kayak |
| Momondo | Finds hidden deals | Visit Momondo |
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
Flexibility is key when hunting for cheap last-minute flights. Traveling mid-week or during off-peak hours often yields lower prices. Flights departing early in the morning or late at night tend to be less expensive compared to peak-time flights. Additionally, flying on holidays, such as Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, can often be cheaper as fewer people are willing to travel.
3. Book One-Way Tickets and Mix Airlines
Rather than searching for round-trip fares, consider booking one-way tickets separately. Mixing and matching airlines can sometimes result in significant savings. Budget airlines frequently offer last-minute deals on one-way routes, making this a viable strategy.
Benefits of One-Way Tickets:
- Mix airlines to get the best price
- Flexible return options
- Potential to save on specific routes
Example:
- Fly out with JetBlue and return with Spirit Airlines.
- Use different airports for departure and return, such as flying into JFK but returning from LaGuardia.
4. Utilize Airline Newsletters and Social Media
Many airlines release flash sales and promotions through their newsletters and social media channels. By subscribing to airline newsletters and following them on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, you can gain early access to exclusive discounts. Airlines often post last-minute deals directly to their followers, bypassing traditional booking sites.
| Airline | Newsletter Link | Social Media Handle |
| American | Sign Up | @AmericanAir |
| Delta | Sign Up | @Delta |
| Southwest | Sign Up | @SouthwestAir |
| United | Sign Up | @United |
5. Check Budget Airlines Directly
Budget airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, Southwest, and Frontier frequently offer cheaper fares than full-service carriers. However, these deals might not appear on popular flight comparison websites. Visiting the airline’s website directly or using their app can help uncover hidden deals.
Tips for Budget Airlines:
- Travel Light: Avoid checked luggage fees.
- Skip Extras: Forego seat selection and priority boarding.
- Pack Snacks: Budget airlines often charge for meals.
6. Leverage Loyalty Programs and Credit Card Points
If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles or credit card points, now is the time to use them. Many loyalty programs allow members to redeem points for last-minute flights at lower rates. Airlines sometimes release award seats as departure dates approach, providing an excellent opportunity to snag a deal.
| Program | Airline | Best For |
| AAdvantage | American Airlines | Domestic and international flights |
| SkyMiles | Delta Airlines | U.S. and global routes |
| MileagePlus | United Airlines | Long-haul flights |
| Amex Rewards | Multiple airlines | Flexible point transfer options |
7. Explore Alternate Airports and Routes
Flying from or into secondary airports can lead to substantial savings. For instance, instead of booking a flight to Los Angeles International (LAX), consider flying into Long Beach (LGB) or Burbank (BUR). Similarly, airports in neighboring cities might offer cheaper fares.
8. Last-Minute Booking Apps
Apps like Hopper, Hotwire, and HotelTonight specialize in last-minute travel deals. These platforms offer discounted fares and packages, allowing you to save both time and money.
| App Name | Features | Download Link |
| Hopper | Predicts price trends | Download Hopper |
| Hotwire | Bundles flights and hotels | Download Hotwire |
| HotelTonight | Hotel discounts, occasional flight deals | Download HotelTonight |
FAQs
1. When is the best time to book last-minute flights?
The best time to book last-minute flights is typically 1-3 days before departure. Airlines often discount seats to fill the plane.
2. Are last-minute flights really cheaper?
Yes, last-minute flights can be cheaper if airlines need to sell unsold seats. However, flexibility with dates and destinations increases your chances.
3. What are the best apps for last-minute flights?
Some of the best apps include Hopper, Hotwire, Skyscanner, and Google Flights.
4. Can I get refunds on last-minute tickets?
Refund policies depend on the airline. Budget airlines usually offer non-refundable tickets, while full-service carriers may allow changes with fees.
