Last-minute travel can be exciting and spontaneous, but booking flights at the last minute often comes with the dreaded fear of sky-high prices. However, with the right strategies, you can still score great deals even when you’re short on time. Whether you’re booking a last-minute business trip or a spontaneous vacation, here’s how to save money on flights without compromising on quality or convenience.
1. Use Flight Search Engines and Booking Apps
Flight search engines are your best friends when booking last-minute flights. These platforms aggregate flights from multiple airlines and booking sites, allowing you to compare prices quickly. By using flight search engines, you can ensure you’re not missing any discounted options.
- Google Flights: A great tool to compare flight prices and track price changes. Google Flights shows the best prices for your dates and allows you to set up price alerts for last-minute deals.
- Skyscanner: This app allows you to search flights by “cheapest month,” showing you the best options even when you’re booking last minute.
- Kayak: Another popular option, Kayak offers a “Price Forecast” tool that can predict whether prices are likely to go up or down, helping you decide whether to book immediately or wait.
These apps and websites can provide an overview of all available flights, helping you spot last-minute deals on popular airlines.
2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
Flexibility is key when booking last-minute flights. Flights on weekdays, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, tend to be cheaper than those on weekends, which are more popular for business and leisure travelers.
If you’re flying internationally, look for flights with a layover, as they tend to be more affordable than direct flights. You can also opt for flights with less desirable departure times, like early morning or late-night departures, which tend to be cheaper.
- Booking.com and Expedia allow users to filter by flexible travel dates, making it easier to find cheaper options when you’re in a rush.
3. Use Airline Alerts and Discounts
Airlines often run flash sales and promotions, and signing up for their alerts or loyalty programs can help you access these last-minute deals.
- Southwest Airlines and JetBlue are known for offering discounts to their loyal customers. Signing up for their newsletters can help you stay in the loop.
- Delta Airlines and American Airlines also offer loyalty programs that can reward frequent flyers with last-minute offers or discounts on tickets.
Additionally, if you are booking a flight within the next 24–48 hours, be sure to check the airline’s official website directly. Many airlines (like American Airlines, United Airlines, or Delta) offer reduced fares for last-minute bookings on their sites, often in response to empty seats on upcoming flights.
4. Consider Nearby Airports
If you’re flying to a major city, check if there are other nearby airports that may offer better prices. For instance, if you’re flying into New York City, flights to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or JFK Airport might differ significantly in price, even if both are close to your final destination.
Booking through Expedia or Kayak can give you a comprehensive list of nearby airports so you can weigh the cost of a slightly longer commute to save money on your ticket.
5. Use Airline Miles or Credit Card Points
If you’re a frequent flyer or have accumulated credit card points through your spending, this is a great time to redeem them. Many credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Platinum, offer travel perks like points accumulation, priority boarding, or even flight discounts.
Airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines allow you to book flights using miles, which can be a huge money-saver when booking last minute. Even if you don’t have enough miles to cover the entire flight, you may still be able to reduce the cost by using a partial redemption.
6. Consider Budget Airlines
When booking last-minute, don’t forget to check budget airlines. While they might not offer all the perks of a full-service airline, they often provide significant savings, especially for short or domestic flights. Some well-known budget airlines include:
- Ryanair and EasyJet in Europe
- Southwest Airlines and JetBlue in the U.S.
- AirAsia and Scoot in Southeast Asia
Booking through Skyscanner or Google Flights will show you all the available options, allowing you to choose between a low-cost airline and a traditional carrier.
7. Keep an Eye on Last-Minute Deals
Sometimes, booking last-minute flights can work in your favor if you’re willing to be a bit flexible. Airlines and booking sites often release unsold seats at discounted rates closer to departure.
- Websites like Lastminute.com and Priceline specialize in offering discounted last-minute flights, often at up to 40% off regular prices.
- Hotwire also offers “Hot Rates” where you can book flights at steep discounts, but the exact airline is only revealed after booking.
8. Book Directly with the Airline
While booking sites offer convenience, it’s worth checking the airline’s website directly for any exclusive last-minute deals. Airlines such as Delta, United, and British Airways sometimes offer better fares or perks when booking directly through their websites.
Booking directly can also save you on service fees that third-party booking sites might charge, helping you keep the total cost down, especially when you’re booking at the last minute.
Conclusion
Booking flights at the last minute doesn’t have to mean overpaying. With the right tools, such as flight search engines like Google Flights and Kayak, flexibility with your travel dates and airport choices, and using airline alerts and rewards programs, you can still save money even when time is running short. Whether you’re booking through popular airlines like American Airlines or Southwest, or using booking sites such as Expedia or Skyscanner, the key to finding a great deal is being proactive and strategic. Happy travels!