How to get cheap last-minute flights
Got an impromptu family vacation? Business? Emergency? Last-minute deals can sometimes be harder to come by, but not impossible. Many people assume that if an airline isn’t fully booked for a flight, they might drop the prices a few days before take-off. That’s often not true. Airlines tend to have enough demand from last-minute business travelers, who will pay even a higher last-minute price. This means airlines tend to offer cheaper tickets up front and gradually increase their prices closer to the flight. Of course, that doesn’t mean there won’t be price drops, so getting good at planning around a good deal is the best tool in not breaking the bank for travel.
Just like there are best practices for getting a good deal, there’s some strategy in approaching tickets at the last minute. Start by checking surrounding airports. You might be able to fly out of New York’s LaGuardia, for example, at a lower price than JFK. You can also look at one-way tickets. This gives you the flexibility to book different airlines that offer the cheapest flight each way. If you’re traveling in a group, it might be worth booking separately. Some people might want to avoid budget airlines, whereas others might like the idea of saving as much as possible. You can also book the cheapest seat versus trying to reserve five or more tickets.
If you’re looking for ways to get cheap last-minute flights, there are a few strategies you can use to score a good deal. Contrary to popular belief, airlines don’t always drop prices for unsold seats in the days leading up to a flight, as last-minute business travelers are often willing to pay higher prices [1]. However, there are still ways to save money.
First, it’s important to be flexible. Consider checking surrounding airports to see if there are any cheaper options. You can also look at one-way tickets instead of round-trip fares, which allows you to book different airlines for each leg of your journey and potentially find cheaper options. If you’re traveling in a group, booking separately might be worth considering, as you may be able to find cheaper seats this way [2]. Additionally, don’t be too picky about seat selection. Opting for the cheapest available seat can help you save money.
It’s also important to stay vigilant and keep checking prices regularly. Sometimes airlines do drop prices closer to the flight, so being patient and waiting for the right moment can pay off. Finally, consider using a travel rewards program to earn points and get access to exclusive deals and discounts on flights.
