Itching for a spontaneous getaway or needing to jet off unexpectedly, but sky-high flight prices are stopping you? Scoring your ticket at the last minute is more possible than you think — with some clever planning.
Whether you’re a travel junkie chasing sunsets or hopping on a plane for a surprise family visit, here are some golden tips to help you find cheap last-minute flights without breaking the bank.
1. Be flexible with your destination
When it comes to last-minute travel, flexibility is your best friend. Use platforms like Google Flights, where you can enter your departure airport and see the cheapest destinations available. Sometimes the universe chooses your adventure for you—and it might be somewhere even better than you expected.
2. Use flight deal websites and alerts
Sign up for newsletters and alerts from sites like like Cheap Flights.
Flight website platforms often highlight flash sales, error fares, or last-minute deals. Turn on notifications so you can pounce when something pops up!
3. Travel mid-week or on odd hours
Flights that leave on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays, especially during off-peak hours (think red-eyes or early mornings), are often cheaper. The less desirable the flight time, the cheaper the ticket. Perfect for last-minute bookings!
4. Check nearby airports
Expanding your search radius could save you hundreds. Instead of flying out of or into a major hub, look at smaller or alternate airports nearby. Some budget airlines operate only out of these and offer unbeatable last-minute prices.
5. Use credit card points
Last-minute flights can be a great opportunity to cash in your credit card points. Often, loyalty programs don’t inflate prices as dramatically as cash fares. Also, some cards offer “travel eraser” features or access to special portals with discounted prices.
6. Book one-way tickets separately
Instead of searching for a round-trip, check one-way fares on different airlines. Mixing and matching could be cheaper than booking a single round-trip with one carrier.
7. Download airline apps & follow their socials
Airlines sometimes drop app-only deals or social media flash sales. Having the app installed can also give you faster access to boarding passes, seat selections, or in-app exclusive discounts. Plus, being one of the first to know when a deal drops? Major win.
8. Fly budget airlines
If you’re really pinching pennies, budget airlines (depending on your region) often have ultra-cheap fares at the last minute. Just read the fine print—those fees for luggage and seat selection can sneak up on you!
9. Consider a package deal
Sometimes bundling your flight + hotel or flight + car rental can lead to surprising savings.
10. Go incognito & use VPNs
Flight prices can spike based on your search history or location. Use incognito mode or try searching with a VPN to see if prices change depending on the region you’re searching from.
Last-minute travel doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit card. With a little flexibility, some tech-savvy searching, and a bit of travel luck, you can jet off without the jaw-dropping price tag.
So, where are you heading next?
ALSO SEE:
Featured Image: Pexels
