Whenever I hear about someone snagging a last-minute flight for a great price, I always want to know what they did differently. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few strategies of my own. If you’re hoping to fly soon and don’t want to spend a fortune, these seven practical methods could make a big difference.
Why do last-minute flights cost more?
Airlines have their reasons for raising prices close to departure. I’ve learned that as seats fill up, airlines want to maximize their profits from those who book late, assuming these travelers need to be somewhere and will pay extra. Sometimes, though, you’ll find promotions or unexpected deals—especially when flights aren’t full. The challenge lies in knowing where and how to look. Most travelers assume last-minute always means expensive, but that’s not always true.
1. Be flexible with your destination
This tip has saved me more than once. Instead of locking in one location, I keep an open mind. Sometimes, the best prices lead to places I didn’t plan on visiting, and those trips often turn out to be unforgettable.
- Look for deals from your closest airport, not just to your first-choice city.
- Check neighboring cities or even less popular airports within the region.
- I’ve used public transportation, rental cars, or even buses to reach my intended destination after landing someplace nearby.
It doesn’t always feel like the easiest route, but it can lead to unique adventures and lower fares.
2. Check alternate airports and nearby cities
Some cities are served by multiple airports. In my experience, flying to a smaller or secondary airport can mean huge savings, especially last minute. For example, if you’re heading to a major city, explore the possibility of landing at a smaller airport nearby.
Here’s what I usually do:
- Search for airports within a 100-kilometer radius.
- Compare public transport options or ride-sharing costs for getting to your final stop.
Savings might sometimes be enough to cover extra transport without breaking your budget.
3. Set up flight alerts and track prices
Staying on top of fare changes is easier today than ever before. I set up alerts so that when prices drop, I get notified right away. This approach removes a lot of guesswork. Some days, watching those alerts pay off can be quite exciting.
What I do:
- Sign up for price notifications for a range of dates and nearby airports.
- Check notifications frequently—even if you already searched earlier in the day.
- Act quickly when the price dips—the best deals can disappear in hours or even minutes.
From what I’ve seen, being proactive with alerts is key to catching those rare last-minute discounts.
4. Fly on less popular days and times
There’s a pattern to airfare pricing, and it doesn’t favor weekend travelers. Most people want to fly Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays. In my bookings, flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays are almost always less expensive, especially if I can leave in the middle of the day or late at night.
Sometimes, a 5 a.m. flight changes everything for your wallet.
Try adjusting your schedule. It might feel inconvenient, but the savings can make it worthwhile. Landing at odd hours might mean an extra coffee at the airport, but it can cost much less.
5. Book one-way tickets or split your trip
When I need to fly soon and round-trip tickets are sky high, I’ll sometimes break the journey into smaller pieces. Booking two one-way flights, even on different airlines or through different cities, can uncover hidden savings. This takes a bit more effort, but it’s paid off for me more often than not.
- Check if buying two one-way tickets is less expensive than a round trip.
- Look for “open-jaw” trips—flying into one city and out from another.
- Consider mixing and matching airlines for each segment of your journey.
Just be careful to leave enough time between connecting flights, especially if airlines are different.
6. Search for “hidden city” and layover opportunities
I once discovered a lower price by simply booking a flight with a layover in my real destination. “Hidden city” ticketing can be tricky, but it’s sometimes much cheaper. In these cases, you book a ticket to a further destination with a layover in the city you really want and then just leave the airport there.
Warning: Some airlines discourage this practice, and it only works for one-way tickets without checked bags you plan to collect later. This method is not for everyone, but it can be a last-minute secret weapon if you know the risks.
7. Look for last-minute package deals and flash sales
At times, booking a hotel and flight together comes out cheaper than booking a flight alone. I always keep an eye out for package deals—sometimes, hotels or travel sellers mark these down last minute to fill empty rooms and unsold seats.
- Bundle airfare with car rentals or hotel stays for better rates.
- Flash sales may be announced with little notice, so quick action is needed.
- Read the fine print for blackout dates or restrictions.
What to avoid when searching for last-minute flights?
I’ve made a few mistakes along the way that I wouldn’t want anyone else to repeat. Here are three things to avoid:
- Don’t book in a panic. Take a moment to compare prices and routes, even if you’re feeling pressure to decide fast.
- Be careful with hidden fees, like baggage charges, seat selection, or credit card processing. Sometimes the lowest base price isn’t the real deal.
- Watch out for suspicious or unfamiliar booking sources. It’s better to stick to recognized, trusted platforms.
Rushed decisions and hidden fees often lead to spending more, not less, on a last-minute trip.
Bonus: Tips for traveling on a tight schedule
When time is short, and you absolutely have to get somewhere, price may not be your only consideration. Here’s what I try to keep in mind:
- Pack a carry-on only. It saves money and reduces stress if you have to change plans or run for a connection.
- Prepare for surprises like delays or cancellations. Flexible travel insurance might help.
- Make copies of important documents in case you need to change your trip quickly.
Final thoughts
Waiting until the last moment to book a flight feels risky, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. By adjusting my expectations, staying flexible, and trying different booking tactics, I’ve enjoyed many affordable trips even on short notice. The real trick is to keep searching, stay open to adventure, and move fast when you spot a real deal.
Last-minute travel can lead to the most unexpected adventures—and sometimes, the best prices.
With a bit of creativity and courage, anyone can find last-minute flights for less.