Finding cheap last-minute flights can feel like a challenge, especially when you need to travel on short notice due to a last-minute business trip, family emergency, or spontaneous vacation. While planning ahead is usually the best strategy, there are some smart tricks you can use to get better deals even when you’re booking close to your departure date.
1. Check Nearby Airports When booking a last-minute flight, don’t limit your search to just your destination’s main airport. Look into other nearby airports, as they can offer cheaper options. For example, flying to New York’s JFK is common, but Newark or La Guardia might have more affordable tickets. In cities like London, where there are multiple airports, you could save by choosing one that’s not as close to your final destination. Just keep in mind that while a cheaper airport might save you money on the ticket, the added cost of transportation to your final stop could eat into your savings.
2. Try One-Way Flights Another option is to search for one-way flights instead of round trips. Sometimes, booking two separate one-way tickets on different airlines can end up being cheaper than booking a round-trip flight with the same carrier. You can also mix and match airlines based on the best deals. Websites like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow you to see separate tickets, and this could save you some serious cash. Just be aware that luggage policies may differ between airlines, so you might end up paying for baggage on multiple legs of your trip.
3. Search for Flights in Parts If you can’t find a cheap direct flight, consider breaking your trip into separate legs. For instance, instead of booking a connecting flight from Austin to Cincinnati, look for flights from Austin to a major hub like Denver, and then from Denver to Cincinnati. This can sometimes result in cheaper fares, especially if the connecting airports are known for low-cost carriers. However, this approach is a bit risky—you’ll need to allow plenty of time between flights to account for delays, and you’ll also have to handle luggage fees for each leg.
4. Look for Individual Seats in Groups When traveling with a group, search for individual seats first. Sometimes, you might find a seat at a lower price point if there’s only one available. This is especially true for flights that have a few remaining seats at a discounted rate. If you find a cheap single seat, book it first, then go back and search for the other seats separately. Keep in mind that you probably won’t be sitting together, but this can be a great way to save on at least one ticket.
5. Be Flexible with Your Timing Cheaper flights are often scheduled at less convenient times, like early in the morning or late at night. If you can adjust your travel schedule, you may find a last-minute deal that works.
6. Use Google Flights’ Explore Tool For those who are feeling spontaneous, Google Flights’ Explore tool is a fantastic resource. Enter your departure airport and dates, leave the destination blank, and click on Explore. This will show you a map of destinations with the lowest fares from your location.
With a little flexibility and creativity, you can still find affordable last-minute flights, even when time is tight.
