Booking last minute flights can be stressful and often more expensive, but with the right approach, you can still find great deals. Whether you're traveling for a sudden business trip, a spontaneous vacation, or an emergency, here are some effective strategies to help you secure affordable last minute flights.
1. Use Fare Comparison Websites
Fare comparison websites are essential tools for finding cheap last minute flights. Platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines quickly.
- Skyscanner: Use the “Everywhere” search feature to find the cheapest destinations from your departure city. This is particularly useful if you're flexible with your travel plans.
- Google Flights: Take advantage of the fare calendar to see the lowest prices available for your travel dates. Google Flights also offers price tracking, alerting you to fare drops.
- Kayak: Kayak’s “Explore” feature lets you see a map of the world with flight prices from your chosen airport, helping you find budget-friendly last minute options.
2. Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Flexibility is key when booking last minute flights. Flying midweek or during off-peak hours can significantly reduce costs. Use the flexible dates feature on fare comparison sites to find the cheapest days to fly.
- Midweek Travel: Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than those on weekends.
- Red-Eye Flights: Consider red-eye flights or flights at odd hours, as these are typically less in demand and therefore cheaper.
3. Check Airline Websites Directly
Sometimes, airlines offer exclusive last minute deals on their websites. It’s worth checking the airlines’ own websites in addition to fare comparison tools.
- Special Offers: Look for sections like “Deals” or “Special Offers” on airline websites. Airlines often post discounted rates for last minute flights to fill unsold seats.
- Last Minute Deals: Some airlines have specific last minute deal pages where you can find discounted tickets for flights departing soon.
4. Use Travel Apps
Travel apps can be incredibly useful for finding last minute flights. Apps like Hopper and Secret Flying specialize in tracking and alerting users to last minute deals.
- Hopper: This app analyzes billions of flight prices daily and predicts the best time to buy. It can also notify you of last minute price drops.
- Secret Flying: Known for uncovering hidden flight deals, Secret Flying often lists last minute flight deals offers that can save you a lot of money.
5. Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines often have lower fares for last minute flights compared to major carriers. However, be aware of additional fees for baggage and other services.
- Ryanair and EasyJet: In Europe, these airlines frequently offer low fares for last minute travel.
- Southwest Airlines: In the U.S., Southwest is known for its competitive prices and lack of change fees, making it a good option for spontaneous trips.
6. Use Miles and Points
If you have frequent flyer miles or credit card points, last minute flights can be an excellent opportunity to use them. Many airlines allow you to book award flights without blackout dates, and points can sometimes provide better value for last minute bookings.
- Frequent Flyer Programs: Use your accumulated miles to book last minute flights. Check your loyalty program’s website for available award seats.
- Credit Card Points: Travel rewards credit cards often allow you to redeem points for flights through their travel portals. This can be a great way to save on last minute travel.
Conclusion
Finding affordable last minute flights requires a bit of flexibility, strategy, and the right tools. By using fare comparison websites, being flexible with your travel dates and times, checking airline websites directly, using travel apps, considering budget airlines, and leveraging miles and points, you can secure great deals even at the last minute. With these tips, you can take the stress out of booking last minute flights and enjoy your travels without breaking the bank.
