Finding last-minute cheap flights has always been a difficult and confusing process—and that was before the pandemic changed the travel industry. While there are ways to get last-minute cheap flights, they will typically cost more than reservations made in advance with flexible travel dates. So, when making last-minute travel arrangements, check the nearest airports, look for one-way flights, and think about buying one ticket at a time to save money.

Finding last-minute cheap flights

Search by single seat at a time
The automatic fare systems that manage that alphabet soup of rates will only search for four seats at the exact same price, giving you an estimate of, say, $400 per seat. It will disregard this in favor of consistency if there are one or more in a lower fare class—say, a $320 seat—because it is unable to divide the inquiry. However, if you only search for one seat, the algorithm will discover that less expensive option, providing savings that, on a four-person trip, can really add up. Just be sure to connect the reservations once you’re done, so the airline is aware that you’re all flying together.

Book from nearby airports
Don’t restrict your lookup for a last-minute flight to airports nearby your beginning and ending points. Expand your search instead to incorporate adjacent airports. Prior to takeoff and after landing, decide how far you’re willing to fly and add any airports that are within that range in your search results.

Search for one-way flights
An alternative is to look for one-way flights rather than round-trip ones. If you check numerous airlines simultaneously, you might just get a fantastic offer on two one-way flights on different airlines. Most airlines price their flights this way anyhow, at least for domestic flights. This gives you the option to select the cheap last-minute flights available in both directions, perhaps saving you money.

Timing is your best bet
There is no secret window of opportunity to snag the best rate, which is another helpful piece of advice for travelers asking how to book last-minute cheap flights. But the best prices typically start to decline once the journey is less than three weeks out. If you have 21 days until your trip and haven’t found a flight deal to your location, you should stop looking and book the cheapest fare. That’s because automatic rate algorithms used by airlines are set up to price later reservations as last-minute business traveler trips.

Do a rewards search
Flying last minute can be a sensible way to use frequent flier miles because airlines occasionally sell empty seats for less money than usual on mileage tickets; Even if the rewards app or website does not list any redemption chances, some experts advise phoning the airline’s 1-800 number or chatting online with a representative to inquire about them.

Fifth freedom flights
Fifth freedom flights, in which an airline provides service between two nations other than its home country, can be a godsend for travelers on a tight budget for a number of reasons. First of all, they offer overlooked frequent-flier availability on major international routes, which means more competition and lower rates. Second, they frequently include luggage fees, which can result in significant savings in addition to a better onboard experience.

Use “hidden-city” booking
Let’s say you need to fly from place A to B, but the cost is prohibitive. As an alternative, you may plan a trip with a layover or a so-called hidden-city ticket, where the customer just stops flying at the connection point. Longer flights with layovers are typically substantially less expensive to book.

Be tech savvy and social
Being informed and aware of deals and sales is one of the best methods to locate affordable last-minute rates. To conveniently accrue and track your miles, sign up for the newsletters of your preferred airlines and enroll in their frequent flyer programs.

Additionally, you should follow airlines on social media because they frequently announce when they are running special deals and promotions. Your best friend could be a mobile app while shopping for cheap flight tickets at the last minute.

So, are last-minute flight bookings less expensive?
There are ways to discover cheap last-minute flights, even though they often cost more than reservations made in advance with flexible travel dates.

To be quite honest, it’s not a good idea to leave booking a flight till the last minute. It is exceedingly rare for airlines to reduce their prices just before takeoff. This is especially true throughout the holidays, the summer, and other busy times of the year, such as Christmas and the New Year. When making last-minute travel arrangements, try and use the tips stated in this article to save some money and enjoy the trip you’ve been waiting for.