Are you looking for a cheap flight at the last minute but don’t know how to get one? You’re not alone! Many travelers find themselves in this predicament and want to find the cheapest possible flight. Fortunately, there are a few easy hacks you can use to get the best deals on last-minute flights. In this blog post, we’ll share 12 of the best ways to get the cheapest last-minute flights. Read on to discover how you can get the most out of your last-minute travel plans!
1. Use an airfare search engine
Using an airfare search engine is one of the easiest ways to find cheap last-minute flights. These search engines allow you to quickly compare prices between multiple airlines so you can get the best deal. Many of these search engines also have filters you can use to narrow down your search to the exact flight you’re looking for.
You can even specify a range of dates that you’re interested in, so you can find flights within your budget. It’s a great way to get an overview of the cheapest options available. Some popular airfare search engines include Skyscanner, Expedia, Kayak, and Google Flights.
2. Check for hidden city flights
Hidden city flights are a great way to get a cheaper ticket price for your last-minute flight. In some cases, it can be cheaper to book a flight with multiple stops than to just book a direct flight. This is because airlines sometimes offer discounts for multi-stop tickets, which can be significantly lower than the cost of a single direct flight.
To find hidden city flights, search for a flight with multiple stops and look for flights that have a lower fare than the direct flight. For example, if the direct flight from Los Angeles to New York is $400, you might find a multi-stop flight from Los Angeles to Boston with a stop in New York for $300. The savings here can really add up and make your last-minute flight much more affordable.
3. Be flexible with your travel dates
One of the most effective ways to get a cheap last-minute flight is to be flexible with your travel dates. By simply shifting your departure and arrival dates by a day or two, you can sometimes find a much cheaper fare. If you’re willing to wait until the last minute, you might be able to take advantage of fare sales that are often triggered by last-minute cancellations.
Try looking for flights on different days, or even at different times of the day to see if you can find a better deal. Additionally, check fares both one or two days before and after your ideal travel date—you may find a cheaper fare that works for you. By being flexible with your travel dates, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars on your last-minute flight.
4. Sign up for fare alerts
Fare alerts are one of the best ways to get the cheapest last-minute flights. They allow you to receive notifications when flight prices drop, so you can grab a great deal before it’s gone.
Most travel websites, airlines, and online travel agencies offer fare alert services. Simply search for the destination and route you are interested in, and enter your email address. You will then be notified whenever there is a price drop or special sale.
It’s also worth signing up for airline newsletters, as they often contain exclusive discounts and offers. This is especially useful if you tend to fly with the same airline.
With all these tips, you’re sure to find the cheapest last-minute flight. All that’s left is to book your flight and start packing!
5. Check social media for deals
Social media is a great place to look for deals on last-minute flights. Many airlines will post their latest promotions and discounts on their social media accounts, and you can also follow travel blogs and other influencers to get exclusive access to special deals.
To take advantage of these deals, make sure you’re following all your favorite airlines and searching for related hashtags. Additionally, some airlines offer bonus points for booking through their social media accounts, so make sure to check there before booking your flight.
6. Use a flight pass
Using a flight pass can be an easy way to get the cheapest last-minute flights. Flight passes are essentially pre-paid bundles of flights that offer discounts over regular airfare prices. They can be purchased from many airlines, and you can choose the number of flights you want, when you want to fly, and where you’re going.
Depending on the airline, you may also be able to use flight passes for flights within the same region or continent, allowing you to travel to multiple destinations at a discount.
When you purchase a flight pass, you pay for the package upfront. The cost of the package depends on the number of flights you buy and where you’re traveling. Most flight passes are valid for one year, so you have plenty of time to use them.
Flight passes can also be a great way to save money if you plan to take multiple trips throughout the year. Just make sure you purchase your flight pass in advance so you can take advantage of the discounts.
7. Join a frequent flier program
Joining a frequent flier program is a great way to get access to discounted last-minute flights. Many airlines offer rewards programs, allowing passengers to earn points that can be used for future travel. With some programs, you can even redeem points for discounted tickets and upgrades.
When signing up for a frequent flier program, make sure to read all of the rules and regulations. Some programs may require you to fly certain routes in order to qualify for the rewards, or have restrictions on how far in advance you must book your flight. However, the potential benefits can be worth the effort and the small fee that some airlines charge for enrollment.
Be sure to check out all of the available offers from your favorite airline so you can maximize your savings when booking last-minute flights. With a little bit of planning and research, you can take advantage of some amazing deals that you wouldn’t otherwise find.
8. Bid on flights
Bidding on flights is a great way to get a last-minute cheap flight. You’ll enter the details of your trip, such as the date and destination, and then set a maximum price you’d be willing to pay for the ticket. If there are any airline partners that can offer you a flight for your chosen price, you’ll get the opportunity to book it.
This type of bidding is often referred to as “opaque booking” because you won’t know the full details of the flight until after you’ve purchased the ticket. For example, you may not know the exact flight times or which airline you’ll be flying with until after you purchase the ticket.
In most cases, when you bid on a flight, you will be required to pay immediately. If your bid is accepted, you’ll be able to book the ticket and make any changes to your itinerary afterwards.
It’s important to note that bidding on flights isn’t always the cheapest option. Before you submit your bid, check other airfare search engines and budget airlines to see if there are any cheaper deals available.
9. Book with miles
If you are a frequent flyer, you can use your miles to get cheap last-minute flights. Airlines usually offer special discounts for people who have accrued enough miles. To get the best deal, make sure to check the airlines’ websites regularly for any new deals or promotions.
You can also check with your frequent flyer program to see if they have any special offers or discounts available. When booking with miles, make sure to book early to secure the lowest fares. It is also important to be aware of any fees and restrictions that may apply when using your miles.
For example, some airlines may require a minimum number of miles to be used or may charge extra fees for certain destinations. Finally, be sure to compare the cost of using your miles versus the cost of buying a ticket so you can get the best value for your money.
10. Find cheap flights on budget airlines
If you’re looking for a last-minute flight on a budget, look no further than budget airlines. These carriers typically offer much lower fares than major airlines, so you can save some serious money on airfare. Budget airlines usually fly to more regional airports, so make sure to check those airports when searching for flights.
When booking with a budget airline, be sure to read their baggage policies and other regulations before purchasing a ticket. Budget airlines often have more stringent rules about checked and carry-on bags, as well as cancellations and changes. Make sure to read up on the airline’s policies before booking, as these fees can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
Don’t forget to look for promotional deals and sales that budget airlines may offer. Many of these carriers offer occasional discounts and specials, so keep an eye out for these opportunities to get the best deal possible on your last-minute flight. It’s also a good idea to sign up for email newsletters from budget airlines in order to stay up-to-date on the latest deals and promotions.
11. Look for error fares
Error fares are the holy grail of travel deals. These unexpected and often massive discounts can offer you incredible savings on your last-minute flights. The only catch is that they don’t stick around for long, so you need to act fast.
To find these error fares, you should sign up for price alerts and watch for any unexpected price drops. You can also look for airlines that have accidentally released low fares or ones with incorrect pricing due to currency fluctuations. Once you spot one of these deals, book it immediately. There’s no guarantee that the airline will honor the price, but it’s worth a try!
For even more tips on finding the best error fares, check out the blog post “7 Ways to Spot and Grab an Error Fare”. There, you’ll learn exactly how to hunt down these elusive discounts and make sure you don’t miss out. Good luck!
12. Use a flight search aggregator
A flight search aggregator is an online tool that allows you to compare prices across multiple airlines, quickly and easily. These aggregators are a great way to find the best deals on flights, as they search through hundreds of travel sites in one go and show the best fares at a glance.
The flight search aggregator compares prices from many different airlines, giving you a complete view of available flight options. With just a few clicks, you can narrow down your search by destination, date range, number of passengers, and more. You can also filter results by price, travel time, airline, and other criteria to ensure you get the most suitable flight for your needs.
Many of these aggregators offer extra features such as price alerts, so you can be informed when there is a drop in prices. Others offer recommendations for routes or specific deals that match your criteria. This allows you to make an informed decision quickly and easily when booking your last-minute flight.
Using a flight search aggregator is an easy way to save time and money when booking last-minute flights. So take advantage of these helpful tools and start looking for the best flight deals today!
