Expert flying tips: How to get cheap flights last minute

Want to know how to get cheap flights last minute? We’ve got 8 tips to help you travel more for less. To save on your flight, try to:

• Be flexible with your dates and consider alternative or less popular airports
• Book one-way flights
• Choose flights with stop or layovers

Last-minute travel plans and spontaneous getaways are exciting, but the price tag? Not so much. Whether you’re looking for a weekend vacation with a loved one or you’ve got an unexpected work trip, the struggle to find affordable last-minute flights is real. But don't let it ground your travel plans just yet!

It’s entirely possible to get deals on flights departing next week or even tomorrow. With the right tools and a few tricks, you will soon become an expert at how to find cheap last-minute flights. Ready to master budget-friendly travel? Your next adventure is just around the corner.

How flight pricing works

Flight pricing might seem random sometimes, like why a seat costs $200 one day and $800 the next, but it’s actually based on a very complex dynamic pricing system. Understanding the factors that influence pricing can give you a significant advantage. Airlines use algorithms to determine ticket prices, considering several key elements that come into play.

Here’s a breakdown of how flight pricing works and factors affecting last-minute flight prices:

• Supply and demand: This is the primary driver of flight prices. Prices tend to increase if there's high demand for a particular route. Prices might also drop to fill the plane if there are many unsold seats.
• Seasonality: Prices fluctuate based on peak travel seasons, vacations, and events at your destination.
• Competition: Routes with multiple airlines often have more competitive pricing.
• Oil prices: As fuel costs rise, so do ticket prices.

Here's a quick comparison of how these factors might affect last-minute flight prices:

Understanding these factors can help you strategize when looking for how to get cheap flights last minute.

Best times to book last-minute flights

Contrary to popular belief, flights don't always become cheaper closer to the travel date. However, there are windows where you might find better deals. If you’re looking for last-minute flight deals, timing is everything, even when working with a tight time frame.

Here’s when you may find cheaper fares when booking last minute:

• You may get lucky 1–2 weeks before departure for last-minute deals.
• Off-peak hours—including late-night red-eye or early-morning flights—are often cheaper.
• Shoulder seasons—the periods just before or after peak seasons—can offer great deals. If you book at the last minute in September or January, you’ll likely get better deals than in July or December.
• Early morning (before 8 am) or late at night (after 10 pm) are “low-traffic” hours when prices can be more enticing.

Remember, to get the cheapest flights, you must be vigilant and flexible.

8 hot tips to find cheap flights last minute

Last-minute travel plans happen, but it doesn’t have to mean paying last-resort prices. Finding affordable flights at the eleventh hour can seem unrealistic. However, you can score cheap last-minute flights with the right tools, good timing, and a smart strategy. Here’s how:

1. Set up price alerts with Booking.com

One of the most effective ways to snag cheap last-minute flights is by setting up price alerts with Booking.com. Available to Genius members, this powerful tool informs you about price fluctuations for your desired routes. When using the app, get instant notifications when prices increase and decrease, helping to manage your budget.

2. Book one-way flights

It may sound counterintuitive, but booking two one-way tickets (even on different airlines) can be cheaper than round-trip fares. Online travel agents mix and match low-cost carriers with major airlines for the best deals. Consider multiple one-ways (self-connecting) to reach your destination for a deeper discount. It might take longer to arrive, but you can often score big savings.

3. Be flexible with dates and times

When it comes to last-minute flights, flexibility is everything. Prices can vary significantly depending on the day and time you fly. Midweek flights are often cheaper. Red-eyes and early-morning flights have lower demand and, therefore, lower prices to match. You will likely unlock more affordable options by departing a day earlier or later.

4. Consider nearby airports

Many cities have multiple airports within 18–49 miles. Broadening your search to include nearby airports can often lead to significant savings. For instance, if you are flying to NYC, consider the surrounding airports in the city like John F. Kennedy International (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International (EWR), or Westchester County Airport (HPN). Smaller, less frequented airports can be considerably cheaper, even when factoring in additional transportation costs.

5. Look for alternate cities

Sometimes, the best deals come from destinations you hadn't initially considered. If flexible with your destination, consider searching for flights to alternative cities. For example, if you're planning a beach holiday, you might discover cheaper flights to a lesser-known coastal town nearby. Selecting an alternate city can save you money and lead you to hidden gems off the beaten path.

6. Consider budget airlines

Budget carriers often provide exceptionally low last-minute fares. These airlines eliminate extras (like meals, seat selection, or baggage), but they can yield significant savings if you remain flexible and travel light. Just be ready for additional charges for carry-ons, seat selections, or snacks.

7. Look for last-minute holiday packages

Search for last-minute holiday packages that bundle flights, hotels, and even rental cars, leading to significant savings. Additionally, you can choose a different city for the hotel, which is helpful if you arrive at a different airport.

8. Choose flights with stops or layovers

While direct flights are faster, they usually carry a hefty price tag compared to flights with stops. The lower demand makes these flights cheaper, prompting airlines to set lower prices to fill their seats. If you can be flexible with your schedule, adding multiple stops may help you find the best deal. Plus, you might even get to explore a new city during a more extended layover.

As you plan your next adventure, keep these expert flying tips in mind. Finding cheap last-minute flights is definitely doable and rewarding. By understanding how flight pricing works and applying these booking strategies, you can save significantly on your next trip. So go ahead, embrace the thrill of last-minute travel and embark on your next journey with confidence and savings in hand.

FAQs

Do flights get cheaper closer to departure?

While some variables may work in your favour, in most cases, they do not. As the departure date approaches, airlines generally raise prices, particularly in the last 2–3 weeks before a flight, when business travelers tend to book. However, there are exceptions – flight prices may decrease if the flight is not full, so keeping a price alert active is wise.

How to get the cheapest flight tickets?

Getting the cheapest flight tickets requires a combination of timing, flexibility, and searching. Here's a quick guide to help you secure the best deals:

• Book in advance (usually 6–8 weeks before departure) for up to 25% off.
• Check for mid-week flights.
• Consider budget airlines for up to 30% off*.
• Avoid peak season or holiday travel, if possible.
• Opt for red-eye or very early flights for up to 20% off*.
• Be open to layovers or non-direct routes.
• Try to be flexible with your dates for up to 20% off*.
• Consider package deals that include hotel stays.

Remember, the cheapest tickets often have restrictions, so read the fine print before booking.

*The above information is sourced from the Google Flights Insights in April 2025.

What day is the cheapest to buy quick flights?

While there's no guaranteed cheapest day to buy flights, you may find cheaper tickets by flying mid-week. However, all flight prices vary depending on the route, season, and holidays. The best strategy is to monitor prices over time and be prepared to book when you find a good deal.