Travel doesn’t always come with months of preparation. Sometimes, you need to pack up and go quickly—whether for work, family, or a sudden urge to explore. The good news? Scoring affordable last-minute airfare isn’t impossible. With the right strategies, you can save money and stress while still landing great flights.
Use Flight Deal Apps and Websites
Dedicated apps like Hopper, Skyscanner, and Google Flights specialize in surfacing cheap, last-minute fares. They scan multiple airlines and booking sites to show you the best options in real time. Many apps also allow you to set alerts, so you’re notified the moment prices drop. Having these tools on your phone means you’ll never miss a flash deal again.
For more handy tools, check out Best Travel Apps to Download Before Your Next Trip.
Be Flexible With Travel Dates and Times
The most significant savings can be achieved by adjusting your schedule. Flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or booking flights during off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late nights, often results in significant discounts. Flexibility means you can jump on the cheapest flight available instead of being locked into exact times.
Check Nearby Airports
Don’t forget to look beyond your main airport. Secondary airports—often just an hour or two away—can have drastically lower last-minute fares. Expanding your search radius widens your options and could mean the difference between an overpriced ticket and a bargain.
Explore Hidden Travel Fees to Watch Out For in 2025 for budget-savvy planning.
Sign Up for Airline Newsletters and Alerts
Airlines frequently send out last-minute promotions through email. Subscribing to newsletters ensures you’re among the first to hear about flash sales or unsold seat discounts. Some airlines even offer “subscriber-only” deals, so it pays to stay on the list.
Consider One-Way Tickets
Round-trip fares aren’t always the cheapest option. Booking one-way tickets with different airlines can save significant money and add flexibility to your travel schedule. With budget airlines competing for your business, mixing and matching flights can be a real cost-cutter.
Take Advantage of Frequent Flyer Miles
If you’ve accumulated loyalty points or credit card rewards, last-minute travel is the perfect time to use them. Airlines often release unsold seats as “reward availability,” giving you access to flights that would otherwise be pricey. Even partial redemptions can reduce your costs. According to U.S. News, you can use miles and rewards to unlock seats that are otherwise too expensive.
Look for Hidden-City Ticketing
Sites like Skiplagged reveal deals where your actual destination is a layover city. For example, booking a flight from New York to Dallas via Chicago might be cheaper than flying directly to Chicago. While this strategy comes with risks (such as checked baggage issues), it can yield significant savings if you’re traveling light.
Book Through Package Deals
Sometimes booking a flight and hotel together actually reduces costs. Travel platforms like Expedia and Priceline often bundle discounts, and if you need lodging anyway, it’s worth checking whether the combined price is better than buying separately.
Travel Light to Save on Fees
Baggage fees add up quickly, especially when booking last-minute with budget carriers. Sticking to a carry-on not only saves money but also gives you the flexibility to take advantage of flights that don’t include checked baggage. Packing light is one of the easiest ways to stretch your travel dollar.
Need help packing? Check The Ultimate Packing Guide for Carry-On-Only Travelers.
Don’t Overthink—Act Fast
The best last-minute deals disappear within hours. Once you find a fare that fits your budget and schedule, book it. Hesitation often means missing out, as demand for those limited, affordable seats is high. Remember: speed and decisiveness are part of the game.
