How to Grab Great Deals for Booking Last-Minute Flights

Table of Content:

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times
2. Consider Alternative Airports
3. Sign Up for Fare Alerts
4. Take Advantage of Airline Sales and Promotions
5. Be Ready to Book Immediately
6. Consider Budget Airlines
7. Use Incognito Mode
8. Consider Package Deals
9. Leverage Frequent Flyer Miles and Points
10. Be Open to Connecting Flights
 

In an ideal world, we would all plan our holidays and business trips well in advance, securing the best deals and ensuring a stress-free travel experience. However, life often has other plans, and sometimes we find ourselves needing to book flights at the last minute. While last-minute bookings can be nerve-wracking and potentially expensive, they don’t always have to break the bank. With the right research and a bit of insider knowledge, you can still grab great deals on last-minute air tickets with EaseMyTrip 

Let’s check how!
 

1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates and Times

Flexibility is key when it comes to finding affordable last-minute flights. If you can be flexible with your departure and return dates, you significantly increase your chances of finding a better deal. Flights on weekdays are generally cheaper than those on weekends, and flying at less popular times of the day, such as early morning or late at night, can also result in lower fares.

• Tip: Use Flexible Date Search Tools

Compare the dates with the help of  search tools that allow you to view fares across a range of dates. This can help you identify the cheapest days to fly.
 

2. Consider Alternative Airports

Major airports tend to have higher demand and, consequently, higher prices. When booking last-minute flights, it’s worth considering alternative airports that might be a bit further away from your destination but offer significantly cheaper fares.

• Tip: Check Nearby Airports

Many portals like EaseMyTrip allow you to search for flights to and from multiple airports within a certain radius. This can reveal cheaper options that you might not have considered.
 

3. Sign Up for Fare Alerts

Fare alert services can be a lifesaver when hunting for last-minute deals. By signing up for alerts from travel websites and airlines, you can receive notifications when prices drop for your desired routes.

• Tip: Use Multiple Fare Alert Services

Consider using multiple fare alert services to maximise your chances of catching a good deal. Try different tools to compare fares and fare alert services that can keep you informed of price drops.
 

4. Take Advantage of Airline Sales and Promotions

Airlines frequently run sales and promotions to fill seats on flights that aren’t fully booked. These sales often include last-minute deals that can save you a substantial amount of money.

• Tip: Follow Airlines on Social Media

Follow your favourite airlines on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to stay updated on their latest sales and promotions. Additionally, subscribe to their newsletters to receive exclusive offers directly in your inbox.
 

5. Be Ready to Book Immediately

When you spot a great deal on a last-minute flight, it’s crucial to act fast. Prices can change rapidly, and hesitating even for a few minutes can sometimes mean missing out on the best fares.

• Tip: Have Your Details Ready

Ensure you have all your travel details, including passport information and payment method, ready before you start searching for flights. This will allow you to book quickly when you find a good deal.

Suggested read: Best 20 tips to grab the cheapest flight tickets
 

6. Consider Budget Airlines

Budget airlines often offer lower fares than their full-service counterparts, making them a good option for last-minute travel. While you might have to forego some luxuries, the savings can be substantial.

• Tip: Read the Fine Print

Be aware of the extra fees that budget airlines often charge for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals. These can add up quickly, so factor them into your overall cost comparison.
 

7. Use Incognito Mode

Flight prices can sometimes increase based on your search history, as some websites use cookies to track your searches and raise prices accordingly. Using incognito mode in your web browser can help avoid this.

• Tip: Clear Your Cookies

In addition to using incognito mode, regularly clear your cookies or use a different device when searching for flights to ensure you’re seeing the best prices.
 

8. Consider Package Deals

Sometimes, booking a flight as part of a package deal that includes accommodation and car hire can be cheaper than booking the flight alone. Travel agencies and online booking platforms often offer discounts for package deals.

• Tip: Compare Package Prices

Compare the cost of package deals with the cost of booking flights and accommodation separately.
 

9. Leverage Frequent Flyer Miles and Points

If you’re a member of a frequent flyer programme or have accumulated points through a credit card rewards scheme, last-minute bookings can be a great opportunity to use them. Many airlines offer last-minute reward seat availability.

• Tip: Check Reward Seat Availability

Regularly check the availability of reward seats on your preferred routes. Some airlines release extra reward seats close to the departure date if they haven’t sold out.
 

10. Be Open to Connecting Flights

Direct flights are usually more convenient, but they can also be more expensive. Opting for connecting flights can sometimes lead to significant savings, even if it means a longer travel time.
 

Booking last-minute flights doesn’t have to be a stressful or overly expensive experience. By being flexible, staying informed about deals and promotions, and using a few strategic tips and tricks, you can still find great deals and enjoy your travel without breaking the bank. 

So, the next time you need to book a flight on short notice, keep these tips in mind and plan your holiday! Don’t forget to make hotel room booking  with EaseMyTrip for an effortless travel.