How to Get the Best Deals on Last-Minute Flights
Sometimes travel plans come up unexpectedly—maybe a business trip, a family emergency, or simply a spontaneous vacation. But as many travelers know, last-minute flights can be very expensive if you don’t know the right tricks. The good news is that there are proven strategies to help you secure the best deals, even when booking at the eleventh hour.
In this blog, we’ll share practical tips, tools, and insider secrets for finding affordable last-minute flights without stress
1. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates and Times
Airline ticket prices change depending on the day and time. If you’re flexible:
Try flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) instead of weekends.
Early morning or late-night flights are usually cheaper.
Avoid peak seasons (Christmas, New Year, and summer holidays) when fares skyrocket.
2. Use Flight Comparison Websites & Apps
Instead of checking one airline at a time, use platforms that compare prices instantly:
Skyscanner – Great for flexible searches across months.
Google Flights – User-friendly with real-time price updates.
Kayak & Momondo – Show hidden deals across multiple airlines.
3. Consider Nearby Airports
If your departure or destination city has multiple airports, check them all. Sometimes flying into or out of a smaller, nearby airport can save you up to 30%. For example, flying into Sharjah instead of Dubai, or Gatwick instead of Heathrow, can make a big difference.
4. Book One-Way or Mix Airlines
Don’t always stick to round-trip tickets with one airline. Sometimes booking two one-way flights with different airlines is cheaper.
Example: Fly out with Emirates and return with Qatar Airways.
Use tools like Kiwi.com that specialize in mixing different airlines.
5. Set Fare Alerts
Most travel platforms allow you to set price alerts. This way, you’ll get a notification the moment ticket prices drop.
Sign up on Google Flights or Skyscanner for real-time alerts.
Use apps like Hopper, which predicts the best time to buy.
6. Look for Last-Minute Deals & Error Fares
Airlines sometimes slash prices at the last minute to fill empty seats.
Check airline websites directly for “last-minute deals.”
Follow social media pages or newsletters like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal for surprise discounts.
7. Use Airline Miles or Travel Points
If you’re part of a frequent flyer program, last-minute flights are the best time to redeem your miles.
Even if you don’t have enough for a full ticket, some airlines allow you to use miles + cash to reduce costs.
8. Be Open to Connecting Flights
Direct flights are often more expensive. Choosing a connecting flight can save money and sometimes give you the chance to see another city along the way
9. Travel Light
Some low-cost airlines offer cheaper fares for passengers with only hand luggage. If you can pack light, you’ll save on baggage fees and possibly find cheaper tickets.
10. Work With a Trusted Travel Agency
Sometimes, travel agencies like Bellamaria Travels have access to special deals that are not available online. They can also handle flight changes and cancellations on your behalf, saving you both money and stress.
