How to Get Last-Minute Flight Deals

Booking flights weeks in advance is often seen as pivotal for saving money on travel. But sometimes, you may want to be more spontaneous than that, or you may need to travel within a short time frame.

In that case, it’s important to be strategic if you want to save on last-minute flights. Let’s explore how you may find travel deals when booking at the last minute.

Be flexible about your last-minute travel plans

When it comes to saving money on last-minute flights, flexibility is key. For example, you may consider how flexible you can be about departure dates, layovers and airports.

Here are some other approaches that may also help you find cheaper flights:

• Consider weekday departures: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday generally offer lower fares than weekends. This is especially true for domestic flights.
• Look into less popular flight times: Red-eye and early morning flights may cost less compared to more popular afternoon flights.
• Examine your destination: If you’re willing to be flexible about the destination, you may be able to find cheaper flights to similar or nearby locations.

Tips to find and save on last-minute flights

Once you figure out what you're willing to be flexible about, explore these tips to help you find cheaper tickets for last-minute flights.

Use flight comparison sites

Flight comparison sites may help you shop for inexpensive last-minute flights across several airlines, airports and travel dates. For example, it may be cheaper to fly out of the smaller airport in your area than the larger hub.

Sign up for alerts

Travel sites may offer alerts that can help you discover deals on last-minute flights to a wide range of destinations. Or, if you have your heart set on a location, you may choose to sign up for price tracking alerts for a specific route.

Check budget airline sites directly

Some airlines are known for their budget-friendly flights. Checking how much they charge could help you get deals you may not find on other comparison sites.

Consider booking directly

Booking directly with an airline may help you avoid third-party fees. Regardless of where you book, it’s a good idea to compare the total costs (fees included) to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Look for promo codes

Some airlines or travel sites may allow you to add promotional codes at checkout, which can help lower the total cost. You may not find substantial savings here, but every dollar counts when you’re flying at the last minute.

Consider using airline miles or credit card points

A credit card that offers miles or points can help you save money when you’re booking a flight. For example, if you have an eligible Citi® credit card, booking through Citi Travel may help you access competitive pricing and earn Thank You® Points on a last-minute flight. Then, you may redeem those points for future trips.

Book your flight fast

Once you find a deal you’re happy with, it may be a good idea to move quickly and book that trip. That deal may not last indefinitely.

It is possible to find good deals on last-minute tickets. Keeping your plans flexible and using options like flight alerts and credit card miles may help you score the best prices.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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