It’s a common misconception that last minute flight tickets can’t be cheap, or that you can only jet off spontaneously by paying sky-high prices. Of course, it definitely helps to book in advance, but going on that off-the-cuff getaway for an affordable fare is also possible when you know exactly what to do.
Trip.com's flight finder is your ultimate weapon in this situation, designed to surface affordable tickets for any time, including last-minute. Generally, the key to cheap tickets is flexibility (as you’ll discover with each helpful hint), and how the flight finder allows you to experiment with dates, times and locations with ease means it’ll be the key to finding and comparing the best options that meet your requirements. Keep an open mind and get ready to explore!
Below, find our ten top tips for getting you on that spur-of-the-moment flight without breaking the bank.
1. Be adaptable with dates
If you have your heart set on a destination but not the specific dates, then consider comparing prices within a few days either side of your ideal date of travel. As a rule of thumb, weekdays are often cheaper as many people use the weekend to travel leisurely without having to take time-off from work, meaning Mondays to Thursdays are often cheaper.
2. Fly early or late in the day
It’s also helpful to be flexible when it comes to the time of day you are flying. Typically, flights early in the morning and late at night are cheapest as demand is typically lower. However, these prices can often vary due to dynamic pricing, so this is never guaranteed.
3. Aim for nearby airports
When picking your route, always consider the importance of choosing airports which are near to your destination. If you’re going to (or travelling from) somewhere remote, note that smaller airports will often have lower landing fees, which translates to lower ticket prices. Bear in mind that you also have to get to the airport, which can be costly in itself, so picking somewhere nearby can help reduce this added expenditure.
4. Consider budget airlines
Perhaps a no brainer, but what budget airlines may lack in grandeur and comfort, they will make up for with incredibly competitive and reasonable prices, especially for last-minute bookings. They are especially useful when flight duration is low, as the need for luxury is lessened. Popular budget providers include AirAsia, RyanAir, JetBlue and easy Jet. Be sure to factor in baggage fees and check what’s actually included in the base fare before booking.
5. Expand Your Horizons
If there’s nowhere in mind and the sole goal is to get away, then why not pick the most affordable location possible? It’s always helpful to have a rough idea of the type of getaway you have in mind (are you looking for sun or snow?). On Trip.com, we have an extensive travel guide where you can look up the area and see all the exciting attractions that can be found there.
6. Last Minute Deals
We’ve made this one easy for you! Explore our curated list of the best and most current deals we have on offer. Look out for the dedicated "Last-Minute Deals" section on both the website and app, showcasing flights departing within the next few days at discounted prices. This is a great starting point to discover affordable last-minute getaways.
7. Check regularly
Flight prices can fluctuate constantly, so keeping a close eye on the site leading up to booking your flight can really help. Check Trip.com's deals section and flight search options regularly, especially a few days before your desired travel dates. You never know when a hidden gem might appear! You can also set up Price Alerts, which makes the process even easier.
8. Book popular routes & destinations
This may feel counterintuitive, but popular destinations with multiple airports can actually offer last-minute deals because they have more scheduled flights and competition among airlines. This just goes to show there’s no set pattern to this, and how unpredictable these cheaper tickets can be.
9. Package deals
Package vacation companies sometimes offer massive discounts on last-minute cancellations. Consider calling established companies and inquire about any same-day deals they might have on flights and hotels.
10. Round-Trip vs. Direct?
Contrary to popular belief, round-trip flights aren't always the cheapest option. If you use Trip.com's search filters to compare both round-trip and one-way fares, you may notice that taking two direct flights both there and back and mixing and matching airlines may lead to significant savings.
Ultimately, the key to snagging last-minute deals lies in flexibility and utilising Trip.com's flight finder and comprehensive search options. Start planning your spontaneous adventure today and see where Trip.com takes you!