- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to travel.
- Early morning flights and red-eye flights are often the least popular with other travelers.
- Using online booking platforms can help you explore your options.
Sometimes a last minute trip arises and it can get expensive. Airlines often increase ticket prices as the departure date approaches, so savvy travelers try to plan well in advance.
But, experts say, it doesn't have to be that way. If you have to travel unexpectedly, there are some strategies you can use to find the best deals possible. A big part of finding the best deal is being as flexible as possible, but there are also a few best practices that can increase your chances of finding cheap tickets.
Here are five things to know if you're hoping to find a last-minute flight deal.
1. Fly midweek if you can
Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest days to travel, so if you're not tied to a specific day for your trip, it's best to look for departures on those days.
“By flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you can save an average of 18% or $51 per ticket on domestic airfares this summer. For European travel, traveling on weekdays can save you up to $435 per ticket this summer,” Hayley Berg, chief economist at travel platform Hopper, said in a written statement.
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2. Book the first or last flight
Early morning flights and red-eye flights are often the least popular with other travelers, so tickets for these departures may be cheaper.
“These flights tend to be less sought after and therefore cheaper and less crowded. This means you are likely to close a deal and be able to stretch out comfortably in empty seats,” Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner, said in a statement.
Berg added that an early start has the added benefit of being less prone to disruption.
3. Search for nearby airports
Berg and Lindsay said it's a good idea to search for flights from several nearby airports.
“Destinations with multiple airports give you more airline options, routes and prices,” Lindsay said. “By expanding your search to nearby airports, you expand your flight options. So you might end up getting a better flight time and a better deal. Consider airports that are also within driving distance of your final destination. You can book a last minute car rental and drive the rest of the way. Depending on flight options, you may be able to arrive even earlier than the quickest direct flight.
For example, Berg said, if you're traveling to South Florida, consider Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in addition to Miami. Or, if you're flying from Boston, also consider looking for flights from Providence, Rhode Island.
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4. Do your research
Using online booking platforms like Hopper and Skyscanner can help you explore your options. If you're traveling last minute, it's best not to be too tied to one airline.
Calling a tour operator can also help you score a good deal if there are unsold seats at the last minute, and booking two one-way flights rather than a round-trip itinerary can also save money in some cases.
5. Play chicken
This high-risk, high-reward strategy can pay off, but it could also cost more.
“Waiting until the very last second before acting could pay off. Flight prices may drop as the departure date gets closer. Do you want to travel on Friday, but you can't find the right fare on Tuesday? Don’t give up just yet – try Wednesday, Thursday and the big day itself before throwing in the towel,” Lindsay said.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.
