5 Ways to Secure Last-Minute Fare Deals

Booking cheap flights at the last minute can feel like a gamble, but with the right strategies and tools, travelers in 2025 can still find great deals even when departure is near.

Airline pricing is complex and constantly changing, so being proactive and flexible is essential for scoring the best last-minute fares. (NerdWallet)

1 Use Fare Comparison Tools and Alerts

One of the most effective ways to uncover last-minute deals is to use flight comparison websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo. These platforms aggregate prices from multiple airlines and online travel agencies, giving you a broad view of available options.

Tools like Google Flights’ “Price Graph” and calendar view show the cheapest travel dates around your preferred schedule, helping you spot dips in prices as departure approaches. (NerdWallet)

Setting up fare alerts is equally valuable. Platforms such as Google Flights, Hopper, and Skyscanner allow users to receive notifications when ticket prices drop for specific routes, giving you a real-time edge on last-minute savings. This lets you jump on deals before they disappear. (govisitt.com)

2 Be Flexible with Dates, Times, and Airports

Flexibility is often the key to lower fares. Flying on mid-week days like Tuesdays or Wednesdays typically yields cheaper flights than weekend departures. Using flexible date search functions helps you compare prices across an entire month to find the lowest-priced days to travel. (NerdWallet)

Moreover, consider alternative airports near your origin or destination. Smaller or secondary airports sometimes have lower last-minute fares than major hubs. For example, flying into a secondary airport and completing your journey by train or bus can reduce overall costs significantly. (bellamariatravels.com)

3 Follow Airlines on Social Media and Newsletters

Airlines frequently promote flash sales and last-minute discounts on social media channels like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram — sometimes before deals appear on search engines. Subscribing to airline newsletters and turning on notifications can give you early access to these limited-time offers. (The Compass Dial)

These digital channels are especially useful when airlines need to fill unsold seats shortly before departure. Early notification can mean grabbing a deal that would otherwise sell out quickly.

4 Leverage Travel Rewards and Points

If you belong to an airline loyalty program or have a travel rewards credit card, redeeming points or miles is one of the most reliable ways to reduce last-minute costs. Cash prices on flights often spike as departure nears, but award availability can remain relatively steady, making points a smart currency for late bookings. (NerdWallet)

Some travel portals tied to credit card programs also offer exclusive last-minute rates or promotional pricing, giving you an additional edge.

5 Consider One-Way Tickets and Mixed Airlines

Sometimes booking two separate one-way tickets — even on different airlines — can be cheaper than a round-trip fare booked through a single carrier. This approach also increases the number of available options you can mix and match for the best price. (NerdWallet)

Additionally, flying odd-hour flights like red-eyes (overnight) or very early morning departures often costs less, especially in last-minute scenarios when demand is lower. (mingooland.com)