Finding the best prices on flights is an art form. Booking in advance is usually ideal, particularly when traveling during the busy summer and holiday seasons. However, an airline's inability to fill up a flight as the departure date approaches can result in drastically reduced airfare. If you are willing to be flexible and possess something of an adventurous spirit, a cheap last minute getaway is within reach.
Don't be picky. While booking a last minute flight can save you a bundle, your departure and destination options may be limited. It's important to note that cheap last minute tickets are often for early morning or late night flights. If you have an exact itinerary in mind, expect to pay more.
Search a variety of websites in order to find the best deals on last-minute flights. Airline and travel company websites routinely post their last minute flight prices. If you are a student, try checking out student travel agencies for last minute savings on top of your regular discount. There are even websites that deal exclusively in last minute travel (see Resources).
Sign up for newsletters. Flight sales are easy to miss. Airlines and travel companies put out newsletters detailing their last-minute flight deals. If you don't mind the extra clutter in your in box, these can be a great way to catch these deals as soon as they happen.
Employ a bit of strategy, if possible. The cheapest flights often occur on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, according to The Washington Post. If you are booking a return flight, remember that flying on a weekend will raise your fare considerably. Fodor's recommends staying the weekend and flying back on a Monday.
