Purchase from an airline consolidator. Airline consolidators buy up large blocks of flights for a discount right from the airline. Then, they turn around and offer the seats to you at a lower price than you could find them directly from the airline. That means that if you are in need of a last-minute flight, regardless of whether it is domestic or international, you should check with the airline consolidators to see if they have any seats available at a price lower than the published airline price.
Depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you have any control whatsoever over your last-minute departure dates make them either a Tuesday or Wednesday. You will save a significant amount of money by departing on either of these days.
Return on a Tuesday or Wednesday, which will save you money. Even if you can't depart on one of these days it is recommended that you return on one of them if you are really on a budget and looking for savings. The most affordable situation would be departing and returning on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Bid on a flight. Many auction websites allow you to bid on a flight and then the carrier will either accept or deny your offer. This is a great tool for you when you are looking for a last-minute flight because you can make an offer and potentially have it accepted even if it is much lower than other rates you have seen.
Bargain with the airline representative. If you call the airline you can bargain with the airline representative. This won't always work, but if you have done your online research and found that there are seats available on a last-minute flight and you have the published fare then you can negotiate. Representatives can sometimes help you out, especially if you are flying because of a death. Don't count on this method, but do give it a try if nothing else works.
