While most people make and book their plane tickets in advance and pay a reasonable price for them, the alternative also has its benefits. Traveling at the last minute is one of the best ways to take advantage of travel deals. It's not for everyone: flying cheap at the last minute is best for people who have an adaptable schedule, take risks and are willing to fly alone, as last minute plane tickets are hard to secure for a large group.
Use the Internet, as fares are often cheaper online because the competition between airlines is intense and most of them offer discounted Internet fares. Visit websites like PriceLine.com and SkyAuction.com where you can specify the price you're willing to pay. Expedia.com shows you a comparison of all the different airlines and prices. Cheaptickets.com is also known for great deals.
Use a travel agent. While it's true that you have to pay a fee for a travel agent, you can still save a great deal of money. The big advantage of using a travel agent is that they have access to unpublished fares not available to the general public, many of which can be heavily discounted at the last minute.
Subscribe to email lists such as TravelZoo.com, Last-Minute-Vacation-Guide.com, Travelocity.com, or Cheapflights.com. Subscribing will send email notifications right to your inbox on last minute fares around the globe and save you from searching. Bear in mind while the fares may be cheap, they may not always be places that you're interested in visiting.
Register to be a courier at The International Association of Air Travel Couriers' website, www.courier.org. By working as a courier your airline ticket will be greatly discounted or cost you nothing at all in exchange for delivering a package. However, you have to be ready to leave almost immediately. A one year membership is $22.50.
