Table of Contents
HOW TO GET CHEAP Last-Minute Flights:
You want to book your dream vacation to the Caribbean. The only problem? The flights are outrageously priced. Are you looking for how to get cheap flights at the last minute? What are you supposed to do?
It turns out, that there are a few tricks to booking flights that can help you save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars. In this post, we’re going to share with you our favorite ticket-booking hacks for cheap flights. So, whether you’re looking for a last-minute deal or want to snag a seat in first class, read on!
USE INCOGNITO MODE
One of the best ways to get a good deal on a flight is to use incognito mode when you’re booking. Airlines will often raise prices when they see that someone is looking for a specific flight, so using incognito mode will ensure that you’re getting the best price possible.
In addition, make sure you’re flexible with your travel dates. Airlines tend to offer the lowest prices for flights that are either very early in the morning or very late at night. If you can be flexible with your travel plans, you’re more likely to find a cheaper flight.
Would you like to know more about: Travel Safety Tips for Every Traveler: Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Trip
CLEAR YOUR COOKIES
One of the best tricks to get cheap flights last minute is to clear your cookies before you start searching. Airlines and travel agents use your cookies to track how often you visit their websites and what flights you’re interested in. If you clear your cookies, they won’t be able to track your searches, and you may find a cheaper flight that’s not being advertised.
GET NON-REFUNDABLE TICKETS
One of the best ways to get a good deal on airfare is to purchase non-refundable tickets. Many people are hesitant to buy non-refundable tickets because they think they might need to change their plans, but if you’re careful about when and where you travel, you can save a lot of money.
For example, if you know you won’t be able to travel on a certain date, don’t book your flight for that date. Instead, book flights for the days before or after to get cheap flights at the last minute. This will give you some flexibility if something comes up, but you’ll still save money by not buying a refundable ticket.
Contact Airlines Directly for Last-Minute Flight Deals
FOLLOW AIRLINES ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Following airlines on social media can be a great way to get the scoop on deals and discounts. Many airlines post special promo codes and discounts exclusively for their followers, so it’s a good idea to follow them all, not just the one you usually fly with. You never know when you’ll find cheap flights last minute you’ve been eyeing might pop up!
Use Flight Search Engines
Skyscanner: Finding Your Ticket to Travel Nirvana
How to Use: Ready to embark on a journey of epic proportions? Just visit Skyscanner’s website or use their handy-dandy mobile app. Trust me, it’s like having a personal travel agent in your pocket!
Enter your departure city, destination, and travel dates. Simple, right? Skyscanner will work its magic and gather flight options from all sorts of airlines and travel agencies. It’s like a buffet of choices right at your fingertips!
Features: Skyscanner goes above and beyond to make your travel dreams come true. They have this “Whole Month” or “Cheapest Month” feature that’s like a secret weapon to save you some serious moolah. It shows you if flying a day or week earlier or later can score you a sweet deal.
Oh, and they’ve got an “Everywhere” search option for all you adventurous souls out there. If flexibility is your middle name, this feature is your new BFF. It’ll hook you up with the cheapest flights to different locations, no questions asked.
Google Flights: Travel the World, Powered by Google
How to Use: Google Flights to the rescue! Get yourself over to their website and enter your departure city, destination, and the dates your heart desires. It’s like casting a spell and summoning the flight search gods!
Here’s the cherry on top: Google Flights comes with a user-friendly calendar view that shows you the lowest fares for each day. It’s like getting your own personal assistant to sort through all the options and find you the best deals.
Features: Hold on to your seats, folks, because Google Flights has some seriously cool features up its sleeve. How about a “Price Tracker” that notifies you when the prices for your dream flights change? It’s like having your own personal flight price watchdog, keeping an eye out for you while you chill and plan your next adventure.
But wait, there’s more! With the “Explore” feature, you can discover destinations based on your budget and interests. It’s like having a travel genie who grants your every wish for the perfect vacation.
Kayak: Navigating the Online Travel World Like a Pro
How to Use: Ahoy there, fellow travelers! Pay a visit to Kayak and enter your travel details. They’ve got your back with a mix of airlines and online travel agencies in their search results. It’s like a one-stop shop for all your flight needs!
And don’t forget to use those handy filters to narrow down your options. Whether you’re all about non-stop flights or particular airlines, Kayak’s got your preferences covered.
Features: Kayak takes flight searching to the next level with its “Price Forecast” feature. It’s like having a crystal ball that helps you decide whether to book now or wait.
Oh, and here’s a little gem: “Hacker Fare.” It’s not as sneaky as it sounds, I promise. This option lets you book separate one-way tickets and potentially save some moolah.
Momondo: Unleash Your Inner Explorer
How to Use: Ready to dive into the world of hidden deals and curious finds? Head on over to Momondo and enter your flight info. Brace yourself – Momondo often includes those lesser-known, smaller airlines that can lead you to hidden treasures.
The platform also offers a variety of filtering options to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re all about flight duration, layovers, or in-flight Wi-Fi, Momondo’s got it all.
Features: Momondo’s “Flight Insight” tool is your secret weapon. It’s like having access to insider information that gives you the best time to book, the cheapest days to fly, and the potential savings you could score with flexible dates. It’s like having a wise travel guru by your side, guiding you to the promised land of affordable flights.
But wait, there’s more! Momondo’s got this cool “Mix & Match” feature that lets you combine one-way tickets from different airlines.
Tips for Using Flight Search Engines: Slay Your Travel Game
Flexibility is Key: Hey, fearless traveler! Keep those travel dates and even your destination a bit flexible to maximize your chances of finding the best deals.
Set Price Alerts: Don’t settle for average prices, my friend. Take advantage of those price alert features like a savvy traveler. By setting alerts, you’ll be notified when fares for your preferred flights drop.
Compare Across Platforms: These flight search engines all offer their own unique twists, so don’t limit yourself to just one. Give them all a go to make sure you’re not missing out on any exclusive deals or variations in pricin
BOOK A CONNECTING FLIGHT
If you’re looking to save money on your next flight, one of the best things you can do is book a connecting flight. This strategy is especially effective if you’re flying within a particular region, like North America or Europe. For example, booking a connecting flight from Boston to Dublin can save hundreds of dollars on your total fare.
The downside of booking connecting flights is that it can be more complicated and time-consuming. You’ll need to make sure that your connecting flights are scheduled close together and that you have enough time to make the connection between flights. If something goes wrong and you miss your connection, you may be forced to buy a new ticket outright.
CONCLUSION
Now that you know how to get cheap flights last minute, you can confidently book your next flight. You’ll save money and get the best seat in the house. Follow these tips and tricks, and you’ll be on your way to planning your dream vacation. But no matter where you go, always remember to Travel Till You Drop!
Book Your Trip : Check Out My Resources for Your Travel Needs
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. This is my very first stop when I’m looking for my next trip. It’s a fast, easy-to-use search engine that is perfect for finding an affordable flight, a perfect hotel, and the right rental car for you in locations around the globe.
Book Your Accommodation
If you are looking for a super budget friendly location and are open to a hostel stay, make sure you book your hostel with Hostelworld. It offers the broadest range of quality hostels around the world.
If you’d prefer a hotel or a guesthouse for stays less than 28 days, drop on over to Booking.com It’s perfect for providing excellent options, a ton of user reviews, and prices to fit every budget.
For stays over 28 days, AirBnB still remains my #1 choice. User reviews and monthly pricing allow for some incredible deals all around the world.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is but a small up-front investment that you won’t want to leave home without. After just one experience of having to delay or cancel your trip or having your luggage stolen, you’ll wish you would have made that investment. I’ve hated my life a few times when the moment arose, and I decided to skip out. Let’s just say, I’ve changed my ways and recommend each of the following companies to protect your ass-ets.
My favorite companies are:
- SafetyWing (best for All Travelers)
- World Nomads (best of Adventure Travelers)
- MedJet (great for additional evacuation coverage)
Want to Travel for Free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to getting free flights to get started.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my Resource Page for the best companies to help you book your travel at reduced rates! This list will help you get to where you’re going. I know-I use them ALL the time!