How do you get a cheaper last-minute ticket when planning ahead isn’t an option? Here are some things to consider if you want to save money on a last-minute flight.
As you get closer to your departure date, every day counts. If you can confirm your plans even a few days ahead of time, you can save money.
Examine your frequent flyer miles to see if you have any that could help you save money. Points and miles can also have outstanding value on last minute flights.
Even if it isn’t your final destination, look for the cheapest gateway or hub airport when flying to another country, especially one across an ocean. You can then catch a separate flight on a budget carrier (the two fares combined can often be much cheaper than one ticket to a less-popular airport), and then drive or take the train to your final destination. This method works well for finding low-cost international flights, whether they are scheduled or not. You can use the map on Google Flights to find the best fares at a single airport, or you can use the usual fields to search for tickets to several airports at once.
If you’re within driving distance, look at fares departing from another airport as well as your home airport.
If you’ll be booking a hotel room and a car at the same time, look into package deals. The net cost of those packages could be less than the cost of buying them individually, and you’ll be able to cover your lodging and transportation costs in one fell swoop.
LAST MINUTE FLIGHT POLICIES OF SOME AIRLINES:
• AIR CANADA: Air Canada offers discounted fares in the event of imminent death or a death in the immediate family (which includes spouses, children, step-children, parents, step-parents, and sibling.) You’ll need to call the airline or go to a ticket counter with some details, such as the contact information for the attending physician and the hospital/hospice/funeral home. Only travel within 10 days of purchase is permitted with this fare (seven days for international trips). You have 90 days to seek a refund if you have already flown without taking a bereavement flight.
• ALASKA AIRLINES: Mileage Plan members (it’s free to join) will receive a 10% discount on the lowest available fare in the event of the death of an immediate family member. You must contact the airline to receive the discount, and it is only valid if you book within seven days of your flight.
• DELTA AIRLINES: SkyMiles members (it’s free to join) will receive tickets with increased flexibility and no service fees for an impending death or a death in your immediate family. These tickets can only be obtained by contacting the airline and providing information such as the attending physician’s contact information as well as the address of the hospital/hospice or funeral home.
You now know the answer to the question of is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket at the last minute? WISHING YOU LUCK WITH YOUR FLIGHTS!
Related topic: https://www.travohelp.com/article/are-flights-cheaper-last-minute
https://www.travohelp.com/article/do-airlines-sell-last-minute-seats-cheap