How to get the best deal on last-minute airline tickets

Tuesday and Wednesday are generally the cheapest days to fly.
Early morning and red-eye flights are often the least popular with other travelers.
Using online booking platforms can help you explore your options.

Sometimes a last minute trip comes up and it can be expensive. Airlines often increase ticket prices as the departure date approaches, so smart travelers often try to plan well in advance.

But, experts say, it doesn’t have to be that way. If you have to travel unexpectedly, there are some strategies you can use to find the best possible deals. A big part of finding the best deal is being as flexible as possible, but there are also a few best practices that can increase your chances of finding cheap tickets.

Here are five things you need to know if you’re hoping to find a last-minute flight deal.

1. Fly mid-week if you can

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to fly, so if you’re not tied to a specific travel day, it’s best to look for departure times on those days.

“Flying on Tuesday or Wednesday can save you an average of 18% or $51 per ticket on domestic airfares this summer. For travel to Europe, flying on weekdays could save you as much as $435 per ticket this summer,” said Hayley Berg, chief economist at travel platform Hopper, in a written statement.

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2. Book the first or last flight

Early morning and red-eye flights are often the least popular with other travelers, so tickets for those departures may be cheaper.

“These flights are generally less desirable and therefore cheaper and less busy. That means you’re likely to score a deal and stretch out in comfort across empty seats,” said Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner, in a written statement.

Berg added that an early morning departure also has the added benefit of being less susceptible to disruptions.

3. Search nearby airports

Both Berg and Lindsay said it’s a good idea to look for flights from more than one nearby airport.

“Destinations with multiple airports give you more options for airlines, itineraries and prices,” says Lindsay. “By expanding your search to nearby airports, you expand your flight options. So you may end up getting a better flight time and a better deal. Consider airports that are also within driving distance of your final destination. You can book a rental car at the last minute and drive the rest of the way. Depending on flight options, you may even be able to board earlier than the fastest direct flight.”

For example, Berg said, if you’re flying to South Florida, consider Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in addition to Miami. Or, if you’re departing from Boston, also consider looking for flights from Providence, Rhode Island.

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4. Do your research

Using online booking platforms such as Hopper and Skyscanner you can explore your options. If you’re flying at the last minute, it’s best not to be too tied to one airline.

Calling a tour operator can also get you a good deal if there are unsold seats at the last minute, and booking two one-way flights instead of a return route can also save some money in some cases.

5. Play chicken

This high-risk, high-reward strategy can pay off, but it can also cost more.

“Waiting until the very last second before making a move can pay off. Flight prices may drop as the departure date draws closer. Do you want to travel on Friday, but can’t find the right fare on Tuesday? Don’t give up yet: try Wednesday, Thursday and the big day itself before you throw in the towel,” Lindsay said.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].