Can you “beat the clock”? Here’s to snagging amazing flight deals at the last minute!

Life can be unpredictable.

One minute, you’re planning to stay home for the weekend, and the next, you’re scrambling to find a flight for an unexpected trip.

While most people know the trick to scoring cheap flights is to book well in advance, sometimes life just doesn’t work that way.

So, what happens when you need to book a flight within days—or even hours?

Fortunately, with the right approach, you can still find decent airfare without breaking the bank!

We’ll let you in on a secret:

• Explore Nearby Airports

  When searching for flights, don’t limit yourself to the most obvious airport options. Sure, it’s convenient to fly into the closest airport, but widening your search to include nearby airports can lead to cheaper fares.

  Think of it this way: If you’re headed to New York City, JFK might seem like the go-to, but don’t forget Newark or La Guardia—they might offer lower prices.

  Similarly, cities like London have multiple airports that could serve your needs.

  BUT!

  Before you jump on the cheapest fare, consider the trade-offs, too. Flying into a less convenient airport may mean longer travel times and potentially higher transportation costs after you land.

  Public transportation, like subways or buses, can offset this added cost, but in smaller destinations, you might end up spending more on taxis or rideshares.

  Basically, it all just boils down to your personal preference when traveling.

• Look for One-Way Flights

  One of the best ways to save on last-minute travel is to book two separate one-way tickets rather than a round-trip fare. This is because airlines often price one-way tickets more affordably, especially for domestic flights.

  By mixing and matching different carriers, you can potentially score a deal on both legs of your journey.

  However, there’s a catch: Different airlines have different baggage policies, so if, for example, you’re flying one-way with Southwest (which allows two checked bags) and then returning on Spirit (which charges for bags), this could increase your costs.

  That’s why it’s also worth considering all additional fees when making your decision.

• Search for Single Legs

  Taking the idea of one-way tickets even further, you can break your journey into smaller legs to find cheaper options.

  For example: If a direct flight from Austin to Cincinnati is pricey, check out flights from Austin to a major hub like Denver or Chicago, and then look for a separate leg from that city to Cincinnati.

  Major airports often have cheaper direct flights, and this strategy can result in significant savings.

  But like with the first two tips, this approach isn’t without risk. Case in point?

  You could miss your second flight if your first leg is delayed, and airlines aren’t responsible for rebooking in such cases.

  To minimize this risk, you should budget several hours between your flights to give yourself a cushion.

• Book Individual Tickets for Group Travel

  When traveling with family or friends, it’s tempting to book all tickets together for convenience. However, airlines often price tickets differently based on availability—meaning, if only one cheap seat is left, it won’t show up in your search if you’re looking for multiple tickets at once.

  To get around this, search for individual tickets. If you find a single cheaper seat, book it first and then grab the rest of the tickets separately.

  Sure, you may not end up sitting together, but that extra savings might be worth the minor inconvenience.

• Rebook Quickly if Your Flight is Canceled

  Flight cancellations are frustrating, especially when you’re on a tight schedule. When this happens, most airlines will automatically rebook you on the next available flight.

  But what if that flight isn’t ideal, or there simply aren’t any other flights?

  This is when the above strategies can come in handy.

  By expanding your search to nearby airports, one-way flights, or single legs, you increase your chances of finding an alternative.

  … or if last-minute changes are a constant risk in your travel life, consider booking with a credit card that offers travel insurance, or purchasing a “Cancel for Any Reason” upgrade. This could save you a lot of stress (and money).

While it’s true that last-minute flights often come with a higher price tag, you’re not doomed to pay sky-high prices.

The key to finding cheap last-minute flights?

Flexibility and a willingness to explore all your options!

The next time a spontaneous trip beckons, you’ll be ready to fly smart, NOT expensive.

… and with these tips in your back pocket, your next impromptu adventure might just come with a more manageable price tag.

Safe travels!