Many travellers ask the same question: Is it cheaper to book flights last minute? The answer depends on many things—timing, destination, demand, and how flexible you are.

Some believe that airlines drop prices at the last minute to fill empty seats. Others say last-minute tickets are more expensive. In this blog, we’ll explore how airlines price flights, when to wait, when to book early, and how to find last minute flight deals without spending more than you need to.

What Does “Last Minute” Really Mean?

When people say “last minute,” they usually mean booking a flight within two weeks of departure. Some even book just one or two days before flying. These flights can sometimes be cheaper, but not always.

Airlines price tickets based on demand and supply. When more people want to fly, prices go up. When planes are less full, prices drop.

Are Last Minute Flights Really Cheaper?

The short answer: sometimes, but not always.

When Last Minute Flights Might Be Cheaper

• Slow travel seasons: January, February (after holidays), and early autumn often see lower prices.
• Unpopular routes: Flights to places with less demand might be cheaper close to departure.
• Weekday flights: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday flights are sometimes cheaper.
• Red-eye flights or odd hours: Very early or very late flights can cost less.

If you’re flexible and not too picky about where or when you fly, it’s possible to book cheap last minute flights.

When They’re More Expensive

• Holidays: Prices spike during Christmas, Easter, New Year, and summer.
• Popular events: Sports finals, concerts, and festivals raise demand.
• Busy routes: Flights between major cities are often full, even weeks ahead.
• Business days: Monday mornings and Friday evenings usually cost more.

If you need to fly during these times, booking early is almost always cheaper.

How Airlines Set Prices

Airlines use tools that change ticket prices all the time. These tools look at:

• How many seats are left
• How many people are searching
• Time left before departure
• Past booking trends

This is why flight prices can go up or down within minutes.

If you’re watching a flight price and see it drop, act fast. The cheaper seats may sell out quickly.

The Risks of Waiting

1. You Might Not Get a Seat

If the flight sells out, you’re stuck. You might need to book a different route or even miss the trip.

2. Prices Might Go Up

Most tickets get more expensive as the travel date gets closer. Waiting can cost you more.

3. Less Choice

Last minute flights often leave you with:

• Fewer flight times
• Less legroom
• No seat selection
• No options for meals or upgrades

If comfort matters, book earlier.

How to Find Last Minute Flight Deals

Let’s say you’re open to flying somewhere soon. How do you get a deal?

1. Be Flexible With Dates

If you can fly mid-week or early in the morning, you’ll have better chances of a low fare. Use flexible date searches to find the cheapest day to fly.

2. Use Search Engines

Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo show the best prices across many airlines. These tools help you compare without checking each airline separately.

3. Set Price Alerts

Many sites let you track a flight route. When the price drops, you get a message. This helps you spot deals quickly.

4. Consider Nearby Airports

Flying out of or into a smaller airport can lower costs. For example, flying to Stansted instead of Heathrow can sometimes save money.

5. Look at Budget Airlines

Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Spirit, and Southwest often have great last-minute prices—especially if you don’t need extras like luggage or seat selection.

6. Use Airline Miles

If you have frequent flyer points or credit card miles, last minute flights can be a great time to use them. Some programs don’t raise point prices much, even close to the date.

Best Times to Book Flights

Not all flights follow the same rule. Here’s a general guide for the best time to book:

Flight Type	Best Time to Book
Domestic (short haul)	1–3 months in advance
International	2–6 months in advance
Last minute deals	0–14 days before

Still, deals can happen at any time. That’s why checking often matters.

What About Airline Help Desks?

If you’re already at the airport and need to book your last-minute flights, try going straight to the airline help desk. Sometimes, agents can offer better prices than what you see online.

Also, if you’ve missed your original flight or want to stand by for a different one, airlinehelp desks can rebook you if there’s space—sometimes for a small fee.

Always ask what options are available. Some rules aren’t listed online.

Real Tips from Frequent Travellers

We asked people who travel often for their advice. Here’s what they said:

• “I fly mid-week, and I never check a bag. That way I can jump on any flight if a good deal pops up.”
• “I always use price trackers. One time, I grabbed a flight from London to Madrid for under £30.”
• “Sometimes, airlines release empty business class seats last minute for half the normal price. You just have to keep checking.”

Should You Book Last Minute?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Situation	Last Minute Booking Good?
You need to travel on a set date	No
You’re flexible with where and when	Yes
It’s a busy travel season	No
You’re looking for a weekend break	Yes (if flying mid-week)
You’re using points or miles	Yes

If you fall into the flexible group, booking last minute might save you money. If your travel plans are fixed, it’s safer to book early.

Final Thoughts

Book your last-minute flights with a smart plan. Not every last-minute ticket is cheap. But if you:

• Stay flexible
• Watch prices
• Know the risks
• Use helpful tools
• Check with airlinehelp desks

…you’ll have a good chance of finding a deal.

Remember, there’s no perfect time to book. The best choice depends on your needs. Plan ahead when you must. But when the mood strikes, and you feel like getting away, last-minute flights can still lead to a great trip—without blowing your budget.

Need help tracking prices or comparing flights? Start with a trusted fare site or go directly to the airline. Either way, smart planning makes all the difference when you’re on the hunt for last minute flight deals.

Safe travels—and happy booking!