The Secret World of Last Minute Flights: How to Travel Smart and Cheap

Sometimes the best trips are last minute adventures. This could be a weekend trip, an unexpected work trip, or a last minute visit to family. Regardless of the intention, you don't have to break the band by booking flights last minute. And if you're aware of where to search and how to be prompt, you can still find all the best deals for last minute flights while keeping your travel journey stress free, decent itinerary, and comfortable destination.

Last Minute Flights Aren’t Just for Risk Takers

Let's break a common misconception. Last minute flights are not just for people with no skin in the game! The travel industry has changed a lot. Airlines are constantly changing their prices based on a variety of factors including demand, capacity, and timing. If a flight is under capacity 48 hours before takeoff that's a loss that they are trying to avoid!

While it’s true that popular holidays and peak seasons can push prices up, there are still windows of opportunity—if you’re looking in the right places and ready to act quickly.

Where to Start When Time Is Ticking

Looking for the best last minute flight deals can feel overwhelming when you’re short on time, but breaking the search into smart steps makes it manageable. Here’s where to focus your energy:

1. Let the Deals Choose Your Destination

This may sound backward, but it’s a smart strategy. If you’re open to where you go, you dramatically increase your chances of finding a low fare. Many travel search engines allow you to search by “anywhere” or show a map of cheapest flights from your location. This is perfect for those spontaneous “let’s just go somewhere” moments.

2. Search Across Multiple Platforms

Don't rely on a single website or app. Prices can vary drastically between platforms. Use aggregators like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo to compare prices. Then check directly on the airline’s website. Some airlines offer exclusive last-minute deals on their own platforms, bypassing third-party sites.

3. Look at Nearby Airports

Traveling through a secondary airport, rather than a primary airport, can often result in significantly lower fares. This is particularly true for larger metropolitan areas. For instance, a flight into Hamilton instead of Toronto, or Abbotsford instead of Vancouver, may significantly reduce your costs.

4. Set Price Alerts Immediately

Even with little time, a few hours can make a difference. Setting alerts allows you to track quick fluctuations, especially on competitive routes. If you're watching a few destinations, this can help you pounce when prices dip suddenly.

5. Be Ready to Book

Last-minute deals don’t last. If you find a price that looks good, grab it. Refreshing the page or “thinking about it” for too long can cost you. Have your personal details, passport, and payment method ready before you start browsing.

Timing Is Everything—Literally

When you fly matters just as much as how far in advance you book. Here’s what works in your favor:

• Midweek Flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper.

• Red-eye flights (overnight) can have lower prices and more availability.

• Saturday evening departures can be less in demand and therefore cheaper.

Also, look for last-minute deals departing on days that typically have low business travel volume. Airlines are more likely to discount empty seats during these windows.

Think Outside the Usual Airline Box

Don't forget about budget carriers and charter services. Budget carriers and charter services often offer significant last minute discounts, especially for leisure routes. Just be careful and read the fine print: budget carriers often charge for extras and low cost carriers may charge for everything - carry on bags, seat selection, food, etc. If you are mindful about your luggage and comfortable foregoing added frills, budget carriers or charter services can save you a lot of money.

Use Points and Miles Strategically

If you’re part of a frequent flyer program or have a travel rewards credit card, last-minute flights are a smart time to cash in points. Some loyalty programs release reward seats at the last minute, especially for their elite members. Even if you don't have enough for a full ticket, you can sometimes cover part of the cost with points and pay the rest.

What to Watch Out For

Not all last-minute deals are as good as they seem. Avoid:

• Overly restrictive basic economy tickets: These may not include carry-on luggage or seat selection.

• Tight layovers: These might be risky and ruin your trip if you miss a connection.

• Non-refundable fares: Many cheap flights are final sale, so be sure before you buy.

Always check the total cost—including taxes and fees—before hitting "book."

Last Minute Doesn’t Mean Last Resort

Some of the most memorable journeys are the ones that we didn’t put too much thought into. Last minute travelling is all about smart strategy and quick decision-making. And since flexibility and remote work are becoming the new normal, why not embrace the unknown journey and spontaneity?

Whether you are chasing a sunset across the country, or racing to catch a last second business opportunity, the right deal is out there - you just have to know how to find it, and when to act.

When travelling is time sensitive and you just can't wait, Fantastic Fare Canada helps Canadians find unbeatable last minute flight deals while avoiding the stress and inflated prices.