commercialaircraft77: Purchasing airline tickets in advance is the suggested practice for securing the best rate on your flight, but sometimes travel arrangements must be made at the last minute. Buying airline tickets at the last minute sometimes means paying high prices, but taking the time to shop around for a last-minute ticket may reveal some travel deals, particularly if an airline is desperate to fill the last few seats on the plane. Modern technology provides travelers with a variety of methods for buying last-minute airline tickets to help them secure the best deal.
Step 1
Visit websites that specialize in compiling last-minute airline tickets into search results that allow you to compare prices for several different air lines. Check with lastminutetravel.com, airfarewatchdog.com or cheaptickets.com.
Step 2
Compare prices offered by travel websites, such as hotwire.com or expedia.com. Airlines often release last-minute deals to these websites in order to fill seats; you may also be able to book your ticket and hotel room together for additional savings.
Step 3
Compare ticket prices for similar flights, and then put in a bid for a ticket through priceline.com. Priceline allows travelers to negotiate travel prices, although bids are not always accepted.
Step 4
Contact a travel agent to make the last minute arrangements for you. Travel agents have a variety of resources to search for the flight and free up your time so you can focus on other aspects of trip planning.
Step 5
Call airlines directly to purchase the last-minute airline ticket. Inquire about special deals and compare prices from several different airlines.
Step 6
Keep your travel availability flexible. You may save money on your ticket if you are willing to travel to different airports, endure more connector flights or travel in the middle of the week, early in the morning or late at night.
Step 7
Stop by the ticket counter of the airline at the airport if you need to fly out as soon as possible. They may have a last minute availability on a flight that leaves the same day.(usatoday)
Visit websites that specialize in compiling last-minute airline tickets into search results that allow you to compare prices for several different air lines. Check with lastminutetravel.com, airfarewatchdog.com or cheaptickets.com.
Step 2
Compare prices offered by travel websites, such as hotwire.com or expedia.com. Airlines often release last-minute deals to these websites in order to fill seats; you may also be able to book your ticket and hotel room together for additional savings.
Step 3
Compare ticket prices for similar flights, and then put in a bid for a ticket through priceline.com. Priceline allows travelers to negotiate travel prices, although bids are not always accepted.
Step 4
Contact a travel agent to make the last minute arrangements for you. Travel agents have a variety of resources to search for the flight and free up your time so you can focus on other aspects of trip planning.
Step 5
Call airlines directly to purchase the last-minute airline ticket. Inquire about special deals and compare prices from several different airlines.
Step 6
Keep your travel availability flexible. You may save money on your ticket if you are willing to travel to different airports, endure more connector flights or travel in the middle of the week, early in the morning or late at night.
Step 7
Stop by the ticket counter of the airline at the airport if you need to fly out as soon as possible. They may have a last minute availability on a flight that leaves the same day.(usatoday)