How to Buy Discount Last Minute Air Tickets

Finding last-minute airfare at deeply discounted rates has become easier with the growth of the online travel industry. Discounted airline tickets can also be purchased from a local travel agent, as well as direct from the airline. Whatever your reasons for last-minute travel, there are several tactics you can use to secure the best possible discount.

Instructions

1. Contact your local travel agent. Travel agents often have access to discounts and industry contacts the average person can't take advantage of.

2. Ask about bereavement fares. If the reason for your last-minute travel is to attend a funeral, most airlines offer free or discounted airfare.

3. Inquire about student discounts. You may have to present a student ID to claim such a discount.

4. Compare fares using an online tool such as Kayak, which compares several online travel discounters at once.

5. Be flexible. If you want the lowest possible airfare, you must be prepared to make multiple layovers or take a late-night ("red-eye") flight. Direct flights are almost always more expensive than connectors.

6. Sign up for a last-minute travel deal mailing list.

7. If your travel plans are flexible, try bidding on your flight using Priceline.com

References

• Last-minute Airfares 101
• 30 Places to Find Cheap Airline Tickets

Resources

• Kayak
• Last Minute Travel