How to find cheap flights last minute

Looking for last-minute flights without burning a hole in your wallet? We’ve been there. Whether it’s a spontaneous city break or an unexpected emergency, knowing how to find cheap flights last minute can make all the difference. At Entraveller, we’re all about travelling smart, and that means scoring great flight deals even when time is not on your side. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do it—step by step.

Timing is everything

When it comes to last-minute bookings, flexibility is your biggest asset. If you can fly mid-week or at odd hours (think early mornings or red-eyes), airlines are more likely to offer discounts just to fill those empty seats. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the cheapest days to fly, so use that to your advantage. Also, booking flights just 1 to 3 weeks before departure often gives you better rates than trying the day before.

Use the right tools

Don’t waste time opening ten different airline websites. Instead, let smart tools do the work for you. Our flight comparison module below is the perfect place to start—it instantly pulls together the best cheap flight options so you can compare and book on the spot, or check out some of our favourite platforms for last-minute deals:

Aviasales – great for scanning multiple carriers fast

Aviasales is a solid all-rounder that pulls in flight data from dozens of airlines and booking sites. It’s ideal when you want a quick overview of what’s available. Their interface is clean, simple, and lets you see flexible date options, so you can catch a better deal just by flying a day earlier or later.

Kiwi.com – powerful for complex, multi-leg journeys.

Kiwi.com is perfect for more complex itineraries or multi-leg trips. One of its biggest strengths is its unique booking algorithm that combines flights from airlines that usually don’t work together. That means you can often find cheaper or more creative routes that traditional platforms won’t show you. They also offer a travel hack called the “Nomad” tool, great for flexible travellers exploring

Trip.com – often features exclusive discounts.

Trip.com is especially handy if you’re travelling to or from Asia. Their platform features local budget airlines that aren’t always listed on Western sites. Plus, they often have exclusive discounts and flash deals, particularly for routes between major Asian hubs. It’s also one of the better platforms when it comes to bundled offers with hotels and transport.

Booking.com – perfect if you want to book flights and accommodation together.

might be famous for hotels, but they’ve stepped up their flight game too. Booking.com now offers a comprehensive flight booking system, and you can often get package discounts when you book your stay and flight together. It’s a great way to manage your entire trip in one place, especially when you’re short on time.

Be open to different airports and destinations

Flying out of a smaller or alternative airport can save you a lot, especially last minute. Bigger airports often charge higher fees, and budget airlines might use smaller hubs nearby. The same goes for destinations: instead of locking in one city, check out several in the same region. You might find a cheap flight to a nearby airport, then hop on a train or bus to your final destination.

Top tricks for scoring cheap last-minute flights

Here are our favorite tips that have helped our community of travellers (and us!) save serious cash:

• Book flights during off-peak hours or days.
• Search in incognito mode to avoid price hikes based on cookies.
• Sign up for airline newsletters and deal alerts.
• Use frequent flyer miles or credit card points if you have them.
• Check for one-way flights instead of round-trips.
• Check budget airlines and flash sales

Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air often drop flash sales for unbooked seats. These deals don’t last long, so it pays to act fast. Many budget airlines don’t show up on major search engines, so make sure to check their websites directly. And don’t worry—cheap doesn’t mean low quality. We’ve flown budget dozens of times and had great experiences, as long as we packed light and followed the airline’s rules.

Travel light and skip the extras

Every kilo counts when you’re flying budget. Most last-minute flight deals are basic economy fares, which means no checked baggage, seat selection, or meals. That’s totally fine if you travel smart. Bring only a carry-on, pack efficiently, and skip the paid extras. You’ll save more than just money—you’ll skip the queues too.

Why trust Entraveller for your flight deals?

We’re not a faceless travel platform. We’re travellers just like you, constantly looking for ways to stretch our budget without cutting corners on the experience. Our blog is packed with hands-on advice and tools that actually work. Want to see for yourself? Scroll down and use our flight comparison tool to find your next great deal. And if you want even more control, explore the links to Aviasales, Kiwi.com, Trip.com, and Booking.com above.

Let us help you fly for less

Next time you wonder how to find cheap flights last minute, come back to Entraveller. With our smart tools, no-nonsense guides, and insider tips, you’ll be flying high without spending big. Let’s make your last-minute getaway an unforgettable adventure.

FAQs: how to find cheap flights last minute

What is the best day to book last-minute flights?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer the lowest fares for last-minute flights. Airlines often release deals early in the week to fill up flights for the coming weekend. Booking late at night or early in the morning can also reveal unadvertised price drops.

Can I get cheap last-minute international flights?

Yes, but they require more flexibility. Look for flights to major hubs rather than smaller cities, and be open to layovers. Using our comparison tool can help you spot affordable international flight deals in seconds.

Are last-minute flights always more expensive?

Not necessarily. While it’s true that prices usually go up as departure dates get closer, airlines also drop prices to fill empty seats. That’s why flexibility and timing are key. We’ve seen flights drop by 50% just days before departure.

Do airlines have last-minute deals on their websites?

Sometimes, yes. Budget airlines in particular often release flash sales or limited-time offers directly on their websites. Signing up for newsletters and fare alerts helps you catch these deals before they disappear.

What are the best apps or sites to find cheap last-minute flights?

Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper are great for tracking prices. But for the fastest and easiest experience, use our flight comparison module right here on Entraveller. It brings the best deals together in one place—no stress, no hassle. Don’t forget to also check out Aviasales, Kiwi.com, Trip.com, and Booking.com for even more options.