Planning a spontaneous getaway can be one of life’s greatest joys—an escape from routine, a chance to explore a new city, or simply a weekend of relaxation. But when it comes to last-minute travel, airfare costs can quickly become a daunting obstacle. Many assume that booking late means paying top dollar, but savvy travelers know there are ways to score great deals even when the clock is ticking.

If you’re dreaming of a quick trip but worried about expensive last-minute flights, you’re in luck. Here are some insider secrets and proven strategies to help you find affordable last-minute airfare without draining your wallet.

1. Flexibility Is Your Greatest Asset

When searching for last-minute airfare, flexibility is absolutely key. The more open you are to adjusting your travel dates, times, and even destinations, the better your chances of finding a bargain. Airlines tend to offer discounted fares on flights departing during less popular times, such as late nights, early mornings, or midweek days like Tuesday and Wednesday.

If you can shift your departure or return by a day or two, you might unlock significantly cheaper tickets. Some travelers even take advantage of "hidden city" ticketing—booking a flight where their intended destination is a layover rather than the final stop—though this approach has risks and isn’t recommended for checked luggage.

Flexibility also applies to destinations. Sometimes flying to a nearby city or alternative airport can save you a substantial amount, even when you factor in additional ground transportation costs. Using flight search tools that allow you to explore flexible destinations or dates can reveal surprising last-minute opportunities.

2. Harness the Power of Airline Reward Programs

If you travel frequently, joining airline loyalty programs can be a game-changer, especially for last-minute trips. Even if you don’t fly often, signing up is free and can yield benefits like early access to discounts, exclusive sales, or the ability to use miles or points to offset expensive last-minute fares.

Credit cards affiliated with airlines or travel rewards programs also offer perks such as companion tickets, priority boarding, or upgrades, which can enhance your spontaneous travel experience without adding costs. Over time, accumulating miles can provide a stash of "free" flights just when you need them most.

Keep in mind some programs allow you to "pay with points" for last-minute bookings, making those sudden travel plans more affordable. Check your program’s terms and explore how you can maximize your miles to reduce airfare costs.

3. Monitor Airline Sales, Promotions, and Flash Deals

Airlines often run targeted sales and promotions that include last-minute deals, sometimes for flights departing within days or even hours. Signing up for airline newsletters and following airlines on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook is an excellent way to stay ahead of these limited-time offers.

Some airlines even have dedicated “last-minute deals” pages on their websites where they list discounted flights. Additionally, travel deal sites and apps such as Scott’s Cheap Flights, The Flight Deal, or Secret Flying curate and share these flash sales, making it easier to snag deals that might otherwise fly under your radar.

Setting up price alerts through travel comparison websites can notify you when fares drop for your preferred routes. These real-time alerts can be the difference between paying full price and grabbing a discount before it disappears.

4. Consider Alternative Airports and Nearby Cities

Your destination airport isn’t always the cheapest option, especially when booking last minute. Many major cities are served by multiple airports, and flying in or out of a smaller, less busy airport can mean big savings.

For example, if you’re heading to New York City, checking flights to Newark (EWR) or even Philadelphia (PHL) could result in cheaper fares than JFK or LaGuardia. Similarly, Los Angeles travelers might find better prices flying into Ontario (ONT) or Burbank (BUR).

Do your research on alternative airports near your destination and factor in the cost and convenience of ground transportation. Sometimes the savings on airfare more than make up for a longer taxi or shuttle ride.

5. Utilize Flight Comparison Websites and Apps

In today’s digital age, flight comparison websites are indispensable tools for last-minute travelers. Platforms like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo aggregate prices from dozens of airlines and booking sites, allowing you to compare and choose the best deals quickly.

These websites often offer flexible search options that let you view prices across an entire month or even a range of nearby airports. This broad view helps you identify the absolute cheapest flights available for your spontaneous trip.

Many of these platforms also feature filters for non-stop flights, preferred airlines, and specific departure times, making it easier to tailor your search to your needs. Plus, mobile apps for these sites often provide push notifications about price drops and flash sales.

6. Book at the Right Time—Even Last Minute

While booking far in advance generally yields the lowest fares, there is a sweet spot for last-minute bookings as well. Airlines sometimes slash prices in the 7 to 14 days leading up to departure to fill remaining seats. However, waiting too close to your departure date can backfire as prices may skyrocket.

Experts suggest booking last-minute flights around 1 to 2 weeks ahead, especially for domestic trips. For international flights, prices tend to be higher the closer you get to departure, so earlier is better. However, if you’re flexible, you can monitor fares daily and jump on any sudden drops or flash sales.

7. Be Ready to Act Quickly

When it comes to last-minute airfare deals, hesitation is your enemy. Flash sales and discounted fares can disappear in minutes or hours. If you spot a great price, be prepared to book immediately.

Having your payment details saved on booking platforms, being signed into your accounts, and ready to confirm can shave precious time off the process. Also, consider booking directly through the airline’s official website when possible to avoid potential issues with third-party vendors.

8. Consider Package Deals and Alternative Travel Methods

Sometimes bundling your flight with a hotel or rental car can result in better last-minute deals than booking each separately. Websites like Expedia or Priceline often offer “express deals” where the hotel or flight details are revealed only after booking, but the discounted price can be worth it.

Additionally, don’t overlook other modes of transportation. If airfare is prohibitively expensive last minute, look into trains, buses, or rideshares—especially for short distances. These alternatives might take longer but can be significantly cheaper and equally enjoyable.