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Last minute flights can be a bargain or an expensive mistake, depending on the route, the season and how flexible you are. Airlines do not usually slash fares at the last moment, but there are genuine ways to find a good price when you need to travel at short notice. This guide explains how pricing tends to behave, which types of site are worth checking and what to verify before you pay. Fares change constantly, so treat every figure on a booking site as a snapshot and check the final price at the checkout.
Are last minute flights cheaper?
Usually not. On most routes, fares rise as the departure date approaches because the cheaper seats sell first. The exceptions are routes with spare capacity, off peak travel and airlines that need to fill seats. If you can travel on a quiet day or choose between several airports, you have a better chance of finding a fair fare. If you must travel on a busy day, such as a Friday evening or a school holiday, expect to pay more.
Which sites are best for last minute flights?
No single site always wins, so it helps to compare a few types of tool.
- Flight comparison sites: these search many airlines and agents at once. They are a good starting point. See our guide to using Skyscanner to find cheap flights.
- Airline websites: always check the airline directly. Budget carriers such as Ryanair sometimes have their lowest fares on their own site. Our guide to Ryanair cheap flights explains how to compare the extras.
- Package holiday providers: a flight and hotel bundle can sometimes cost less than a flight alone. Take a look at our last minute holidays page.
- Fare alerts: useful if you have a little time and a flexible route.
Do prices drop closer to travel?
Sometimes, but it is not something to rely on. Airlines use systems that adjust prices to demand, so a fare can move up or down. A small drop is possible if a flight is not selling, but a large rise is more common. If you see a fare that suits your budget and dates, it is usually safer to book than to wait for a drop that may not come. If you have a flexible schedule, comparing different days using a calendar view can reveal cheaper options.
How to find a fair price at short notice
- Compare nearby airports. If you live in Sussex, check both Gatwick and other London airports. Our holidays from Gatwick guide covers the airport side.
- Try different days. Midweek and very early or late flights can be cheaper.
- Check one way tickets. Mixing airlines can sometimes beat a return.
- Look at connecting flights, which can be cheaper than direct ones if you can accept the extra time.
- Travel with hand luggage only where the fare rules allow it, and check the airline’s size limits.
- Be flexible on destination if you want a deal rather than a specific city.
What should you check before you pay?
The headline fare is rarely the final price. Before you book, check the following.
- Baggage: whether a cabin bag and a hold bag are included, and the cost of adding them later.
- Seat selection and boarding: some airlines charge for these.
- Airport transfers: a cheap flight from a distant airport can cost more once you add the journey.
- Change and refund rules: last minute plans can change again.
- Passport and entry rules: check validity and any visa or authorisation requirements on official government sites before you pay.
- Travel insurance: see our travel insurance guide, because cover usually needs to be in place before you travel.
How to avoid rip offs
Be wary of sites that look like an airline but are not, and of any seller that asks you to pay by bank transfer or gift card. Stick to well known airlines, comparison sites and agents, and check that the booking page uses a secure connection. If a price looks far too good to be true, it probably is. Pay by credit card where possible, because it may give extra protection under UK rules, and read the terms. Always check that your name matches your passport exactly, because corrections can be costly. Keep your booking confirmation and screenshots of the fare you were shown.
Flexible dates and airports: the biggest lever you have
When time is short, flexibility is the single most useful tool. If you can leave a day earlier or later, or fly from a different airport, you may see very different fares for the same destination. Search by whole month or use a flexible-dates view on a comparison site to see which days look cheapest, then check the one-way price in each direction. Sometimes two one-way tickets on different airlines work out better than a return, but check baggage rules and the connection times if you mix carriers.
If you live in Sussex, remember that Gatwick is the obvious starting point, but it is worth comparing Heathrow, Southampton or Stansted if you can reach them easily. Our holidays from Gatwick guide covers the local options. Always add the cost and time of getting to a different airport before you decide it is cheaper.
Add up the real cost, not the headline fare
Low fares can hide extras. Before you pay, work out the full price including a cabin bag or checked bag, seat selection, payment fees and any airport transfer. A fare that looks cheap on a budget airline can end up costing as much as a full-service carrier once everything is added. Compare like with like, and read the baggage allowance before you click through to payment. Check the airline website for the current rules because they change.
Last minute flights and the rest of the trip
A cheap flight is only part of the picture. Accommodation, car hire and transfers can cost more at short notice, especially in school holidays and around events. If you are flexible, look at the whole package. Our last minute holidays page explains when a package can beat booking each part separately, and our cheap holidays guide has more money-saving ideas.
Check the entry rules and your documents
When you book at short notice, it is easy to forget the paperwork. Check that your passport is valid for the destination, whether you need a visa or an electronic travel authorisation, and whether there are any health or customs rules. Some authorisations can take time to process, so check the official government site for your destination before you pay for a ticket. If your passport needs renewing, check how long that currently takes.
Protect yourself with insurance and the right payment method
If you book at the last minute, you may still want cover for medical costs, delays and lost baggage. Compare policies and read the exclusions, particularly for pre-existing medical conditions. Paying by credit card can give extra protection on purchases over a certain value in the UK, so check the terms with your card provider. Our travel insurance guide explains what to look for.
A calm approach to booking under pressure
Countdown timers and messages such as only two seats left are designed to create urgency. Take a few minutes to compare two or three sources, check the total price and read the terms. If a deal looks too good to be true, check that the seller is reputable and that the booking confirmation arrives from the airline. Keep screenshots of the booking and the terms, and save your confirmation number in more than one place.
Last minute flights FAQs
How late can I book a flight?
Most airlines allow bookings until shortly before departure, but cut off times vary. Check the airline.
Is it cheaper to book on the day?
Rarely. Same day fares are often among the most expensive.
Are budget airlines cheaper at the last minute?
They can be cheaper than full service airlines, but add up baggage and extras before you decide.
Do I need travel insurance for a last minute trip?
It is strongly advisable, and some policies have a delay before cover starts for certain events, so read the terms.
Can I get a refund if my plans change?
It depends on the fare. Cheaper fares are often non refundable, so check before you buy.
Where can I find more deals?
Browse our last minute holidays and cheap holidays guides. Fares and rules change often, so confirm all details with the airline.
A quick last minute plan
If you need to fly soon, start by deciding what you can change: the dates, the airport, the destination or the baggage. Run searches on a comparison site, then check the best options directly with the airline. Compare the total cost including bags and transfers. Book with a card that offers protection, arrange insurance and save all documents. Check in online as soon as it opens and arrive at the airport in good time. A little organisation can turn a stressful booking into a straightforward one, and it is often the difference between a fair fare and an expensive mistake.
Finally, remember that flexibility is your biggest asset. The more you can move your dates and airports, the better your chances of a sensible price. If you cannot move at all, accept that you will probably pay a premium and focus on avoiding extra fees instead.
Should I book a flight and hotel at the same time?
It depends. A package can sometimes be cheaper and gives you extra protection, but compare it with booking separately.
Is it safe to use a comparison site?
Comparison sites are a useful starting point, but check who you are actually booking with and read the terms before you pay.