Last-Minute Getaways: How to Snag Cheap Flights and Hotel Deals
Sometimes, the best trips are the ones you don’t plan months in advance. Whether you’re a spontaneous traveler looking for an adventure or a retiree eager to pack up and go, booking last-minute getaways doesn’t have to mean overpaying. With the right tools, strategies, and flexibility, you can find amazing flight and hotel deals, even at the eleventh hour.
From hunting down last-minute airfare discounts to scoring cheap luxury hotels, here’s how to travel on short notice—without breaking the bank.
1. Use Flight Deal Websites and Apps for Last-Minute Airfare
When it comes to booking cheap last-minute flights, flight deal websites and apps are your best friends. These platforms track price drops, airline flash sales, and mistake fares, helping you find the cheapest tickets available.
Best Tools for Cheap Flights:
- Google Flights: Great for tracking price trends and setting fare alerts.
- Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” Search: Shows the cheapest destinations from your departure city.
- Hopper: Predicts price drops and alerts you when fares are lowest.
- Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights): Finds hidden deals and mistake fares.
Pro Tip:
Be flexible with departure cities and travel dates. Sometimes flying one day earlier or later can save you hundreds of dollars.
2. Book Flights on Off-Peak Days for the Lowest Fares
Timing is everything when it comes to scoring last-minute flight deals. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, and certain days tend to be cheaper than others.
Best Days to Fly for Cheap Last-Minute Deals:
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Less demand means lower fares.
- Saturdays for International Flights: Many travelers depart midweek, making weekend departures cheaper.
- Red-Eye Flights: Overnight flights are often cheaper and less crowded.
Pro Tip:
Use Google Flights’ calendar view to compare fares across different dates instantly.
3. Take Advantage of Airline and Hotel Flash Sales
Many airlines and hotels offer last-minute flash sales to fill empty seats and rooms. These limited-time discounts can save you up to 50% or more, especially on midweek departures.
Where to Find Flash Sales:
- Airline Websites: Delta, American, and Southwest often post unadvertised discounts.
- Hotel Booking Apps: HotelTonight and Priceline Express Deals slash prices for same-day stays.
- Travel Deal Websites: Secret Flying, The Flight Deal, and Travelzoo regularly post last-minute flash sales.
Pro Tip:
Follow airlines and hotels on social media and sign up for newsletters to get exclusive flash sale alerts.
4. Consider Alternative Airports for Lower Prices
Flying from a nearby airport instead of your home airport can sometimes slash hundreds off your airfare. Many cities have secondary airports where budget airlines operate at lower fares.
Cheaper Alternative Airports:
- Chicago Midway (MDW) instead of O’Hare (ORD)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) instead of Miami (MIA)
- Oakland (OAK) instead of San Francisco (SFO)
- Baltimore (BWI) instead of Washington D.C. (DCA/IAD)
Pro Tip:
Use Google Flights’ “Nearby Airports” feature to compare prices from multiple departure points.
5. Score Discounted Hotel Rates with Last-Minute Booking Apps
Hotels want to fill empty rooms, so they often drop prices on the same day or just a few days before check-in. If you’re flexible, you can land luxury hotels for half the price.
Best Apps for Last-Minute Hotel Deals:
- HotelTonight: Great for same-day bookings at deep discounts.
- Priceline Express Deals: Mystery hotel deals with up to 60% off.
- Hotwire Hot Rate Hotels: Luxury stays at budget prices.
- Hopper Hotels: Price-predicting app that tells you whether to book or wait.
Pro Tip:
Call the hotel directly and ask if they can beat the app’s price—sometimes they’ll offer extra perks.
6. Be Flexible with Destinations for the Best Savings
One of the best ways to score a cheap last-minute getaway is to let the deal decide the destination. If you’re open to exploring new places, you’ll have a much better chance of snagging an incredible bargain.
Best Websites for Flexible Destination Searches:
- Google Flights’ “Explore” Feature: Find the cheapest destinations from your airport.
- Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” Search: See the lowest fares worldwide.
- Kayak Explore: Discover cheap flights based on your budget.
Pro Tip:
Sign up for fare alerts and error fare notifications—you might end up in Hawaii for $150 round-trip or Europe for under $300.
7. Use Points and Miles for Free or Cheap Travel
If you have credit card points or frequent flyer miles, last-minute travel is one of the best times to use them. Many airlines release unsold seats for mileage redemptions, sometimes at huge discounts.
Best Ways to Use Points for Last-Minute Deals:
- Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards can be used to book flights and hotels.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards allows you to book cheap last-minute flights with no cancellation fees.
- Airline miles from Delta, United, and American often open up award seats at the last minute.
Pro Tip:
If you’re short on points, use a credit card that lets you transfer miles instantly to airline programs.
8. Book Vacation Packages for Extra Savings
Sometimes, booking a flight and hotel together can be cheaper than booking separately. Many travel sites offer deep discounts on vacation packages, especially for last-minute travelers.
Best Sites for Last-Minute Packages:
- Expedia Last-Minute Deals: Huge discounts on bundled flights and hotels.
- CheapCaribbean: All-inclusive deals to the Caribbean with airfare.
- Travelzoo’s Top 20: Weekly last-minute package deals worldwide.
Pro Tip:
Check if the package includes free perks like resort credits, airport transfers, or complimentary meals.
9. Use Airline and Hotel Loyalty Programs for Perks
If you frequently book last-minute trips, consider joining airline and hotel loyalty programs to earn free upgrades, priority boarding, and late checkouts.
Best Loyalty Programs for Last-Minute Perks:
- Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors: Free room upgrades and bonus points.
- Airline Elite Status (Delta, United, American): Same-day flight changes for free.
- Southwest’s Companion Pass: Bring a travel buddy for free on any flight.
Pro Tip:
Some hotel loyalty programs offer discounts of up to 20% for last-minute direct bookings.
10. Take Advantage of Weekend Travel Deals
Hotels often offer big discounts for weekend stays to fill rooms. Many resorts and city hotels lower their rates on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a great time for a quick, luxurious getaway.
Best Cities for Weekend Travel Deals:
- Las Vegas: Midweek rates are even cheaper, but weekends still have deals.
- New Orleans: Boutique hotels offer discounts for short-notice stays.
- San Diego: Beachfront hotels run flash sales for weekend visitors.
Pro Tip:
Look for Sunday night discounts, as many hotels drop prices when business travelers leave.
