How to Save Money on Last-Minute Holiday Travel
Finding a cheap flight isn’t just challenging; it’s literally rocket science. So much so, that flight aggregators were first invented by engineers at MIT trying to find cheap fares. Whether you’re in search of an affordable flight home to visit friends and family or a last-minute far-flung New Years Eve getaway, booking travel during holiday season can be stressful. Thankfully, there are several tips and tricks you can use to book a last-minute trip without blowing your budget. Here’s how to get started:
Be flexible
A good way to score an affordable last-minute flight is to let the deal determine your destination. Websites like Skyscanner allow users to search through hundreds of destinations by month of travel. This way, you’ll get a good idea of what is affordable and choose based on what you’re most interested in. International fares can sometimes cost less than domestic flights during the month of December, which makes the holidays a great time to give in to your wanderlust.
If you’re returning home for the holidays or have your heart set on a specific destination, you can save money by being flexible with timing. If you’re searching for a departing flight at 7:00 pm after work that returns the following Sunday afternoon, you’re not alone — and that’s why those fares are so expensive. The more flexible you can be with timing, the better your odds are at finding a good deal. Consider searching for off-peak flights at unpopular travel times. Airlines often offer last-minute reductions on early morning and late night redeye flights.
The case for last-minute booking
Most experts agree that when it comes to finding a great deal, the earlier you start hunting, the better. While there have been many studies on the perfect time to book a flight — it’s 8 to 12 weeks in advance — thinking spontaneously keeps you more open to price drops later in the season. Airlines often sell off remaining inventory at ridiculous prices. This tactic can be stressful — as most travelers require enough lead time to notify their employer, book a dog sitter, or iron out other trip logistics — so be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons before committing to this strategy.
“Airlines base prices on a dizzying amount of variables including demand, the day of the week, the cost of oil, and the connecting airport.”
There are plenty of apps and websites that specialize in last-minute travel. Hopper is a mobile app that lets users search for flights and compare prices. Search for your preferred flight dates and from there, you’ll see predictions on the exact dates your flights might be cheapest. The Flight Deal is an email newsletter that features unbelievable daily deals. Today, for example, they’re offering a $515 roundtrip ticket from Los Angeles to Madrid and a $402 roundtrip ticket from Miami to Oslo. Sound too good to be true? There is a small catch: the sales are generally only valid for 24 hours, but the site’s discounts are perfect for travelers who are comfortable playing it by ear.
Don’t avoid layovers
Airlines base prices on a dizzying amount of variables including demand, the day of the week, the cost of oil, and the connecting airport. Connecting flights are typically cheaper than nonstops because they get more people onto flights by the same airline, thereby preventing them from losing out on business to a competitor who might otherwise offer a direct connection. Layovers can increase your odds of delays or cancellations, so consider unknowable factors like weather when planning your itinerary.
Talk to a professional
Did you know that many travel agencies have access to seats from major airlines that don’t appear on search engines? Using a travel agent might seem old-fashioned, but can give you a competitive edge if you’re looking to travel to a popular destination. While they do charge a fee, this cost is usually offset by the significant discounts advisors have access to. These agencies also provide a safety net for vacationers. If you encounter any unforeseen issues with your reservations, your travel planner will work as your advocate and resolve hiccups on your behalf.
Bundle up
When booking last minute travel, deals that combine airfare with a hotel or car rental can sometimes be cheaper than booking airfare on its own. Big-name online travel agency sites like Travelocity, Kayak, and Travelzoo are good places to start.
Be sneaky with your research
Lastly, when performing rigorous and intensive price comparing, do it in a browser that offers an incognito mode. Most websites will keep track of your searches in their cookies. For example, if a site notices that you’re repeatedly viewing the same flight to Italy, they may raise the price, assuming that you’re likely to book it at any cost.
