What are the best tips for booking cheap last minute flights?

Flying on weekdays (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) can save you up to 25% compared to weekend flights.

Searching for flights in the early morning or late evening hours can uncover lower fares, as airlines often release discounted seats during off-peak times.

Nearby airports, even if slightly farther, can sometimes have significantly cheaper last-minute flight options compared to major hubs.

Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant may not appear on major travel sites, so checking their websites directly can yield better deals.

Utilizing points, miles, or credits from loyalty programs can drastically reduce the cost of last-minute flights, sometimes by hundreds of dollars.

Flexibility with travel dates can save you money, as flight prices can fluctuate dramatically even within a 1-2 day window.

The "hidden city" ticketing technique, where you book a flight with a layover at your desired destination, can sometimes be cheaper than a direct flight, though this practice is discouraged by airlines.

Signing up for price tracking services like Hopper or Scott's Cheap Flights can alert you to sudden drops in airfare, allowing you to book quickly before prices rise again.

Clearing your browser cookies or searching in incognito mode can prevent airlines from raising prices based on your search history.

Last-minute flights are often cheaper on the airline's website compared to third-party booking platforms, as airlines aim to fill empty seats.

During periods of low demand, such as the off-season or midweek, airlines may offer heavily discounted last-minute fares to fill seats.

The use of "hidden city" ticketing, where passengers book a flight with a layover at their desired destination and then skip the final leg, can sometimes save money, though this practice is discouraged by airlines.