Are you tired of missing out on spontaneous trips because last-minute flights seem too expensive? If the thought of a quick getaway sounds amazing but the price of last-minute airfare has held you back, you're not alone. Many travelers assume airfare booked just days before departure will cost a fortune, but that's not always the case. With a savvy approach to search and the right tricks, you can find cheap last-minute Online Flight Ticket Booking to make your travel dreams come true.
Here are some tips to help you score affordable airfare on short notice:
Look Beyond Your First Choose Destination
Instead of focusing on just one destination, search for flights to multiple nearby cities. You may find cheaper fares to alternative locations. Airlines might have lower fares to certain locations due to specific promotions, off-peak seasons, or route changes. Utilize flight search engines that allow you to explore multiple destinations at once to find the best deals.
Discounted Fees and Surcharges
Many airlines have waived change and cancellation fees after late 2020. Make multiple bookings and change to the cheapest fare. For an example, if you pay INR 5,000 for your Air India flight from Delhi to Mumbai and a few days after booking the ticket price drops to INR4,000, you can rebook your ticket at the new price of INR 4,000 and get the INR 1,000 difference back as Air India flight credit.
Search for Airfare Individually
When booking tickets for a group, search for fares individually rather than as a group. Airlines often display the available seats at different price points, so booking individually may result in lower overall costs for the group.
As an example, let's say you have a family of 4 traveling from Delhi to Mumbai. The total by booking individually would be INR 17,000. However, if you booked a group of 4 together, the price may be INR 20,000. So in this case, booking individual seats may save you up to INR 3,000.
Upgrade Business Class for Less
During times of economic uncertainty or lower travel demand, business class seats often become more affordable as airlines struggle to fill those premium cabins. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to experience premium travel at significantly discounted prices.
Check Last-Minute Award Availability
Sometimes airlines release unsold premium cabin seats as last-minute rewards to loyalty program members. If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles or points, monitor award availability close to your travel dates for opportunities to redeem them for discounted or even free business class seats released at the last minute.
Pack Light to Save on Extra Fees
Baggage fees significantly impact the overall cost of flight tickets. Some airlines might offer slightly higher base fares but include baggage allowance, making them a more cost-effective option. Avoid checking bags to save on expensive last-minute baggage fees. Or look for airlines with included checked bags.
For example, the extra baggage fees of IndiGo Airlines are: for domestic flights, INR 500-1500 depending on weight over 15kg and for international flights, USD 30-80 depending on weight over 15kg.
Book Hidden City Flights
A hidden-city booking involves purchasing a ticket for a multi-stop flight but getting off at an intermediate layover that is your actual destination.
For example, if you need an affordable flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad but the direct prices are high, consider booking a flight with a layover in Ahmedabad and getting off there instead of continuing to the final destination. For example, you could book a Delhi to Mumbai flight with a stop in Ahmedabad, then exit at Ahmedabad instead of continuing to Mumbai. This is known as a "hidden city ticket" strategy.
Negotiate With the Travel Agent
If you're comfortable with negotiation, don't hesitate to ask for a deal in person, especially if you're a frequent flyer or if circumstances warrant it (e.g., traveling for a special occasion). Sometimes, travel agents have the flexibility to provide you with better offers at the counter. However, be prepared that they may say no.
Fly on Fifth Freedom routes
Some airlines operate "fifth freedom" routes where they carry passengers between two foreign countries, neither of which is their home country. These routes can sometimes offer cheaper last-minute fares since they are trying to fill unsold seats. Check if any airlines fly fifth freedom routes on your desired itinerary and search their fares for potential deals.
All these tips may help you find better deals, travel situations can be dynamic. It's essential to research thoroughly, consider your personal preferences and needs, and stay updated on the latest travel trends and regulations.
