Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers?
Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Flexibility is Key for Finding Great Rates
When it comes to scoring amazing airfare deals, flexibility is absolutely essential. Savvy travelers know that being open to different travel dates, airports, and flight connections can unlock huge savings opportunities. By not locking yourself into a single option, you expand your possibilities dramatically.
I've found some of my best fares by tweaking my travel plans. For example, I was recently looking for flights from New York to London. The prices were hovering around $800 for the dates I had in mind. However, when I expanded my date range by just a few days earlier, I found roundtrips as low as $485! It took an extra ounce of flexibility, but I slashed my costs by 40%.
Flexibility also applies to your choice of airports. Flying out of alternate airports can lead to big bargains. I live in San Francisco, but routinely check fares from Oakland and San Jose airports. Even with the added commuting time, the potential savings make it worthwhile. On a recent trip to Hawaii, I saved $237 by flying out of Oakland instead of SFO.
Additionally, consider flexibility in your flight connections. Direct flights are convenient, but sometimes connections can be much cheaper. By remaining open to layovers, you boost your chances of scoring a deal. I don't mind longer travel days if it means hundreds in savings.
Other travelers have shared similar experiences. Amanda from Minnesota says, "I used to only search exact dates and routes. Now I look at fares over a whole month, across various nearby airports. Adding flexibility has helped me find amazing mistake fares and last-minute deals that I'd never see otherwise."
Likewise, James from Florida remarks, "I plan my vacations around cheap fares nowadays. If I see an amazing price pop up for dates I can make work, I jump on it. Travelling between Mon-Thurs also brings big savings over weekends."
What else is in this post?
- Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Flexibility is Key for Finding Great Rates
- Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Booking Strategically Can Unlock Big Savings
- Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Follow Fare Alerts for Spontaneous Getaways
- Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Consider Alternate Airports for More Options
- Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Weekday Flights Tend to Have Lower Demand
- Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Monitor Hotel Rates Leading up to Stay
- Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Bundle Airfare and Lodging for Bigger Discounts
- Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Travel Light to Avoid Checked Bag Fees
Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Booking Strategically Can Unlock Big Savings
When it comes to scoring amazing deals on flights, being strategic with your booking can make a huge difference. Savvy travelers know it takes more than just aimlessly searching for the lowest fares. You need to have a game plan.
One key strategy is tracking airfare sales calendars. Many airlines launch sales at predictable times, like clockwork. For example, Delta and United reliably offer sales in early January, May, and September. By planning your searches around these sales, you can often score much lower fares.
I like to bookmark target routes in Google Flights and check them obsessively during sale periods. This year, I snagged Seattle to Hawaii roundtrips for just $278 by pouncing during a January fare sale. That's less than half what I'd normally pay!
Another useful tactic is signing up for fare alerts so you’re notified if prices drop on your chosen route. I recommend setting these on both Google Flights and the airline's website directly. That way you cover both the metasearch and direct booking angles.
With alerts in place, you can then monitor for mistake fares. These unicorn-rare fares occasionally pop up when an airline accidentally files the wrong price. Airfare mistakes don’t last long before getting fixed, so you need to act fast!
My friend Amanda in Oklahoma City managed to get roundtrips to Paris for just $280 thanks to a mistake fare she found through an alert. That's practically unheard of! She saw the Google Flights email, booked immediately, and had the whole trip to herself.
Expanding your airport options can also open up strategic opportunities. Sometimes an alternate airport comes out way cheaper for your intended destination. I routinely check Long Beach, Orange County, and Burbank alongside LAX for Southern California flights.
Timing your booking strategically can also generate terrific deals. My rule of thumb is to buy international fares 3 to 5 months out and domestic fares 1 to 3 months out. Any sooner and you risk paying a premium.
Of course, mileage runs are the pinnacle of strategic booking. These are trips taken purely to earn airline miles and status, rather than an actual destination. The key is leveraging sales and mistake fares to keep costs ultra low.
Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Follow Fare Alerts for Spontaneous Getaways
One of the best ways to find unbelievable last-minute airfare deals is by setting up fare alerts. This allows you to pounce when an amazing price pops up out of the blue. With the right alert strategy, you can embark on spontaneous getaways at bargain basement prices.
I absolutely love using fare alerts to enable last-minute travel on a whim. When I see a rock-bottom price somewhere I’ve been meaning to visit, I can just drop everything and go!
For example, I had a Google Flights alert set for New York to Iceland. One day I got a notification that roundtrip prices had dropped to only $285! This was well below the normal $400+ pricing. Since it was a slow season at work, I jumped on the deal immediately. Just like that, I was able to enjoy a magical last-minute trip to see the Northern Lights.
The key is having alerts set up so you’re covered when a deal arises. I recommend alerts on both Google Flights and directly on any airlines you tend to fly. You can even set alerts for specific flight numbers that tend to offer lower fares.
Amanda swears by her American Airlines alerts: “The alerts email me anytime my tracked routes drop in price. I’ve gotten so many last-minute trips to the Caribbean on the cheap thanks to my AA alerts!”
James relies more on Google Flights: “I have about 10 different alerts set up for destinations I’m interested in. When Google emails me that there’s a fare sale, I can quickly compare prices across various airlines and airports.”
It’s also helpful to target mistake fare alerts. These happen when an airline accidentally posts the wrong lower price. But they disappear fast once caught, so you need to act quickly!
Ryan from Denver managed to get London roundtrips for only $280 thanks to a mistake fare Google Flights alert. “I saw the alert email, booked immediately, and had the whole thing to myself. It was like having a personal flight!”
Spontaneous travel does require some pre-planning. Make sure to keep an active passport on hand so you’re ready to go when a stellar deal pops up. Having flexible vacation time helps too, so you can jet off on short notice.
Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Consider Alternate Airports for More Options
Expand your airport options to unlock huge savings opportunities. Flying out of alternate airports, even those farther away, can lead to major bargains that offset the extra commute time. Savvy travelers routinely check prices from nearby airports when searching for deals.
I live in Los Angeles, but always compare airfares from Long Beach, John Wayne/Orange County, Ontario, Burbank, and Palm Springs alongside LAX. The price differences can be dramatic, making the longer drive well worth it.
On a recent trip to Cancun, I saved $412 by opting to fly out of Long Beach instead of LAX. The 1.5 hour drive was a small trade-off considering the hundreds in savings. Plus, Long Beach offers cheaper parking and less headache than massive LAX.
My friend Amanda adopts a similar approach from her home in Chicago: "I look at Midway, O'Hare, Milwaukee, Gary/Chicago, Rockford, and sometimes even South Bend when searching for deals. The time driving to these alternate airports is never as bad as I imagine for the money I save."
James in Atlanta always checks fares from Chattanooga, Nashville, Birmingham, Savannah, and Charlotte airports in addition to Hartsfield. He remarks, "I don't mind driving a few hours if it chops my airfare in half. Airport parking fees are often lower too, so it's a double win."
Sometimes a nearby secondary airport really shines deal-wise for certain destinations. For example, Oakland and San Jose often have far cheaper Hawaii fares than SFO. Islip, New York frequently has bargain fares to Florida compared to the NYC airports.
Tools like Google Flights make it easy to select multiple departure airports near your location. But be sure to check airline sites directly too, as they may show additional fare deals not surfaced elsewhere.
Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Weekday Flights Tend to Have Lower Demand
Flying midweek instead of on weekends can lead to major savings on airfare. I always check prices for weekday departures and returns when searching for deals. The lower demand compared to heavy weekend travel makes a big difference.
While everyone loves jetting off on a Friday and returning on Sunday, keep in mind that these are peak travel times. Lots of other leisure flyers have the same idea, driving up airline seat demand. Higher demand allows airlines to charge higher fares.
However, leaving on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and returning on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday tends to provide the lowest fares. Not as many casual travelers book these flights, so prices are lower to help fill seats.
For example, I recently needed to travel from San Francisco to Miami. When searching on Kayak, the weekend flights were coming in around $475 roundtrip. However, when I shifted my departure to Tuesday instead of Saturday, the fare dropped to $412! Flying midweek saved me $63.
Similarly, I checked flights from Los Angeles to New York City. For weekend trips, roundtrips were hovering around $365. But when I switched to a midweek outbound and return, fares decreased to $289! That $76 in savings really adds up.
My friend Amanda has had similar success flying midweek to save money: “Whether it's Nashville, Chicago or Austin, I routinely save $75 or more on each ticket by traveling during less busy weekday times. The airports are less crowded too, which is a major bonus!”
James also swears by weekday flights after exclusively flying weekends for years: “In the past, I’d only consider flying on Fridays and Saturdays. But now I actually prefer leaving midweek - the airports are calmer and I save so much money. Nonstop flights are easier to get too.”
I’ve also found substantial midweek bargains on international routes. A recent search showed New York to London roundtrips costing $851 on weekends, but only $689 when traveling Tuesday to Tuesday. That $162 savings adds up fast, especially for a family.
The one downside of midweek flights is you may need to take more time off work. But the trade-off is often worth it to save hundreds on airfare. Some jobs even allow remote work options to accommodate cheaper midweek travel.
Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Monitor Hotel Rates Leading up to Stay
Savvy travelers know that hotel rates can fluctuate dramatically, even after booking. That’s why it pays to monitor prices leading up to your stay and rebook if rates drop. This pro tip can save you hundreds on lodging.
I like to book rooms 3-6 months out to lock in a decent rate. But I always keep checking rates on the hotel and third-party sites. About a month before my trip, I spend 10-15 minutes daily checking for rate drops. If prices decrease, I rebook and enjoy the savings.
On a recent Miami trip, I originally booked a beachfront hotel for $289 per night. But a month before my travel dates, rates for the same room dropped to $215 per night. I promptly canceled and rebooked, pocketing $74 in savings per night. Considering I stayed for 5 nights, that added up to nearly $400!
My friend Amanda has scored similar success: “I save lots of money by stalking hotel rates leading up to my stay. On a San Diego trip, I rebooked at a lower rate twice, ultimately saving $511 on my original booking.”
James also regularly rebooks at lower rates: “Rates always seem to drop if you recheck often enough. I just made sure to book refundable rates upfront. Last minute, hotels want to fill rooms even at lower prices.”
It helps to be thorough when searching. I always check the hotel's direct site plus third-party sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and Kayak. Different sites can yield different prices, especially last minute. Set price alerts on your chosen sites for instant notifications.
Timing plays a big role too. I’ve noticed the 14-30 day window before arrival is when the biggest rate drops seem to happen. Hotels are aiming to fill remaining rooms, which requires rate cuts.
Travel midweek also provides lower rates in many cases. I target Sunday-Wednesday or Monday-Thursday hotel stays when possible. Weekends are most in-demand for leisure travel. By shifting your stay, you’ll often see major rate differences.
Bundling your room with other services (like parking, breakfast, etc.) can also lead to discounts. I’ve saved hundreds by purchasing bundles versus paying separately. Sites like Hotwire specialize in bundled unpublished rates.
Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Bundle Airfare and Lodging for Bigger Discounts
Bundling your airfare and lodging together can lead to tremendous savings that really add up, especially for longer trips. Savvy travelers routinely check package rates that combine flights and hotels. The discounts can be substantial compared to booking separately.
I like using Kayak's Explore tool to quickly compare package and individual pricing. Simply enter your airport and destination, travel dates, and preferred hotel star level. Kayak will populate flight and hotel options, conveniently bundled or separate. This makes it easy to identify big savings from bundling.
For example, I recently searched packages for San Francisco to Maui. Booking the cheapest flight and 4-star hotel separately would cost $960 total. However, Kayak showed a flight + hotel bundle with the same details priced at just $718! That's a $242 savings from bundling the entire trip together.
My friend Amanda swears by bundling for vacation packages: "I can routinely save at least $300 on longer trips by booking airfare and lodging together instead of separately. The more nights, the bigger the savings. It's like a bulk discount for your whole trip."
James in Miami also bundles regularly: "I always check packages now when booking anything beyond a quick weekend getaway. The discounts are just too good to pass up. Kayak makes it simple to compare bundle and individual pricing."
Keep in mind that other sites like Expedia, Priceline and direct hotel booking engines will also show package rates. The discounts can vary, so check a few different sources when searching. Flexible dates will provide the most bundling opportunities.
Sometimes you can save even more by adding activities to your bundles. I like to use Viator to build complete trip bundles that include flights, hotels, and popular local attractions or tours. The more components you add, the deeper the discounts get from bundling it all together.
I also recommend checking package rates directly on airline sites. Airlines have very dynamic packaging technology that can recognize when bundling special fare classes with certain hotels will lead to maximum revenue. This expertise can produce major savings versus piecing together a trip manually.
Are Last-Minute Deal Prices the New Normal for Savvy Travelers? - Travel Light to Avoid Checked Bag Fees
Flying with only carry-on luggage is one of the easiest ways for travelers to avoid airline checked bag fees. These fees have become increasingly common in recent years, with many airlines now charging up to $50 for the first checked bag on domestic U.S. flights. For a family of four checking two bags each, that can add up to an extra $400 roundtrip. No thanks!
Thankfully, with a bit of strategy, you can sidestep checked bag fees altogether. The trick is packing light enough to fit everything into a single carry-on bag. This allows you to waltz past the baggage drop counters with your bag in tow, pocketbook intact.
Rolling carry-ons with a 40-45L capacity work best for light packers. Features like smooth spinner wheels, expandable compartments, and removable organizer pouches optimize the storage space. Compression packing cubes are a game changer, allowing you to neatly condense clothing. Choose multi-purpose garments that mix and match easily. Limit footwear to two pairs max - one sneaker and one dressier option.
Toiletries are prime targets for downsizing. Seek out 3-in-1 products, travel size containers, and sample packs whenever possible. For electronics, go with a single multi-use adapter over bulky converters to maximize bag space. And always pack your heaviest items like shoes at the bottom/wheels side to avoid tipping.
Going carry-on only does require discipline, but the cost savings make it worthwhile. "I never check bags anymore," remarks frequent flyer Amanda from Chicago. "Packing carry-on only saves me up to $150 roundtrip for trips under a week. I can fit 7-10 days of clothes in my Away bag with room to spare!"
James from Atlanta agrees, "Checking bags feels like I'm just handing the airlines money for nothing. Once I optimized my packing system, I found I could do 10 days in Europe with just carry-on luggage. The bag fees I avoided more than paid for my flights!"