For some of us planning ahead can be a little bit daunting and booking last minute is a normal thing. With our help and a few tips, you can perfect your talent on getting the best last minute deals.
Don’t be fussy!
If you’re looking for last-minute flights and even holiday deals flexibility is a key. Try and keep a few dates and days in your mind and work around them instead of being set on specific dates.
The same goes for where you depart from. Do some research and you may find a smaller airport nearby or even the next town along that has much cheaper flights because its size.
Pick your days better
It’s a well-known fact, flight tickets are more expensive over the weekends especially around public holidays. Did you know that in general flights on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest? So flying midweek can be considerably cheaper.
Do a little cleaning out
Research has shown that some airline sites track your browsing data and will continue to either show the same fare you originally searched even two weeks later, or worse each time you re-check the page the fare will continually increase forcing you to panic and book the ticket before it gets too expensive. Clear your cookies or cache to always browse fresh and you may just grab the last-minute flight deal of the decade.
Be informed
Most airlines are active on social media especially Facebook and Twitter and they will often use these channels to announce holiday deals and last minute offers. Even better, make sure you subscribe to special-offer newsletters or email blasts to make sure, you receive latest deals regularly.
No luggage
Most airlines charge extra for luggage, however most airlines let you have carry-on bag, which often, can weigh up to 10kg. Always check with the airline you’re flying with about your carry-on bag allowance. By not including luggage, you can considerably reduce the overall price of your ticket.
Get clever
Try booking at different times of the day. Sometimes very early in the morning or late at night could result in a much cheaper fare than if you book during office hours or evening times. Also consider early morning flights or late night flights, as they too, are considerably cheaper.
Do your research
Use booking sites that help you to compare flights from all airlines or holiday accommodation from a number of establishments. So at a glance you can get a picture of how fares compare.
….and remember!
Remember the two-week rule; most airlines send drop their fares two weeks before a flight date if the flight hasn’t sold enough tickets.
(Featured image: ivan marianelli)
