How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights in 2025 (Proven Hacks)

How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights in 2025 (Proven Hacks)

✈️ 10 Insider Tricks for Last-Minute Flight Deals

1. Use the "24-Hour Drop" Strategy

Airlines often slash prices 24-48 hours before departure

Best for: Midweek flights (Tuesday/Wednesday departures)
Tools: Google Flights "Track Prices", Hopper alerts

2. Search Incognito + Clear Cookies

Airlines hike prices if they see repeated searches
Pro Tip: Use VPN to change location for better deals

3. Target "Empty Leg" Flights

When: Sunday evenings & Monday mornings
Why: Business travelers cancel bookings, freeing up seats
2025 Trend: United now shows "Likely to Drop" tags

4. Book Through Discount Airlines

Best for last-minute:

Spirit ($19 fare sales)
Frontier (App-exclusive deals)
Southwest (No change fees)

5. Try Skiplagged (Hidden City Ticketing)

Save up to 60% by booking connecting flights
Example: NYC→Miami→Orlando (exit in Miami)

6. Check Alternate Airports

Major Savings Examples:

Fly into Oakland instead of SFO
Choose Burbank over LAX
Use Fort Lauderdale (FLL) vs Miami

7. Leverage Credit Card Perks

2025's Best Cards:

Chase Sapphire: 25% bonus on last-minute bookings
Amex Platinum: $200 airline fee credit

8. Use AI-Powered Deal Finders

New Tools:
Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) Premium
Matt's Flights AI deal predictor

9. Volunteer for Bumping

Get $500+ vouchers when overbooked
Best airports: DEN, ORD, ATL

10. Check Foreign OTAs

Often cheaper than US sites:

• Kiwi.com
• Skyscanner (set to "Everywhere")

💰 2025-Specific Savings Data

Average last-minute savings: $87 (Domestic), $231 (International)
Best day to book: Sunday at 1 PM ET
Worst day: Friday evenings