June 10, 2008

Top Tips For Last Minute Air Travel Deals

While doing things at the last minute is rarely ideal, sometimes it is a necessity, perhaps you have to attend a job interview in another state, or visit an ill relative, and sometimes you just feel like a break at the last moment.  Whatever the reason, last minute air travel deals are highly sought after, and knowing how to find them can be a very useful skill.

Ask Your Travel Agent

Your travel agent is likely to be the first person you think of for a regular holiday, but many people assume that the last minute deals they offer are less than bargains.  This is a common misconception, and in reality it is well worth asking your travel agent for last minute fares, as they have knowledge of offers that the general public may not know about.  Booking through a travel agent is quick and easy, and you often get a very good price.

Take Advantage of Online Booking

Other sources of last minute air travel deals are all around you.  There are many websites whose sole purpose is you get you connected with the last minute air travel deals you need.  Whether you need to fly to New York or Melbourne, there are bound to be some last minute air travel deals available for you.

Online fares are usually very inexpensive, but this can often come with the price of restrictions – some cheap fares require you to stay at your destination a certain length of time, or limit the airports that you can go to.  The airports offered by cheaper fares are usually smaller ones a little away from the central travel destinations.  The flights often leave early in a morning, or very late at night.  If you are willing to accept this, and be flexible about your travel arrangements, however, then you can save quite a lot of money.

Be careful when booking last minute air travel deals online, since many services require full, non-refundable payment when you book.  For this reason, be careful when making reservations to hold seats while you shop around.  

Try The Discount Brokers

The majority of discount airline ticket brokers have websites that you can use to check the availability of discount fares, however there are some that still require you to call them to check for cheap flights.  These brokers are usually small firms, but they have a relationship with the airlines and can pass on last minute deals at up to 70% below the standard price.  

The best idea is to plan ahead whenever possible, as you should get the best deals if you book early, but if you ever do need to travel at the last minute, don't despair, you can still get good deals if you shop around.

Filed under Air Travel, Travel Tips by Darlene.
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