The Basics of Booking Last Minute Air Travel Deals

Sometimes travel plans don't work out the way you expect. You could be called out to an important interview in another state, you might need to visit a sick relative, or you may just decide to hop on a plane to take a much-needed vacation. Whatever your situation, last minute air travel deals are a highly sought-after commodity.

Travel Agents

What do you do when you simply need to get somewhere? You could ask your travel agent if they know of any great last minute air travel deals available for you. Sometimes, travel agents are privy to rates and even routes that the rest of us just don't have access to. This is always a good place to start because it will probably require the least amount of work on your part.

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.

Some of the deals available online may come with heavy restrictions. Guidelines such as the length of your stay, the cities you can fly between, and the dates you can travel are common. If you are able to be flexible with the dates and times, you'll have a better chance of finding last minute air travel deals that fit into your budget. If you're able to be flexible with the cities you travel between, your options will open up even further.

Be careful when booking last minute air travel deals online, since many services require full, non-refundable payment when you book. If you plan to make a reservation just to hold the seat while you look for a better deal elsewhere, you may be unpleasantly surprised to find that a full payment is required immediately.

Discount Brokers

Although it is exceedingly uncommon for a discount airline ticket broker to not have a website these days, there are still some who require you to check availability with a phone call. These brokers are usually small firms who have a relationship with the airlines that allows them to buy seats at discount prices and pass on these last minute air travel deals to you at up to 70% less than the airlines charge. You can find these brokers listed in many online directories.

It's always best to plan ahead when possible, but when you need to find last minute air travel deals, you'll see that there are plenty of resources available to you, both online and off.