How to Get Flight and Hotel Deals Last Minute

We’ve all been there—plans change last minute, or maybe you just get that spontaneous travel itch and want to hit the road ASAP. But last-minute travel can feel expensive and stressful if you don’t know the tricks. The good news? There are ways to score deals on flights and hotels even when you’re booking close to departure.

Here’s how to snag those deals without losing your mind—or your wallet.

1. Stay Flexible With Travel Dates

Being even a little flexible with your departure or return dates can make a huge difference in price. Flight prices often drop mid-week or at odd hours, so try searching across a few days instead of locking in just one.

A site like Kiwi.com is perfect for this because you can view flights across a range of dates and pick the cheapest option that works for you. Sometimes moving your trip by just one day can save you hundreds.

2. Check Last-Minute Hotel Deals

Hotels often slash prices close to check-in to fill empty rooms. If your plans are spontaneous, it’s worth checking last-minute deals to snag a discount.

Booking.com is a solid choice for this because they highlight discounted rooms and many listings offer free cancellation. That means you can book a great rate today without stressing if plans change.

3. Use Mobile Apps for Faster Booking

When traveling last minute, timing is everything. Hotel rooms and cheap flights can disappear quickly, and apps make it easy to book from anywhere. Mobile deals also tend to get updated faster than websites, which is perfect for spontaneous plans.

Platforms like Trip.com update their deals frequently, which is especially useful if you’re making spontaneous plans and want to catch a room or flight before it’s gone.

4. Consider Nearby Airports or Alternate Routes

If flights from your main airport are sky-high, check nearby airports or routes with one stop. Smaller airports often have lower fares, and even adding a short layover can cut costs.

5. Look Into Flight + Hotel Bundles

Sometimes booking your flight and hotel together can save more than buying them separately. Bundles also make last-minute planning less stressful since everything’s handled in one go.

Quick Last-Minute Travel Tips

• Clear your cookies or use private browsing to avoid potential price jumps.
• Early morning and late-night flights tend to be cheaper.
• Keep an eye out for free cancellation policies for peace of mind.
• Pack light — last-minute trips often mean smaller planes or carry-on-only savings.

Final Thoughts

Last-minute travel doesn’t have to be chaotic or overpriced. With a bit of flexibility, smart timing, and the right tools, it’s completely possible to find affordable flights and hotel rooms—sometimes even better deals than if you’d booked far in advance.

Being open to alternate routes, checking nearby airports, and using mobile apps to keep an eye on updated listings can make a big difference. The key is to stay flexible, act fast when you see a good option, and keep your plans simple.

Spontaneous trips can end up being some of the most memorable—and now you’ve got the tools to book one without the stress.