Whether it’s a family emergency, quick business travel, or a spontaneous weekend getaway, same-day travel can be a necessity. But will it always break the bank? Not necessarily! Here’s our guide to finding the best same-day flight deals and ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey.

Fast facts on finding a same-day flight

Here are some points to keep in mind to help you navigate last-minute travel. We’ll explore each of these in more detail: 

1. While a same-day flight can be expensive, it’s not always the case as airlines try to sell unbooked seats.

2. Flight comparison websites and apps like Skyscanner aggregate deals from various airlines and booking sites, making it easier to identify lower prices for last-minute travel.

3. Using award miles can help you avoid paying cash for high airfare, but airlines may also impose a close-in booking fee.

4. Some discounts can appear for same-day travel on international routes as the airline rushes to fill unsold seats.

5. Unusual travel patterns, like booking a same-day flight, can lead to additional security screening by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Debunking myths about same-day flights

In the past, same-day airline tickets were referred to as “walk-up fares,” implying that you’d pay a premium if you booked at the last minute. However, this isn’t always the case. With the right strategies, you can find affordable same-day flights.

Myth 1: Same-day flights are always expensive

While it’s true that "walk-up" prices can be higher, especially for popular routes or during peak travel times, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. It’s possible to find competitive rates for last-minute bookings, and with the right tools, you can find great deals.

Myth 2: You can only book at the airport

You don’t need to physically walk up to the airport to book a same-day flight (and may not want to due to service fees). Airlines generally allow you to book online up to 2-3 hours before your desired departure time, though the cut-off time varies by carrier and route. This gives you the flexibility to shop around and find the best same-day flight deals.

How to find cheap same-day flights

1. Use the Skyscanner app

The Skyscanner app is a powerful tool for finding the cheapest same-day flights. By aggregating fares from multiple airlines, it helps you compare prices quickly and choose the best deal. Using the app allows you to check prices and book a ticket on the go, like in the taxi to the airport if you need to. 

2. Be flexible with your travel plans

Flexibility is key to scoring cheap same-day flight deals. Consider the following:

• Alternative airports: Can you fly from a nearby airport? For example, if you’re in Austin, try San Antonio. Or if you’re in West Palm Beach, Miami could be a good option. 

• Layovers: Are you willing to endure a short layover to save $100, or a longer one to save $200? If you can spare the time, you could shave money off the base fare.

• Time of day: Early morning and late-night flights often have lower fares.

3. Check for last-minute promotions

Some airlines offer last-minute promotions that can significantly reduce the cost of same-day flights. Check their websites and sign up for airline and travel newsletters to stay informed.

4. Look for same-day award flights

Frequent flyer miles can be a cost-effective way to book same-day flights, though with some caveats. First, award seats aren’t always available on the same day, so this should be a backup plan. Second, while many airlines have eliminated fees for booking a last-minute award ticket, some will still apply a fee, so keep an eye out for this extra expense. Lastly, these types of bookings can trigger an airline’s fraud prevention system. If you don’t receive confirmation within an hour, call the reservations hotline to ensure your booking went through.

Final thoughts: Are same day flights cheaper?

Booking last-minute flights isn’t always a walk in the park, but with the right strategies, you can find affordable same-day flight deals, even for international destinations. As long as you’re aware of the potential pitfalls and are prepared for potential extra security measures, the experience shouldn’t be much more stressful than booking a regular flight.