NAB LAST MINUTE FLIGHT DEALS

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Check Steps to Book Last Minute Flight

One of the best ways to save money on a flight is to plan ahead. But sometimes, you don’t have the luxury of advance notice.

Here’s how to find cheap last-minute flight , whether you’re traveling for a family emergency, a business trip on short notice or a spontaneous escape.

1. Use a flight map

Google Flights and Skyscanner have handy map tools that can help you find the cheapest flight.

If your destination is set in stone, use the map to compare fares at nearby airports as well. It may be cheaper to fly into a location a few hours away and rent a car to reach your final stop.

If your destination is open-ended – i.e., “anywhere with a beach” – use the map to pick the most economical locale. Select your dates and home airport(s), and then scan the map for an affordable flight. Google Flights will even show you potential destinations; all you need to do is pick your travel dates and interests, whether they be wildlife, food, beaches or nature.

2. Call the airline

A handful of airlines still offer bereavement fares, which could help take the financial sting out of last-minute travel for a funeral. To get the discount, you have to book the flight by phone and typically need to start travel within seven to 14 days. Be prepared to provide the name of the relative and the name and phone number of the relative’s doctor or funeral home.

Alaska Airlines, for example, will knock 10% off its published fares for passengers traveling due to the death of an immediate family member, according to Halley Knigge, a spokeswoman for the carrier. This also applies to Virgin America, which was acquired by Alaska Air Group.

Delta Air Lines and Air Canada also offer special rates for those traveling due to a death in the family.

3. Fly during undesirable hours

“Go on a red-eye or crack-of-dawn flight,” says Elizabeth Avery, the founder of the travel website Solo Trekker 4 U. These flights tend to have unfilled seats and often will be less expensive than midday flights.

4. Tap your rewards

If you can’t find an affordable fare or skip the trip, consider redeeming credit card rewards or airline miles to subsidize your flight.

5. Follow your favorite airlines

Several airlines post last-minute deals to their Twitter accounts. Here’s a chart of major domestic airlines’ deal pages and Twitter handles:

• Alaska Airlines: @AlaskaAir

• American Airlines: @AmericanAir

• Delta Air Lines: @Delta

• Frontier Airlines: @FlyFrontier

• JetBlue Airways: @JetBlueCheeps

• Southwest Airlines: @SouthwestAir

• United Airlines: @United

Is it better to book flights last minute?

Although you're still better off booking in advance for the most desirable flights and travel dates, you can save money with last minute flight as well. It might take a little more work, but with rewards points, the right websites and apps, and some degree of flexibility, you can make it happen.