Cheap flights if you go and wait at an aiport?

Question

Is it true that it is possible to turn up to an airport, sit around untill you are offered a cheap flight to somewhere in the world if you are flexible about where you go? Are there any sites about it?

Answer 1

It's called travelling on stand by.... be prepared for a few days wait at the airport, most planes are actually overbooked now, so this practice is really a lottery now.

Answer 2

I'm sure you can still get cheap standby tickets if you're willing to hang around the airport and speak to the airline ticket sales desks. However, the major UK airlines from the major UK airports don't usually offer cheap standby tickets anymore. They obviously won't sell if they are overbooked but I'm not sure why they don't sell standby tickets anymore if they have undersold. A few years ago, an acquantance told me that he used to phone up the airline a few days before he wanted to fly. If the flight was no more than 70% full, he stood a reasonable chance of turning up at the airport getting a cheap standby ticket for the flight he wanted (although I have never tried this out for myself).

As an alternative, you could fly as a courier. There are plenty of legitimate courier companies around and I have met a couple of people of get cheap flight by couriering. What it means is that you can't really take much personal luggage as they use up your allowance. You'll typically save anywhere between 10% and 70% depending on when you buy, when you travel, and where you travel.

Answer 3

A better idea is check www.travelocity.com and book a last minute flight.

Another great option is for you is to use www.priceline.ca to get a great cheap flight if you are flexible in your travel.

The chances you take by just showing up at an airport aren't good. Remember, just cuz a flight is cheap doe not mean when you get there the hotels, food in that local will be affordable. Afterall, why get a cheap flight to a nice place that has no hotel vacancies?

Plan your trip on a cheap flight. You can also find cheap flights by searching travelocity.com and then going directly to the airline carriers website. It'll save you an extra $5!

Answer 4

As I understand the situation these days, early bookings on the no-frills airlines gives you a better chance of cheap flights.
A Cousin over from Oz to UK booked a flight to Eire. 1p going and 2p return!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The later bookings go up in price until the plane is full, then they start again.
For a longer flight, though a more comfortable option is advisable.
Travel Agents have lists in their windows of last minute deals and I am sure there are similar on the web. Do some surfing around the Travel sites.
Bon voyage!

Answer 5

You might be lucky if the plane is not full; there are certain airlines that do not discount any vacant seats on a departing flight. Everything depends on luck and your ability to negotiate with the clerk attending at the desk.

Answer 6

dont know about any sites for it but you can get cheap flights if you are willing to sit out the waite and as you are flexable you shouldnt have too much of a problem.

Answer 7

sheduled airlines do not offer stand by tickets to general passenger in the uk. not sure about the rest of the world but in england no.

i work on the ticket desk of a major uk airline.

Answer 8

seek assessment sites and mess around via entering diverse dates etc that's a thank you to do issues. we are no longer a return and forth employer so we will not e book to order any tickets for you.

Answer 9

I did this in greece , so you can do it , however I don't know if it happens in u.k airports

Answer 10

Try this website http://www.routehunter.com/ and let us know!

Take care!