Because of my work schedule, I won't know whether or not I can go on a trip until a day or two before the trip. Should I buy the tickets now and cancel right before the flight, or should I go to the airport right before the flight and get tickets?
2006-11-21 12:29:37 · 8 answers · asked by big web 2 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
Tickets are usually more expensive at the last minute unless the airline decides to, well, sell the remaining few seats on a plane quick. They are most often expensive.
2006-11-21 12:40:05 · answer #1 · answered by CoinGirl12 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Last minute air fare is going to be higher. You would miss out on any advance purchase fares, which are lower the farther out you buy them. Generally there are 2 week advance purchase, 1 week advance purchase and 3 days advance purchase. The fares go up the closer you get. By the time the plane departs you usually will only get a full coach fare which can be quite high.
One thing that many people dont know about nonrefundable fares is that if you cancel the flight you dont lose the value of the ticket. You can reschedule the flights and use the ticket towards the purchase of the new flight. The airline will charge a change fee to do this, usually $100, but sometimes lower. Depending on the carrier, your tickets are good for 90 days to a year from date of purchase. If the ticket is totally unused you can book flights anywhere and apply the ticket with some rules, like if its a domestic ticket you cant use it for international flights usually. So, if you purchase an advanced nonrefundable ticket and it is cancelled you can still use it.
2006-11-21 22:10:41 · answer #2 · answered by sngcanary 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are more expensive generally at the airports, but some airports might offer value fares to fill seats but this is highly unlikely.
If you buy the cheapest ticket, you will be unlikely to get a refund but some airlines are now allowing you to change your ticket for a small plus any difference in the airfare.
2006-11-21 23:03:11 · answer #3 · answered by search4travelwebsites 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They get more expensive as time goes on, and it'd be cheaper to buy in advance. Also if you buy right before the trip there may not be tickets available. If it's for business, you may ask your employer, b/c they probably pay for it and you could see what they prefer.
2006-11-21 20:52:52 · answer #4 · answered by Peter the Squirrel 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the flight is light, you may get the ticket at cheaper rate. However, if the flight is tight, you may have to pay igher fare.
2006-11-22 06:40:56 · answer #5 · answered by vakayil k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's just about the same, not much difference anymore. Why don't you join the Last Minute Club? Maybe the can e-mail you when a good trip is coming up. I don't know though if there's a membership fee.
2006-11-21 20:34:37 · answer #6 · answered by Mightymo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wya more expensive at the last minute. if you were to buy now for a summer get-away, they would be VERY cheap. Think ahead, especially with airports.
2006-11-21 20:34:26 · answer #7 · answered by Andrew 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
more exspensive if bout at the last min
2006-11-21 20:33:01 · answer #8 · answered by kyler w 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋