2006-12-04 11:44:07 · 7 answers · asked by K B 1 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
Airlines set aside a small number of seats to be sold ONLY at the last minute; this is where they make a lot of their profit and they would rather not sell them at all and take a loss on an empty seat instead of selling them at a discount and taking a chance at turning away a high-fare paying last-minute customer. But they also frequently run specials on flights that are running under capacity. Look for these deals about 4-6 days before the flight; you can also sign up for email alerts from the major carriers and get a weekly specials email. If you're trying to find a bargain, your chances are going to be a lot better a few days out instead of the day of the flight.
2006-12-04 13:09:42 · answer #1 · answered by dcgirl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some airlines have opportunities to 'stand by' and fly for a discount. I've not done it for a long time, so can't advise with specific airlines, but if you check websites for airlines flying to destinations you're interested in, call them or send them an eMail and see what you can save. It may be a hassle just showing up at an airport with no guarantee that you'll get a flight,though.
good luck.
2006-12-04 11:54:28 · answer #2 · answered by vertically challenged 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The major airlines don't tend to do this but a number of cut price operators are worth watching as prices fluctuate with sales,quite recently I looked at a flight to Spain about three months in advance of a proposed date,as expected this came up at £9.99 plus taxes ect.A month before the date the price had risen to over £70 plus,a week before departure I booked the flight for £40.00 incl.taxes.
2006-12-04 12:04:25 · answer #3 · answered by geoff t 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
very unlikely with scheduled flights but many charter flights will sell a cheap ticket at the airport for a flight that same day
2006-12-04 18:27:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They used to, but they don't anymore, because someone told them that people who fly at the last minute usually have an urgent reason to get somewhere. Now it seems they prefer to fly with empty seats, rather than give last minute travellers a break.
2006-12-04 11:52:46 · answer #5 · answered by old lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not common practice anymore. More chance on charter than scheduled flights.
2006-12-06 06:35:08 · answer #6 · answered by sweetpea 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got a standby ticket for My Travel from Jamaica for £250.00.This was only last month.It was for myself and my baby.
2006-12-05 11:54:13 · answer #7 · answered by michdiaja 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋