last minute trips reddit

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

Best Websites to Book a Last Minute Vacation

Megan Johnson

Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.

Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She has started to go out of her comfort zone while traveling- most recently exploring caves and boogie boarding on a FlowRider.

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

Sometimes you just need to getaway. If your wanderlust gets the best of you and the traveler inside is itching to hit the road, there are plenty of websites and apps out there to help—fast. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a full-blown vacation, these sites can help you find great last minute travel deals.

Best Websites for Last Minute Flights

Finding flights can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be! There are loads of ways to find cheap flights from your favorite airline, even if you are going away in the near future.

1. Google Flights

One fun way to find last minute flights is to plug your departure city and travel dates into Google Flights , leaving your destination blank. The resulting map shows you the lowest available prices to cities all over the world, letting you find deals in places you might not have ever thought to go.

Kayak’s Explore feature is a similar tool. You can enter exact travel dates or a certain month, then see which fares are available from your home gateway. 

3. Secret Flying

You can get alerts when fares go down when you sign up at Secret Flying , or, use their search tool to find great last minute deals on flights. Simply input your departure city, keep the arrival as “anywhere” and put the current month as the time you are looking to fly. Perfect for when you just want to get away, but you don’t care where to. Secret Flying also finds “mistake” fares, so be sure to sign up to get notifications so you can book them before they are gone! 

The 12 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare

Where to Find Last Minute Hotel Deals

You’d think that every hotel would have cheap rooms last minute, but that isn’t always the case. These sites will help you find a room that won’t break the bank with a spur of the moment trip! 

1. Hotel Tonight

A perennial favorite app among SmarterTravel editors, HotelTonight has been finding travelers’ deep hotel discounts since 2010. The app allows travelers to book same-day accommodations across the globe at discounts of up to 50 percent. If you don’t want to leave things until the literal last minute, though, the app also lets you book dates a little further out. The well-designed booking engine serves up clever recommendations and insider info—plus those remarkable markdowns. Keep an eye out for the Daily Drop, the biggest discount of the day (which you only have 15 minutes to book).

The site is known for discounted restaurant meals, fitness classes, and beauty services also has a last minute deals section that typically includes discounted hotel and resort stays. On the day I checked, options ranged from a $69 hotel near Niagara Falls to a four-star Times Square hotel for $77 a night.

3. Trip.com

Trip.com is your basic hotel booking site, and is great for finding a last minute deal. While they feature hotels all around the world, it’s particularly great for deals on hotels in Asia, so when you grab an amazing last minute flight to somewhere in Asia, head to trip.com to book your hotel! 

4. Last Minute Travel

As its name suggests, Last Minute Travel is dedicated solely to last minute travel deals. This wide-ranging site offers bargains on hotels, car rentals, cruises, transfers, and activities. Their hotel deals are amazing.  In a sample search, I found top-rated hotels in Paris from just $54 per night for a trip about two weeks out. The site has a Last Minute Travel Club for deeper discounts and rewards points to use toward free hotel stays. Membership is $50 per year.

The 15 Best Hotel Booking Sites

Amazing Last Minute Vacation Packages

Sometimes, booking a vacation package is the cheapest way to go for last minute travel. These sites are the best for one-stop shopping.

1. Airfarewatchdog

SmarterTravel’s sister site Airfarewatchdog has a nifty Weekender tool that lets you find a flight/hotel vacation package for upcoming weekends, just click the link and let the site do the rest of the work. 

2. CheapCaribbean.com

If you have a specific destination in mind, your best bet is often to focus on a website that deals with one region specifically. CheapCaribbean.com has last minute deals , many of them short-lived flash sales. Though you can’t hem and haw about whether or not to go, you’ll often have plenty of time to plan. For example, a four-night air/hotel package to the Dominican Republic might start at $509 per person for travel four to six months from now—but it must be booked in the next four days.

3. FunJet Vacations 

Book your flight and hotel together at FunJet Vacations . If you have a place in mind, enter the dates you want to go and the destination, and it will give you the best flight and hotel deals available. Their sales are great if you are open to where you want to go, and often have dates for travel within the month. 

The 14 Best Vacation Rental Sites for Travelers

Affordable Last Minute All-Inclusive Deals

A vacation where everything is paid for in advance may seem a luxury to some people, but it is actually quite affordable. These sites will help you find the best all-inclusive deals, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the sun! 

1. Sandals Resorts

Sandals resorts has great deals for last minute travel. You often can get one night free, and when you start the booking process, have the option of booking your flight as well. You may even find availability for travel within the week. 

2. Club Med

When it comes to all-inclusive, Club Med usually comes to mind. Like Sandals, they often have fantastic last minute deals for when you are looking to book without much time to plan. Club Med has locations all over the world, including Mexico, Canada and all over the Caribbean – perfect for a cheap getaway.

3. Travelzoo

This venerable travel site offers last minute deals on just about everything, but their all-inclusive search is one of the best as far as the bigger sites go. When I searched, I found a package for an all-inclusive stay in Cabo, including airfare, for $739, for travel next week. 

Ditch the Hotel: 10 Cheaper Ways to Save

How to Find Great Deals on Last Minute Tours

If you prefer having an itinerary made for you, and, let’s face it, if you are taking a last minute trip, it might be nice to not have to plan the entire trip, there are some great sites to book a last minute tour on. 

1. TourRadar

Book a tour of your destination as well as accommodations through TourRadar . There are several ways to search, including destination, adventure styles (food & culinary, active adventure, health & wellness, etc.), and date. Search for tours for travel in the next two weeks, or multiple months in advance. 

2. G Adventures

From Iceland to Turkey, G Adventures has tours to inspire and excite. They have available dates for travel throughout the year, but most are available to book for tours within a week or two. They have themed tours like the Northern Lights in Iceland, and Hiking the Azores—whatever, wherever you want to go. I found a four-day hiking tour of the Inca Trail in Peru for $881 departing within the week.

3. Contiki 

Contiki has a wide variety of tours to choose from, and the site has a handy last minute trips option to find a tour when you need one. When I searched, there was an Egypt and the Nile tour for $1,772, starting in just four days from when I searched! Most tours include accommodation, meals, transportation, admission to sites, and tour guides. 

The 10 Best Group Travel Tour Companies

Popular Getaway Deal Destinations

You may think it is hard to find deals to some of the top destinations, but as we have been mentioning, there are several options out there, no matter where you are going. Here are some sites that will help you plan your next getaway to some of the top spots.

Europe Deals

Lastminute.com .

Netherlands-based LastMinute.com also covers a range of last minute trip options, including flights, hotels, Eurostar train tickets, vacation packages, car rentals, theater tickets, and experiences. A Paris search turned up several highly-rated hotel options at $75-$85 per night at press time. This site also allows you to filter by hotels that offer free cancellation, a great perk if your travel plans change last minute. LastMinute.com also has “top-secret hotels” available for opaque booking, though in my Paris search they were actually a bit more expensive than the named hotels in my results.

Caribbean Vacations

While we love Sandals, we also love their sister company, Beaches . Beaches features two resorts in Jamaica and one in Turks and Caicos. Their last minute travel deals are similar to Sandals, where you can get one free night, and are able to book with just a couple of days in advance. 

Trips to New York

Chances are, if you are heading to NYC, you are going to want to see a Broadway show. Your best option for great last minute seats is TKTS . Download the app for your phone to see that days discounted tickets, and you can decide whether it is worth making the trek to the booth. Beats running out early in the morning to wait in line, and you are sure to get some deeply discounted tickets. 

The Hotel Room Workout Anyone Can Do

Best Last Minute Travel Apps for Your Phone

Most people tend to do everything on their phones, from booking restaurants, reading the news, and of course, booking travel. These apps are our favorites for booking last minute travel.

Elude is more than an app, it is an experience for the well-seasoned traveler. Not only does it let you search trips from your departure city to anywhere in the world, it gets to know you so you’ll find out about the best deals catered to your interests. Keep tabs on your trips, where you’ve been and what you’ve done. Their search feature allows you to put what your budget is, and what dates you want to travel, then showing you details for trips that fall under your criteria. When I searched, I found a trip to Prague leaving from New York City in two weeks for $1374 including airfare and hotel. 

With Snaptravel , you can search for hotels conveniently on your phone. Once you sign up, you will receive exclusive deals over your message service of choice (SMS, Facebook Messenger, iMessage etc..). You can also do a simple search with the days you want to go, and where you want to go. You can filter by price, hotel stars, amenities and more. The perfect app for booking that last minute hotel anywhere in the world. 

Heading to the Airport? Use This Preflight Checklist

These days, vacation rentals are all the rage, and finding a last minute travel deal for accommodations can be tricky if you don’t want to break the bank. That’s where apps like VRBO come in. You can search rooms, apartments and houses available to rent wherever you are going. Often, owners who have had a cancellation or just want the place booked will discount the price last minute as to not totally lose out on making any money. You might just find a unique stay, like a treehouse or secluded cabin. 

Travelocity

Everything is better with time, and Travelocity is not excluded. Founded in 1996, they have adapted to the ever-changing tech world, and their app shows they are good at what they do. Search for hotels, vacation packages, flights—you name it—and all of your bookings will stay on the app for easy access. Looking for the perfect trip to Las Vegas last minute? Travelocity has your back.  When I searched for a trip to Vegas in two weeks, I found hotel and airfare for under $1,000 for a five night stay. 

Editor’s Note: All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated with the latest information. Genevieve S. Brown and Dara Continenza contributed to this story.

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Ireland: Wild Atlantic Way Trips w/Air...

Great Value Vacations

Barcelona to Rome: 7-Nt Mediterranean Cruise...

Princess Cruises

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Trending on SmarterTravel

The Best Sites and Apps for Finding Last-Minute Travel Deals

Is your suitcase packed yet?!

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Last-Minute Flight Deals

Google Flights

Google Flights is a search engine that gathers fares from other travel sites. According to CNET, it bests other travel search sites , due to the fact that it's super speedy (plug in your dates, departure, and arrival destinations, and flights pop up almost instantaneously). If you can be flexible, leave your destination blank and then scroll through the list of cities that pop up to find the cheapest flights for your upcoming dates.

Cheapoair.com

Cheapoair.com is all about discounted flights. Click on its "Last Minute Flights" tab to find the absolute cheapest rates (if you're interested, book it as soon as possible before it goes up!). A recent sweet deal was a roundtrip flight from Philadelphia to Orlando starting at $81 (2 weeks out from departure date). There's also a toll-free number to call to hear about unpublished fares.

Vayama.com focuses on international flights, and there are always good last-minute deals to be found right on the homepage, so you don't have to go clicking around. A recent search saw an American Airlines offer from New York to Casablanca, Morocco, starting at $676 (2 weeks out from departure date). Also, check out its "Trending Deals" section for the most up-to-date offerings.

Last-Minute Hotel Deals

HotelTonight

While this app lets you book up to a week in advance (or 100 days in advance for stays up to 14 nights), it's really geared to last-minute bookings, so if there's a hotel you've had your eye on, this is your chance to stay there at a reduced rate. Deals go live each day at noon, and there are thousands of hotels to choose from, including the Mondrian in Miami. Download for iTunes and Google Play .

Another last-minute hotel-booking app is One:Night, which lists its same-day offers starting at 3 p.m. Though operated by Standard International — the parent company behind Standard Hotels, which are listed already — it also has several other stylish hotels, such as New York's Gramercy Park Hotel and LA's Viceroy L’ermitage Beverly Hills. Download for iTunes and Google Play .

While this last-minute hotel-booking app got its start as a website in England in 1999, it now has access to more than 200,000 properties around the world (but it offers more U.K. hotels than anyone else, including places like London's Radisson Blu Edwardian Grafton and the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton in Scotland). Download for iTunes and Google Play .

Last-Minute Travel Booking Site Deals

LastMinuteTravel.com

With a site called LastMinuteTravel , you can expect prime deals for spur-of-the-moment travelers. The site offers deals on everything from flights and hotels to car rentals and packages, so you're sure to find something. A recent search found a four-star Berlin hotel for $96 per night. Other sites to check out include LastMinute.com and GoLastMinute.com .

Priceline.com

Priceline basically offers one-stop shopping: Not only can you book your hotel room, but your flight, rental car, and cruise as well. It still has the "Name Your Own Price" feature for choosing hotels, which offers steep discounts (if you don't mind not knowing where you'll be staying until you book). Its app has app-only hotel deals, including super last-minute deals with its "Tonight Only" feature.

Expedia allows you to save big when you bundle a trip — meaning book your hotel and airfare together — and often has great last-minute prices, but for its most up-to-the-minute offerings, check the Unreal Deals tab. A recent search turned up a 4-night trip to Vegas, with a stay at The Palazzo tower (within the The Venetian), including airfare, from $605 per person (2 weeks out from departure date).

Last-Minute Vacation Package Deals

Gate 1 Travel

Gate 1 Travel has vacation packages to almost every corner of the world. It offers escorted travel packages, as well as independent trips. A recent independent vacation to Milan, featuring airfare, 4 nights of accommodations, and daily breakfast was going for $769 a month out. While there are always good deals on the site, you can also check its "Last Minute" section for the latest offerings.

CheapCaribbean.com

Who doesn't want to save money on a tropical getaway to the Caribbean or Mexico, perhaps places like Aruba and Cancun ? Find all the latest affordable last-minute deals under CheapCaribbean's "Nice Packages" tab — a recent offering for an all-inclusive resort on Mexico's Riviera Maya for 3 nights, including airfare, was going for $599 (down from $1,229) 2 weeks out.

Last-Minute Cruise Deals

CruiseCompete.com

If cruises are your thing — or even if you are a first-timer — you can get quotes from multiple travel agencies to get awesome last-minute deals through CruiseCompete.com . Check its Super Cruise Specials, where a recent deal included a 7-night Mediterranean cruise from Miami, starting at $445 (one month out). You can also get special deals, such as two-for-one cruises and select sailings where kids cruise free.

Under Cruise.com's Last Minute Cruises section (in the Cruise Deals section), you'll find lots of discounted sailings, including a 4-day Western Caribbean cruise from $279 per person departing from Miami, less than a week out. There was also a 4-day Bahamas cruise for $378 per person a month out.

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Travel

Best Quotes About Traveling With Friends

The 15 Best Beaches Near Orlando

The Best Tips for Visiting Disney World With Kids

The Best Travel Captions for Your Next Vacay

Are Vessi's Travel Sneakers Worth It?

Universal's Epic Universe Will Live Up to Its Name

The Best Mother-Daughter Trips to Take Together

13 U.S. Amusement Parks That Are Free to Enter

10 of America’s Best Water Parks

Romantic Weekend Getaways

11 Ways to Protect Yourself From Travel Scams

The 16 Best Sites for Last Minute Travel Deals

Don't forget to pack some underwear

Are you planning your next epic trip to Cancun, Miami, Florida, or the Caribbean? Then, stop what you’re doing and check out the best sites for last-minute travel deals to get the most for your money.

In this article, we will explore sites and apps for finding travel deals where you can get significant discounts for your next flight , vacation rental, and car rental. Finding last-minute travel deals is simple nowadays if you know where to look. You can save a lot of money on your trip to Las Vegas or your family’s favorite vacation spot.

1. Last Minute Travel

As the name suggests, Last Minute Travel is all about the deals you can get on last-minute flights, hotels, cruises, and even car rentals. If you become a member of the Last Minute Travel Club for $50 per year, you can benefit from exclusive hotel deals available only to the members. You will also collect points that you can later use on free travel.

If adventurous, you will love the “Undercover Hotels” feature. Super low travel offers will keep the hotel’s identity a secret until you complete the booking. However, you won’t go through the booking process blindly. You’ll know the hotel’s general location, rating, and review score. With “Undercover Hotels,” you can get up to 65% discounts on your hotel room.

2. Priceline

Priceline lets you customize your travel package if you don’t like the hotel room or the flight times they have offered. But keep in mind that every change will come at a cost. That said, flexible travelers will be awarded Express Deals that give up to 60% discount on hotel stays. The only downside is that you won’t know the hotel’s exact location or name until after the booking is completed.

For those who don’t want to take the risk with Express Deals, Priceline offers a very detailed and easy-to-use map that shows all accommodations available for your last-minute trip. Once you hover the cursor over the location (labeled with the price), a pop-up display will tell you the hotel’s rating, name, and guest review score.

Kayak is a search engine that will allow you to find flights, but you won’t book them with Kayak. The search engine will not charge any fees for the booking, and there are no hidden charges you need to worry about. You can use many filters that Kayak has to offer to narrow down the search to match your exact criteria.

Since you can’t book through Kayak, you won’t have any loyalty programs. However, if you are a frequent flier, you can earn airline points by searching for flights through Kayak.

4. Travelocity

Travelocity is a website where you can book everything you need for your last-minute trip. There are options to book a flight, a hotel, and a car, and if you choose a combination of two or more items, you’ll get a discount. You can even add excursions after you finish the booking process. Travelocity is a great platform to plan your whole trip.

Once you register on the Travelocity website, you will receive a 10% discount on hotel stays. The website also has a price match guarantee, which means that if you find the same hotel, car, or cruise on a different platform that offers a lower price, Travelocity will refund the difference. 

5. Groupon Getaways

Groupon is a well-known online marketplace that offers its customers great deals. But many have wondered if last-minute vacation packages offered on Groupon Getaways are worth it. It is essential to know that travel agencies or individual travel agents run these travel packages, and they are fully planned. That means you will not be able to make any hotel, flight, or trip changes. However, if you’re a first-time traveler, this could be a great option for you.

International travel can be very stressful, and having it all planned out for you will take the edge off. But be aware that the dates are set in stone, and the accommodation might not live up to your expectations. The excursions can add extra costs on top of the price displayed for the travel package. Read carefully about what you’re buying and check for any hidden fees.

6. Travelzoo

Travelzoo will find the best deals from other websites, so you don’t have to search multiple platforms. It serves as a link between you and an appropriate booking website. Travelzoo has a vast database, and members benefit from special deals. However, these deals are time-limited.

The Top 20 Deals page changes every week, so you have access to only the best packages. The Travelzoo team tests these deals and verifies them. Some of the deals you find through Travelzoo are fully refundable.

Using Orbitz, you can find vacation deals that include any combination of flight, hotel, and car rental bookings. The website will even allow you to book accommodation for a part of your travel period. The search is very detailed, and you can browse hotels by their cancellation policy or specific amenities such as spas or free Wi-Fi.

Orbitz has its reward system for which you need to register. It will allow you to collect Orbucks which you will be able to spend on a hotel room. Orbucks can be collected through flights, travel packages, and hotel bookings through the Orbitz app.

Expedia is both an online booking platform and a mobile app. Through Expedia, you will be able to easily find suitable vacation packages, cruises, hotels, excursions, flights, and car rentals. You can search for a vacation package by simply entering your desired location, duration of the planned trip, and the location from which you’re departing.

Expedia has a very generous reward system. You will get one point for every dollar spent on your travel plans (apart from flights). Flights will give you one point per $5 spent, but only if you hold a Silver or Gold membership. The points will be doubled if you’re booking through the mobile app. You can spend accumulated points to get free travel.

9. CheapOair

If you are in search of cheap flights, CheapOair might be the right solution for you. An online travel agency, CheapOair offers up to a 20% discount for booked flights. You can also book hotels through this online agency, and members can receive up to a 55% discount.

CheapOair also has a reward program based on a point system. You will receive your first 500 points just for signing up. Then, the site will add another 500 points to your account after your first booking, hotel, or flight. After you collect these initial 1000 points, each dollar spent through CheapOair will land you another 1 point. You can also opt for a CheapOair credit card that will add $7 for each dollar spent.

10. Google Flights

If you want a simple and clean search engine with some handy filters for finding last-minute flights, Google Flights might be what you’re looking for. Use the map view to see the prices all over the world. This is particularly useful for flexible travelers who don’t care much about the destination.

If you already have a set destination in mind, you can use Google’s price graph to find the dates that have the cheapest flights. Just keep in mind that booking is not done through Google. Instead, Google will direct you to the airline. 

That said, Google Flights has a flaw that you have to be aware of. Sometimes it displays cheap flights that are no longer available.

11. Hoteltonight

Hoteltonight is a booking service that will allow you to find a hotel, book it, and go straight to it, all on the same day. This is a fantastic option if you’re searching for last-minute hotel deals. The service works both in web browsers and as an app for smartphones.

That said, Hoteltonight also lets you plan your last-minute vacation, not just book a hotel on the same day. It will allow you to book a hotel room up to seven days in advance. The later you book a room through Hoteltonight, the better hotel deals will be available.

12. Hotwire

Hotwire is a booking website that promises cheap travels that you won’t regret. You can book flights, hotels, car rentals, or any combination directly through Hotwire. They even have a mobile phone app. In fact, if you want the lowest possible prices, additional discounts are available if you book through their app.

The Hotel Rate tool will allow you to be adventurous and book an undisclosed hotel within a specific rating range. However, some hidden fees might be a problem with Hotwire, so read all the details carefully. 

13. Airfare Watchdog

Airfare Watchdog is a great solution for people looking for last-minute flights or who are flexible with their travel dates. The company employs real people that will search various websites to provide you with the best flight deals possible.

The best feature of Airfare Watchdog is its capability to track the prices over time. If you sign up for air alerts, Airfare Watchdog will send you updates on flight prices through an email. This will help you decide when to book a flight to get the best deal.

14. Cruise Direct

Cruise Direct can be an excellent solution for people looking for affordable cruise deals. Last-minute cruise offers usually happen due to a cancellation. Someone opting out of the trip can be your way into a luxury room at great bargains. Keep in mind that prices will fluctuate depending on how long until the cruise departure.

Cruise Direct doesn’t charge booking fees, and it offers a price match guarantee. However, the website doesn’t offer any exclusive cruises to its users.

15. Tourradar

Tourradar is a digital travel agent with over 40,000 tours offered worldwide. From the Caribbean to the East Coast of Australia, Tourradar has so many travel sites and tours to offer. You can even personalize your family’s vacation by opting for a private tour that Tourradar will tailor just for you.

Last-minute deals are only a tiny part of what Tourradar has to offer. Using this online tour agent, you can spend less on your next vacation with Early Bird Savings and 2 for 1 deals. However, returning customers have no benefits as the booking is never done directly with the tour operators.

16. Booking.com

Probably the best of all accommodation booking sites, Booking.com will provide you with an excellent search experience with many filters to narrow down your next vacation spots. But Booking.com doesn’t limit itself only to hotels. It also gives you the option of choosing between apartments, entire villas, and some very unique properties at discounted prices.

Booking.com will also let you book flights, car rentals, airport taxis, various activities, tours, and museums. It also has a reward system called Genius that will give you a 10% discount if you book a hotel through their service twice in one year. You can get even bigger discounts and other benefits such as free breakfast, or free room upgrades with the Genius perks.

Related posts.

• Amazon Fire Stick Home Screen Not Loading? 9 Ways to Fix
• How to Share Your Amazon Cart
• 10 Best Free Audio Converter Tools (Online & Offline)
• 7+ Free Tournament Bracket Generators and Templates
• How to Remove a Google Account From Chrome

Nicolae is a Jack of all trades technology writer with a focus on hardware, programming languages, and AI image-processing software. Over the last five years, he has ghostwritten numerous tech how-to guides and books on a variety of topics ranging from Linux to C# programming and game development. Nicolae loves everything that has to do with technology and his goal is to share his knowledge and experience with others. Read Nicolae's Full Bio

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Find Cheaper Last-Minute Flights

Alisha is a freelance writer and photographer. She is the creator of travel and adventure site Terradrift.com and has written about travel and rewards for many publications, including American Way and Johnny Jet.

Mary Flory leads NerdWallet's growing team of assigning editors at large. Before joining NerdWallet's content team, she had spent more than 12 years developing content strategies, managing newsrooms and mentoring writers and editors. Her previous experience includes being an executive editor at the American Marketing Association and an editor at news and feature syndicate Content That Works.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Most savvy travelers know the best way to find cheap flights is to be flexible and plan ahead.

But sometimes things come up — be it pressing business, a family emergency or a spontaneous vacation — and you have to pack your bags within mere days or even hours of flying. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks for finding a better deal on impromptu airfare. Here’s how to find cheaper last-minute flights no matter when and where you’re flying.

Check prices at nearby airports

If you’re booking a last-minute flight, don’t just search for the airports closest to your current location and destination. Instead, widen your search to include nearby airports. Decide how far you’re willing to travel before you take off and after you land, and include any airports that fall into that radius in search results.

For example, if you’re flying to New York City, you may think JFK is the obvious option, but Newark or La Guardia are sometimes cheaper. Likewise, there are more than five airports in and around London. The one closest to your final destination may not be the cheapest, so check ticket prices for the other airports, too.

There are a few downsides to consider when flying into a cheaper airport that might be farther away. It will likely take longer to get from the airport to your hotel or office if you choose a cheaper flight that goes into a less convenient airport. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of transportation for that increased distance.

In a destination like New York City or London, ubiquitous and inexpensive public transportation options like buses, subways and trains may still be cheaper than an expensive last-minute flight to your intended destination. But in less popular tourist destinations, it may wind up costing you more once you land to save a little bit of cash on your flight.

Platforms like Google Flights or Expedia often offer the option to include nearby airports when searching.

» Learn more: 5 new ways to maximize your travel booking on Google

Search for one-way flights

Another option is to search for one-way flights instead of round-trip. Most airlines price their flights like this anyway for domestic flights at least, but if you search multiple airlines at once, you may just find a good deal on two one-way flights on different airlines. This allows you to choose the cheapest one-way flight in both directions, which has the potential to save you cash.

The downsides may include having to pay for luggage on several different airlines. If, for example, you flew one-way with Southwest (which allows two checked bags per passenger for all flights) and flew with Spirit on the way back, you would have to pay for your checked luggage and your carry-on during the second leg. So be aware that airline luggage policies differ (sometimes vastly).

Google Flights and Skyscanner offer the option to show separate tickets in search results. As you can see, separate tickets can save you $100 in this example from Dallas to Calgary.

One step further: Search for single legs

A more complicated approach to the above is searching for and booking flights one leg at a time. For example, if you have to book a last-minute flight from Austin to Cincinnati and can only find expensive connecting flights, try searching for flights from Austin to Denver and then Denver to Cincinnati. Since Denver (or Atlanta, Chicago, etc.) is a major airport, there’s the potential to find cheap and direct one-way flights from one destination to the next.

As you can see, a direct flight costs $254 while booking two separate single legs costs as little as $200. The amount you could save will vary by destination.

This practice is risky, however, for multiple reasons. First, even if you do save on airfare, you could run into the same problem with luggage fees as booking one-way flights, even if all your travel legs are on the same airline (you’ll have to pay for luggage for each individual booking). But more importantly, if you miss your second flight because the first was delayed, the airline isn’t responsible — which means you could pay more if you have to rebook your final flight.

That said, searching for single legs of travel to find cheaper last-minute flights is best saved for when you can budget several hours or more between connecting flights.

» Learn more: This new website will help you find a cheap flight

Search for individual tickets if traveling in a group

Another way to potentially save money on last-minute flights (or any flights, for that matter), is to search for individual tickets even if you’re traveling in a group of two or more. Occasionally, you’ll be able to find a lower price on one seat if there’s only one left at that price point.

But you’ll only see it if you search for single seats. If you search for flights for two or more, that lower-priced single seat won’t show up.

More lower-cost flights may be available when searching for seats for one person than a family of four.

If you do find a lower-priced single seat on a flight, book it first, then go back for the other seats and book them separately. This could save a fair amount on at least one ticket.

However, know that you probably won’t be sitting together since you booked separately.

» Learn more: Top airline credit cards with companion tickets

How to rebook quickly for a canceled flight

If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you on their next flight with available space for no additional charge, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. But sometimes there aren't any additional flights available on the same airline — or sometimes the future flight times aren't ideal.

This is an ideal scenario to employ the tactics outlined above. This can improve your odds of getting to your destination without too much disruption to your other travel plans.

Purchasing travel insurance or booking your flights with a card that has travel insurance benefits can help you mitigate the financial risks of last-minute flight changes.

Do one better by adding the Cancel For Any Reason upgrade, which expands your covered reasons for seeking refunds on your upfront travel expenses, like hotels and airfare.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Travel accident: Up to $500,000.

• Rental car insurance: Up to $75,000.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Travel accident: Up to $1 million.

• Rental car insurance: Up to the actual cash value of the car.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

» Learn more: Is Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance worth it?

Last-minute flight deals are out there

While last-minute flights will frequently cost more than those booked in advance with flexible travel dates, there are ways to find cheaper last-minute flights. Check nearby airports, search for one-way flights, and consider booking one ticket at a time in order to save cash on impromptu travel plans.

Many domestic airlines allow you to book a flight online up to two hours before departure, but the policy varies from airline to airline. If you’re cutting it close, you can try calling the airline’s reservation line on the way to the airport. The best option, though, is to go straight to the airport ticket counter where they’ll be able to book you on the next available flight. Keep in mind there may be extra fees (in the $25 to $50 range) for booking over the phone or in person at the airport.

Last-minute flight deals are hard to come by. Conventional wisdom might lead you to believe that airlines drop prices to fill seats as it gets closer to the departure date, but the reality is demand is usually strong enough for airlines to overbook many of their flights. Instead of offering last-minute flight deals, airlines can usually sell their cheapest fares first. Then they increase the prices right before the flight to take advantage of business travelers and others who need to fly immediately and are willing to pay for it.

Search for last-minute flights on aggregators like Google Flights for upcoming flights. If you are flexible about where to go, only input the dates you want to travel and leave the destination field blank to see a map of some of the best deals. You might also want to consider flying at off-hours or to a different airport.

Flying standby allows a ticketed passenger to take a different flight, usually on the same day and to the same destination as the original flight. Depending on the airline, you may be able to call to find out about seat availability and show up early to the airport and put your name on the standby list for your desired flight. If you get onboard this way, you may be able to do this without paying extra fees, particularly if you are an elite member of the airline’s loyalty program. Some airlines also allow you to get a confirmed ticket on a different flight for a same-day travel change fee.

Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines both offer bereavement fares in case you have to fly for the death or imminent death of a family member. You must call to book this type of flexible ticket on Delta, but check the published fares first; those still might be cheaper than the bereavement fare. Alaska Airlines offers a 10% discount on published fares for those flying to take care of the passing of an immediate family member. You must call to book, and it only applies for travel starting in the next seven days.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

 last minute vacation deals.

• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Better together

Save up to $580 when you book a flight and hotel together*

Find the right fit

With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package

Plan, book, and manage your trip all in one place

Discover some of the top last-minute vacation deals in 2024

Whether planning a spontaneous romantic break for 2 or an impromptu trip with the whole family, Expedia helps you effortlessly find last-minute vacation deals. Explore a wide selection of last-minute vacation packages and book your flights, accommodation, car rental, and activities in a few swift clicks. Discover cheap last-minute vacations in top destinations across the USA , from California to Florida , New York , Las Vegas , and more. Claim your spot in the sun with last-minute all-inclusive vacation deals on sun-soaked destinations like Mexico and Hawaii . Head over to Europe for a spot of tanning on the beach in Spain and Italy or get to know some of the world’s best ski domains in the Alps . 

Making last-minute vacation plans doesn’t need to be expensive. Expedia can help you find fantastic deals if you plan around 6 weeks ahead of departure and are flexible with your travel dates. You may even find incredible deals on last-minute vacations up to 1 week before you plan to travel if you are flexible with your destination. You may sometimes find large discounts on luxury vacation packages, from Caribbean cruises to beachfront villas, particularly when the destination you are searching for is out of season. From budget-friendly breaks to vacations that are all about pure indulgence, find it all and then some more with Expedia. 

Top destinations for last-minute vacations 

From the incredibly diverse landscapes and travel experiences of Europe to big city trips in New York and well-deserved breathers in sunny Florida, discover some of the top last-minute vacation packages with Expedia. 

Live the high life in Europe 

Head across the Atlantic to explore Europe, a destination that offers everything from the sun-kissed beaches of Spain and Croatia to peaceful Italian villages alive with local traditions and grand old cities like Paris, London , and Rome , where centuries of history are waiting to be uncovered. June to August is peak travel season across most of Europe, but you can often find cheap last-minute vacation packages in the months that bookend peak season. 

Experience the New York classics 

With its towering skyscrapers, world-famous monuments, and vibrant local culture, New York is an iconic destination like few others. Catch a hit Broadway musical, lose yourself among the crowds of Times Square, stroll through leafy Central Park, and grab a deliciously cheesy slice of New York pizza along the way. Christmas in New York is a particularly magical experience, with Christmas markets galore and streets shining bright with lights. 

Soak up the Florida sun 

Fantastic weather, beautiful beaches stretching as far as your eye can see, and world-class amusement parks: it must be Florida. The Sunshine State is a classic destination for last-minute beach vacations thanks to its easy-going atmosphere, fantastic accommodation options, and wide range of activities. A classic destination for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and couples who prefer to work on their tan with a cocktail at hand. 

Live out your California dream 

It is incredibly hard to run out of ideas in California. The Golden State is home to Los Angeles , San Francisco , Yosemite National Park , Lake Tahoe , and an incredibly vast array of seaside towns, beaches, and natural beauty. Enjoy a mix of classic attractions like a visit to Alcatraz Island or Disneyland and pair them up with off-the-beaten-path adventures such as wine tasting in Sonoma County or hikes on the Lost Coast. 

Top cheap last-minute vacation destinations 

You don’t always need to break the bank when booking last-minute vacations. If you are flexible with your travel dates and open to discovering new destinations, you can often find cheap travel deals. Mexico is a favorite for fans of cheap travel, and you can find plenty of hidden homegrown gems in the US, from quaint mountain towns to high-rolling entertainment meccas such as Las Vegas. 

Partake in the glitz of Las Vegas 

Las Vegas is famous the world over for dishing out all the fun, luxury, and extravagance that you can handle and then some more for good measure. Vegas caters to a wide range of crowds, from solo travelers on a party weekend packed with trips to clubs and casinos to subdued and budget-friendly family vacations, where enjoying good food and relaxing by the pool of your hotel are your top priorities. And with Death Valley National Park and the Grand Canyon just a short drive away, adventure seekers will also have plenty on their plates. 

Roam free across the USA 

The USA offers a wonderful range of last-minute vacations for travelers on a budget. Discover a new part of the country on a city break to Detroit , Phoenix , or Houston . Strap on your hiking boots and head off on an adventure in Yellowstone or Glacier National Park, or simply rent a car with Expedia and embark on the road trip of a lifetime as you drive the historic Route 66 that takes you all the way from Los Angeles to Chicago. 

Enjoy the unique charm of Mexico 

From the resorts of Cancun to the beachside villas of Tulum , Mexico is a favorite for travelers chasing budget-friendly sun, fun, and great food. Explore last-minute vacation packages in some of Mexico’s most famous coastal gems, from Playa del Carmen to Acapulco . Spice up your trip with a stay in Mexico City , one of the world’s most exciting capitals, where culture, history, authentic cuisine, and entertainment converge. 

Top last-minute all-inclusive destinations 

Not only are last-minute all-inclusive vacation deals convenient, but they can also be a great way to save money if you are open to traveling to destinations outside of the busier tourist seasons. Hawaii and the Caribbean are 2 incredible island getaways that continue to appeal to the distinguished traveler, while San Diego offers a different but just as wonderful a type of coastal haven experience.  

Get a taste of the good life in Hawaii 

With its pristine beaches, stunning tropical landscapes, and relaxed pace of life, the volcanic archipelago of Hawaii offers a unique island experience on US soil. Water sports and outdoor adventures are firm favorites on the island. Golfing is also popular, with more than 70 golf courses spread across the territory. Make the most of deals on last-minute all-inclusive vacations on seafront resorts for an unforgettable experience. 

Play it cool in the Caribbean 

From Aruba to Saint Martin , Jamaica , and Antigua , the Caribbean boasts some of the world’s most gorgeous beaches and resorts, where all-inclusive is typically the name of the game. Spend your days relaxing in style on the beach or sipping on cocktails from the fabulous vantage point of your hotel’s swim-up bar, before enjoying exciting evenings filled with delicious local cuisine and traditional entertainment. 

Get in on the fun in San Diego 

With miles of immaculate beaches, fantastic weather, and a wide range of family-friendly attractions, San Diego is deserving of its nickname of America’s Finest City. Explore last-minute all-inclusive vacation deals on the fantastic resorts and boutique hotels that line the coastline of the city and make the most of thrilling activities as diverse as whale watching in the Pacific Ocean, craft beer tasting in the hip bars of North Park, or visiting the world-famous Legoland . 

Everything you need to know about last-minute vacations 

When is it best to book last-minute vacations.

Prices for last-minute vacation packages are usually at their lowest between 8 and 4 weeks before you plan to travel. You may find extra discounts 1 or 2 weeks before your travel dates when hotels, airlines, and car rental companies are trying to book their remaining seats, rooms, or cars.

Is it cheaper to book last-minute vacations?

Being flexible with your dates and destination is often the key to finding great last-minute vacation deals. But even though prices may become lower in the weeks preceding your departure, it is usually cheaper to book your travel in advance, particularly if you are traveling outside of the US. And regardless of the time of the year, Expedia is your 1-stop shop for booking your entire vacation, from hotels to flights, car rental, activities, and more. Stay safe in the knowledge that your last-minute vacation package is covered by ATOL protection.

How can I find some of the best last-minute vacation deals?

Expedia has one of the widest selections of last-minute vacation deals at some of the best prices on the market. Use the filters to select your preferences and find the last-minute vacation packages that are right for you. Filter your search results according to price, hotel class, guest ratings, and more. For a vacation where convenience is your priority, search for properties that offer deals on last-minute all-inclusive vacations. Bundle your accommodation with flights, car rental, and more, and all you need to do when you arrive at the airport is sit back, relax, and let the fun begin.

What are some of the best destinations for last-minute vacations in the US?

Some of the best destinations for last-minute vacations in the US include the neon-lit strip of Las Vegas, the pristine beaches of San Diego, and the lively vacation hotspot of Florida with its world-famous amusement parks. And if you’re planning a romantic trip for 2, there aren’t many destinations that can beat New York.

What are some great destinations for last-minute weekend breaks?

A city trip is a fantastic option when you just have a weekend to spare. California is home to fantastic cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. San Francisco features stunning vistas, world-class museums, and iconic streets. In LA, it’s all about having fun on the beach during the day before hitting up a wide range of entertainment options in the evening, while hopefully rubbing shoulders with a famous actor or two. Expedia helps you find last-minute vacation packages for some of the most exciting cities in the US and around the world.

What are some of the best destinations for a last-minute all-inclusive vacation?

Nothing says all-inclusive vacation more than a luxury resort on a tropical island like Hawaii or one of the many Caribbean islands. Make the most of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fantastic weather, and let Expedia help you iron out the details when booking your upcoming last-minute beach vacation.

Where should I go for cheap last-minute vacations?

Mexico is home to incredible seaside resorts that are as stunning as they are friendly on your wallet. Explore a wide selection of cheap last-minute vacations in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Puerto Vallarta and prepare yourself for a fun and lively vacation where delicious food, stunning beaches, and vibrant local culture are the stars of the show. 

Can I book last-minute vacation packages with free cancellation and/or flexible dates?

You can find last-minute vacation packages that are covered by a free cancellation policy or that allow you to rebook your travel dates by adjusting your search filters to show accommodation and car rental where cancellations are permitted. When booking vacation packages that include flights, please make sure to check the cancellation policy of your airline before you book

Why should I book my last-minute vacation packages with Expedia?

Expedia is your 1-stop-shop for booking all the ingredients that make up your last-minute vacation package, from flights to accommodation, car rental, activities, and more. By booking all the elements of your vacation together, not only do you enjoy Expedia’s competitive prices, but you also unlock extra savings on the total cost of your vacation.

• Vacation packages currently trending

Save with our bundle deals!

Car, Stay, Flight... book everything you need for your perfect weekend getaway with Expedia and save!

Vacation rental

Apartments, Villas, Cabins... we have everything you need!

Car Rentals

Hit the road with one of our car rental deals

More vacations you might like

All Inclusive Vacations

Beach Vacations

Kid Friendly Vacations

Golf Vacations

Luxury Vacations

Romantic Vacations

Ski Vacations

Adventure Vacations

Honeymoon Vacations

Mountain Vacations

Fishing Vacations

Adults Only Vacations

Waterpark Vacations

Scuba Diving Vacations

Yoga Vacations

Cheap Vacations

• More Vacation Ideas
• Getaway Ideas
• Vacation Deals & Tips
• Top Vacation Destinations
• Best Travel Destinations by Month
• New Year's vacation deals
• Christmas vacation deals
• Spring travel deals
• Spring break vacation deals
• National Park Vacation Deals
• Northern Lights Vacations
• Memorial Day Weekend Getaways
• Fourth of July Weekend Getaways
• Labor Day Weekend Getaways
• MLK Day Weekend Getaways
• Thanksgiving Getaways
• Solo Vacations
• Weekend Getaways
• 1 Day Getaways
• 2 Day Getaways
• 3 Day Getaways
• 4 Day Getaways
• 5 Day Getaways
• 6 Day Getaways
• One Week Getaways
• 8 Day Getaways
• Las Vegas Getaway
• Vacation Rental Deals
• Vacations under $1000
• Vacations under $500
• Last Minute Vacation Deals
• Last Minute Hotel Deals
• Travel Deals + Vacation Ideas
• Plan a vacation
• Deposit and Vacation Payment Plans
• London Vacations
• Paris Vacations
• Cabo San Lucas Vacations
• Playa Del Carmen Vacations
• New York Vacations
• New Orleans Vacations
• Punta Cana Vacations
• Montego Bay Vacations
• Puerto Vallarta Vacations
• Honolulu Vacations
• Orlando Vacations
• Miami Vacations
• Cancun Vacations
• Los Angeles Vacations
• Fort Lauderdale Vacations
• January Vacations
• February Vacations
• March Vacations
• April Vacations
• May Vacations
• June Vacations
• July Vacations
• August Vacations
• September Vacations
• October Vacations
• November Vacations
• December Vacations

The best points and miles to use for last-minute flights

Editor's Note

Whether you're faced with unexpected travel plans or prefer the flexibility of booking closer to departure, booking last-minute flights can be challenging, especially when coping with high flight prices and limited availability.

However, you can maximize your points and miles with the right strategy and perhaps even dodge over-inflated prices. Here's what you need to know.

If you are stressed, keep it simple

You may be stressed and in a hurry if you're booking last-minute award flights due to an emergency or other urgent need. In this case, you may want to redeem miles from one of your go-to airline loyalty programs, even if doing so won't provide the best redemption rate.

Alternatively, Capital One miles can be a great option if prices for paid flights are affordable and you're looking for a simple redemption. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) let you redeem miles for eligible travel purchases at a fixed 1 cent per mile. Just use your Venture or Venture X when booking through your airline and then request a statement credit from Capital One within 90 days to offset the travel expense.

You can also use Chase Ultimate Rewards or Citi ThankYou points to book a flight without transferring points. However, you'd need to book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or Citi travel portal to use these currencies. This might not be appealing if you're already stressed out and would prefer simplicity.

Related: Comparing the best fixed-value point credit cards

The power of transferable points

Six major transferable point programs offer great flexibility when redeeming rewards. This is why we recommend travelers earn transferable points . Here are the most popular transferable point programs:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• Bilt Rewards
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Rewards
• Capital One Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy

Among these six programs, you have more than 40 programs to choose from when transferring your points. This means you won't be restricted to a single airline's points or miles, allowing you to transfer points to a program with available flights and reasonable award rates.

However, it's important to note that each program has different transfer times for transferring credit card points. Some transfers, like from Ultimate Rewards to United , are instantaneous; others, like Membership Rewards ANA Mileage Club , may take a few days. We've compiled guides with the estimated transfer times for each program. To find out when your transfer will likely be completed, refer to the following posts:

• Capital One miles

Additionally, some airlines tack on added fees for last-minute bookings, making them less attractive when redeeming award tickets in the days or hours before a flight.

Check out our guide to apps and websites that make award redemptions easier , including point.me and seats.aero, if you're booking a last-minute international award. If you're booking a last-minute domestic award, here are some of our favorite loyalty programs for last-minute award flights within the U.S.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan can be an excellent choice if you want to redeem for a United-operated flight.

Aeroplan provides good value, particularly for last-minute bookings and does not impose close-in booking fees on award tickets. Transfers from American Express, Bilt, Capital One and Chase to Aeroplan are generally processed instantly.

Related: The 26 best credit cards for earning Aeroplan points

British Airways Executive Club

British Airways is a top choice for redeeming awards thanks to its distance-based award chart . This often leads to lower rates for flights operated by American and Alaska when booking through British Airways Executive Club than when booking directly with American or Alaska.

British Airways is especially appealing for last-minute redemptions because point transfers from American Express, Bilt, Capital One and Chase generally process instantly.

Related: How to book award flights using British Airways Avios

Delta SkyMiles

Delta SkyMiles is a reliable option for booking last-minute award tickets. It's easy to earn Delta miles by transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta. You must pay an excise tax to transfer Membership Rewards points to Delta, but the transfer usually occurs instantly. This means you don't have to worry about award availability disappearing as you wait for miles to arrive in your account.

Another significant advantage of booking award tickets with Delta is the absence of last-minute ticketing fees. Even if you redeem Delta SkyMiles for a flight on the day of departure, you only need to pay the regular taxes and fees associated with award tickets. However, Delta often increases award rates closer to departure, which can be like a de facto close-in fee.

Related: How to easily earn and maximize Delta SkyMiles

Southwest and JetBlue

Southwest and JetBlue don't impose close-in fees for award bookings. However, both airlines have redemption rates linked to ticket prices at a somewhat fixed rate. In some cases, booking a paid fare with a card like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) might be more beneficial, as you can redeem Capital One miles to offset recent travel expenses.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred instantly to Southwest and JetBlue at a 1:1 ratio if you prefer to pay with points. JetBlue is also an instant transfer partner of American Express and Citi.

Related: 10 easy ways to earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points

Bottom line

Booking last-minute award tickets can be more expensive than planning, especially if you choose the wrong program. However, maximizing your rewards for these types of tickets with fixed-value and transferable-point currencies is still possible.

Additional reporting by Kyle Olsen.

• Help Center
• 1-866-921-7925

Start Searching

• Packages  
• Hotels  
• Cruises  
• Rental Cars  

* Indicates required fields

Rental Period:

pickUpDate - dropOffDate

Pick-Up: pickUpTime - Drop-Off: dropOffTime

Pick-Up Location:

pickUpAddress

pickUpAgencyName

pickUpAgencyAddress

Drop-Off Location:

Same as Pick-Up Location

dropOffAddress

dropOffAgencyName

dropOffAgencyAddress

Coupon Override

Please call.

For drivers under the age of 25, additional fees and/or restrictions may apply.

For information and assistance in completing your reservation, please call:

We're unable to find your location.

Alaska Cruise Tours:

A cruise tour is a voyage and land tour combination, with the land tour occurring before or after the voyage. Unless otherwise noted, optional services such as airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, land tour excursions, etc. are not included and are available for an additional cost.

Limited-Time Deals

Book Before They're Gone!

Featured Deals

Days of travel deals.

Limited-Time Deals Member Value in Every Package Book by 6/25/24

Riviera Maya: Impression Moxché by Secrets Package

Adults-Only, All-Inclusive Resort $200 Resort Credit Digital Costco Shop Card Book by 6/23/24

Riviera Maya: Secrets® Moxché Playa del Carmen Package

Adults-Only, All-Inclusive Resort $150 Resort Credit Digital Costco Shop Card Book by 6/23/24

Maui: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali Package

$125 - $250 Resort Credit $100 Social Space Game Card Daily Breakfast for Two Book by 6/24/24

Kauai: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa Package

Stay 5 / Pay 4 $300 Resort Credit Daily Buffet Breakfast Book by 6/28/24

Costa Rica: Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Package

Stay 5 / Pay 4 Daily Breakfast Book by 6/30/24

Fiji: Royal Davui Island Resort Limited-Time Package

Stay 7 / Pay 6 Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner FJD 150 - FJD 200 Resort Credit Book by 6/30/24

Cook Islands: Pacific Resort Rarotonga Package

Stay 8 / Pay 6 Daily Continental Tropical Breakfast NZD 50 Resort Credit Book by 6/30/24

Cook Islands: Sea Change Villas and Pacific Resort Aitutaki Package

Special Savings Welcome Breakfast Basket, Daily Breakfast NZD 50 Resort Credit Book by 6/30/24

Cook Islands: Sunset Resort and Tamanu Beach Resort Package

Special Savings Daily Breakfast NZD 50 Birdcage Bar Voucher Book by 6/30/24

Fiji: Namale Resort & Spa Limited-Time Package

All-Inclusive Resort Stay 7 / Pay 5 Digital Costco Shop Card Book by 7/8/24

Fiji: Tokoriki Island Resort Limited-Time Package

Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner FJD 500 Resort Credit Couples Massage Book by 7/10/24

Explore More Travel

All-inclusive resorts for everyone.

Beachfront Getaways in Jamaica,

the Dominican Republic or Mexico

Digital Costco Shop Card with Every Package

Celebrate Pixar Fest at Disneyland® Resort

Weekday Ticket Promotion,

Disney Gift Card and More

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Use Your Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi to

Earn 3% Cash Back on Eligible Travel Purchases

Travel Items on Costco.com

Member-only savings.

Valid 6/19/24 - 7/21/24

We are processing your payment.

Do not refresh your browser or exit this page.

Ukraine war latest: Russian officials 'thrown out of meeting' for breaking custom; new photos emerge of Putin and Kim's day out

Vladimir Putin has arrived in Vietnam for a state visit after he spent the day in North Korea yesterday, where he signed a defence pact with Kim Jong Un. Got a question on the Ukraine war? Submit it below for our specialists to answer.

Thursday 20 June 2024 17:18, UK

• Vladimir Putin arrives in Vietnam for state visit
• Russia and North Korea sign new defence deal
• Russian officials 'thrown out of meeting' for breaking custom
• South Korea condemns pact and says it will reconsider weapons for Ukraine
• New photos emerge of Putin and Kim's day out
• Analysis: Putin wants to prove he still has friends
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Bhvishya Patel and (earlier)  Emily Mee

Ask a question or make a comment

Russia is considering making changes to its nuclear weapons doctrine, Vladimir Putin has said. 

The Russian president made the comments while speaking to reporters at the end of his Vietnam trip. 

The existing doctrine states that Russia may use such weapons in response to a nuclear strike or in the event of a conventional attack that poses an existential threat to the country. 

He was also asked about his trip earlier this week to North Korea. 

During his visit, he signed a defence deal with the country's leader Kim Jong Un. 

The pact sparked condemnation from South Korea, who said the details were "absurd" and it would reconsider sending weapons to Ukraine as a result. 

Reacting to the comments, Mr Putin said Seoul's decision to supply Kyiv with weapons would be a "mistake" and it "should not worry" about deals between Russia and North Korea. 

Russian state media quoted him as saying that Moscow expected its cooperation with North Korea to serve as a deterrent to the West. 

He also refused to rule out supplying high-precision weapons to the country. 

Ukrainian troops have been launching mid-range reconnaissance drones in Kharkiv.

Russian forces crossed into parts of the northeastern region last month, and officials claim they have seized at least a dozen villages.

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Kyiv's forces are gradually pushing Russian troops out of the contested area.

A police search is under way for a woman who allegedly desecrated the graves of Ukrainian soldiers.

Kyiv city's prosecutor's office said the unknown woman vandalised the graves this morning. 

Commemorative plaques and lamps were torn off and broken, it said.

The Ukrainian flag was also "mutilated", it added.

"Operational investigations and searches are being carried out to establish the woman's identity," the office said in post on Telegram. 

If caught and found guilty, the woman could face up to five years in prison. 

We have been reporting today on Vladimir Putin's visit to Vietnam.

Here is a recap of what the Russian president has been up to: 

• Mr Putin signed a series of deals with his Vietnamese counterpart To Lam during his state visit;
• The two leaders signed agreements to further co-operation on education, science and technology, oil and gas exploration and health;
• They also agreed to work on a road map for a nuclear science and technology centre in Vietnam;
• Following the talks, Mr Putin said that the two countries share an interest in "developing a reliable security architecture" in the Asia-Pacific region based on not using force and peacefully settling disputes with no room for "closed military-political blocs";
• The Russian leader also met Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and is scheduled to meet Communist Party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong - Vietnam's most powerful politician;
• The trip has resulted in a sharp rebuke from the US embassy in the country.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Romania's decision to provide his country with two Patriot air defence systems will strengthen security in Ukraine and throughout Europe.

"This crucial contribution will bolster our air shield and help us better protect our people and critical infrastructure from Russian air terror," the Ukrainian president said on X.

The Patriot, which stands for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is a surface-to-air missile defence system.

For months now, Ukraine has been calling for countries to provide more air defence systems to help protect it from Russian attacks. 

The next NATO leader is now all but certain after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's last rival dropped out of the race.

He's now the only person running to be Jens Stoltenberg's successor when he steps down from the secretary-general role in October. 

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis dropped out of the race earlier today and Hungary lifted its veto on Mr Rutte's candidacy, paving the way for NATO to put on a show of unity over support for Ukraine.

Mr Rutte's appointment could be sealed by a meeting of NATO ambassadors in the coming days, or by the leaders when they meet in Washington in July for the alliance's 75th birthday.

NATO secretaries-general are responsible for chairing meetings and guiding consultations among the 32 member countries to ensure that the organisation, which operates on consensus, can continue to function.

Mr Rutte has already had to assure Hungary that he will not force it to take part in NATO plans to provide support to Ukraine.

Turkey, which had voiced opposition to Mr Rutte's bid earlier this year, has also lifted its objections. 

Romania will donate two operational Patriot systems to Ukraine, the country's supreme defence council has announced.

The council said the decision was "based on an in-depth technical evaluation" and "all measures were being taken to eliminate the risk of creating possible vulnerabilities for Romania". 

In a statement, it reiterated that Romania's position will continue to be that Ukraine has a "legitimate right" to defend itself against Vladimir Putin's invasion.

For context:  Patriot, which stands for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is a surface-to-air missile defence system.

Ukraine has said it needs more air defence systems to protect against the barrage of missile and drones strikes from Russian forces.

While the Patriot system is designed to intercept threats like aircraft and ballistic missiles, it can also shoot down the "kamikaze" drones Russia has frequently sent to hit Ukrainian infrastructure.

Ukrainian troops have been examining a recently captured Russian battle tank in the eastern Donetsk region.

Donetsk is one of four regions illegally annexed by Russia, but Moscow's forces only partially control it.

Fighting along the roughly 620-mile front line has focused on the area in recent months, but both sides have failed to make any breakthroughs. 

An awkward moment during Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un's bilateral meeting was broadcast live on state-run TV yesterday. 

Part of Russia's delegation was unceremoniously thrown out of the meeting for entering the conference room before the two leaders, according to a report in the Moscow Times. 

It is customary on such occasions to wait to be summoned by the North Korean leader once he and his guest have entered. 

Among the group kicked out were foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, defence minister Andrei Belousov and the deputy prime ministers. 

They were seen entering the room, getting set for the meeting and taking their seats. 

Mr Lavrov apparently began to complain he had been made dirty by something, when a North Korean official told them off-camera to stop what they were doing and leave. 

"We have a protocol. We invite you to the table. Our leaders will join us shortly," they could be heard saying. 

The broadcast abruptly ended as a member of the Russian delegation team began to object, and viewers were instead shown an empty conference room.

A woman is facing up to 20 years in a Russian prison after making a small donation to a non-profit organisation raising funds for Ukraine. 

Ksenia Karelina was born in Russia but moved to the US more than a decade ago and has been working as an aesthetician at a Los Angeles spa. 

She was detained by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in January while visiting her parents and young sister in Yekaterinburg. 

Her former mother-in-law, Eleonora Srebroski, told Reuters in February, Ms Karelina had travelled home in January after her boyfriend surprised her with a plane ticket.

She had told her boyfriend Russia was "safe" and he shouldn't worry about her travelling there.

Ms Karelina was initially arrested under a minor "petty hooliganism" statute, but was later charged with treason. 

The aesthetician, who is in her early thirties, had reportedly made a small donation to Razom for Ukraine, a New York-based non-profit that sends non-military assistance to the country. 

Her ex-husband described her as a fun-loving woman who didn't care much for politics.

Ms Karelina's social media profiles feature photos of herself and friends on the beach and on trips, but without political messaging. 

One photo from November 2021 shows her in a long dress, smiling and waving a small American flag, with the caption, "Citizenship".

The trial is being held behind closed doors in Yekaterinburg, with the next session set for 7 August. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free