It’s Not Too Late! Secrets to Scoring Last-Minute Thanksgiving Travel Deals CheapOair Staff October 29, 2024 Budget Travel, Travel Tips Look, we get it. It’s hard to remember to book your flights for Thanksgiving as early as possible — which is generally accepted as the best way to get the best deals. Day-to-day life can get overwhelming and it’s easy to forget and then BOOM it’s November and Turkey Day is just weeks away. You may think you’ve missed out on any Thanksgiving travel deals and will have to shell out big bucks to fly. While it’s true that traveling at the last minute can be expensive, especially when it’s one of the busiest seasons for airlines, there are still several ways you can book flights for Thanksgiving at the last minute and still save money. You can use these strategies and secrets altogether or mix and match them based on your needs. Here are the best ways to find last-minute Thanksgiving travel deals: Depart Late and Return Early Most travelers depart for Thanksgiving on the Tuesday or Wednesday before the holiday and then head back on that Sunday or even Monday in some cases. However, if you are strapped for cash, but still want to visit family for a big dinner, look for flights departing on an early morning Thanksgiving Day (which is by far the cheapest day to fly). Also, instead of returning on that Sunday or Monday, see about flying back with a Friday or Saturday flight. There’s usually lower demand for flights on those days, so ticket prices will likely be lower AND you’ll find fewer people at the airport. It’s a win, win! Sign up for a Fare Alert Let’s face it, you’re busy with work, family, and other activities. So the last thing you have time to do is search online and constantly hit refresh to check for drops in airfare on specific last-minute Thanksgiving flights. So instead of banging your head against the computer, let the deals come to you. By signing up for a fare alert, you will get any and all updates on when the fare you want changes in price sent directly to your inbox. Cash in Your Airline Miles Do you have any unused airline miles sitting around? Cash them in! While it can be a bit tricky to redeem airline miles around the holiday season, it is definitely not impossible. Just be sure you won’t be charged any extra fees for doing so at the last minute — they could wind up canceling out any savings! Search Alternate Airports If the destination you are flying into has more than one airport, check out fares for landing at the smaller or lesser-known one instead. So, for example, if you’re looking to book a flight to Chicago, you could find a cheaper ticket that goes to Midway instead of O’Hare. Not only can find yourself sitting on a cheaper flight with this trick, but having to deal with smaller crowds as well. Also, if you’re traveling to a major destination, consider landing in another city entirely and taking public transport or renting a car to your final destination. This might seem like a hassle, but it can often save you significant amounts in the long run. Mix and Match Airlines Mixing and matching airlines, often referred to as “hacker fares,” involves booking different legs of a journey with separate airlines to potentially secure a cheaper overall fare. This strategy requires flexibility and a keen eye for deals, but can yield significant savings. Instead of sticking with one airline for round-trip travel, savvy travelers can optimize by choosing different carriers for departure and return flights. However, it’s crucial to account for potential downsides, such as managing multiple bookings or adjusting to differing baggage policies. Despite these challenges, for the cost-conscious traveler, mix and match can be a game-changer in the pursuit of affordable air travel. Use Social Media and Mobile Apps Social media has transformed the landscape of travel deals and promotions. Airlines, travel agencies, and deal curators frequently utilize platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to announce flash sales, special promotions, or exclusive discount codes. By following these accounts, travelers can be among the first to snag these deals. Furthermore, travel influencers and bloggers often collaborate with travel brands, providing their followers with special offers. Subscribing to post notifications or joining dedicated travel deal groups can increase your chances of securing these coveted discounts. Also, travel apps have become indispensable tools for scoring deals and streamlining trip planning. Google Flights is a comprehensive flight search tool that aggregates fares from numerous airlines and booking platforms, allowing travelers to compare prices and options with ease. Hotel booking apps, such as HotelTonight, provide steep discounts for last-minute accommodations. Additionally, apps like AirHelp can even assist passengers in getting compensation for delayed or canceled flights. Look for Packages and Join a Deals Club Joining a last-minute deals club can be a game-changer for spontaneous travelers seeking value-packed offers. Numerous travel clubs and websites specialize in last-minute deals, granting members exclusive access to savings not available to the general public. By signing up for their newsletters or becoming a member, you can stay abreast of these exclusive promotions. Furthermore, airlines often present enticing package deals that bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals. Surprisingly, even if you only require one of these services, such as a flight, it might be more economical to opt for the combined package than booking the flight separately. Leveraging these clubs and bundled deals can lead to substantial savings for those willing to embrace the thrill of last-minute travel. Know the Best Times of Day to Fly Being strategic with the days you pick to travel is one way to save a few dollars. But you can take this a step further if you know the right time to travel too. Just as certain hours are a peak time for airlines with lots of demand to travel by passengers, other hours aren’t and tickets can be cheaper for those times that most passengers don’t want to fly. These times are usually very early or late in the day. Most people don’t want to go through the hassle of going to the airport before dawn OR boarding a plane when they normally go to bed. So being willing to book either the first flight of the day or a red-eye flight is one of the best ways to save money at the last minute — even on cheap flights for Thanksgiving. Search for Flights with Layovers If a direct route to your destination is too pricey, you might be able to find a cheaper ticket on a longer flight that uses the same destination for a layover and you can get off there. So, for example, if you want to fly from Los Angeles to Houston, a flight from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City with a layover in Houston might be cheaper than a flight directly to Houston. You’ll have to do some searching and it requires a bit of luck for there to be a deal. Also, it’s important to remember that since your ticket will be for the longer route, you won’t be able to check baggage since you’re getting off at the layover and not the final destinations. And while this trick can save you lots of money, it’s not very popular with airlines. So you might not want to do this with any airlines that have frequent flyer programs of which you want to stay a member. You Might Also Enjoy: 8 Thanksgiving Travel Tips You Need to Know! Consider Budget Airlines More seasoned travelers tend to shy away from using budget airlines over the holidays. They have a reputation for delays and hidden fees, but they’re usually on time just as much as any other airline. So if you’re willing, you can find a last-minute Thanksgiving travel deal on a budget airline — especially if you just have carry-on baggage and your own amenities. However, budget airlines often feature low airfares when you’re booking, but after paying the extra fees for things that most legacy airlines included with their bookings — like more than one carry-on bag, checked luggage, food, and inflight entertainment — it can add up to just as much as flying on a legacy airline. But if you plan ahead by packing light and bringing your own snacks and entertainment so you’re not tempted to pay the extra fees, it could be one of the cheapest ways to travel for the holiday season. FAQs: Q: What should I consider when booking a last-minute Thanksgiving trip? A: Consider factors such as your budget, destination, and the flexibility of your travel dates. It’s also essential to double-check travel restrictions and requirements, especially if you’re traveling internationally. Additionally, make sure to have all necessary travel documents and accommodations arranged to have a stress-free Thanksgiving getaway. Q: How can I ensure that the fare alerts I sign up for cover my desired routes and times? A: When setting up fare alerts, specify your preferred departure and arrival destinations, along with any desired travel dates or times. This will tailor the alerts to your exact travel needs. Q: What if I have trouble redeeming my airline miles for a Thanksgiving flight? A: It’s best to contact the airline’s customer service or frequent flyer helpline for assistance, as they can provide guidance on available routes and times. Q: Are there risks when choosing alternate airports or cities for arrival? A: Traveling to alternate airports might require additional transportation costs and time. Always factor in these considerations when comparing potential savings. Q: Can I combine “hacker fares” with airline miles or other promotions? A: Policies vary by airline. It’s essential to check the specific terms and conditions of both the “hacker fare” and any promotional offers. Q: How reliable are the flash sales and promotions on social media? A: While many promotions are legitimate, always book directly through the airline’s official website or a trusted travel agency to avoid potential scams. Q: How frequently do last-minute deals clubs send out alerts or newsletters? A: Frequency varies, but most clubs send out newsletters weekly or when notable deals arise. Always check the club’s communication preferences. Q: Are there extra costs associated with red-eye flights or very early departures? A: While the flight itself might be cheaper, consider potential costs for transportation to the airport during off-hours or any accommodations required due to early arrivals. Do you have your own secret trick to scoring last-minute Thanksgiving travel deals? Tell us about it in the comments section!
