Last Minute Flights: Top Destinations for Cheap Tickets

Last minute flights are alive and well this summer, at least for now. Upgraded Points drilled down into last-minute booking costs for some of the most popular flight routes in the U.S. The study revealed which airline – across five major airlines: Spirit, United, American, Southwest, and Delta – offers the lowest prices for each trip if scheduled last-minute, as well as the most affordable last-minute trips based on the average one-way ticket cost available.

Best U.S. Airlines for Last Minute Flights

However “Last-minute flights are actually pretty common,” said Alex Miller, Upgraded Points founder. “Business obligations, family emergencies, or even that urge for a sudden weekend getaway – there are many reasons you might need to book a trip in a hurry. But unfortunately, most airlines charge a premium for not planning well in advance, so it can really cost you if you’re not looking in the right places.”

The Cost of a Last-Minute Flight Across Five Major Airlines

Spirit Airlines: Spirit offers the most affordable last-minute flights, with an average price of $170.09across the 10 routes. Specifically, Spirit Airlines has the most affordable last-minute flights from:

Denver International Airport to Harry Reid International Airport: $88.10
Harry Reid International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport: $101.78
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport: $108.88
Denver International Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: $151.14
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Orlando International Airport: $162.38
Los Angeles International Airport to O’Hare International Airport: $247.33

Southwest Airlines: Although Flying Southwest Airlines is the best option for the most affordable last-minute flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Kahului Airport, at $174.50. With an average ticket price of $233.72, Southwest has the second-most affordable last-minute ticket prices overall.

United Airlines: Also save the most by flying United Airlines on last-minute flights from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, at $146.78, and LaGuardia Airport to O’Hare International Airport, at $189.56. In third place, United Airlines costs $272.80 for a last-minute ticket on average.

American Airlines: Fly American Airlines for the most affordable last-minute flights from John F. Kennedy International to Los Angeles International, at $366.60.

Delta Airlines: Meanwhile The most expensive option to buy a last-minute ticket, from the airlines studied, is Delta Airlines, with an average last-minute ticket price of $369.12

Last-Minute Flights to California: Best Deals

+Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to Los Angeles International Airport: Book Spirit Airlines last minute ($101.78).

+Los Angeles International Airport to O’Hare International Airport: Book Spirit Airlines last minute ($247.33).

+Also Los Angeles International Airport to Kahului Airport: Book Southwest Airlines last minute ($174.50).

+Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport: Conversely Book United Airlines last minute ($146.78).

+John F. Kennedy International to Los Angeles International: Book American Airlines last minute ($366.60).

The Top Five Last-Minute Flight Pairs

+DEN to LAS – $220.10 per trip

+LGA to ORD – $232.71 per trip

+ATL to FLL – $261.94 per trip

+DEN to PHX – $289.90 per trip

+LAX to OGG – $303.65 per trip

Study Methodology

Moreover Using data sourced from the Official Airline Guide, the 10 most popular domestic flight routes in America were identified. Using Google Flights as the primary source for cost, the lowest one-way ticket price available for each airline and route was tabbed, before calculating average costs. Finally Data was collected in the Spring of 2023 over a period of 10 days, from Monday to Thursday, and between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.