Last-minute flights have a reputation for always being expensive, and in most cases that's true. But the final price can vary a lot depending on how you search and buy — small choices, like flight time and airport flexibility, make a real difference in price.
The closer you get to the travel date, the lower your chances of finding promotional fares, because most of the cheaper seats have already sold in earlier sales phases. Even so, there are savings opportunities that many people miss by not comparing properly.
Understand the price
Why last-minute flights usually cost more
Airlines organize seat sales in batches with rising prices. Close to the flight date, usually only the final batches are left, which already carry a higher price. This isn't a penalty against last-minute buyers — it's simply the logic of how seats were sold over time.
How to save
Strategies that help you pay less, even last minute
- 01
Compare all airlines at once
Instead of checking one airline at a time, using a comparison tool like Viajante Promo shows LATAM, GOL, and Azul side by side, making it easier to find the cheapest option available for your date.
- 02
Be flexible with time of day
Red-eye or mid-afternoon flights usually have lower demand and, as a result, lower prices than peak times.
- 03
Consider alternative airports in the same city
In metro areas with more than one airport, comparing both can reveal a meaningful price difference.
- 04
Avoid changing the date at the last minute
Changing the date of a flight you've already bought usually comes with a change fee — sometimes it's actually cheaper to buy a new ticket than to rebook.
- 05
Fly with carry-on only when possible
Fares that include checked baggage tend to be more expensive — if your trip allows it, a simpler fare lowers the total cost.
Watch the clock
When waiting a little longer only makes it more expensive
Close to the travel date, waiting almost never helps:
| Situation | What tends to happen | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 7 days to the flight | Prices tend to rise with each passing day | Buy as soon as you decide |
| Holidays or big events in the city | Demand has already pushed the price up well before the last minute | Buy as soon as you decide |
| Flight with few remaining seats | The cheapest fare can sell out at any moment | Buy as soon as you decide |
At the moment of purchase
- 1
Search in an incognito tab
This prevents your search history from influencing the prices shown on some sites.
- 2
Check the total price, not just the base fare
Boarding fees, baggage, and payment method can change the final price quite a bit.
- 3
Buy directly from the airline whenever possible
This avoids extra agency fees and makes it easier to reach out later if your flight changes.
- 4
Have your payment ready before choosing the flight
Last-minute tickets sell out fast — having your card and details ready keeps you from losing the fare while you complete the purchase.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does buying a last-minute flight always cost more?
In most cases, yes, because the lower-priced batches have already sold. But the final price can vary a lot depending on the route, the time of day, and how much you compare before deciding.
Is there a better day of the week to buy a last-minute flight?
There's no fixed rule that applies to every route. What really helps is comparing prices at the moment you need to buy, rather than waiting for a specific day.
Is buying directly from the airline cheaper than through an agency?
Buying directly avoids agency fees, which already lowers the final cost. On Viajante Promo, for example, you compare airlines and complete the purchase directly with them, with no extra fee.
Are red-eye flights really cheaper?
They tend to be, because they have lower demand compared to busier times, like early morning and late afternoon.
Is it worth waiting one or two more days to see if the price drops?
Close to the travel date, waiting rarely helps — the trend is for the price to rise, not drop, as the date approaches and the cheaper seats sell out.
Who wrote this
Who wrote this
Sofia Matos
Writes about ticket-buying strategies and airline market behavior.
Equipe Viajante Promo
We turn price and availability data into simple guidance to help you save on your next trip.