We're going to visit Barcelona, Tuscany (flying into Florence), and London. We are still in the U.S. and have booked some transportation and lodging from here but hope we can be more flexible while in Spain and Italy. We kind of want to decide on when to leave Barcelona while we are there and when to leave Italy while we are there. Does anyone have experience and/or advice on buying last minute tickets between those countries? Thanks!
Posted by
Freedonia
16278 posts
You buy them the same way you buy other tickets. However, the closer you get to the actual travel date, the higher the price will likely be. And, there is a possibility that your flight is full.
I usually buy last minute tickets directly from the airline.
Posted by
Liverpool UK
440 posts
Ryanair and easy jet often have more expensive seats closer to the flying date, but depends sometimes flights are full and you can strike out. Never buy budget airline tickets at the airport it is astronomical
Posted by
New York, NY
4071 posts
If you have the means not to travel on a budget, you can buy airline tickets the way you do when you plan in advance-- on line.
Keep in mind, if you buy tickets within 24 hours of a flight, you might be subjected to extra security measures at the airport so plan your time accordingly. That has happened to me on last minute business trips to London.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
I just looked at easyjet Barcelona to London for tomorrow, for next week, and a month out. Tomorrow - 85euros into Gatwick, several times with fares going up for some times. A few flights were sold out. I looked for 2 people - a party of more would probably have more full flights
Next week - same cost.
Next month - 32euros
So you save a lot booking ahead, but at least on a common route like Barcelona - London there is availability. If you are going somewhere with only one flight a day, or less, like flights only on one day a week I would be more careful and book ahead.
If you are OK with the increased cost and a bit flexible then you could do this. If you wanted to leave on Tuesday and that flight was sold out, but Wednesday was available, if that worked for you you'd be OK.
Posted by
not here anymore
631 posts
easyjet and ryanair have fare manipulation down to a fine science (not art). Whenever I fly with easyjet the plane is usually full - and the last ticket may have cost 10 times mine. If thinking about flying within a week then price is the second problem.
The others may not be as successful in achieving these loadings but they are either learning or failing (which brings us to Alitalia and flights to Italy........)
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA
64 posts
Price is more when you buy closer to your travel date.