Trick for finding last-minute flight deals?

Posted by Rob (US (Minnesota)) on 10/07/25 06:11 PM

As we've gotten older over the last few years we've had life events cause us to cancel more trips than we've taken. I've started thinking that taking short notice trips might be a way to avoid the disappointment that comes from cancelling a trip that we've been looking forward to for months. We're experienced independat travelers so not having a long lead time isn't a barrier to us.

So my question is: do you have any tips or tricks for getting short-notice flights from the US to Europe that don't cost an arm and a leg?

Thanks.

Posted by joe32F

Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂

10/07/25 06:40 PM

12972 posts

Prayer, or get really lucky.

On a more serious note, if you are flexible on the destination your odds of finding something are at least marginally better.

Happy travels

Posted by Jazz+Travels

Chicago

10/07/25 06:55 PM

8502 posts

I get these notices every Tuesday from Norse Airline
https://flynorse.com/en-US?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=2025-40-TUE-TAKEOFF&utm_medium=email&utm_id=167

I have bought one way tickets and used airline miles they I accrued from my BA Chase credit card to get back

Posted by jules m

Twin Cities of MN

10/07/25 07:39 PM

7563 posts

Be open to destinations and use flexible dates to find tickets. There is a Delta sub reddit that often has deals. Maintain a list of potential destinations of interest and sights you'd like to see. Play with airline websites occasionally to familiarize yourself to typical prices. I think good rates on flights are more likely shoulder season, which is shrinking for many destinations. But, October and April, maybe May. January and February can be slow times, and if you go to big cities, weather has less of an impact.

Posted by jeanm

Chicagoland

10/07/25 09:42 PM

1301 posts

Start with Google Flights and drill down.

For example, let's say I want to fly from my home airport to Europe in November for a one week trip.

I start with Chicago to Europe and tap Explore. Don't put in any dates yet.

I can change from 1 to 2 weeks and choose a month. Then filter the results by number of connections, price, airlines or airline alliances and more.

So my results for 1 stop or less for under $500 roundtrip and maximum of 12 hours travel time includes the following:

Paris $459 departing Nov 14
Prague $474 departing Nov 15
Stockholm $386 departing Nov 16

From here I'll go to the airline's website and play with the dates.