11 Sneaky Times to Score 2026's Best Flight Deals (Set Calendar Alerts Now)

7. Last-minute and standby opportunities: when to pounce

Occasionally, last-minute windows produce bargains, especially for short-haul routes with unsold inventory. Airlines prefer to fill seats rather than fly empty, and that can lead to late reductions for departures within a week. However, this approach carries risk—availability is unpredictable and prices sometimes climb with demand. If you like the gamble, set high-frequency alerts for the seven- to fourteen-day window and have flexible plans ready. Combine alerts with calendar reminders that include clear buying rules: maximum price, preferred carriers, and acceptable connections. If standby or airport-ticket tactics interest you, add a calendar reminder the morning of departure to check same-day offers or last-minute consolidator fares. This method requires tolerance for uncertainty, but when it pays off it can yield meaningful savings for nimble travelers.