Something came up and you need to fly in the next few days. First, breathe. It's rarely as bad as it feels, though we won't pretend it'll be cheap.
What to expect on price
Fares often climb as the departure date gets closer. Not always, and not on every route, but it's common enough that you should expect to pay more than someone who booked a month ago. Anyone who promises you a low last-minute fare is guessing.
You have more room than it seems
Try nearby airports. Flying out of a second airport in the same metro area can change the fare a lot. Try different days, even one day earlier or later. An early-morning flight or a red-eye is sometimes less busy and can cost less. A connecting flight can beat a nonstop on price, if the schedule works. And be open to a different airline than the one you'd normally pick.
Have your details ready
Before you search or call, gather each traveler's full name exactly as it appears on their ID, and expect the airline to ask for date of birth as well. Know which airports you'd accept. If you can, decide in advance how much you're willing to spend. It saves you twenty minutes of hesitating while the seat disappears.
Don't skip the boring parts
Last-minute bookings are where mistakes sneak in, because everyone is rushing. Check the names. Check the dates. Check the airports (there's a Portland in Maine as well as the one in Oregon). Check the fare rules for changes. It takes a minute and it's worth it.
Plan for the airport, too. Check-in and bag-drop cutoffs are stricter than people expect, and a same-day trip leaves less room for surprises. Leave earlier than you think you need to.
If you'd like help
Call us or send a fare-check request and tell us it's urgent. We'll look at what we can find. We can't create seats that don't exist, but we can look quickly and give you the options straight.