About Last Minute Airline Tickets

To get a great deal on a ticket, it used to be advised that you go to the airport, get listed on standby and get a great ticket for a cheap price. However, that is no longer the case. Since the airline industry has drastically changed, it's now best to turn to the Internet for help when unexpected plans or occurrences give you the need to fly immediately. Getting a last minute airline ticket is possible, but getting one cheaply requires a bit more strategy.

History

Last minute airline tickets used to be given cheaply to customers on planes that were departing without booking up. This benefited the airline by selling seats that would otherwise go empty. However, increased security measures and changes in the system have pretty much eliminated that option for travelers. (Though you can still purchase an expensive last minute ticket.)
To better arm yourself with a good deal, call the airlines in advances. Your airline of choice--especially if you are a frequent traveler--may cut you a special deal. It's more likely than not that you'll get a better deal by looking at comparison-based websites for a good deal on your last minute flight (see Resources below).

Function

Compare if you want to get the best deal. There aren't very many websites that offer the continuous best deal. Priceline, Expedia and Orbitz are just some of the website that allow you to search for last minute deals. They let you switch airports to find a cheaper deal from a neighboring city, and they search all available airlines in their system. You can switch both your destination and departure airports around. Mixing and matching will lead to the best deals. Expect to take about a half an hour finding a deal. If your find something looks like a really great deal, it's advised that you snap it up. You might not be able to find it again on a second search. If you're not sure, keep looking.

Considerations

You get the best deal on air travel if you plan a few months in advance. Airlines know that travelers in a jam will pay top dollar because they must book a flight. Giving yourself some negotiation room is ideal. If it's possible to defer your travel plans to a later time, do so. However, if your plans absolutely dictate that last minute airline tickets are needed, accept that you'll likely be paying more than twice the amount others are paying for a seat on the same flight. Even planning as little as 2 weeks in advance can lead to better deals.

Benefits

Last minute airline tickets can be purchased up to only a few hours in advance of the flight. That helps the airline get all seats booked, and it helps you out when you have an emergency where your presence is needed. Knowing that last minute air travel is available if needed can put minds at ease when parents send kids off to camp or students move away from home at a critical time for their families.

Warning

Get to the airport early if you are getting a last minute ticket. Airlines typically tell the airport to put you through extra security measures when purchasing a last minute ticket. You'll typically be padded down, and your belongings will be searched. If you carry a laptop computer, you'll be asked to set it aside and it will be looked at.
Don't be afraid to let the airline know if it's an emergency due to the illness of a loved one or a death in the family. Many airlines will work with you to do what it takes to accommodate you in emergency situations. Take notes of all conversations you have with an airline about such a situation. If you are treated poorly along the way, and address the airline about the problem in your time of need, you may receive some form of compensation

Source :www.ehow.com/contributor