How to Buy Airline Tickets at the Last Minute
By Clint Hale
Last-minute trips happen for any number of reasons. Whether it's a weekend getaway, a golf outing at a can't-miss course, business trip or a family-related venture, booking airline tickets at the last minute is a common occurrence. However, doing so can prove costly if one doesn't proceed carefully. And while golfers most assuredly want to enjoy their round at a new locale, they don't want to pay a fortune to get there. Fortunately, there are myriad resources available to help secure a last-minute deal on airline tickets, thereby ensuring you get to the course with some money in your pocket.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Call the airline directly. Often times, particularly in the case of slow travel seasons or non-capacity flights, last-minute deals will be available for those seeking a last-minute golf vacation. Simply call the airlines with your desired dates of travel and destination to get a list of potential last-minute deals. Those seeking out last-minute bookings can also book directly through the airline's website, in most cases.
Visit the Airfare Watch Dog website, which features a section devoted exclusively to last-minute travel deals, including those pertaining exclusively to hotels located near some of the nation's finest golf courses. This section allows travelers to choose the city from which they're traveling, as well as airlines rates for that city. This website even offers information/links pertaining exclusively to airlines offering last-minute travel deals.
Visit LastMinuteTravel.com, which is devoted exclusively to helping prospective travelers track deals for last-minute travel. This includes flights and travel packages, as well as golf-specific packages. The site allows travelers to enter the dates and locations to which they're traveling, then it reveals last-minute deals.
Visit online travel sites, most of which feature sections/links devoted exclusively to last-minute airline deals and even travel packages. Among the numerous online travel agents are Ortitz, Expedia, Hotwire, Priceline, and Travelocity. Many of these sites feature golf vacations and golf vacation packages with last-minute deals.
Check out SideStep.com, which culls information from approximately 200 travel websites to offer the latest information in last-minute travel deals. The site allows users to enter locations, destinations and dates to find affordable last-minute flight deals. This site is of particular use to golf vacationers, as it culls info from a number of golf-related travel sites into one central source.
About The Author
Clint Hale has worked for a number of media outlets throughout his seven-year career, including the San Antonio Express-News (for whom he covered golf, football, and general features) and Examiner.com. He earned a Journalism degree from the University of Texas.
