The best last-minute flight websites include Kiwi.com, Skyscanner, Google Flights, lastminute.com, momondo, and it’s also worth checking the main budget airlines. While your destination will be one of the biggest factors that affects the price of your spontaneous European holiday plans, how you search for flights matters just as much. Using nearby airports, combining routes with multiple airlines, and staying flexible with your destination are all common tactics that can help.
In this article
If you’re looking for flights at short notice, these are the websites we recommend for finding great-value airfares.
Key takeaways
For multi-airline routes at short notice: Kiwi.com combines flights from different airlines into one booking, with the Kiwi.com Guarantee added at checkout on eligible bookings.
For going anywhere this weekend: Skyscanner's 'Everywhere' search lists destinations by price, and Kiwi.com's 'Anywhere' map does something similar.
For fast date and price checks: Google Flights has a date-and-price grid and an 'Explore' map view of prices, and it redirects you to the airline or booking partner to buy.
For flight plus hotel in one go: lastminute.com packages flights and a hotel together, with extra protection under the EU Package Travel Directive on European trips.
For booking directly: budget airline websites sell their own routes only, so compare them against multi-airline itineraries before you book.
Quick answer
Kiwi.com is a strong choice for combining itineraries with multiple airlines and for travellers who want protection if there’s an issue with their connections. No destination in mind but still want to travel? Kiwi.com’s ‘Anywhere’ map search filter lets you explore amazing trip ideas, and Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search does something similar. Google Flights is a decent option for quickly comparing dates and ticket prices, and for a package with flights and a hotel, there’s lastminute.com.
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The Best Last-Minute Flight Websites Compared
Here’s a quick rundown of the best last-minute flight deals websites. Use this table to compare options, see what each offers, and find cheap flights.
| Website | Sells the ticket itself or sends you on? | Last-minute deals page? | “Anywhere” search? | Combines different airlines into one booking? | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kiwi.com | Sells it | Yes | Yes (map search) | Yes, through Virtual Interlining, with protection on eligible bookings added at checkout | Multi-airline routes at short notice |
| Skyscanner | Sends you on | Yes | Yes | Shows some separate-ticket itineraries, but you book with the providers directly | Going anywhere this weekend |
| Google Flights | Sends you on | They have a flight deals page, but not specifically for last-minute offers | Yes | Partly: shows some separate-ticket itineraries from partners but doesn’t sell them | Fast date and price checks |
| lastminute.com | Sells it | A flight deals section is available below the search bar with selected dates | Yes | Yes, they offer multi-airline routes | Flight plus hotel |
| momondo | Sends you on | Yes | Yes (map search) | Yes, but options are similar to those on KAYAK as they are under the same partnership | Price trends |
| Budget airline websites | Sell their flights only | Selected airlines like easyJet do | No: only that airline’s routes | No | Non-stop one-way seats |
Which Last-Minute Flight Website Fits Your Trip
When selecting the best site for last-minute flights, ask yourself two things: do you know where you want to fly, and are your dates set in stone, or are you more flexible? Depending on your answers, certain search features can make finding deals much easier.
| Fixed dates | Flexible dates | |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed destination | Family event in Krakow? You want a site that lets you browse flights across airlines and stick them into one itinerary, like Kiwi.com. | If you’re heading to Lisbon but your dates aren’t set, use a feature like Kiwi.com’s date grid/price calendar to find the cheapest day to fly in. |
| Any destination | Want sunshine but no idea where? Kiwi.com makes it easy to search last-minute flights to ‘anywhere’, similar to Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ option. | Check Kiwi.com’s last-minute flight deals pages when searching with flexible dates and destinations. Or try a site offering flight-and-hotel packages, such as lastminute.com. |
1. Kiwi.com: Multi-Airline Routes When You Need to Fly Now
Kiwi.com is among the best last-minute flight deal sites for when you need to fly immediately. Our system searches hundreds of airlines and travel dates. That’s how airlines that would never normally share a trip, like Ryanair and Wizz Air, end up on the same itinerary at great prices.
You can also add the Kiwi.com Guarantee at checkout on eligible bookings. If you select it and face a delay or cancellation, you may be entitled to compensation as credit, the option to rebook, or help requesting a refund.
A fantastic place to find last-minute flight deals is Kiwi.com’s dedicated page for these trips. One-ways, returns, weekend escapes where you need to leave in a few days: it’s all there. No idea where to go? Open the Anywhere map and see where your curiosity takes you.
We also work with some big airline partners. Since 29th January 2024, Kiwi.com has had access to Ryanair fares at real prices, no markups. What you see is what you pay. Other online travel agencies are also approved Ryanair partners.
Self-transfers let you mix carriers on separate tickets for cheap last-minute flights, but you’ll need to collect and recheck your bags between flights. Leave plenty of time between legs, and remember that the Kiwi.com Guarantee can help if a delay or cancellation affects your self-transfer.
2. Skyscanner: “Everywhere” Searches for Spontaneous Trips
Next on this list of best last-minute flight deal websites is Skyscanner. If you have some free time but no idea where to go, check out their ‘Everywhere’ feature. It’s made for these situations: enter your dates and departure city, and it gives you a list of places to choose from.
They have a dedicated page that makes it easier to browse last-minute escapes in Europe. Select from fixed dates for certain locations or enter your dates to see what’s cheapest across the whole calendar month.
Skyscanner works a bit differently from Kiwi.com. It doesn’t sell you the ticket. It sends you to a third party, and you buy from that airline or agency instead. That also means they don’t handle changes, so you’ll have to sort those out with whoever sold you the airfare if something arises.
3. Google Flights: Fast Date and Price Checks
Google Flights is great when you know your dates. Flying to London next week? Its date-and-price grid and ‘Explore’ map view of prices make comparing easy.
Like Kiwi.com, Google Flights lets you monitor fare changes with its price tracker. A feature like this is less useful for someone travelling last-minute, though, because you haven’t got much time to wait around. We cover this entire topic in more detail in our article, ‘Do Flight Alerts and Price Trackers Really Work When Prices Change Fast?’ .
Just note that Google Flights redirects you to the airline or booking partner’s website to complete your booking. Before proceeding, check whether the itinerary involves separate tickets with partner airlines, as you may need to arrange the transfer between flights yourself. They often display a clear, easy-to-spot note to alert you about this.
4. lastminute.com: Flight and Hotel Packages at Short Notice
For booking airfares and a hotel in one go, lastminute.com, part of the lastminute.com group, works well. Quick connection to Athens , hotel in Plaka, done. On their website, you’ll find sections for flights only and flight-plus-hotel packages, giving you a few search options. There’s also a last-minute deals section under the search bar if you’re not fussy about the location when planning a quick weekend getaway.
For European trips in particular, flight-and-hotel combos come with an extra layer of protection under the EU Package Travel Directive, which offers compensation in certain circumstances. Research the rules to know what you’re entitled to.
Inspiration
Do Flight Alerts and Price Trackers Really Work When Prices Change Fast?
Flight prices move quickly. Learn whether flight alerts and price trackers actually work, when they help, and when you need to act immediately.
Read the guide5. momondo: Price Trends Before You Commit
Sometimes you just want to know whether the price you’re paying is worth it. It’s a constant guessing game: when to wait and when to lock in your seats. That’s where the Danish company momondo helps. Some of their notable features include price-trend tools like the price calendar, which lets you monitor expected ticket costs, and an ’explore’ option for more flexible travellers.
momondo is part of Booking Holdings, and KAYAK is too, so the two websites often show similar results. If you use momondo, compare it with other flight sites, not KAYAK, to get a more accurate view of the market. They don’t sell the tickets themselves either. Book through them, and you’ll be sent straight to the partner website to buy.
6. Budget Airline Websites and Apps: Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet
Booking a cheap last-minute flight directly can be worth it for direct routes and one-way seats. Carriers often price each flight separately, so if you’re flying Dublin to Beauvais with Ryanair, check whether booking that leg separately beats a two-airline connecting itinerary. The downside of choosing a budget airline is that you miss out on other options, since airlines usually only show their own flights. This is where Kiwi.com can help: combine flights from different airlines into one booking and add the Kiwi.com Guarantee on eligible bookings for extra peace of mind.
One thing to watch out for with budget airlines is luggage. Add your bags when you book; otherwise, you risk paying significantly more at the airport. That trip to one of your favourite cheap places to visit in Europe could end up costing you more than expected.
How to Book a Last-Minute Flight Without Paying for It Later
Follow these three tips to find the cheapest last-minute flights without getting stung by extra costs.
Don’t rely on the fare alone when searching for the best last-minute flight websites. You may also need to pay for luggage, so add the ticket cost and bags to know what you’ll really pay. Check whether your flights are covered by one booking or booked on separate tickets. If all your flights are on a single ticket, you’ll generally have protection if you miss a connection. However, with separate tickets, you may have to cover the cost yourself.
Know your passenger rights in case of a delay or cancellation. For EU flights, check the official EU air passenger rights page .
For a full rundown, check Kiwi.com’s step-by-step guide to finding last-minute flight deals.
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Find Last-Minute Flights With Kiwi.com
No more time to waste. You need to find last-minute flights fast, so start searching now. Choose the site that suits your plans, watch out for those sneaky baggage fees, and look for options that cover your connection.
Kiwi.com makes it easy to book flights in a hurry. Compare hundreds of Virtual Interlining routes and add the Kiwi.com Guarantee on eligible bookings for extra protection if things go wrong. And that’s all there is to it.
Got more questions? We’ve answered them below.
Last-Minute Flight Websites FAQ
Are last-minute flights actually cheaper?
It varies by route and the number of seats left. Ticket prices usually go up the closer it gets to departure, but not always. If you’re wondering, ‘Do flights get cheaper last minute?’ , a flexible search is the best way to find out.
How late can you book a flight online?
Many airlines stop accepting bookings a few hours before take-off, but each has its own policy, and some routes close sooner than others. Check the airline’s website for the latest details.
Is it cheaper to buy a flight ticket at the airport?
Rarely. Airport ticket desks are rarely around anymore. Walk into departures, and they’re either closed or running at very reduced capacity, and the same tickets are sold online for the same price or sometimes less. Nowadays, it’s better to book online through one of the best last-minute flight-deal websites, even if it’s the same day as departure.
What’s the best app for last-minute flights?
The Kiwi.com app, simple as that. Everything you need for last-minute travel is in one place: you can download boarding passes, get flight notifications, and book in seconds. The other apps on this list are handy for comparing options.
Do these websites work for last-minute flights from the US or Canada?
Yes, although some budget airlines, like Ryanair, mainly operate European routes. Kiwi.com lets you compare plenty of last-minute escapes across North America and beyond. Visit our website, enter your destination and dates and discover the possibilities.
