Last-Minute Travel Deals

Aug. 25, 2004 -- With summer quickly coming to an end, now may be the last chance for a getaway before a return to the standard workday schedule and back-to-school mayhem. If you are interested in getting away at the last minute, you have plenty of company.

Up to 64 percent of leisure travelers plan 11th-hour escapes, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. Here are some tips on how to take an affordable, last-minute summer vacation rich in memories but not in dollars.

Deals on Airfare

With increased airfare competition, now is a great time to get good deals on airfare. Both major and smaller airlines often release last-minute tickets at bargain basement prices in order to fill empty seats. These last-minute fares are typically released on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday for travel in the days and weeks to follow. Last-minute fares usually have a departure day of Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with a return day of Sunday through Wednesday. For example, US Air is now offering excellent deals on airfare for Labor Day weekend. You can fly from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Phoenix, Ariz., round trip for $198, pending some restrictions.

In addition to these last-minute deals, it often pays to seek out flights with a connection, as non-stop flights tend to be the most expensive. You also may want to consider alternate or smaller airports and avoid flying to destinations during their high-travel season. Also, it is usually less expensive to fly mid-week (Monday through Thursday) and Saturdays, versus Fridays and Sundays. Early morning and red-eye flights also tend be the less expensive than mid-day flights. These travel times may be a little more difficult on smaller children, but are well worth the additional effort.

Finally, if you have an e-mail address, it is an excellent idea to subscribe to receive weekly e-fare alerts from airlines that service your city most.