How can a poor girl travel spontaneously?

March 10, 2011 9:59 PM

Is there a way to get cheap last minute weekend airline tickets? Are there any hacks I should be aware of?

I just found out about an event that is happening half way across the country from me this weekend. I would really like to go, but can't spend over $100 bucks on a round trip ticket. When I search flights it looks like the cheapest round trip on a quick internet search is several hundred more than that. Is there some way I can find super cheap tickets if I am willing to fly any time of the day on my departing and arriving days? Can I pay my way by washing all the dishes on the plane? ;p

I am really clueless about travel so I don't even know if this is possible. But if it is I'm pretty sure someone here on MF knows how. Thanks in advanced for any wicked sweet tips and tricks.

posted by chocolatemilkshakes to Travel & Transportation (8 answers total)

Based on your previous questions, I think you're under 22. This means that AirTran U is your new best friend. Depending on where you're going, it'll almost certainly be over your $100 budget but very possibly under $200.
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 10:06 PM on March 10, 2011

Have you thought of looking on Craigslist's rideshare? You could post on there or maybe even an ad on the event's website, if they let you. Other people may be looking to go and would split a rental car or gas money.
posted by Groovytimes at 12:11 AM on March 11, 2011

If you're looking at weekend days, you're not going to find much price variance on the time of day your flight is. You will find the most discounts based on what day you travel.
posted by wongcorgi at 1:16 AM on March 11, 2011

If you're willing to fly anytime, with multiple connections, try Priceline, if you haven't already.
posted by troywestfield at 5:56 AM on March 11, 2011

these days it seems that Last Minute flying is generally MORE expensive than booking far in advance. Well thats the pricing method all the budget airlines in the UK use.

Start really cheap and get more and more expensive.
posted by mary8nne at 6:38 AM on March 11, 2011

If you still have an email address with a .edu ending, you can try to sign up for www.studentuniverse.com. Many times, they have cheap flights or they have flights that waive the advance purchase requirements.
posted by CathyG at 7:00 AM on March 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

I've flown cheaply on Allegiant Air, but only because they happened to go precisely from where I live to nearby where I wanted to go (and buses stopped at the airport).
posted by soviet sleepover at 9:52 AM on March 11, 2011

Continental has weekly specials on their website - which really are the lowest fares in existence. They require travel on Saturday and a return on Monday or Tuesday usually.

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/booking/specials/default.aspx?SID=DE0AC2377BC04D409B7EC5CF582C4F1C
posted by abdulf at 1:54 PM on March 11, 2011