In search of cheap international flight departing within 48 hours.

December 23, 2007 12:03 PM

I would like to depart on an international trip over the next 48 hours. I'll go anywhere as long as it is cheap. I depart from NYC. Any ideas on how to find cheap last minute tickets? I've already tried Kayak and Orbitz and I was unable to find anything. Thanks
posted by yoel88 to Travel & Transportation (13 answers total)

You're going to have to define "cheap".
posted by dobbs at 12:10 PM on December 23, 2007

SideStep will search all travel sites, and return fares from cheapest to most expensive. But you have to have a destination in mind to do the search. Also I guess it depends what you consider "cheap."
posted by brain cloud at 12:11 PM on December 23, 2007 [1 favorite]

kayak and orbitz are good places to find last-minute fares, sure, but today and tomorrow are probably the most expensive departure days of the year. focus your search on xmas day departures... these will still be more expensive than what you'd find for just about any destination 3-4 weeks from now.
posted by rxrfrx at 12:13 PM on December 23, 2007

This previous question might help.
posted by sharkfu at 12:17 PM on December 23, 2007

Try lastminute.com. They have a "last second" deal page where they list holidays you can book in the next day or so.
posted by zia at 12:27 PM on December 23, 2007

Er, you'd better check visa requirements for the countries you are considering visiting.
posted by needled at 1:43 PM on December 23, 2007

Christmas day will be a lot cheaper than Christmas eve. However, most cheapo rates require at least a 7 day lead time. American Airlines has a "last minute fare" link on their website, not sure it is only for their frequent flyer mile folks (I get the emails because I have miles with AA). Here is their last minute package webpage: http://aa.lastminute-packages.com/
posted by 45moore45 at 3:05 PM on December 23, 2007

Scandinavian Airlines has some cool prices.
posted by GaelFC at 6:52 PM on December 23, 2007

Icelandair used to always have all kinds of last-minute deals, usually involving a day or two layover in Reykjavik before continuing on to a large European destination.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:55 PM on December 23, 2007

skyscanner.net
posted by signal at 7:12 PM on December 23, 2007

Remember to factor in costs of staying where you are going. I've often found a cheap flight to somewhere with European costs is more expensive in total than a higher fare to somewhere very cheap to stay.
posted by quarsan at 1:15 AM on December 24, 2007

I got good use from Airfare Watchdog when originating from a US airport.
posted by quiet at 3:55 AM on December 25, 2007

I'll try that again: Airfare Watchdog
posted by quiet at 3:56 AM on December 25, 2007