The idea of booking a flight the same day and not having to empty your savings may be daunting; however, with the right strategy and a little flexibility, you can take advantage of the seat you want without breaking the bank. Here’s how: n Harness Technology: Online platforms are your best friend. Skyscanner, along with similar applications, lets you look up flights of various airlines in a single glance. They will quickly filter through many options to give you the best last-minute travel prices.  n Flexibility is key: When you’re limited by time, think about flying in off-peak hours. Flights that depart early in the morning or late at night are usually less expensive than flights scheduled for peak time. In the same way, having an open mind to alternative airports in the vicinity can yield better rates.  n Be alert and quick: The prices for same-day flights are subject to extreme fluctuations within hours. If you find a great bargain, feel free to make a reservation. Other travelers could snap up the seats, or you may see a price increase.  n Look into package deals: Certain booking sites offer last-minute packages that include hotels and flights. If you’re also looking for accommodations, these deals could save you money compared to booking each separately.  n Rewards Programs: When you’re a member of the loyalty program of an airline, look for any special last-minute deals or special offers they could offer members. In addition, they may permit priority booking of same-day flights, which gives you a competitive advantage over others.  n Avoid peak travel Days: Traveling on a Wednesday or Tuesday may be less expensive than flying on Mondays, weekends, or Sundays. If your schedule permits the time, avoiding these days of high demand could result in lower rates.  n Contact the airline directly: While the internet tools are handy, contact with the airline may uncover exclusive deals or special offers that must be advertised online. This is particularly true when seats are available before departure, and the airline wants to fill the seats.  n Stay updated: Join notifications from different airline companies or online booking sites. These alerts could alert you to any decline in the price, special promotions, or seats available for your preferred route.  n Utilize credit card points or vouchers: This is the ideal time to use if you own points on your credit card or coupons. They could significantly reduce your travel costs or even completely cover the cost. n