How to find cheap last-minute flights

Travel tips and tricks you need to know

Stop overpaying for flights with our ultimate guide to finding cheap flights from Canada—whether you're heading off on a cross-country getaway, a sunny escape, or an overseas adventure.

Here, we share insider tips, travel hacks, tricks, and Skyscanner features to help you secure the best flight deals. Let’s get those cheap flights and travel more this year.

Travel hacked to find cheap flights

Save money and see the world

Whether you compare budget airlines, stay flexible with your dates, or take advantage of Skyscanner’s smart tools, there are plenty of ways to find great flight deals from Canada. Here are some of the best:

1. Check out budget airlines

Shop around

Booking a flight with a budget airline can save you $100s of dollars, so they’re certainly worth considering when choosing who you fly with.

Canada has many budget airlines offering cheap domestic flights, including Flair Air and BudgetAir.

For flights into and around the USA, JetBlue and Southwest are two budget airlines in Canada to look out for.

If you’re planning a European tour, you’ll be delighted to find that low-cost airlines in Europe offer incredibly low fares that will help you explore the continent on a budget. Ryanair, Vueling, and easyJet are top options.

2. Get flexible

Check your dates

Got a destination in mind? Flexibility is key to finding cheap flights. Use Skyscanner’s flight search and select ‘Whole Month’ to see which days offer the lowest fares.

Even shifting your trip by a few days can lead to big savings—especially around long weekends and school holidays.

3. Try our ‘Everywhere’ search

Explore something new

Know when you want to travel but not sure where? Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search is a great way to discover affordable destinations. Just enter your departure city, select your travel dates, and choose ‘Everywhere’.

You’ll see a list of destinations ranked by price—from hidden gems within Canada to bucket-list spots abroad.

4. Consider single tickets

One-way could be the cheaper way

Many people think it’s cheaper to purchase airline tickets together as a round-trip, but sometimes finding the cheapest flights comes from purchasing two single one-way tickets.

For example, a return flight from Calgary to Vancouver could be $50, but a one-way flight there and one back could be $20 each.

5. Try to buy in bulk

Book multiple flights at once

If you’re planning on sticking with one airline, you may find that booking multiple flights for your trip works out cheaper.

For example, if you’re looking to fly between multiple European cities via a budget airline, planning your journey, selecting your travel dates, and booking your tickets in one go may work out cheaper than leaving each flight until the last minute.

6. Set up Price Alerts

Be ready when fares drop

Skyscanner Price Alerts let you track flight prices so you can book when fares are at their lowest.

Just download the Skyscanner app, search your route, and set a price alert. We’ll notify you as soon as prices change—so you can lock in a deal before it disappears.

7. Take carry-on only

Avoid checked bag fees

Travelling with carry-on only can save you a lot—especially on budget airlines where checked baggage comes with a fee. Make sure your bag meets the airline’s size and weight limits to avoid surprise charges at the gate.

How to find cheap flights FAQs

Prices vary depending on your route, time of year, and how full the flight is—but flexibility can help you find a bargain.

Try Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search for spontaneous ideas, or use Price Alerts to track last-minute deals.

Use flexible date searches, book one-way flights if it’s cheaper, travel light, and set Price Alerts to stay ahead of price changes.

Finding a cheap flight or vacation can be easy if you know how. Now you’re armed with some hacks to find cheap flights, start your search today and get ready for take-off!

Looking for the cheapest flights? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels, and car rental deals for your next trip.

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