Best Airlines and Routes for Last-Minute Flights

Whether traveling for work, an unexpected life event or just out of pure spontaneity, last-minute travel can be brutal on your bank account.

But not always.

The team of experts at Upgraded Points recently analyzed thousands of flights across some of the busiest U.S. routes to determine which airlines and routes offer last-minute travelers the best bargain.

The data also reveals the airlines that will set last-minute travelers' budgets back the most and the most expensive routes for those making a late one-way ticket purchase.

Despite plans to focus on premium travel offerings, ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines is the best carrier for booking a last-minute flight with an average cost of just over $150 one-way. Fellow budget airline Frontier—which is making headlines for its latest free bag promotion—isn't far behind at just over $160.

The Most Affordable Airlines for a Last-Minute Flight

1. Spirit Airlines: $151.53
2. Frontier Airlines: $160.89
3. Hawaiian Airlines: $190.19
4. Southwest Airlines: $212.43
5. Alaska Airlines: $229.73

On the other end of the spectrum, JetBlue ranks the worst for last-minute bookings, with the average ticket costing more than $310. Legacy carriers American, United, and Delta also fare poorly for last-minute flight costs.

The Most Expensive Airlines for a Last-Minute Flight

1. JetBlue: $310.15
2. American Airlines: $288.26
3. United Airlines: $274.33
4. Delta Air Lines: $236.36

When hoping to score a cheap last-minute flight, travelers will have the most luck on shorter routes, including some quick trips within the same state, like Honolulu to Maui in Hawaii and Los Angeles to San Francisco in California.

Southwest Airlines flight over Southern California. (Photo Credit: Felipe Sanchez/Adobe)

The Most Affordable Last-Minute Flight Routes

1. Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to Kahului Airport (OGG): $129.69
2. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): $142.01
3. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO): $187.00
4. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA): $214.07
5. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): $221.31

No surprises here. A last-minute cross-country flight from New York to L.A. will set you back quite a bit, more than $327 on average.

Flights out of Denver will also be expensive, with routes from the Mile High City to Chicago, Phoenix and Las Vegas ranking among the most expensive for a last-minute purchase.

The Most Expensive Last-Minute Flight Routes

1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): $327.12
2. Denver International Airport (DEN) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD): $308.88
3. Denver International Airport (DEN) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): $266.30
4. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Orlando International Airport (MCO): $253.15
5. Denver International Airport (DEN) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): $232.58

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