How do these last minute deals actually work?

[Phate]

So, quick summary. GF is in Portugal for a couple of weeks visiting family. I had plans this weekend but they've cancelled so now I'm free. Am thinking of surprising her.

However, the absolute cheapest direct flight from London to Porto tonight I can find is £350 - returning Sunday. :/

But on the same page I see offers to get to China for the same money?!

Is there a trick to these last minute deals? Am I missing something? Or are they just a massive con for pikes with keys trying to save a buck and go to Ibeefa?

 

[Simmz]

Depends on the flight route, how popular the flight is, how full it is etc. Also being school holidays everything is pricey.

 

[Deleted member 77746]

Bums on seats.... and all that jazz!

 

[Schlong&Stable]

Depends on the flight route, how popular the flight is, how full it is etc. Also being school holidays everything is pricey.

Indeed. Airlines basically know how much demand a flight will have, how many seats they need to fill etc. They will offer "last minute deals" where they think the demand is low but they need to fill the seats.

Portugal, being a popular holiday destination, probably doesn't require a last minute deal to fill a seat.

 

[antijoke]

Don't bother, you surprise her and she's on holiday with her other boyfriend.....

 

[Phate]

Don't bother, you surprise her and she's on holiday with her other boyfriend.....

Possibly, but I've been working on my Portuguese this week, I'll blow her away with the new words and grammer I've learned! Huzzah!

 

[Phate]

Indeed. Airlines basically know how much demand a flight will have, how many seats they need to fill etc. They will offer "last minute deals" where they think the demand is low but they need to fill the seats.

Portugal, being a popular holiday destination, probably doesn't require a last minute deal to fill a seat.

Hmm I see.

I wonder if it's worth calling a travel agent at lunch to see if there have been any cancellations...or to just keep checking throughout the day.

 

[SiD the Turtle]

grammer

You may have left it a bit too last minute. If you're lucky perhaps try a flight to Lisbon and then a train?

 

[Phate]

You may have left it a bit too last minute. If you're lucky perhaps try a flight to Lisbon and then a train?

God damn phone keyboard!

Hmm that might be an idea...

EDIT: Train journey is 3 and a half hours long, by the time the plane arrives and then the train journey and then the drive from Porto to her house I wouldn't get there till early hours tomorrow. Thats out then.

 

[Mr Jones]

Start driving there now, you *might* be there by noon tomorrow.

 

[Phate]

Start driving there now, you *might* be there by noon tomorrow.

 

[hughtrimble]

At this late stage, they know you want it, so will charge you accordingly.

Try going direct to the airline(s) sites and see what they offer? I've always found them to be cheaper than using those general flight websites.

Also, try adding in a hotel to the mix if you're using holiday booking sites, as you can often end up reducing the overall cost, even though you've added in something extra. You don't even need to use the hotel.

E.g. flight = 350
Flight + hotel = 300

 

[Phate]

At this late stage, they know you want it, so will charge you accordingly.

Try going direct to the airline(s) sites and see what they offer? I've always found them to be cheaper than using those general flight websites.

Also, try adding in a hotel to the mix if you're using holiday booking sites, as you can often end up reducing the overall cost, even though you've added in something extra. You don't even need to use the hotel.

E.g. flight = 350
Flight + hotel = 300

Cheers for the tips

 

[[FnG]magnolia]

Some guy a while back came up with some nonsense theory about supply, demand, and cost but look where that got him - he's dead now!

 

[crinkleshoes]

Or are they just a massive con for pikes with keys trying to save a buck and go to Ibeefa?

Fish can fly?

 

[Greebo]

At this late stage, they know you want it, so will charge you accordingly.

Try going direct to the airline(s) sites and see what they offer? I've always found them to be cheaper than using those general flight websites.

Also, try adding in a hotel to the mix if you're using holiday booking sites, as you can often end up reducing the overall cost, even though you've added in something extra. You don't even need to use the hotel.

E.g. flight = 350
Flight + hotel = 300

This gf family in Greece and we find it cheaper to book a complete package inc hotel just to use the flights and just let the hotel know we won't be coming. Last time flights were £285 each and got a last minute deal with hotel for £179.

 

[Phate]

Found £250 - fly out tomorrow morning at 5:30 and fly back Tuesday night - can work out of the office. Just seen sign off from the bwass about WFH. If I do...off to Portugal we go!

 

[traveyb]

Nice, make sure to check out sky scanner also. Did you end up booking a package?

 

[hughtrimble]

Found £250 - fly out tomorrow morning at 5:30 and fly back Tuesday night - can work out of the office. Just seen sign off from the bwass about WFH. If I do...off to Portugal we go!

Taxi cost at that hour may take you over the price of a less obsecene departure hour?

 

[Phate]

Taxi cost at that hour may take you over the price of a less obsecene departure hour?

I'm all booked! Used Sky Scanner to find the price. Hotel didn't make a difference this time but its good to know for the future.

Figuring out how to get to Gatwick next. Taxi is going to be £70ish

I'll probably get the last train from Rainham station tonight and make my way to Gatwick airport via said trains...check in will be open from about 3am anyway. So it's not like I'll have long to kill. Plus I have netflix and my laptop etc.