Why Is Last-Minute Travel So Expensive? And How to Outsmart It Using Your Credit Cards

We’ve all been there—scrolling frantically for flights the week before a wedding, emergency, or spontaneous getaway… and getting hit with eye-watering prices. Last-minute travel can feel like highway robbery. But why is it so expensive—and more importantly, what can you do about it?

Let’s break it down.

Why Is Last-Minute Travel So Expensive?

Airlines aren’t guessing. They’ve studied buyer behavior for decades. Most leisure travelers—aka the budget-conscious vacationers—book their trips about 4 to 6 weeks out. These folks care about deals and timing, not urgency.

But once you’re within 7 days of departure? That’s when the airlines know the game has changed.

At that point, most of the travelers booking are business folks who have to get somewhere on a specific date and time. They’re less price sensitive and more focused on convenience. And airlines? They price accordingly. Fewer options, higher fares. Supply and demand 101.

But here’s a twist: If the plane’s not full, airlines may open up last-minute saver award seats. These are discounted points seats meant to fill empty spots. That means, if you’re booking with points instead of cash, procrastinating could actually work in your favor—sometimes.

What Not to Do When Booking Last-Minute Travel With a Credit Card

Let’s talk credit cards. Because if you're booking last minute, the card you use matters more than you think.

1. Don’t Swipe the Wrong Card
Not all cards are created equal. If you’re booking flights or hotels within a few days of departure, use a card that rewards travel spend and includes protection. Here are two examples I love:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® earns 2x points on all travel.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns 3x on travel and 10x on hotels and car rentals through the Chase Travel portal.

Bonus: Both include built-in travel protection. Which leads us to...

2. Don’t Forget to Check Your Points
You might already have enough points to fully cover a last-minute hotel or flight. Whether it's Hyatt for hotels or United for flights, point redemptions can save you hundreds when cash prices are sky-high. Check your balance before you pull out your wallet.

Overlooked Credit Card Perks That Can Save You Big
Many travelers don’t realize their credit card quietly includes benefits designed for situations just like this. Here’s what you might be missing out on:

Primary Rental Car Insurance
Skip the rental desk upsell. If you use a qualifying card, you're already covered. And this is primary coverage—meaning you don’t have to go through your personal car insurance.

Trip Delay Coverage
Flight delayed more than 6 hours? Or stuck overnight? You might be eligible for up to $500 in coverage for meals, hotel stays, transportation, or even a change of clothes. As long as you paid with your travel credit card, you’re golden.

Lost or Delayed Baggage Reimbursement
Your card might reimburse you for essentials if your bag is delayed or lost—especially helpful if you’re packing light on a quick trip.

Concierge Services
Booking last minute means less time to plan. Some premium travel cards offer 24/7 concierge services that can help with hard-to-get reservations, hotel rebookings, and even travel emergencies.

Top Must-Use Credit Card Benefits for Last-Minute Travel
If you’re booking close to departure, here’s the checklist of what your card should offer:

Bonus earning rates on travel (2x, 3x, or even 10x through portals)

Trip delay and cancellation protection

Primary rental car insurance

Airport lounge access (a lifesaver when delays hit)

Transfer partners so you can turn points into award tickets fast

Pro tip: Some of the best last-minute redemptions come from programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, Flying Blue, or British Airways Avios—especially for domestic flights.

Bottom Line
Last-minute travel is pricey if you're paying in cash and winging it. But if you know how to use the right credit cards and your points strategically, you can flip the script—and often fly better than folks who booked months ago.

Before you hit “Book,” check:

Do I have points I can use?

Am I using the right card to earn and protect my trip?

One smart swipe could mean a free hotel, a covered delay, or a smooth first-class seat home.

Want to learn how to master this?
Check out my curated list of top credit cards for travel, packed with perks you need especially when plans change or time runs out:
https://bensbigdeal.com/credit-cards