Expert: Roberto Gomes - 4/9/2009

Question
Hello Mr. Gomes.

I am wondering if there is a particular website (or any other means) that can locate last minute travel deals better than the rest. There are dozens of search engines that compare Expedia, Orbitz, etc. at once, but they all usually yield about the same prices for flights.

Specifically, I need to get from Austin TX to New Orleans by about noon on April 18.  I'm not asking you to find me that cheap ticket, just asking how you'd go about finding it.  It seems tix are as much as $300 when I look online.  Would you just call an airline the day before?  Is there any benefit to waiting til the last minute, generally speaking?  Thanks!

Answer
Dear Chris,

Although I generally do not answer questions involving best fares, normally the lowest fares are available long before the planned date of travel. So the sooner you book, the best the chance you have to get a low fare.

Try along with the search engines, the airline website as well. You may get lucky.

Best Regards,
R.Gomes