Cheap last minute air
Aug 10, 2000, 1:18 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2000
Programs: I am an AS employee, but my comments do not represent the company in any official capacity.
Posts: 4,343
Aug 10, 2000, 1:22 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: STL, MO, USA;BCN, Spain;LGW, UK
Posts: 840
Aug 10, 2000, 1:51 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: (SNA) Orange County, California USA
Posts: 3,641
Freddy, welcome to FlyerTalk! Years ago the airlines did exactly what you suggested. However, with Yield Management they have discovered better overall ways to increase their revenues through a very complex set of constantly changing projections and formulas. Unfortunately, it does not entail cheap last minute fares. 
In addition to the links listed above, another possibility are the Weekly Internet Roundtrip Specials usually posted on various airlines' respective web sites on Wednesdays. Typically, they are valid for the following Saturday as your departure date with the following Monday or Tuesday as your return date. The markets/destinations change weekly. Substantial savings are possible.
[This message has been edited by MRLIMO (edited 08-13-2000).]
In addition to the links listed above, another possibility are the Weekly Internet Roundtrip Specials usually posted on various airlines' respective web sites on Wednesdays. Typically, they are valid for the following Saturday as your departure date with the following Monday or Tuesday as your return date. The markets/destinations change weekly. Substantial savings are possible.
[This message has been edited by MRLIMO (edited 08-13-2000).]
Aug 11, 2000, 12:00 am
#6
Join Date: May 2000
Location: WAS
Posts: 1,069
I've used Cirpac travel (www.pricentravel.com) twice in the last year for cheap domestic tickets on CO that have had either no advance purchase requirement or one of only two days - w/Sat. night stay it was about $350 coast-to-cost, without it was about $600 (compared to $1200-$1800 published airfare).