Easy Last Minute Travel Dangers
Last-minute travel has become a massive industry because of the rise of low-cost airlines and the Internet. It is even more now since Covid-19 seems to have quietened down a bit, prompting more people to travel. Many are those who take the opportunity these bargains seem to offer. You may be browsing the web and find a flight that’s affordable enough to buy on the spot and take this weekend off. But, if you’re considering purchasing last-minute flights, there are a few things you should be aware of. Easy last minute travel dangers could be staring you in the face, but you don’t see them until it’s too late.
This holds for any age and status of the traveler. If you’re a teen, married with kids, or a retired pensioner enjoying your golden years, you’re still prone to be bitten. This would be even more so if your retirement finances aren’t as good as you hope they would be. The damage would be even greater, and your morale will plummet. A word of warning…don’t rush to buy these tickets before checking things out.
Last-minute flight prices should not be trusted
It’s crucial to stress that you shouldn’t rely on the costs listed in last-minute flight advertisements. These flights usually have a catch, or two. This is due to the customary practice of adding on booking fees, airport taxes, and a variety of other small charges. These surface only after you’ve pulled out your credit card and prepared to buy. They do this in the hopes that you won’t want to back out by that point. The question here is if it is marketing, or “pulling the wool over one’s eyes.” Be extra vigilant of these last minute travel dangers before they get you.
The airport need not be nearby
Additionally, you should be aware that because advertised flights refer to going to a major city like London or Paris, it does not need to follow that the airport will be nearby. To avoid paying the higher airport fees at the larger ones, budget airlines use smaller airports. But, these can be up to two hours distant from the city center by often unreliable public transportation. It is possible to wind up spending the same amount on a train ride as you spent on your plane tickets in some circumstances.
Following this, not only will you not have saved any money, but it will also make your journey start on the wrong footing, which might spoil it for you. Having to travel miles on land isn’t exactly recommended after you’ve landed from a long flight.
Last-minute seat reservations only have the seats no one wants
It is also important to keep in mind that on airlines that accept seat reservations, last-minute flights will only have the seats that no one else wanted, which is often the middle row. This is crucial if you tend to develop motion sickness or if you wish to sit with a partner or family.
The fact that last-minute flights are never refundable is the biggest catch. Make sure you can afford it before making an impulsive buy because there will be no going back on the decision. Not only afford the ticket but make sure that you can manage everything before buying. ‘Everything’ includes the trip from the airport, to the place you’ll be staying at. You would need enough money for traveling, food, drinks, and even a little perk. If you don’t include these in your calculations, you could be in for a shock once you arrive at your destination.
So, only as a tip, but beware of such offers since last minute travel dangers are real. They might catch you out when you least expect them.
