Travelers are waiting until the last minute to book trips

Travel chaos and economic uncertainty have people booking at the 11th hour. Sometimes it pays off.

In a year marked by travel chaos, shifting demand patterns, and ongoing economic uncertainty, more travelers are opting to book trips at the last minute — a trend driven by hopes of snagging better deals and reacting to real-time conditions. While delaying travel bookings can sometimes lead to cost savings, especially on flights and urban hotel stays, it also carries risks such as limited availability, missed promotions, or higher prices at premium properties. Travel experts recommend a mindful balance between flexibility and decisiveness.

Key takeaways

• Travelers are delaying bookings due to economic uncertainty, travel disruptions, and hopes of last-minute deals — especially with budget airlines and short-term hotel stays.

• Last-minute flight deals can pay off, particularly 4–8 weeks before departure for low-cost carriers, as seen in the example of a traveler booking flights to Cancun under $300.

• This summer travel season is unique, with more late availability than usual for flights to Europe, Canada, and popular U.S. destinations, but that may change by July.

• Hotel booking behavior is also shifting: Urban and business hotels see more last-minute reservations (within 3 days). Luxury resorts still require bookings months in advance for best availability and pricing.

• Risks of waiting too long include losing your preferred room type, missing promotional fares, or paying more if demand spikes late.

• Expert advice: Book when you see a price you’re comfortable with. There’s no universal “best time,” as pricing depends on demand forecasts, competition, weather, and more.

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