As the 1987 film "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" immortalized, those who need a last-minute ticket during a popular travel period
may pay several thousand dollars for a flight or car rental that would have cost $200 when booked in advance.
Some airlines are still offering early-bird discounts for Thanksgiving with a month and a half to go. Southwest Airlines (LUV) - Get Free
Report has launched another sale in which cross-country tickets can be booked for $49 if booked by Thursday.
Southwest announced a Low Fare Calendar as an early winter promotion, letting consumers key in their destinations and search
for the lowest fares between Oct. 31, 2023 and March 6, 2024 for domestic flights and May 22, 2024 for international, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico flights.
However, exceptionally low rates on the calendar must be booked before midnight Pacific Time on Thursday, Oct. 12; most will disappear on Friday.
Although the promotion has blackout dates, individuals who are ready to go on the cheapest day
could snag a $49 airfare from Los Angeles to Houston or a $99 journey from LaGuardia Airport to Phoenix.