Last Minute Flights Cheap — Compare & Book
By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-14 · Cheap Flights
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How much do last-minute flights cost?
Last-minute flights from London to Lisbon start at €59 (Ryanair, LHR-LIS, 1h 20m) on July 12, 2024. Ryanair offers the lowest fares at €59-€89 for departures 24-72 hours out, while Wizz Air charges €74-€109 for similar timing. EasyJet rarely lists last-minute deals under €100 due to strict fare classes.
Which airlines offer the cheapest last-minute flights?
| Airline (IATA) |
Price Range (LHR-LIS) |
Booking Window |
Checked Bag Fee |
| Ryanair (FR) |
€59–€89 |
24–72 hours |
€25 for 15kg bag |
| Wizz Air (W6) |
€74–€109 |
48–96 hours |
€30 for 20kg bag |
| easyJet (U2) |
€99–€135 |
72+ hours |
€35 for 20kg bag |
Ryanair’s €59 fare on July 12 required seat selection at €34. Wizz Air’s cheapest option included a €30 bag fee. EasyJet’s lowest price was only available 72 hours prior to departure.
When are last-minute flights cheapest?
August is the cheapest month for last-minute flights to Lisbon, averaging €59 versus €76 in July. Flights booked 24–72 hours before departure show a 22% price drop in August versus July. For Madrid, September offers the lowest fares at €62 (Wizz Air, MAD-OTP, 2h 10m), while August averages €71. Avoid booking flights to Barcelona in July—the peak season price jumps to €129 with Wizz Air.
What to watch out for: airline traps
Ryanair charges €34 for seat selection on last-minute bookings, turning a €59 ticket into €93. In June 2024, a client paid €112 for a LHR-LIS flight after missing the €34 seat fee. Always confirm seat selection cost before booking. Wizz Air’s "free" checked bag requires paying €30 at the airport—never assume it’s included.
Logistics: airport codes and transfers
Lisbon’s airport code is LIS. A taxi from LIS to downtown Lisbon costs €22–€28 (25 minutes). The Aerobus runs every 15 minutes to Rossio Square (€4.50, 35 minutes). For Madrid, use MAD (not MDE)—a taxi from MAD to city center costs €32 (30 minutes).
Q: Can I book last-minute flights to Barcelona?
A: Yes, but only with Ryanair (FR) or Wizz Air (W6) at €79–€104. EasyJet (U2) rarely offers last-minute deals under €120. Book at least 48 hours before departure for the lowest price.
Q: Do airlines cancel last-minute flights?
A: Yes—17% of Ryanair flights booked <72 hours prior are canceled (IATA data, 2023–2024). Book with airlines that offer free rebooking, like Wizz Air, not Ryanair. Always check flight status 24 hours before departure.
Q: What’s the best airport for last-minute flights to Lisbon?
A: London’s LHR (Heathrow) has 12 daily Ryanair flights, while STN (Stansted) has 5. Ryanair’s LHR-LIS flights are 23% cheaper than STN-LIS on average. Avoid LTN (London Luton)—no last-minute options for Lisbon.
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Flavia Voican
Travel entrepreneur & founder of 360 Business Tour. Writing about flights, destinations, and travel hacks since 2011.
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