New booking · by phone · 24/7, every day
Same-Day and Emergency Flight Booking
Need a flight today? A live agent finds seats leaving within hours on any airline, checks alternate airports, and books it while you head to the airport.
Same-day fares are high because the cheap inventory is gone, but there are almost always seats. An agent can check alternate airports, connecting itineraries that leave sooner than the nonstop, and one-way fares on carriers you might not think of.
For bereavement travel, some airlines still offer flexibility on same-day fares; ask the agent to check.
If you simply want to fly earlier than your booked flight, ask about same-day options before buying a new ticket: some airlines let you stand by for an earlier flight free, and others confirm an earlier seat for a modest fee — both far cheaper than a fresh same-day fare. An agent checks which your fare and airline allow.
Calls are answered by licensed travel agents at our partner agency, 24/7. WarBird Flight is independent and not affiliated with any airline.
Who this is for
- Family emergencies and bereavement travel
- Business travelers whose meeting moved
- Anyone stranded after a cancellation
Have ready when you call
- Passenger name as on ID
- Where you are and where you need to be
- Earliest time you can reach the airport
How it works
- 1
Call and tell the agent where you need to be and by when.
- 2
The agent searches every airline and nearby airports for the next seats and quotes the fare.
- 3
Pay, receive the e-ticket by email, and check in on your phone.
Airline rules that apply
- Tickets can usually be issued up to about an hour before departure, sometimes less at smaller airports.
- You will need to check in and clear security in the normal time; the agent will tell you if the timing is realistic.
- The 24-hour cancellation rule does not apply to tickets booked within seven days of departure.
Ready when you are
Call and a licensed agent handles it on the spot. Tickets are emailed within minutes of payment.
Fees
Same-day airline fares are quoted live and include taxes. Our partner agency may charge a service fee per ticket, disclosed before you pay. See all fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a flight for today?
Yes. Call and the agent will find the next available seats and issue the ticket by email.
How late can I book before a flight?
Usually up to 60 to 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights, longer for international. The agent checks the airline's cutoff.
Are same-day flights refundable?
Rarely. The 24-hour rule does not apply to bookings inside seven days of departure, so buy the fare you intend to use.
Is there a bereavement discount?
Most airlines ended formal bereavement fares, but some offer flexibility on changes. See our bereavement flights page.
Guides that help with this
Airline policiesStandby and Same-Day Confirmed: How to Catch an Earlier FlightThe difference between flying standby and paying for a same-day confirmed change, what each costs, and when the airport agent can just move you.
Airline policiesSame-Day Flight Changes: How Each Airline Handles ThemSame-day confirmed changes and standby rules on Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue.
Booking tipsAre Red-Eye Flights Worth It?When the overnight departure saves real money, which routes have them, and how to make one bearable.
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Written and maintained by the WarBird Flight editors. WarBird Flight is an independent booking service and is not affiliated with any airline.