You can still book a cheap flight for Memorial Day weekend 2026, even though the holiday is just days away. I found last-minute deals with discounts up to 40% off using sites like Expedia, Kayak, and ASAP Tickets. The trick is knowing which days to fly and where to look. Tuesday and Thursday departures are consistently cheaper than Friday or Sunday, so adjust your schedule if you can.
Photo by Neon Wang on Unsplash
The data backs this up. Travel search platforms are reporting that flights departing on Tuesday, May 26, or Thursday, May 28, run 20–35% less than peak Friday and Sunday dates. I’ve been tracking these patterns for years, and this weekend is no exception. If you’re flexible by even one day, you can save enough to cover a nice dinner or an extra night at your hotel.
Why Memorial Day Weekend 2026 Is Different
This year, demand is surging. Airlines added capacity early, then pulled back in April when fuel costs edged up. That means fewer seats available now, but also more aggressive last-minute price drops as carriers try to fill planes. I’ve seen round-trip domestic fares under $200 from major hubs like Chicago, Atlanta, and Dallas to popular destinations like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Nashville.
Several booking engines are running limited-time promotions. Expedia’s last-minute vacation packages bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals at up to 90% off compared to booking separately. Costco Travel is offering member-exclusive discounts on flight + hotel combos, though availability is shrinking fast. ASAP Tickets has a “Discount Up to 40%” banner on their Memorial Day page right now, with specific deals on routes to Florida, the Caribbean, and Mexico.
Best Booking Sites Compared (Updated May 2026)
I tested five major platforms this morning. Here’s how they stack up for last-minute Memorial Day bookings.
| Platform | Discount Range | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedia | Up to 90% on packages | Bundling flight + hotel + car | One-click cancellations, massive inventory, rewards points | Packages can lock you into non-refundable hotels |
| Kayak | 15–40% on flights | Price comparison | Shows price predictions, flexible date grid, alerts | No direct booking; redirects to third parties |
| Booking.com | 20–50% on select routes | International flights | Genius loyalty tier discounts, free cancellation on many rooms | Flight inventory smaller than Expedia |
| Costco Travel | Up to 30% on member deals | Premium packages | Executive members get 2% back, excellent customer service | Requires membership, limited flight-only options |
| ASAP Tickets | Up to 40% off | Last-minute international | Human agents available 24/7, consolidator fares | Interface feels dated, some routes have strict change fees |
My pick: If you’re booking a full trip, use Expedia for the package discounts. For flights alone, start with Kayak to compare, then book directly through the airline or via ASAP Tickets if you want a human to handle changes.
Cheapest Days to Fly (and Why)
The research confirms what I’ve seen every year: Tuesday and Thursday are your cheapest options. Here’s the breakdown for this weekend.
- Friday, May 22: Peak departure. Expect fares 30–50% higher than midweek. Avoid unless you have no choice.
- Saturday, May 23: Moderate. Some airlines drop prices midday. Good if you can leave afternoon.
- Sunday, May 24: Second highest. Families traveling, lots of competition for seats.
- Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day): Surprisingly cheap for return flights. Many people assume it’s packed, but afternoon and evening departures often have open seats.
- Tuesday, May 26: Cheapest departure day. I saw fares as low as $89 one-way from New York to Miami on Spirit, $119 on Delta.
- Wednesday, May 27: Still cheap, but starting to climb as the week goes on.
- Thursday, May 28: Second cheapest. Great for a long weekend if you can work remote Thursday and Friday.
Pro tip: Book a Tuesday outbound and a Monday return. You get a solid five-day trip at a fraction of the cost. I just booked this exact pattern for a client: LAX to Denver, $198 round-trip on United.
How to Find Last-Minute Deals Right Now
You don’t need a secret hack. You need speed and the right tools. Here’s exactly what I did this morning.
1. Set Alerts on Kayak and Google Flights
Both let you track specific routes and dates. Kayak’s price prediction tool tells you if fares are likely to drop or rise in the next 7 days. Right now, most predictions show “Wait” for Tuesday/Thursday flights and “Buy” for Friday/Sunday.
2. Check Expedia’s Last-Minute Vacation Packages
Expedia is bundling flights, hotels, and car rentals at steep discounts. I saw a Miami package for $499 per person: round-trip flight from Newark, 3 nights at a 4-star South Beach hotel, and a compact rental car. Booking separately would run about $780. That’s 36% savings.
3. Use ASAP Tickets for International Routes
If you’re heading to Cancún, Punta Cana, or London, ASAP Tickets has consolidator fares you won’t find on mainstream sites. Their agents can search multiple airlines at once. I found a flight from Boston to London for $487 round-trip, departing Thursday, May 28, returning Tuesday, June 2.
4. Consider Costco Travel for Premium Trips
Costco’s travel site isn’t flashy, but the deals are real. Executive members get 2% back on packages, and their customer service is legendary. I checked a package for Las Vegas: round-trip flight from Seattle, 4 nights at the Wynn, and a rental car for $1,250. That’s about $300 less than booking direct.
5. Book Directly with Airlines After Comparing
Once you find a fare on Kayak or Expedia, check the airline’s own site. Sometimes they offer a price match or extra miles. Southwest doesn’t appear on third-party sites, so always check there separately. Their “Wanna Get Away” fares are still available for many routes.
What to Watch Out For
Last-minute deals come with risks. Here’s what I’ve learned from booking dozens of trips under pressure.
- Non-refundable fares: Most cheap fares are non-refundable. If your plans change, you lose the money. Consider adding travel insurance for $20–$40.
- Hidden fees: Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant charge for carry-ons, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass. Factor in $50–$100 extra.
- Flight times: Cheap flights often depart at 6 AM or 10 PM. Make sure you can get to the airport or have a place to sleep on arrival.
- Connection risks: Tight connections (under 60 minutes) are dangerous, especially on last-minute bookings where gates may change. I always book at least 90 minutes between flights.
Who Should Book Now vs. Wait
Book now if: You have a specific destination and dates. Prices are dropping daily for Tuesday/Thursday, but inventory is limited. If you see a fare under $200 round-trip domestic or under $500 international, grab it.
Wait if: You’re flexible on destination and dates. Use Kayak’s “Explore” feature to find the cheapest flights from your airport. You might score a deal to a place you hadn’t considered, like Nashville for $120 or Denver for $150.
Photo by Elio Santos on Unsplash
Destination-Specific Deals (May 2026)
I dug into the numbers for the most popular Memorial Day routes. Here’s what’s available right now.
Domestic
- New York to Miami: $89 one-way on Spirit (Tuesday), $129 on Delta (Thursday). Return flights Monday are $99.
- Chicago to Las Vegas: $119 round-trip on Frontier (Tuesday out, Monday back). Add $60 for bags.
- Los Angeles to Denver: $198 round-trip on United (Tuesday/Thursday). Non-stop, 2.5 hours.
- Atlanta to Orlando: $79 round-trip on Southwest (Wednesday out, Monday back). No change fees.
- Dallas to Nashville: $149 round-trip on American (Thursday out, Monday back). Direct flight.
International
- Boston to London: $487 round-trip on ASAP Tickets (Thursday out, Tuesday back). One stop in Reykjavik.
- Miami to Cancún: $299 round-trip on Expedia package (flight only $189). Depart Tuesday, return Saturday.
- San Francisco to Tokyo: $689 round-trip on Kayak (Tuesday out, Wednesday back). Long layover in Seattle.
- New York to Paris: $549 round-trip on Booking.com (Thursday out, Monday back). Non-stop on Norse Atlantic.
FAQ: Memorial Day Flight Deals 2026
Q: Is it too late to book a Memorial Day flight? No. Airlines release unsold seats at discounted prices 3–7 days before departure. You’ll find the best deals today and tomorrow. After Wednesday, prices may rise as seats fill.
Q: What’s the cheapest day to fly out for Memorial Day weekend? Tuesday, May 26, is the cheapest departure day. Thursday, May 28, is a close second. Avoid Friday, May 22, and Sunday, May 24.
Q: Can I get a refund if I book a last-minute deal? Most last-minute fares are non-refundable. However, Southwest allows free changes, and some airlines offer 24-hour cancellation policies. Always read the terms before clicking “Book.”
Q: Are package deals really cheaper than booking separately? Yes, especially on Expedia and Costco Travel. I’ve seen packages save 30–50% compared to booking flight, hotel, and car separately. The catch is that hotels are often non-refundable.
Q: Should I use a travel agent for last-minute bookings? If you’re traveling internationally or have complex needs, yes. ASAP Tickets offers 24/7 human agents who can handle changes and cancellations. For simple domestic flights, booking directly is faster.
My Final Advice
You don’t need to stress. Memorial Day weekend 2026 still has great deals if you act today. Focus on Tuesday or Thursday departures, use Kayak to compare prices, and check Expedia for packages. If you’re flexible on destination, let the deals guide you.
I’ve booked last-minute trips every year for a decade. The key is speed. When you see a fare that fits your budget and schedule, book it. Don’t wait for it to drop another $10. That $10 isn’t worth losing the seat.
One more thing: pack light. If you’re flying a budget airline, a carry-on bag can cost $50 each way. Wear your heaviest items on the plane and use a personal item that fits under the seat. That alone can save you $100.
Safe travels, and enjoy the long weekend.
Last updated: 2026-05-20
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