Last Minute Holiday Extras
When your flight is just days—or even hours—away, it's still worth lining up the little touches that turn "getting there" into the start of the holiday. From parking the car to breezing through security, here's how to bag brilliant extras at the eleventh hour (and still pay less than the gate price).
Why bother booking extras if it's so late?
- Serious savings – Pre-booking airport parking online can be up to 70 % cheaper than paying on the day, even if you book on the morning of travel. Most Holiday Extras customers save about £125 compared with gate rates.
- Guaranteed availability – Popular car parks, lounges and Fast Track slots do sell out. Locking yours in—even the night before—beats hunting around the terminal.
- Stress-free start – Know exactly where you're sleeping, parking or sipping that pre-flight coffee before you leave home.
Timing tips: how "last minute" can you leave it?
| Extra | Sweet-spot window | Absolute cut-off | Insider tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport parking | 1–7 days before departure for best choice | Up to 1 hour before arrival (online/app) | Same-day online rates still undercut the pay-at-gate price by £150+ at Heathrow T5. |
| Airport hotels | 3–5 days out (flash sales) | 17:00 on day of stay | Unsold rooms often drop after 14:00; check our "Tonight & Tomorrow" filter. |
| Fast Track Security | As soon as you book flights | Until slots sell out (often 24 h pre-departure) | Quotas are limited—grab these first if you're travelling at peak times. |
| Airport lounges | 1–14 days out | 24 h before departure (some same-day spots open on our app) | Refresh availability after 18:00—airlines return unused allocations. |
Room-only or inc. parking
Airport Hotels (+ parking packages)
With Holiday Extras, you can book special package deals for airport hotels including airport parking to save £££s!
- From as little as £28
- Regular special deals available
Free snacks & drinks
Airport Lounges
Escape the bustle, relax and put your feet up with great deals on airport lounges. This is the best way to spend your time pre-flight!
- Free drinks and snacks
- Up to 3 hrs before your flight
Save up to 70%
Airport Parking
Save up to 70% off UK airport parking when you book with Holiday Extras. Compare, professional nearby parking services at the best prices.
- Save up to 70% off
- Park & Rides, Meet & Greets & more
Five fast ways to sniff out late deals
- Search off-peak – Suppliers load fresh unsold inventory overnight; prices are often lower before 07:00.
- Bundle & save – Combine a hotel with parking from £33 per person. Some deals are so good, you effectively park for free. (Look for the Hotel & Parking options.)
- Go flexible – Choose Park & Ride instead of Meet & Greet if you're booking under 48 h—spaces last longer.
- Sign up for email deals – Advance email discounts can be applied to your last-minute search
- Clear your cookies – Avoid dynamic-pricing spikes when you're comparison-shopping.
How to book in 90 seconds
- Tell us your airport departure dates and hit 'Search'.
- Compare live prices. Keep on the 'Recommended' Filter or select 'Cheapest'.
- Add extras. Parking, hotel, lounge, Fast Track—choose as many as you like; the basket updates in real time.
- Check out securely.
- Relax. Confirmation and directions land instantly in your inbox and the Holiday Extras app.
Pro tips & tricks
- Travel in a group? Split the booking—buy one lounge pass now and add more if prices dip.
- Late-night flight? A day before airport hotel can be cheaper than a dawn taxi.
- Flexible tickets rock. Most of our last-minute products carry free cancellation up to 24h before arrival.
- Keep receipts. Some travel insurers refund unused extras if plans change last-second—check your policy.
FAQs
Can I really book parking the day I fly?
Yes. Our platform closes availability about an hour before the car?park's latest entry time, and it's still cheaper than paying on arrival.
What if my flight time changes?
Manage your booking in the app—most extras can be amended for free up to the cut?off shown on your confirmation.
Do prices ever drop overnight?
Occasionally, yes. Suppliers re-release cancellations after 18:00, so it's worth a late evening refresh.
We're here to help
For the fastest, smartest, most personal service in travel our team is available by live chat every day of the week from 9am to 5pm.
Simply follow the "help team" link at the top of the page at any time.
