Finding a last minute flight bargain is not easy but not impossible. Most airlines primarily offer packages such as flight and hotel deals so a flight only option can prove to end up costing considerably more than purchasing the package deal.Here are a few suggestions on how the patient bargain shopper can find a flight deal. The first step is to book the flight first. Hotel rooms at a bargain rate are considerably more plentiful than a flight. The flight most likely will be the largest expenditure and because they are less plentiful, there is less room for negotiation than a hotel room. Generally finding a good rate on a hotel room is going to be a lot easier than finding a bargain flight.A good place to start is by joining email lists of flight carriers. Although you may find yourself overwhelmed with junk mail and email there is bound to be a bargain in there somewhere that might catch one’s eye.Traditionally, the best flight deals are for flights departing on Monday through Thursday. In addition, for flights within the U.S. there are bargains for flights on a Saturday. Flights schedules for Friday or a Sunday night usually cost more. Good deals are available for one who books in advance, generally at least 14 days or more. A Saturday night stay can also reap a better rate.Connecting flights also offer better rates than direct ones. Airlines generally charge more for non-stop flights so if you have the flexibility of 1 or more connections this will help to save money. Prime flight times, such as ones that not scheduled on an early time or involve a “red-eye” overnight flight come at a premium price. If one can show flexibility on flight times, this will prove to come back as money saved on the flight.If one is not too rigid on departure or arrival destination, this may also help. The bargain traveler may find by driving to another airport that is a short car ride away such as an hour may be another way to save money. In addition, the same with arrival, landing at an airport that is only an hour or so from your destination may save money in the end.Another option is the websites such as Priceline, Orbitz or Travelocity. Checking these sights frequently could produce a bargain.