primarily due to supply and demand dynamics. Airlines know that travelers seeking last-minute tickets often have urgent reasons to fly, making them less price-sensitive. Thus, airlines capitalize on this urgency by raising prices. Additionally, closer to the departure date, fewer seats are available, increasing the perceived value of each remaining seat. Airlines also aim to maximize revenue by filling planes, so they offer cheaper fares earlier to attract more bookings and ensure fuller flights. Overall, the combination of higher demand, lower seat availability, and strategic pricing contributes to the high cost of last-minute flights.