London, UK. Today, Runtofly Ltd, a UK-based travel startup announced the launch of its new online platform where travellers can save money when booking flights departing within 24 hours. Runtofly negotiates with airlines the best price for seats which are still empty close to departure, offering spontaneous travellers the chance to fly cheaper when flying at short notice.

Runtofly’s main target audience are leisure travellers who don’t necessarily know where to go and might even need some inspiration for their travel destination: youngsters, students, backpackers, the ever-increasing, especially after the recent pandemic, crowd of those working remotely from anywhere, and more generally, anyone who has a flexible lifestyle.

Unlike other online travel agencies which allow people to search for any flight from everywhere to anywhere and anytime, Runtofly doesn’t have a search functionality. Without the need to type in the destination and dates they want to fly, Runtofly users can simply choose among the best available flights to a varied selection of worldwide destinations displayed on a virtual airport departure board, all departing within 24 hours.

Of the company’s recent launch, Runtofly founder Federico Grimaccia said: “Finally there is a marketplace which allows both travellers and airlines to mutually benefit: travellers can get inspiration and save money as long as they are willing to fly at short notice, while airlines have an additional channel to maximize their revenue selling seats that otherwise will most likely go empty.”

“Traditionally - added Federico G. - buying flights just before departure has been more expensive because airlines tend to embrace the common belief that the only people flying last minute are those who have to fly, either for business or for any emergency, and therefore willing to pay a higher price. However, this way of thinking has led to a pricing strategy that has neglected a multitude of flexible travellers willing to fly even at short notice, providing the price is right.”

Although initially launching from London airports only, Runtofly is planning to expand its service to include other airports in and, later, beyond the UK, while also adding more destinations and deals.