easyJet has launched a new feature designed to help holidaymakers snap up last-minute getaways, allowing travellers to browse flights departing within the next 48 hours.

The budget airline has unveiled its new “Drop Everything” flights tool, designed to make spontaneous summer travel easier and more affordable for UK passengers. Customers can now search a wide range of flights leaving within two days, helping travellers find last-minute breaks across Europe and beyond. easyJet said fares are available from as little as £47.99 for those ready to jet off at short notice.

The move comes as new research commissioned by easyJet and easyJet holidays suggests Britons are becoming increasingly open to booking holidays at the last minute.

According to the survey, more than a third of UK adults (35%) are planning a last-minute summer holiday this year, while almost three-quarters (73%) believe some of the best trips are booked on impulse.

Nearly half of respondents (49%) said they would be prepared to pack their bags and leave within 48 hours if the right deal came along.

Younger travellers are leading the trend, with 38% of Gen Z respondents saying the best holiday they have ever taken was booked less than three weeks before departure.

Meanwhile, 69% of Gen Z and 50% of the wider public said they regretted passing up the chance to take a last-minute trip.

The findings also revealed that organising travel companions remains a major obstacle, with a third of Britons admitting they have missed out on a holiday because friends could not commit in time.

When it comes to booking a spontaneous getaway, 42% said an attractive flight or package deal would persuade them to “drop everything”, while a quarter cited the desire to escape the working week. Others pointed to unused annual leave and the convenience of booking at short notice.

Popular destinations for last-minute travellers include Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy, with holidaymakers attracted by short flight times, minimal planning and good value.

Sophie Dekkers, chief commercial officer for easyJet, said: “We know people are always looking for ways to make the most of their summer, especially when a last-minute getaway suddenly feels too good to miss.

“So we’ve launched ‘Drop Everything’ to help people find an incredible range of last-minute flights available across Europe and beyond, meaning it’s never been easier to drop everything and head off somewhere sunnier.

“Whether you’re booking a month, two weeks, or even 48 hours out, we’re always aiming to make travel easy and affordable.”