Fare aggregators simplify the flight search process by collecting prices from multiple airlines and travel websites in one place. By comparing fares across different sources, you can find the best deals and save on airfare. Here’s how to use fare aggregators effectively to find cheap flights.

1. Choose the Right Fare Aggregators for Your Needs

Some fare aggregators excel at finding budget flights, while others are better for last-minute deals or complex itineraries. Popular options include Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo. Each aggregator has unique features, so it’s helpful to use more than one to ensure the best price.

• Best options:
  • Skyscanner: Great for flexible date and destination searches.
  • Google Flights: Excellent for tracking price trends and finding low fares across a month.
  • Kayak: Reliable for comparing prices across multiple sites, including OTAs (Online Travel Agencies).

2. Use Flexible Date Searches to Find Cheaper Days

Most fare aggregators allow you to search over a range of dates to spot the cheapest flights. Flexible date searches reveal pricing trends across weeks or months, helping you pick the best travel dates.

• How to use: Select “flexible dates” or “calendar view” on Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak to compare prices within a month or more.

3. Set Fare Alerts for Ongoing Price Monitoring

Fare alerts are a core feature of aggregators like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo. Once you set up alerts for a particular route, you’ll receive notifications about price drops, letting you book when fares hit your target.

• Pro tip: Set alerts as early as possible, especially for international flights or peak season travel.

4. Compare Aggregator Results with Airline Websites

After finding a good fare on an aggregator, check the airline’s website directly. Sometimes booking directly can offer added benefits, like easier refunds, loyalty points, or exclusive airline discounts.

• Best practice: After finding a fare on Google Flights or Momondo, visit the airline’s website to see if you can book for the same price or lower.

5. Try Multiple Aggregators for Broader Price Comparisons

Each aggregator has different partnerships with airlines and travel agencies, so using multiple platforms can reveal additional fare options. For instance, Skyscanner might list budget airlines that don’t appear on Google Flights.

• Suggested strategy: Use Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo together for comprehensive results.

6. Check for Stopover Options to Save More

Some aggregators, like AirWander, allow you to include stopovers in your itinerary for additional savings. Stopovers can sometimes reduce costs, and they provide the added benefit of exploring an extra destination on your trip.

• Example: If you’re flying from New York to Paris, consider a stopover in Iceland through Icelandair, which sometimes offers reduced rates.

7. Utilize Alternative Routes and Multi-City Searches

Fare aggregators make it easy to explore alternative routes and multi-city itineraries. For example, rather than booking a direct round-trip, you might find a cheaper fare by flying into one city and out of another.

• How to do it: Use Kayak’s or Google Flights’ “multi-city” tool to see if mixing destinations lowers your total fare.

8. Look for “Everywhere” Searches to Discover Budget Destinations

Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search feature allows you to find the cheapest destinations from your departure airport. This is ideal for spontaneous travelers who want to go somewhere affordable without a set destination in mind.

• How to use: Enter your departure city and select “Everywhere” as the destination to view affordable options worldwide.

9. Avoid OTAs with High Service Fees

Some Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) that appear on fare aggregators add service fees to ticket prices. Pay attention to booking fees, cancellation policies, and refund options before booking through a third-party site.

• Pro tip: If the aggregator links to a lesser-known OTA, verify reviews to ensure good customer service, or try booking directly with the airline.

10. Take Advantage of Aggregators’ Loyalty Programs

Some fare aggregators offer their own loyalty programs, which can provide extra discounts or perks. For example, Kayak’s parent company Booking.com has loyalty perks, and joining them could earn discounts or special rates.

• Extra benefit: Consider signing up for any loyalty programs offered by the aggregator, as these may lead to cumulative savings on future bookings.

Conclusion: Maximizing Savings with Fare Aggregators

Fare aggregators provide a powerful way to find the best flight deals by simplifying the search and comparing prices across multiple sites. By using flexible dates, setting alerts, and cross-checking fares with airline websites, you can take full advantage of fare aggregators and find the most affordable flights for your trip.