Price alerts are a powerful tool for finding cheap flights without the need to constantly check fares. By setting up alerts, you’ll receive notifications when prices drop for specific routes, helping you book at the best possible fare. Here’s how to use price alerts effectively to track and secure cheap flights.

1. Choose the Right Platforms for Price Alerts

Several flight search engines and apps offer reliable price alerts, including Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Hopper. Each platform has unique features, so it’s worth trying a few to see which one works best for your needs.

• Popular options:
  • Google Flights: Great for tracking specific routes with a user-friendly interface.
  • Hopper: Offers predictive tools to help you determine the best time to buy.
  • Skyscanner: Flexible date options and global search make it ideal for open-ended trips.

2. Set Alerts for Both Fixed and Flexible Dates

If your travel dates are flexible, setting up alerts for a range of dates or even months can help you find cheaper flights. Many platforms allow you to set flexible date alerts to identify the cheapest times to travel.

• How to use it: Select “flexible dates” when setting up alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner to receive notifications for your route over a wide date range.

3. Use Incognito Mode When Searching

Using incognito mode or clearing your browser’s cookies can help prevent dynamic pricing, where flight prices may increase based on repeated searches. By starting your search in incognito mode, you ensure that your alerts reflect the most accurate prices.

• Tip: Open a new incognito window each time you check alerts to avoid potential price hikes from tracking cookies.

4. Set Alerts for Multiple Airports or Nearby Destinations

Including multiple airports in your price alert settings broadens your options for finding the cheapest flights. Many cities have secondary airports, which are often served by budget airlines and may have lower fares than primary hubs.

• Example: If you’re flying to New York, include Newark (EWR), JFK, and LaGuardia (LGA) in your search to compare prices.

5. Sign Up for Email Notifications for Real-Time Updates

Most platforms will send email notifications for price drops, allowing you to act quickly. Email alerts are particularly useful for popular routes where fares fluctuate frequently.

• Best practice: Set up a dedicated folder in your inbox for flight alerts to keep your notifications organized and easy to access.

6. Track Flights for 1 to 3 Months for Domestic Travel

For domestic flights, tracking fares for 1 to 3 months ahead of your travel date usually provides enough time to catch a price drop. Airline prices tend to stabilize within this timeframe, allowing you to book when fares are at their lowest.

• Pro tip: Start your alert as soon as you’re ready to book, and act quickly if you receive a notification for a significant price drop.

7. Set Alerts Earlier for International Flights

For international travel, it’s often best to start tracking fares 4 to 6 months before departure. International flights are generally more expensive, and price alerts can help you catch any sales or promotions well in advance.

• When to start: Begin tracking as soon as you know your destination, particularly if you’re traveling during peak seasons.

8. Monitor Airline Flash Sales and Seasonal Promotions

In addition to standard price alerts, many airlines offer flash sales or seasonal promotions. Signing up for airlines’ newsletters or following them on social media can provide additional alerts on these limited-time deals.

• Extra savings: Pair price alerts with direct notifications from airlines to catch exclusive discounts.

9. Use Hopper’s Price Prediction Feature

Hopper’s predictive technology analyzes historical fare data to forecast whether prices will rise or fall, helping you decide when to book or wait. This feature can be helpful if you’re uncertain about the timing of your purchase.

• How to apply it: After setting an alert, Hopper will suggest the best times to book or wait, based on past price trends.

10. Book Quickly When You Receive a Price Drop Alert

Airfare deals and price drops don’t last long, especially for popular routes. Once you receive a notification of a price drop, it’s best to book immediately to lock in the savings before prices increase again.

• Quick action: Have your payment information ready and check the airline’s booking policies to finalize your reservation promptly.

Conclusion: Simplify Flight Searches with Price Alerts

Using price alerts takes the hassle out of finding cheap flights by keeping you informed of fare changes on your desired routes. By setting up alerts on multiple platforms and including flexible dates or airports, you can increase your chances of securing affordable flights and saving on your next trip.