The Best Apps for Finding Discounted Flights
The Best Apps for Finding Discounted Flights
With the right travel apps, finding discounted flights is easier than ever. From fare alerts to price predictions, these apps offer tools to help you save on airfare. Here’s a guide to the best apps for finding cheap flights and getting the most out of your travel budget.
1. Google Flights: Best Overall for Flexibility and Speed
Google Flights offers one of the most comprehensive platforms for tracking flights, comparing prices, and viewing flexible date options. Its user-friendly interface allows you to quickly set up alerts, track price changes, and search for flights by region, price, or even specific dates.
- Key feature: The “Explore” option lets you search by region or continent, making it ideal for spontaneous travelers open to various destinations.
2. Hopper: Ideal for Price Predictions and Alerts
Hopper is known for its price prediction feature, which uses historical data to forecast whether fares will rise or fall. You can set up alerts for specific flights, and Hopper will notify you when prices are expected to drop or increase, helping you book at the best time.
- Bonus feature: Hopper’s push notifications are highly accurate, alerting you to book flights when prices hit their lowest point.
3. Skyscanner: Best for Flexible Date and Destination Searches
Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search feature allows you to find the cheapest flights from your departure city to destinations worldwide. You can also set flexible date searches, making it easy to find the best deals within a month or over the course of the year.
- Unique tool: Skyscanner’s “Price Alerts” feature updates you on price changes for any route you’re tracking, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
4. Kayak: Reliable for Comparing Airlines and OTA Prices
Kayak is a versatile tool for searching and comparing prices across multiple airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs). It offers a fare prediction tool, flexible date options, and alerts for price drops on tracked routes.
- Extra perk: Kayak’s “Explore” feature allows you to set a budget and view destinations within your price range, making it easy to plan trips according to your budget.
5. Scott’s Cheap Flights (Now Going): Great for International Deals
Scott’s Cheap Flights, rebranded as Going, specializes in finding international deals and mistake fares. The app sends curated email alerts for major price drops and limited-time offers, especially useful for long-haul or international flights.
- How it works: Sign up for the free service for basic alerts, or upgrade to the premium version for more frequent and extensive deals.
6. Momondo: Best for Comprehensive Fare Comparisons
Momondo is known for its transparent and detailed price comparisons, showing a range of fares from airlines and third-party sites. Its “Fare Insights” feature reveals historical data, making it easy to identify trends and plan your bookings.
- Pro tip: Use Momondo to view baggage fees, in-flight amenities, and layover details, giving you more control over your flight choice.
7. Skiplagged: Ideal for Hidden-City and One-Way Flights
Skiplagged specializes in finding “hidden-city” flights, where you book a connecting flight but exit at the layover city to save money. The app also helps you find one-way tickets and budget-friendly options by breaking down routes creatively.
- Warning: Use hidden-city ticketing sparingly and avoid checking bags, as your luggage will be sent to the final destination on the ticket.
8. Airfarewatchdog: Great for Alerts on Flash Sales and Deals
Airfarewatchdog monitors a variety of airlines for limited-time offers and flash sales, sending alerts for price drops and mistake fares. It’s especially helpful for domestic U.S. travel and spontaneous trips where you’re open to last-minute deals.
- Best feature: The app allows you to track multiple routes at once, making it easy to catch last-minute discounts on various routes.
9. JetRadar: Solid for International Fare Tracking
JetRadar compares fares from hundreds of airlines, including budget carriers and international flights. The app also includes fare calendar tools and route-specific notifications, helping you find low-cost international flights.
- How to use: Track flights across major global routes and sign up for alerts to get notified when prices drop, especially useful for multi-country travel.
10. CheapOair: Reliable for Package Deals
CheapOair is a good choice if you’re looking for bundled deals that include flights, hotels, or rental cars. The app’s “Deals” section highlights discounted packages and promotions, making it useful for travelers seeking a full itinerary.
- Extra feature: CheapOair’s “Promo Code” section offers seasonal discounts, so keep an eye out for special codes to apply at checkout.
Conclusion: Save More with the Right Flight Apps
With these apps, finding discounted flights is simpler and more efficient. By setting up alerts, exploring flexible date options, and using price prediction tools, you’ll have everything you need to book flights affordably and make the most of your travel budget.