Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when technology is on your side. In today’s fast-paced world, apps that track and alert you about cheap flights have become invaluable tools for travelers. Whether you’re planning a dream vacation, a business trip, or a weekend getaway, these apps can help you find the best deals without spending hours searching.
In this article, we’ll explore the best apps for finding cheap flights, how they work, and tips for maximizing their features. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a business trip, or a spontaneous getaway, these tools will help you fly for less.
Key Takeaways
- Real-Time Alerts: Apps like Hopper, Skyscanner, and Google Flights notify you of price changes so you can book at the right time.
- Explore Destinations: Tools like Skyscanner and Google Flights help you discover affordable destinations based on your budget.
- Customized Notifications: Most apps let you set preferences for routes, dates, and budgets, ensuring personalized alerts.
- Error Fares: Scott’s Cheap Flights and Airfarewatchdog specialize in uncovering mistake fares and flash sales.
- Comprehensive Options: Kayak and Momondo provide detailed comparisons across multiple platforms, ensuring you don’t miss a deal.
Why Use Apps to Track Cheap Flights?
Before diving into the apps, let’s explore why flight alert apps are so beneficial:
- Real-Time Notifications: These apps monitor flight prices 24/7 and alert you as soon as a deal becomes available, ensuring you don’t miss out.
- Personalized Searches: You can customize your preferences, including destinations, dates, and budgets, to receive tailored alerts.
- Global Coverage: Most apps search multiple airlines and booking platforms, giving you access to a wide range of options.
- Ease of Use: Instead of manually checking for deals, apps automate the process, saving you time and effort.
- Money Savings: By tracking price drops, error fares, and last-minute deals, these apps help you secure tickets at the lowest possible cost.
Now, let’s explore the top apps that can transform the way you book flights.
1. Hopper: Predict Flight Prices Like a Pro
Hopper is a data-driven app that predicts when flight prices will be at their lowest, helping you book at the right time.
Key Features
- Price Predictions: Hopper analyzes billions of data points to forecast when prices will drop or increase. The app advises you on whether to book now or wait for a better deal.
- Watchlist Notifications: Add your preferred routes to a watchlist, and Hopper will notify you of price changes.
- Alternative Travel Dates: The app suggests cheaper travel dates if your schedule is flexible.
- In-App Booking: You can book flights directly through Hopper, saving time.
Why It’s Great
Hopper’s ability to predict price trends makes it ideal for travelers who want to plan ahead. It’s particularly useful for international flights where timing your booking can save you hundreds of dollars.
Pro Tip:
Use Hopper to track your desired route and combine it with flexible dates to maximize your savings.
2. Skyscanner: The Explorer’s Favorite
Skyscanner is a versatile app that helps you find cheap flights, hotels, and car rentals. It’s perfect for travelers with flexible plans who are open to discovering new destinations.
Key Features
- “Everywhere” Search: Enter your departure city, and Skyscanner will show you the cheapest destinations worldwide.
- Price Alerts: Set up alerts for specific routes to receive notifications when prices drop.
- Multi-City Tool: Plan complex itineraries with ease, adding multiple destinations in one search.
- Custom Filters: Narrow down your search by flight duration, layovers, airlines, and more.
Why It’s Great
Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature is a game-changer for travelers who are flexible about their destination. It’s an excellent tool for finding inspiration while staying within your budget.
Pro Tip:
Combine Skyscanner’s flexible search with its mobile app to snag last-minute deals on the go.
3. Google Flights: Powerful and Straightforward
Google Flights is a robust platform that simplifies the flight booking process. While it’s technically a website, its mobile-friendly design works seamlessly like an app.
Key Features
- Flexible Dates and Destinations: Use the calendar view to find the cheapest days to fly.
- Price Tracking: Set alerts for specific routes and receive email notifications when fares change.
- Explore Map: Input your departure city and view a map with real-time prices for various destinations.
- Direct Booking: Google Flights redirects you to the airline or travel agency offering the best fare, ensuring transparency.
Why It’s Great
Google Flights is ideal for travelers who want a straightforward, no-frills approach to finding cheap flights. Its powerful search capabilities make it easy to compare options quickly.
Pro Tip:
Use Google Flights to identify trends, then cross-check with other apps to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
4. Scott’s Cheap Flights: Curated Deals for You
Scott’s Cheap Flights is a subscription-based service that specializes in finding and sharing incredible flight deals. Instead of an app, it operates via email alerts, making it a unique option.
Key Features
- Error Fares: The team actively searches for pricing mistakes, which can result in massive discounts.
- Customizable Preferences: Set up alerts based on your preferred departure airports and destinations.
- Premium Membership: For a small annual fee, gain access to even more deals, including premium economy and business class tickets.
Why It’s Great
Scott’s Cheap Flights is perfect for travelers who don’t have the time to search manually but still want access to curated, high-value deals.
Pro Tip:
Act quickly when you receive an alert—these deals don’t last long!
5. Kayak: All-in-One Travel Companion
Kayak is a veteran in the travel industry, offering a comprehensive platform that tracks flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Key Features
- Fare Forecast: Kayak predicts whether flight prices are likely to rise or fall, helping you decide when to book.
- Price Alerts: Set up notifications for specific routes to get updates on fare changes.
- Explore Feature: Enter your budget, and Kayak will show you destinations you can afford.
- Booking Flexibility: Kayak also helps you find flexible cancellation policies.
Why It’s Great
Kayak’s predictive features and price alerts make it a reliable tool for planning trips well in advance.
Pro Tip:
Use Kayak’s “Explore” tool to discover new destinations based on your budget.
6. Airfarewatchdog: Flash Sales Specialist
Airfarewatchdog focuses on finding flash sales and limited-time discounts, making it ideal for spontaneous travelers.
Key Features
- Handpicked Deals: A team of experts curates the best flight deals daily.
- Flexible Alerts: Receive notifications for specific routes or general deals from your departure airport.
- App and Email Notifications: Stay updated on deals through multiple channels.
Why It’s Great
Airfarewatchdog’s curated approach ensures you’re only notified about high-quality deals, saving you time and effort.
Pro Tip:
Pair Airfarewatchdog with another app like Google Flights for a broader range of options.
7. Momondo: The Budget Traveler’s Friend
Momondo is a hidden gem for finding budget airline fares, especially for regional and short-haul flights.
Key Features
- Transparent Pricing: Momondo includes taxes and fees upfront in its search results.
- Graphical Price Trends: Easily spot the cheapest days to fly using visual graphs.
- Wide Network: The app searches budget airlines that other platforms often miss.
Why It’s Great
Momondo’s focus on budget airlines makes it a go-to app for travelers looking to save on short trips.
Pro Tip:
Once you find a deal on Momondo, double-check it on the airline’s website for even lower fees.
8. FareCompare: Data-Driven Deals
FareCompare uses data analytics to help you find the cheapest flights based on historical fare trends.
Key Features
- Fare Alerts: Get notified when prices drop for your desired routes.
- Regional Deals: Discover deals based on your location.
- Travel Tips: FareCompare offers insights into when and how to book for the best savings.
Why It’s Great
FareCompare is ideal for data-savvy travelers who want detailed insights into airfare trends.
FAQs About Flight Alert Apps
1. Which app is best for finding cheap flights?
It depends on your needs. Hopper is great for predictions, Skyscanner is ideal for flexibility, and Scott’s Cheap Flights excels at curated deals.
2. Are flight alert apps free?
Most apps are free to use, but some, like Scott’s Cheap Flights, offer premium memberships for additional features and exclusive deals.
3. How accurate are price predictions on these apps?
Apps like Hopper and Kayak use historical data to predict trends, which are generally reliable but not guaranteed.
4. Can these apps track international flights?
Yes, apps like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Momondo cover both domestic and international routes.
5. Do these apps include budget airlines?
Yes, platforms like Momondo and Skyscanner are particularly good at finding budget airline fares.
6. How do I set up flight alerts?
Most apps have a “Track Prices” or “Set Alerts” feature. Simply input your desired route and dates to start receiving notifications.
7. Are the deals offered through apps legitimate?
Yes, reputable apps only display legitimate fares from airlines and trusted travel agencies.
