The best cheap flight booking sites
Many travel websites advertise cheap tickets, but too many options can be overwhelming. GOBankingRates has reviewed some of the best travel deals sites to find out what sets them apart and explored how to use them to get the best deals. Check out the results and choose the best site to help you save money on travel.
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Airline ticket deals on travel websites
Deciding which is the best site for flights is often a matter of personal preference, so it makes sense to do your research. Check out these sites and decide if there are any that might be right for you when you’re ready to book a vacation.
You can also use a few tricks to maximize savings: Use your web browser’s privacy mode (like Google Chrome’s Incognito) to prevent the site’s algorithm from registering your interest and increasing prices. Many of the best travel sites also have social media accounts; Tracking them can give you access to special deals and flight deals.
Make sure you read the fine print everywhere you book – there is always one little detail you could easily overlook.
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Kayak
Key feature: Explore function allows you to search for trips by budget
Kayak Explore lets you set your travel budget and departure city, and view available destinations that are within or below budget, with cheap flights. Kayaking allows you to discover fascinating and affordable places to visit that you might never have considered otherwise.
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SkyScanner
Key feature: Ability to scan the entire month to find the best rates
If you want to use the best website for flights in a specific month, check out SkyScanner. Choose your month, designate your departure city, and you’ll see a map that shows you available destinations and available cheap tickets. The online card alone is enough to inspire you and the offers are often great if you can adjust your dates accordingly.
Price line
Main characteristics: Possibility to name your own price, packages
It is difficult to decide which is the best site for cheap flights as they are all so different and some are so new. Priceline, however, has been around since 1997, and you can still find great travel deals there. You can always “name your price” and bid on hotel rooms, or you can look at “Express Offers” for simple discounts on accommodation. You can also search for cars, flights, cruises, hotels andd packages.
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Cheap flights
Key feature: Search for travel products on multiple sites, airlines and travel suppliers
You will find listings from most of the major travel discount sites as well as those operated by travel vendors, such as airlines. The ads allow you to comtrim the prices and take your pick, and the site also offers an app so you can check out the deals while you’re on the go. Launched in 2003, CheapFlights sees more than 120 million people around the world visit its sites and applications.
Smart pricing
Key feature: Its flexible ticketing service allows consumers to book flights up to 24 hours before scheduled take-off
If you prefer to book your trip over the phone, SmartFares offers 24/7 live assistance. In fact, its booking agents are aware of unpublished rates, so it may be a good idea to call even after searching the site.
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Expedia
Main characteristics: Search for multiple destinations, bundled offers, loyalty program
You can search for Expedia flights to multiple destinations, and you can also get information on baggage fees, which can be fierce these days. The company’s loyalty program allows customers to earn two Expedia Rewards points for every dollar spent on hotels, cars, packages and activities, and one point for every $ 5 spent on flights.
Flight ticket
Key feature: Unpublished fare information, travel credit card analysis, personal touch
AirfareWatchdog is different from many discount travel sites because it has human analysts who review travel deals and provide information on things like an unpublished flight sale, best credit card to earn miles and travel related issues. While this is definitely an ecommerce site, it also feels like a personal website or blog.
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Google Flights
Key feature: Allows users to search and follow flflights, integrated price tracking
Google Flights isn’t a traditional travel deal site: Google doesn’t sell trips, but you can book your flight through one of its travel partners directly through the Google Flights interface. You can also search and track flights to monitor costs and book accordingly. Google will send youor emails or text messages when the price of a flight changes, and if / when a fare is about to expire or a fare may increase. Google Flights also offers a map search feature, which can reveal the cheapest fares to a number of destinations.
Cheap flights from Scott
Key feature: The site sends you an email as soon as there is a good deal for your destinations
Know where you want to go, but you’re only willing to pay when the price is right? That’s when Scott’s Cheap Flights comes into playy. The site sends out expert flight alerts, which also give an overview of the duration of the offer.
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ITA matrix
Key feature: This is the powerful software used by Google Flights
Google acquired ITA Matrix in 2011 and has since used the software to collate data for Google Flights. If consumers are looking to bypass Google Flights and go directly to the source, they can book flights directly on ITA Matrix. The site doesn’t have the most glamorous interface – and looks downright bonkers compared to Google Flights – but don’t be fooled by appearances. The site is super powerful and allows users to search split fares and search for flights to a specific region rather than a specific airport.
Momondo
Key feature: Price tracking and filtering options
Momondo’s stylish and colorful website is more than easy on the eyes, it is also a great destination for cheap flights. Similar to Kayak, the home page asks users to enter their trip details and voila: it finds the best deals on airline tickets. The site offers price tracking and an abundance of clear filter options so users can narrow down exactly what they’re looking for.
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Orbitz
Key feature: Great rewards program and 24 hour cancellation policy
Launched in 2001, Orbitz stands out as a titanic metasearch engine, but is also ideal for users who want to join their rewards program (which is free, so why not?). With Orbitz Rewards, travelers can earn Orbucks when booking flights, hotels and vacation packages. The catch is, you can only redeem the points when booking hotels through Orbitz. You can also cancel your flight in the app up to 24 hours in advance.
Travelocity
Key feature: Price Match Guarantee
Longtime Travelocity site has a great price match guarantee and will refund users the difference in price if they find a cheaper flight through another platform. They will also offer a $ 50 coupon to be used on future airline tickets, hotel or hotel packages booked on the site.
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Nicole Spector contributed to the writing of this article.
Last updated: September 20, 2021
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: From Expedia to Kayaking: The Best Cheap Flight Booking Sites