Hi everyone, I’m curious how you all track down flight deals!
I’ve noticed a lot of deals here come from Skyscanner, but personally, I’ve been using Google Flights to find good prices.
What are your favourite tools or methods for spotting travel bargains? Would love to hear what works best for you!
Thanks!
Google flights is easy to use and not 'polluted' with ads.
Whatever you choose, make sure you book directly with the airline.
Ozito obviously.
What do people feel about booking via traditional travel agents like calling them and booking. There are still many around.
I personally prefer booking directly with airlines.
If I’m booking for a few people, I use a travel agent.
Booked for Japan for 15 people, and it was easier going through an agent
Used to use IATA flight search but this has now been taken over by Google and is essentially now what Google Flights is.
I tend to check most of the sites you have listed.
I used Google Flights but I feel like the best deals are ones that offered by airlines from time to time.
Agree. I use Google Flights but also check preferred airline sites. There are often deals that don't show up on Google.
ITA Matrix to get an idea of fares
Best Tools for Finding Flight Deals
My last travel agents was a tool…
I start with Google Flights and then branch out. Kayak and others are good for seeing at a glance cheap dates if you are flexible.
Google Flights and FlightList
I use my local Hello World …… a 3 person team, I have used for years. Any time things go pearshaped they fix it. Also have gained refunds in these circumstances, and will price match deals that are out there or better the offer. Recently when in europe and trying to get a direct inter europe flight the 2 business fares were around $2,800 on the airline site and my agent fixed them for about $1600, my agent always rises to the occasion. Book direct with airline and you are on your own when things go wrong!.
Oh I envy you… I much prefer an Agent whom you can talk to, but I just dont have such luck.
The Agents move around a lot, never stayed for longer than 2-3years.
Thought I could "follow" them to their new place, but some change industry, and some simply dont tell me beforehand.
I am so tired of planning our trips!
Book direct with airline and you are on your own when things go wrong!
Good. That's the point, I want to deal directly with the airline myself. I do not want to speak to third parties booking sites nor give the airline the opportunity to refer me to them. I do not wish to speak to unhelpful agents, but I'm happy for you that have found the few helpful ones.
Its a myth that you can "talk" to an Airline directly. It's only all the faceless people working behind the screen.
We had several issues with various airlines, NZ, Emirates, Qantas and I often feel like I'm talking to a wall. Sadly despite my wish to stick with one airline (we used to travel exclusively with Qantas),nowadays the routes have changed and we are forced into different airlines…
Google Flights - I watched this video today I thought it was very helpful. For example: I set Sydney as where I'm from, then click on result, set return and non stop flights then 2 weeks on January with no specific dates, it came up as Auckalnd at $337, Bali $459, Melbourne $89, Brisbane $130 - I thought it's pretty good (I suspect 3 of these will be using Jetstar, thus extra for checked baggage)
I always use Google Flights and book directly with the airlines. Am I always getting the best price? Likely not. Is it an ad free and stress free experience? Yep.