How to Use Flight Price Alerts to Save Money on Your Next Trip

Who wouldn’t want to save a few extra bucks on their next flight purchase? While fares fluctuate based on a number of factors including demand, seasonality, and specific routes, there are some savvy ways to save on flights. With that in mind, many travelers turn to flight price alerts to ensure they receive the best deal possible. Several websites offer this (completely free!) tool, which notifies the user—often via email or text—when a flight price changes. Others go the extra mile by using data to determine the best time to book and by calculating their own predictions. 

Intrigued? Here’s what you need to know about flight price alerts, including how they work and our favorite ones.

How Flight Price Alerts Work

No matter which company you choose, all price alert tools function similarly. Once you’ve set up your alert, you’ll receive notifications whenever prices fluctuate based on your selected criteria, including departure and arrival airports, dates, and airlines. Some companies let travelers set alerts for broader specifications, which can be helpful if you’re flexible with travel dates and/or destinations. 

Meanwhile, Kayak’s flight price alerts go a step further by analyzing data to predict price trends. “We use data to determine what will happen to prices in the next few days to help you know the right time to book,” explains Kayla Inserra DeLoache, the company’s consumer travel trends expert. Similarly, says Melanie Fish, vice president of global public relations for Expedia Brands, travelers who use Expedia can view flight price history and predictions of future prices (as available). 

How to Set Up Flight Price Alerts 

Setting flight price alerts couldn’t be easier. While there are many ways to do so, depending on the company you use, you’ll have to select a few parameters, including but not limited to your preferred flight route, travel dates, and airports. 

And if you’re not tied down to specific dates or destinations? Depending on the platform, look for phrases such as “flexible dates” or “anytime” to populate flight options worldwide. 

Additionally, many websites offer tools that use data to determine the best dates to fly. “If you want to get even more intel on when to book, Lindsay recommends checking out Skyscanner’s Savings Generator tool “to understand the best time to book and the potential savings available for the most popular destinations for U.S. travelers.” Kayak provides price forecasts and has its own Best Time to Travel tool, while Expedia’s Air Travel Hacks Report and Flight Deals feature can also help. Lastly, Google Flights will show you the best dates to fly with a calendar view that displays pricing for different days to determine the cheapest day to travel; the platform also has a “flexible dates” feature. (Of course, these are just a few flight price alert companies and their specific features; scroll down for the complete list of favorites.) 

However, those tied to specific dates can still snag a deal—so long as they stay on top of price alerts. “A great way to track flight pricing is to set the alert as soon as you know your travel dates,” says Fish. 

Finally, to maximize your chances of scoring a deal, Lindsay recommends setting up multiple price alerts for other airports close to your chosen locations. That way, “you’ll get notified in case there are even better deals on alternative routes.”

Best Flight Price Alert Services 

Priceline

Priceline offers two different tools: Price Drop and Price Watch. While similar, each caters to different travel needs and preferences. Price Drop tracks prices between two airports over any time period, making it ideal for those with flexible travel schedules. Price Watch, on the other hand, provides greater customization by tracking prices for specific flights or setting travel dates between two airports.

Google Flights

To me, Google Flights stands out for its user-friendly, easy-to-navigate platform. This well-known metasearch engine lets travelers track prices for specific searches. After narrowing down the desired destination, click “Track Prices” to receive email alerts about price changes. It’s also worth noting that price alerts can be set to specific routes and travel dates; however, those with more flexibility should track “Any Dates” to receive an email when the route’s minimum price drops significantly over a month. If there’s not a large enough decrease in price, Google Flights will send an email with the best available flight prices.

Airfare Watchdog 

The aptly named Airfare Watchdog monitors thousands of routes and airlines in real time to identify the best flight deals. Travelers can sign up for flight price alerts to stay updated on the latest prices. Simply enter the departure airport and desired travel dates into the search tool; choose a specific destination or leave the field blank to explore the latest deals. Once the results load, select “Watch This Route” to receive email notifications on price changes. Additionally, Airfare Watchdog allows users to set up price alerts from their departure airport if they have flexible travel dates and destinations.

Skyscanner

“Skyscanner’s price alerts track prices for specific routes and dates and sends email or push notifications when prices change,” explains Lindsay. These alerts can be set up via Skyscanner’s website or mobile app. To do so, start by searching for a flight route. Then, watch out for the Price Alerts banner, which needs to be turned on for notifications; alternatively, look out for the bell at the bottom left of the screen. Lastly, keep in mind that an account is required to utilize this tool. 

Expedia

Expedia’s Price Tracking tool monitors price changes for a specific flight, automatically notifying travelers when the flight price goes up or down. To receive these alerts, start by creating an account. Then, after narrowing down the desired flight(s), turn on the toggle next to where it says “Watch Prices.” 

Kayak

Kayak scours through hundreds of other travel sites to help travelers find the best deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals. To set up flight price alerts, travelers must enter their departure airport, dates, and destination. Alternatively, switch over from “Exact Dates” to “Flexible Dates” and take advantage of Kayak’s “Anywhere” search tool to spark destination inspiration. “From there,” says Inserra DeLoache, “Kayak will monitor prices and send updates when they change.” An account is required to create a price alert, and notifications can be sent via email or text.