Flight Search Apps

Find a cheap flight. Track prices. Save hundreds.

Google Flights

FREE

Best overall flight search. Price tracking, calendar view, "explore" any city. Most comprehensive.

Use first for any trip.

Kayak

FREE

Compares many airlines + booking sites. Strong "flexible date" search.

Good for non-stop priorities.

Skyscanner

FREE

Best for international and budget airlines. Flexible search "everywhere".

Surfaces flights Google misses (Frontier, Spirit, etc.).

Hopper

FREE; price-prediction tips

Predicts whether prices will rise or fall. "Watch this trip" notifications.

Best for waiting on price drops.

Going (Scott's Cheap Flights)

Free; $50/yr Premium

Emails when flights from your home airport drop dramatically. Best for opportunistic travelers.

Saves $200-1000+ on lucky deals.

Airline's own site/app

FREE

Best deal? Sometimes only on the airline's site. Skip the booking-site fee.

Always check direct.

Tips that save real money

Be flexible on dates — a Tuesday or Wednesday flight can be $100-300 cheaper than weekends.
Try a nearby airport — flying out of a smaller airport sometimes saves a lot. Or try alternates within driving distance.
Book 4-12 weeks ahead — domestic. International: 2-6 months out.
Tuesday afternoon — often the cheapest moment to book.
Set price alerts in Google Flights — get notified when the price drops.
Use one credit card with travel benefits (Chase Sapphire, Amex Gold) — earn miles + travel insurance + lounge access.

Senior airfare programs

Southwest 65+ — refundable senior fares (often higher but flexible).
American Airlines / United / Delta — limited senior fares; call to ask. Compare to standard low-fare anyway.
AARP discount partners — Avis, Budget rental car, Hilton, Hyatt, Best Western.
Costco Travel — surprisingly competitive on full-trip packages with rental car / hotel bundles.

Quick Tip — search incognito

Some travel sites raise the price the more times you search the same flight. Open the website in an "Incognito" or "Private" browser tab — fresh prices each time. Cookies don\'t track you.