How to Set Price Alerts and Get Notified About Flight Deals
Booking flights at the best price can be challenging since airfare constantly fluctuates. One of the most effective ways to secure cheap flights is by setting price alerts, which notify you when fares drop for a specific route. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to set up price alerts and maximize your chances of finding the best flight deals.
Why Set Price Alerts for Flights?
Airfare changes due to demand, airline promotions, and fluctuating fuel costs. Instead of checking prices manually every day, price alerts automate the process and notify you when ticket prices drop. Benefits include:
✔️ Saves Time: No need to search daily—alerts track prices for you.
✔️ Finds the Best Deals: Notifies you of discounts, flash sales, and error fares.
✔️ Tracks Price Trends: Helps you book when prices are lowest.
Now, let’s look at how to set up flight alerts on different platforms.
Best Websites & Apps to Set Price Alerts
Many flight search engines offer price alert features. Here are the best ones:
1. Google Flights (Best for Ease of Use)
Google Flights is one of the most reliable tools for tracking flight prices.
How to Set Up Alerts:
- Visit Google Flights.
- Enter your departure and destination cities.
- Select travel dates (or choose "Flexible Dates").
- Click the Track Prices toggle.
- Sign in to your Google account to receive email alerts.
🔹 Pro Tip: You can also monitor price trends by checking the Date Grid and Price Graph features.
2. Skyscanner (Best for Flexible Travel Dates)
Skyscanner tracks price changes for specific flights or even general destinations.
How to Set Up Alerts:
- Visit Skyscanner.
- Enter your departure and arrival cities.
- Choose your travel dates.
- Click Get Price Alerts and enter your email.
🔹 Pro Tip: Skyscanner allows you to search for the cheapest month if you have flexible travel dates.
3. Kayak (Best for Customizing Alerts)
Kayak provides highly customizable alerts and suggests whether to Buy Now or Wait based on price trends.
How to Set Up Alerts:
- Go to Kayak.
- Enter your flight details.
- Click on Track Prices and create an account.
🔹 Pro Tip: You can track prices for specific airlines or flights.
4. Hopper (Best for Predicting Price Drops)
Hopper uses AI to predict whether flight prices will go up or down.
How to Set Up Alerts:
- Download the Hopper app (available on iOS and Android).
- Search for a flight route.
- Tap Watch This Trip to enable alerts.
🔹 Pro Tip: Hopper suggests the best time to book based on historical data.
5. Scott’s Cheap Flights (Best for International Flight Deals)
Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) sends email alerts for mistake fares and flash sales.
How to Get Alerts:
- Visit Scott’s Cheap Flights.
- Sign up for a free or premium membership.
- Select your preferred departure airports.
- Receive alerts when deals become available.
🔹 Pro Tip: The premium version provides early access to the best deals.
Tips to Get the Best Flight Deals Using Price Alerts
1. Be Flexible with Dates & Destinations
- If possible, set alerts for multiple departure dates to find the cheapest option.
- Use Skyscanner’s "Everywhere" feature to track deals to multiple destinations.
2. Set Alerts for Nearby Airports
- Major airports may have higher fares; smaller airports nearby might be cheaper.
- Example: Instead of flying to LAX, check prices for Burbank (BUR) or Long Beach (LGB).
3. Act Fast When Prices Drop
- Some deals last only a few hours. If you receive a price alert, book quickly!
- Consider holding a fare if the airline offers that option.
4. Use Incognito Mode & a VPN (Optional)
- Some airlines adjust prices based on your location or search history.
- Clear cookies or use a VPN to compare prices from different regions.
5. Set Alerts for Multiple Airlines & Booking Sites
- Prices can vary between airlines and travel agencies.
- Compare alerts from Google Flights, Kayak, and Skyscanner before booking.
Final Thoughts: Should You Set Flight Price Alerts?
Yes! Price alerts are an essential tool for anyone looking to save money on flights. They automate the process, track price drops, and notify you instantly, ensuring you book at the best possible rate.
By using multiple platforms and being flexible with your travel plans, you can increase your chances of finding a great deal. Set up alerts today and start saving on your next trip!
