These tools save time, provide transparency, and ultimately lead to significant savings. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best flight price predictors and tracker tools for 2024 and how to make the most of them.
Before diving into specific tools, it’s helpful to understand why using these tools can benefit travelers. Flight cost predictor use algorithms and historical data to forecast price changes. They provide information on whether it’s a good time to buy or wait for a potential fare drop. Trackers, on the other hand, alert users of real-time changes to ticket prices on specific routes, enabling travelers to act quickly when fares drop.
Using these tools has distinct advantages:
- Save Money: Many price drops happen without warning, so staying informed helps travelers book when fares are at their lowest.
- Avoid Buyer’s Remorse: Knowing if prices will likely rise or fall prevents premature bookings or regret for not waiting.
- Efficient Planning: Regular price updates reduce the need to keep checking fares manually, freeing up time for other trip planning tasks.
Now, let’s explore some of the best predictors and trackers available in 2024.
1. Google Flights
One of the most comprehensive tools, Google Flights offers both flight price tracking and predictive insights. Users can set up alerts for specific routes, and Google will send notifications of any major changes. Google Flights’ “Price Graph” and “Date Grid” features allow travelers to visualize price trends across different days, which helps in finding the best times to fly.
Features:
- Real-time fare alerts and historical price data.
- Insights into the best days to fly for specific routes.
- “Explore” feature for discovering deals based on flexible travel plans.
Best for: Casual and frequent travelers looking for quick insights and route flexibility.
2. Hopper
Hopper is an app designed specifically to predict airfare trends. It uses a colorful, intuitive interface to predict when ticket prices will be at their lowest. With millions of fare observations across hundreds of routes, Hopper boasts a high accuracy rate, and its “watch” feature allows users to receive notifications as soon as fares hit the predicted low.
Features:
- Accurate fare predictions up to a year in advance.
- Push notifications for fare drops and predictions.
- “Freeze Price” option allows users to lock in a price for a small fee, providing time to finalize travel plans without worrying about sudden price hikes.
Best for: Travelers looking for advanced fare forecasting and the flexibility to hold prices.
3. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a popular metasearch engine offering both price predictions and fare tracking. Users can set up price alerts on specific routes or browse entire months to see which dates offer the best fares. Skyscanner’s mobile app also provides real-time updates, ensuring that users don’t miss out on last-minute deals.
Features:
- Flexible search across months to identify the cheapest days.
- Customizable price alerts for specific routes.
- A “Top Deals” section showcasing current deals on popular routes.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers and those with flexible travel dates.
4. Kayak
Kayak has been a staple in online flight booking for years, and its price prediction feature is a valuable resource for travelers. Kayak’s “Price Forecast” shows a prediction on whether fares are expected to rise or fall, giving users confidence when booking. Kayak’s “Price Alert” feature works similarly, sending notifications when prices drop or rise for routes the user is tracking.
Features:
- Predictive price forecasts for most flights.
- Customizable price alerts.
- “Explore” feature, which allows users to see potential destinations based on budget.
Best for: Those who prefer booking directly through Kayak and value price guidance.
5. Momondo
Momondo is a flight search engine that not only compares fares across airlines and booking sites but also provides price trend information. It highlights which days of the week typically have the cheapest flights for specific routes, helping users find the optimal booking day.
Features:
- Price trends and insights on the cheapest days to fly.
- Comprehensive search results from a wide range of booking sites.
- Flexible travel date searches and alerts.
Best for: International travelers looking for extensive booking options and insights on the cheapest booking days.
6. Airfarewatchdog
Airfarewatchdog is a bit different from other tools. It relies on both data and expert insights, with a team that handpicks deals and rare discounts. This tool tracks flash sales and exclusive deals that might not appear on other platforms. Users can sign up for alerts and receive curated deals for their selected routes.
Features:
- Handpicked fare alerts from a team of experts.
- Alerts for flash sales, error fares, and other exclusive deals.
- “Top 50 Fares” list with notable deals across popular routes.
Best for: Deal hunters and travelers interested in limited-time sales.
7. FlightAware
FlightAware primarily focuses on flight tracking but offers a fare tracker called “FlightAware Insight” that uses historical data to predict future prices. Although this is more niche, it’s useful for travelers who frequently use specific routes and want a comprehensive view of price trends over time.
Features:
- Historical price analysis for specific routes.
- Real-time flight tracking with route-specific fare insights.
- “Flight Alerts” feature to stay informed of any changes.
Best for: Business travelers or frequent flyers who prefer route-specific tracking.
