Find the cheapest flights like a pro! Discover the best flight comparison websites and travel tools that offer incredible deals, similar to what Going.com (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) provided, with practical tips to save you money on your next adventure.
Dreaming of your next getaway but worried about the cost of flights? You’re not alone! Many of us love to explore new places, but the price tag on airline tickets can often feel like a major roadblock. It’s frustrating when you see amazing travel deals advertised, only to find they’re hard to access or disappear quickly. But what if I told you there are fantastic ways to find those hidden gems and snag affordable flights without the stress? We’re going to walk through some of the best resources and strategies, so you can start planning your travels with confidence and a lighter wallet.
Finding Your Next Affordable Adventure: Websites That Deliver Deals
The world of travel deals can sometimes feel like a maze, especially after the beloved service, Going.com (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights), changed its model. Many of us miss its straightforward approach to unearthing affordable international and domestic flight possibilities. The good news is that you don’t need to be a travel hacker to find great prices. Several platforms and subscription services have stepped up to fill that void, offering similar benefits and even new ways to discover budget-friendly flights. Let’s explore some of the top contenders and how they can help you travel more for less.
Understanding the Landscape of Flight Deal Sites
Before we dive into specific recommendations, it’s helpful to understand the different types of services available. Some sites act as aggregators, scanning hundreds of airlines and travel agencies for the best prices. Others are subscription-based, curating a list of the best deals they find and sending them directly to your inbox. Knowing these distinctions can help you choose the service that best fits your travel habits and preferences.
Common Types of Flight Deal Services:
Flight Search Engines/Aggregators: These are your go-to for broad searches. They compare prices from countless sources, showing you a wide range of options. Think of them as your one-stop shop for seeing what’s out there.
Deal Alert Subscriptions: Similar to the old Going.com model, these services actively look for exceptionally low fares on specific routes or from specific departure airports and alert their subscribers. Some are free, offering a limited selection of deals, while others are paid, providing more comprehensive access.
Specialty Travel Sites: These might focus on a particular type of travel, like last-minute deals, budget airlines, or specific regions, and often have unique ways of highlighting bargains.
Top Websites and Services Like Going.com for Cheap Flights
While nothing might perfectly replicate the past experience of Going.com, several excellent alternatives offer fantastic opportunities to find cheap flights. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and effective options:
1. Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com) – The Evolution:
It’s important to acknowledge the original. Scott’s Cheap Flights rebranded to Going.com. While it now primarily operates on a paid subscription model (with a limited free tier), its core mission remains the same: finding unusually cheap flights and alerting subscribers.
How it Works: They employ a team of deal hunters who search globally for mistake fares, flash sales, and deeply discounted flights. Subscribers receive email alerts with specific flight deals originating from their chosen departure airports.
Pros:
Expert curation means you get genuinely good deals.
Focus on mistake fares and deeply discounted options.
Clear deal alerts with all necessary information to book.
Cons:
Primarily a paid subscription service for full access.
You can’t search for specific destinations or dates; you rely on their alerted deals.
Best For: Travelers who are flexible with their travel dates and destinations and want curated deals delivered to them.
2. Skyscanner:
Skyscanner is a powerful flight search engine that is completely free to use. It’s renowned for its extensive search capabilities and user-friendly interface, making it a favorite among budget travelers.
How it Works: Skyscanner compares prices from hundreds of airlines (including budget carriers often missed by others) and travel agents. Its “Everywhere” search feature is particularly brilliant for spontaneous travelers. You can also set up price alerts for specific routes.
Pros:
Compares a vast number of airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs).
“Everywhere” search option is perfect for finding the cheapest destinations.
Flexible date search (whole month or cheapest month).
Price alerts to notify you of changes.
Includes many budget airlines.
Completely free to use.
Cons:
Sometimes the prices displayed might not be the absolute final price once you click through to the booking site.
Customer service for bookings is handled by the OTA you book through, not Skyscanner directly.
Best For: Anyone looking for a comprehensive, free search engine to compare prices across many providers and find deals to almost anywhere.
3. Google Flights:
Google Flights is another exceptionally powerful and free tool. It’s fast, intuitive, and offers a wealth of features for trip planning and price tracking.
How it Works: It aggregates flight information from airlines and OTAs. Its standout features include a dynamic calendar that shows prices for different dates, a map feature to explore destinations based on your budget, and excellent price tracking.
Pros:
Incredibly fast and user-friendly interface.
Excellent calendar view showing price fluctuations.
Map feature to discover destinations by price.
Robust price tracking with email alerts.
Integrates with Google Hotels and Google Travel.
Completely free to use.
Cons:
Doesn’t always include every single budget airline or OTA.
Like Skyscanner, bookings are made through third parties, not Google directly.
Best For: Travelers who want a powerful, free tool for research, price tracking, and discovering new destinations based on their budget. It’s a great starting point for any flight search.
4. Momondo:
Momondo is a travel search engine that prides itself on finding the cheapest flights by comparing not just major airlines but also smaller travel agencies. It often finds slightly cheaper options than some other aggregators.
How it Works: Momondo searches across a wide range of sources, including many that other engines might miss. It also provides a “flight insight” feature that uses data to suggest the best days to fly for specific routes.
Pros:
Often finds very competitive prices, sometimes beating other aggregators.
User-friendly interface with helpful visual aids like the “flight compass.”
Includes a good mix of airlines and OTAs.
Free to use.
Cons:
Similar to other aggregators, customer service is handled by the booking site.
Availability of some cheaper options might vary.
Best For: Those looking for a slightly different search aggregator that often uncovers hidden gems and slightly lower prices.
5. Jack’s Flight Club (UK/EU Focused):
For travelers based in the UK and Europe, Jack’s Flight Club offers a similar curated deal alert service to what many loved about Going.com.
How it Works: They have a team that hunts for incredible flight deals and mistake fares. You can sign up for free alerts (which are good but limited) or a premium subscription for significantly more deals and earlier access.
Pros:
Focuses on high-quality, genuinely cheap flights from UK/EU airports.
Clear and concise deal alerts.
Free tier provides a decent taste of the deals.
Premium subscription offers excellent value for frequent travelers.
Cons:
Primarily for departures from the UK and mainland Europe.
Premium subscription required for the full experience.
Best For: Residents of the UK and Europe who want curated, deeply discounted flight deals sent directly to them.
6. Secret Flying:
Secret Flying is a free website and social media presence that posts incredibly cheap flights, including mistake fares and last-minute deals.
How it Works: They scour the internet for amazing flight discounts and share them publicly. You can browse their website or follow them on social media to catch these deals as they appear.
Pros:
Completely free.
Posts exceptionally low fares, including mistake fares.
Good for spontaneous travel inspiration.
Cons:
Can be overwhelming with the sheer volume of deals posted.
Deals can disappear very quickly, requiring fast action.
Less curated than subscription services; you need to sift through them.
Not personalized to your departure airport; you have to check deals from various locations.
Best For: Flexible travelers who love hunting for spontaneous, ultra-cheap deals and don’t mind sifting through various options.
7. Kayak Explore / Skiplagged:
These platforms offer unique approaches to finding cheap flights.
Kayak Explore: This is a fun, interactive map tool on Kayak. You set your departure city and budget, and it shows you where you can fly for that price. It’s great for inspiration when you’re open to anywhere.
Skiplagged: This site specializes in “hidden city” ticketing. It finds flights where your intended destination is actually a layover for a cheaper flight to a further destination. You book the whole ticket but only fly to the layover.
Important Note on Skiplagged: While Skiplagged can offer significant savings, it comes with risks. Airlines strictly prohibit this practice. If detected, they can cancel your return ticket, void your frequent flyer miles, or even ban you from flying with them. Use with extreme caution and only if you understand and accept the risks.
Pros:
Kayak Explore is great for budget-based destination discovery.
Skiplagged can offer dramatic savings if used correctly (and at your own risk).
Cons:
Skiplagged carries significant risks of airline penalties.
Kayak Explore’s prices are based on general searches, not always real-time booking availability.
Best For: Kayak Explore is for the inspiration-seeker. Skiplagged is for the risk-taker who is willing to bend the rules for significant savings.
Key Strategies for Finding Cheap Flights
Beyond just using the right websites, employing smart strategies significantly boosts your chances of snagging cheap flights. Think of these as your travel-saving superpowers!
1. Be Flexible with Dates and Times:
This is arguably the most impactful strategy. Flights are cheapest when demand is lowest.
Mid-week Travel: Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is often significantly cheaper than flying on a Friday or Sunday.
Off-Season Travel: Consider traveling just outside peak seasons (e.g., spring and fall shoulder seasons) for better prices and fewer crowds.
Red Eyes and Early Mornings: Flights that depart very early in the morning or late at night (red-eyes) are often less popular and therefore cheaper.
2. Be Flexible with Destinations:
If you know you want to travel but aren’t set on a specific place, let the deals guide you.
Use “Everywhere” or “Explore” Features: As mentioned with Skyscanner and Google Flights, searching for the cheapest place to go from your home airport can reveal incredible opportunities.
Consider Nearby Airports: Sometimes flying into or out of a smaller airport a few hours away can be much cheaper. Factor in the cost and time of getting to that airport.
3. Set Up Price Alerts:
Don’t constantly check prices yourself; let the tools do the work.
Utilize Google Flights and Skyscanner Alerts: Set up notifications for routes you’re interested in. You’ll get an email when prices drop.
Follow Deal Sites on Social Media: Many free deal sites post flash sales on platforms like Twitter or Facebook.
4. Book at the Right Time:
While there’s no single magic day, booking too early or too late can cost you.
The Sweet Spot: For domestic flights, typically 1 to 3 months in advance is ideal. For international flights, aiming for 2 to 8 months ahead can yield good results.
Avoid Last-Minute unless Necessary: Unless you’re looking for a specific last-minute package deal, booking within the last two weeks of departure usually results in higher prices.
5. Consider Budget Airlines (with Caution):
Budget carriers can offer incredibly low fares, but it’s crucial to understand their model.
Factor in ALL Fees: Their base fare is often very low, but they charge extra for everything: checked bags, carry-on bags, seat selection, printing boarding passes at the airport, and even water.
Read the Fine Print: Understand their baggage size restrictions, check-in procedures, and aircraft types (sometimes older planes).
Location of Airports: Many budget airlines fly into secondary airports, which might be further from your final destination, adding transportation costs and time.
6. Utilize Travel Credit Cards and Loyalty Programs:
If you travel frequently or plan to, travel rewards can significantly offset flight costs.
Sign-up Bonuses: Many travel credit cards offer substantial bonus miles or points after meeting initial spending requirements, which can be enough for a free flight.
Earning Miles: Earn miles on everyday spending to accumulate points for future travel.
Airline Alliances and Partnerships: Understand how different airlines work together (e.g., Star Alliance, Oneworld) to maximize your mileage earning and redemption potential.
Comparing Popular Flight Deal Services
To help you choose, here’s a quick comparison of some of the top services, focusing on their strengths and ideal user.
| Service | Primary Model | Cost | Best For | Key Feature |
| :——————- | :———————————– | :———- | :—————————————————————— | :———————————————- |
| Going.com | Curated Deal Alerts (Subscription) | Paid (Free tier) | Flexible travelers seeking curated international/domestic deals. | Expertly found mistake fares and deep discounts. |
| Skyscanner | Flight Search Engine/Aggregator | Free | Anyone wanting to compare prices from many sources, discover anywhere. | “Everywhere” search & extensive comparison. |
| Google Flights | Flight Search Engine/Aggregator | Free | Research, price tracking, and destination discovery based on budget. | Fast, intuitive interface & date/map tools. |
| Momondo | Flight Search Engine/Aggregator | Free | Travelers looking for competitive pricing and unique insights. | Often finds slightly cheaper deals than others. |
| Jack’s Flight Club | Curated Deal Alerts (Subscription) | Paid (Free tier) | UK/EU residents wanting curated deals. | High-quality deals from UK/EU departure points. |
| Secret Flying | Public Deal Aggregator (Free) | Free | Spontaneous travelers hunting for ultra-cheap, often last-minute deals. | Wide range of public deal postings. |
| Skiplagged | Hidden City Ticketing | Free (Risk) | Risk-tolerant travelers seeking maximum savings. | Finds deeply discounted “hidden city” fares. |
Practical Tips for Booking and Traveling Smart
Once you’ve found a great deal, here are some final tips to ensure your booking process and travel experience are smooth sailing.
Read the Itinerary Carefully: Before you click “buy,” double-check the dates, times, airports, and passenger names.
Understand Cancellation and Change Policies: These vary wildly by airline and fare type. Be aware of the flexibility you have.
Clear Your Cookies or Use Incognito Mode: While debated, some travelers believe clearing your browser’s cookies or using incognito/private browsing mode can prevent prices from increasing based on your search history.
Book Directly with the Airline When Possible: If you find a great price on an OTA (Online Travel Agency), consider checking the airline’s website directly. Prices are often the same, and booking directly can make dealing with changes or cancellations easier. A good resource for understanding airline policies is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection website. U.S. Department of Transportation
Travel Insurance: For significant trips, consider travel insurance. It can cover unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap Flights
Q1: What is a “mistake fare”?
A1: A mistake fare is an exceptionally low price for a flight that has occurred due to a human error or system glitch in the airline’s pricing. These fares are often incredibly cheap and disappear quickly. Sites like Going.com and Secret Flying specialize in finding these.
Q2: How can I find cheap flights if I don’t have flexible dates?
A2: If your dates are fixed, your best bet is to use flight aggregators like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices across different airlines and times on those specific dates. Be flexible with the time of day, as early morning or late-night flights are often cheaper.
Q3: Is it always cheaper to book flights in advance?
A3: Generally, yes, but there’s a sweet spot. Booking too early can mean you miss out on sales, while booking too late usually means higher prices as inventory dwindles. For domestic flights, 1-3 months ahead is often best; for international, 2-8 months.
Q4: Are budget airlines truly cheaper?
A4: They can be, but you must factor in all the extra fees for baggage, seat selection, etc. Always compare the total cost, including all add-ons, to a standard airline before booking.
Q5: What is a “hidden city” ticket, and is it safe to use?
A5: A hidden city ticket involves booking a flight with a layover at your intended destination, then disembarking at that layover and not taking the connecting flight. While Skiplagged finds these, airlines prohibit the practice. It can lead to your return ticket being canceled, loss of miles, or even being banned by the airline. Use with extreme caution.
Q6: How often do deal alert services send out emails?
A6: This varies by service. Some send daily alerts, others a few times a week. Free tiers typically offer fewer alerts than paid subscriptions. It’s best to check the specific service’s offerings.
Q7: Can I use these sites to find last-minute deals?
A7: Absolutely. While many are good for planning ahead, sites like Secret Flying often post last-minute deals. Google Flights and Skyscanner can also show last-minute availability, but prices might be higher if you’re not flexible.
Your Journey to Affordable Travel Begins Now
Finding cheap flights doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the resources available and employing a few smart strategies, you can transform your travel dreams into affordable realities. Whether you prefer the curated approach of a subscription service like Going.com or the comprehensive search power of free tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner, there’s a perfect fit for your travel style.
Remember, flexibility is your greatest asset. Combine that flexibility with the power of these incredible websites, and you’ll be well on your way to exploring the world without breaking the bank. Happy travels!