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Ready to go on an adventure this summer? Although there are tons of websites to book flights on, some are better for getting the best travel deals. To help point you in the right direction, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about booking the best flight deals like Google Flights, Expedia, Kayak, or directly with an airline. We also found some last minute flight deals ahead of Memorial Day 2022 which falls on Monday May 30 This year.
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With flight prices rising, you should start looking for flights as soon as you have decided on travel dates. Whether you’re traveling overseas or domestically, there are plenty of websites to help you compare flight costs to get you started. Google Flights and Kayak are great for looking at a broader view of flight prices across multiple airlines, and they’ll send you to the website with the cheapest fare. This differs from Expedia, which is an online travel agency (OTA) that books flights through the OTA, not directly through the airline. If you’re looking to save on your next flight, keep reading for the best flight deals using popular travel websites.
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The best flight deals right now
There are many benefits to using Expedia to book flights, including bundle scoring and the ability to earn multiple reward points. The Expedia Rewards program is a great way to access exclusive prices for flights that can be discounted by an additional 10%. In addition to finding low-cost flights, members can also earn rewards to earn Expedia Rewards Points, Airline Miles, and qualifying credit card points. You can browse monthly flight deals or flight deals under $200. There are also search functions to find cheap international flights and cheap domestic flights. For example, you can take a one-way flight from New York to Miami on Friday May 27 for as low as $95.
One of the disadvantages of booking with OTAs is that all cancellations or changes must be made through the OTA, not directly with the airline. Expedia is one of the largest OTAs, but contacting customer service for last-minute changes can still differ from working directly with the airlines. However, Expedia outlines its policies before you book your flight so you know what you’re getting. Expedia is easy to use for booking flights and you can enjoy deep discounts and point accrual when you join the free rewards program.
Check out flight deals on Expedia
Kayak is an airfare search engine that will find you the best prices on flights across the web. Once you’ve chosen your flight, you’ll have options for different booking websites, including directly with the airline, Expedia, Orbitz, or other smaller OTAs. If you’re booking with an OTA, be sure to review the website’s change and cancellation policies before booking.
To help you track and find deals, Kayak has a price alert setting where you can set up email alerts when fares change for specific travel dates and destinations. When searching for a flight, Kayak displays a mini calendar that outlines certain days in green, yellow, or red to recommend when flights are cheaper or more expensive. The Kayak Flights homepage will show you current low fares on popular routes for easy access to savings. For example, you can book a one-way flight from Chicago to Las Vegas at Friday May 27 for as low as $114. Kayak has all the bells and whistles you need to do serious price tracking to score cheap flights all year round.
Browse Kayak Flight Deals
Google Flights is a simple search engine you can use to find affordable flights. The home page will display the lowest fares from your current location, along with a map of the United States with cheaper routes available. When you find a flight option you want, Google Flights will direct you to book directly with the airline to purchase the ticket at the price quoted by Google Flights.
If you’re looking for budget vacations with flexible dates, you can use the “explore” page to find affordable flights on routes around the world with a larger travel window. Using Google Flights, you can get a one-way flight from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta on Saturday May 28 from $172. Google Flights is easy to navigate and compares prices from most major airlines. If you prefer to book directly with an airline, this is the easiest way to do so.
Browse Flight Deals on Google Flights
Book directly with the airlines
If you have a preferred airline, booking directly through that carrier can have its advantages over using OTAs. Most major airlines have low-cost calendars where you can check monthly flight prices to find the cheapest option. Using low cost calendars is a smart way to find cheaper flights if you have flexibility in your travel dates. Airlines will also have sales on discount fares for particular routes and dates. These sales usually last a few days and can include incredibly low one-way fares.
While you can earn miles and reward points with OTAs, often the best way to get the most out of a trip is to book directly with the airline. Some carriers like Southwest Airlines do not use OTAs and do not appear in search engines, so you can only book directly with them. Carriers like JetBlue offer more reward points when you book directly with them as an added incentive. Other airlines like Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United, and American Airlines offer rewards programs that allow you to earn points as you travel and can be redeemed for future flights or even seat upgrades.
Booking directly with an airline streamlines much of your communication regarding changes or cancellations. It’s often easier to work with an airline to change flights or pick up a voucher for a delayed or canceled flight.
With flight prices rising steadily, consider doing some quick home searches to get the best deals on flights. Comparing flight prices and signing up for rewards programs will help you find affordable flights to get you off to your next adventure as soon as possible.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published, but may change over time.
