7 flight booking apps every traveler should download
Jumping on a fantastic deal you saw on The Points Guy, using those hard-earned points and miles for an incredible award redemption and hunting for low fares on Google Flights are usually our preferred methods of booking travel — but you may also be able to find a great deal or route by using an app, which could offer valuable perks such as exclusive pricing, flight status updates, trip inspiration, airport maps and more when booking or researching your next trip. So check out (and prepare to download) this list of go-to, TPG-approved apps for searching and booking airfare.
Hopper
Flexible travelers looking to save cash should immediately download Hopper. Once you enter your home airport and preferred destination, the farecasting app uses years of historical data to generate a calendar of the coming year with dates color-coded to reflect prices. Days in green are generally the cheapest, followed by light orange, coral and red — the latter of which are the most expensive to fly. Hopper (which you can also use to book hotels) has a Watch This Trip feature that sends you alerts if the price changes, and lets you know if the price is the same to fly nonstop. You can also choose to exclude basic fares from the results. But arguably the most useful feature is the price predictor, which explains if and when the price will rise and by approximately how much, allowing travelers to decide whether or not to book or wait. Now, if only Hopper could do the same for award-ticket availability! Download Hopper for free on iTunes and Google Play.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is great for travel inspiration, as it has special sections for categories such as solo travel, quick getaways and kid-free vacations. It also has recommendations and deals for last-minute trips, providing you with pricing for a variety of destinations. The app pulls in the best deals by month and includes photos of each city, making sure you get a solid dose of wanderlust as you organize your trip. If you happen to know your destination and dates already, the app's clear, concise interface makes it easy to see prices and itineraries. The Best Deals by Month feature is particularly fun, allowing travelers to find the coolest and most affordable destinations at any time of year. Once you select a flight, you'll be transferred to the airline's website or an online travel agency to book. You can also use Skyscanner's app to shop for rental cars and hotels. Download Skyscanner for free on iTunes and Google Play.
Kiwi.com
For travelers who want to explore new destinations and book everything in one place, you can book your flight, hotel, car rental and even activities and tours using Kiwi.com. In the app, you can also click on the specific airports you'll be flying into and out of to locate the lounges, ATMs and luggage storage areas. Kiwi.com has thought of everything -- there's even a special feature that lets you measure your bags with your phone camera. And booking flights is fairly simple: You can choose from round-trip, one-way, multicity and the special Nomad feature, which has interesting flight itineraries mapped out for you in packs, like the Tour South America option, which has a customizable itinerary including three- to five- nights in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; three- to five- nights in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and three- to five nights in Santiago, Chil. Download Kiwi.com for free on iTunes and Google Play.
Hipmunk
Using a hip chipmunk find an airfare deal may seem weird, but the Hipmunk app really simplifies trip planning, with user-friendly charts that filter your journey by price, time of day, airline, length of layover and even whether or not your aircraft has Wi-Fi. The app also tracks flight prices and notifies you when it's the best time to buy. The Discover feature offers deals on destinations like Canada or Mexico, and also provides inspiration for trips based on your interests, like the nightlife or foodie-favorite cities. Once you've booked a flight (the app will transfer you to airline websites and OTAs), you can also reserve a hotel or rental car. Download Hipmunk for free on iTunes and Google Play.
Hitlist
This app is great for the initial destination and fare search, especially if you know you want to go on an affordable vacation but aren't sure where to go. Instead of searching Instagram hashtags, check out the Explore tab on the app, which gives you a selection of weekend getaways or destinations like Japan or Italy to check out. The search function populates nearby destinations starting at the lowest price. Once you've explored a bit, you can save your favorite places to your Hitlist tab, which shows all your preferred spots. Then, the app notifies you of price drops for your dream destinations. You can also sign up for a premium version of the app starting at $3 a month, which gives you access to a personal travel planner and members-only fares. Download Hitlist for free on iTunes and Google Play.
Momondo
Like some of the other apps on the list, Momondo is another airfare metasearch app that finds you the most affordable airfare and then reroutes you to other websites to actually book. However, Momondo's main emphasis is clear: cheap fares, not travel inspiration. The app searches over 1,000 different airlines and online travel agencies to find you the best price, also offering a price calendar so travelers with flexible dates can identify the absolute cheapest day to fly. The site locates the fares and will autofill your information for booking once you're rerouted. You can also use the app to track your flight status or measure your suitcases. Download Momondo for free on iTunes or Google Play.
Kayak
Kayak isn't new or groundbreaking, but it's a dependable flight search app you can count on to find affordable airfare. The airline pulls in information from a number of airlines, and when you click on your desired flight, it offers options for booking on the airline itself or through other OTAs. And in many instances, you're quoted mobile-only rates that are unique to the app. Similar to Momondo (the two apps are owned by the same company), you can also book hotels and car rentals, track the status of your flight and measure your bag. The app allows you to add flights, hotels and car rentals to your watchlist, and will send you alerts when prices drop. Newer features allow you to create destination guides to share recommendations with other users, and play a game where you jump over virtual obstacles in an airport -- the perfect way to deal with boredom when your flight is delayed. Download Kayak for free on iTunes or Google Play.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.