best way to find flights
best way to find flights
I have an upcoming business trip to Germany for a certain week in December. I am flexible on the departure date, return date, flight times, even airlines, but I need business class.
I'm finding that most online fare websites do not allow you to search by a range of dates, even though it's clear that choosing different dates can make a big price difference.
How do other flexible travelers find the best flights?
I'm finding that most online fare websites do not allow you to search by a range of dates, even though it's clear that choosing different dates can make a big price difference.
How do other flexible travelers find the best flights?
- Pizza_and_Beer
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Re: best way to find flights
I recommend Google Flights.
- ResearchMed
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Re: best way to find flights
This signature is a placebo. You are in the control group.
Re: best way to find flights
Google flights seems pretty good; at first I couldn't figure out how to get it to show only business class.
But it still makes you choose an exact date and doesn't let you enter a range for departure/return dates.
But it still makes you choose an exact date and doesn't let you enter a range for departure/return dates.
Re: best way to find flights
Google flights/Matrix work well and we always book directly on the airlines website, never third party.
Re: best way to find flights
Kayak allows flexible date searches. I normally use kayak for all my flights (although sometimes I complete booking on airlines website) but I also always compare. Normally, kayak is the same or cheaper than alternatives.
Have used google flights in the past as well.
Have used google flights in the past as well.
Re: best way to find flights
The calendar function in Google Flights only works for economy, and OP wants a better class. I too prefer ITA Matrix -- which does allow that type of search, and also variable trip lengths.
Re: best way to find flights
Google owns matrix.itasoftware.com so it is really the same search engine, just a different user interface. I used to prefer matrix, but Google flights has gotten much better and faster. There are plenty options to set/avoid airlines, airports, trip durations, etc. It now has the same power as matrix but a better interface.
You can also set flight alerts to be notified of fare drops. That worked out awesome for me recently - I set an alert for a trip to Europe that was averaging $1000+. Got an e-mail one morning that it had dropped to $498 and was able to book it. Next day it was back up to $1200.
You can also set flight alerts to be notified of fare drops. That worked out awesome for me recently - I set an alert for a trip to Europe that was averaging $1000+. Got an e-mail one morning that it had dropped to $498 and was able to book it. Next day it was back up to $1200.
Re: best way to find flights
Orbitz has a "my dates are flexible" box that you can check and the search results give you a matrix of flight and return dates along with the lowest fares. I believe you can search on business class.
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Re: best way to find flights
This may not help you, but check out Clark Howard's website. He has a travel guide with various strategys to get cheap flights. He use to own a travel agency, is very interested in travel, and is one of the top personal finance gurus on the radio. I really like the fact that he doesnt let advertisers influence the advice he gives. I will caution you though, i doubt he would ever pay for business class.
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Re: best way to find flights
Another cool feature is it allows one to select multiple airports for the search. I happen to live in the proximity of four international airports and have found substantial domestic and international fare differences between them.