Finding cheap flights can often feel like a game of whack-a-mole. Prices fluctuate constantly, leaving you wondering when exactly the best time to book your trip is. But Trip.com are one step ahead of this, offering a powerful tool that empowers travellers to snag the best flight deals when they arise - ‘price alerts’.
Below is our brief guide on what price alerts are, how to activate and best use them, and some other key tips on how to get the best flight deals.
What are Price Alerts?
Price alerts are pretty much what they sound like. You set the parameters for your ideal flight - destinations, date, and, most importantly, price, then we at Trip.com will let you know when the fare drops for your desired route. We’ll reach out by both email and by a notification on the Trip.com app (which you can download here).
These are an especially important tool given how much flight prices can vary due to factors such as availability, seasonality, and whether the dates fall within a festive period. Often, holding your nerve and waiting for the price to drop can mean you save on your travel, but, of course, it comes with plenty of risk. To find out more about how far in advance we’d recommend booking your trip, read our guide here.
How to Set Up Price Alerts on Trip.com
Firstly, head over to either the Trip.com website or app and initiate your flight search. Before you enter any details, look below the search bar for a button that says ‘Price Alerts’.
If you click on this, you’ll be taken to a new page where you can add your desired destination, travel dates, and other preferences, such as the flight being one-way or return.
Below this, you’ll find a slider that allows you to interactively set your ideal price for the flight. Notice that the slider is divided into three colours - red, orange and green. Red indicates that it is unlikely to achieve tickets at the price you are setting, whilst green indicates that it is more easily obtainable. We recommend setting realistic expectations to ensure you can still get away at a great price.
Be sure to click whether you want to be informed by email on when these prices drop, which we’d strongly recommend - the more reminders the better!
From there, sit back, relax, and let Trip.com do the work! Whenever a price dips for your chosen route within your desired range, you'll receive an email or app notification (depending on your settings).
Please note that this notification does not guarantee you a ticket at this price, so we recommend acting fast when you receive one. Those tickets won’t last forever - snap them up whilst you can!
How else can I save money on my flight tickets?
While Price Alerts are a fantastic tool, consider these additional Trip.com tricks to become a true flight deal ninja:
- Embrace flexibility: If your travel dates aren't set in stone, consider being flexible. Search for flights on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Prices might surprise you!
- Explore alternative airports: Sometimes, nearby airports offer significantly cheaper flights to your desired destination. Expand your search and explore options!
- Mix and match: Consider combining flights and hotels into a Trip.com package deal. This can sometimes offer substantial savings compared to booking separately.
- Tap in with Trip: Subscribe to Trip.com's newsletter and follow them on social media. You might just score exclusive deals and promotions delivered straight to your inbox or feed!
For more key tips on saving money on flights, check out our extensive guide here.
Remember, flight prices are dynamic and constantly changing based on demand, promotions, and seat availability. By mastering Trip.com's Price Alerts and these additional tips, you can transform from a passive observer to an active hunter of cheap flights.