17 Cheap Flight Apps Every Budget Traveler Needs
You ever find a flight for $89, think “Omg I’ll book it tomorrow,” and then tomorrow it’s $284? Yeah. Me too.
I used to think cheap flights were just about luck or timing. Turns out, it’s all about the apps you use.
Some of these send alerts the second prices drop. Some show you flights airlines don’t want you to see. One of them literally pays you cashback for booking.
I’ve used most of these myself while planning trips on a super tight budget.
A few are newer ones that people swear by in travel groups. All of them? Actually helpful.
So if you’re tired of playing the “Should I book now or wait?” game, here’s the list. 17 apps that’ll help you stop overpaying for flights.
1. Skyscanner
This one’s kind of the OG. If I’m trying to find the cheapest flight anywhere, Skyscanner is the first place I check.
You just type in your departure airport and pick “Everywhere” as your destination — and boom, it shows you the cheapest countries and cities to fly to.
What I love is the “cheapest month” feature.
You don’t have to guess or go back and forth with dates — it literally tells you when to fly for the lowest price. The calendar is color-coded, too, which makes it super easy to spot the best deals.
They recently added this “Drops” feature too — it tracks flights you’ve looked at and pings you when prices drop by a big chunk.
Like 20% off kind of drop. Super helpful if you’re not booking right away.
Skyscanner doesn’t sell tickets directly — it just shows you the cheapest options across airlines, OTAs, and even budget carriers that don’t always show up on Google Flights.
Think of it as the flight search engine that actually wants you to save money.
Also read: Best Vacation Planning Apps for Families
2. Google Flights
Okay, so Google Flights isn’t technically a “cheap flight app”… but it’s kinda genius once you know how to use it.
First off, the calendar view is everything. You type in your route, and it shows you a calendar of the lowest fares for every day. Green = cheaper. Red = nope. So if your dates are flexible, this is gold.
But here’s the sneaky trick: open the Explore Map.
It lets you see the cheapest places to fly from your airport — all laid out on a map. Sometimes I just zoom out and scroll like I’m planning a dream trip, and boom… $320 round trip to Spain in September? Booked.
You can also track prices for a route and get email alerts when they drop. No need to check every day — it does the stalking for you.
I don’t book through Google Flights, but I always use it to scope things out before committing.
3. Kayak
Kayak feels like the overachiever of flight apps — in a good way.
It doesn’t just help you find cheap flights, it helps you figure out when to book, what you’re actually getting, and if it’s even worth it.
One of my favorite things? The Price Forecast.
It straight up tells you, “Hey, prices are likely to drop — wait a bit,” or “Book now before this gets expensive.” That alone has saved me from some really bad timing.
You can also filter by flight quality — like no red-eyes, fewer layovers, legroom, etc.
And it even tells you if carry-on or checked baggage is included in the fare, which a lot of other apps just don’t.
They also have a “Hacker Fares” section, where they combine one-way tickets from different airlines to make cheaper round-trip combos.
Sounds sketchy, but it’s not — I’ve done it.
Kayak also lets you set up alerts, track prices, and plan multi-city trips without losing your mind. It’s kind of the all-in-one travel nerd tool — and yeah, I’m into it.
Also read: Best Summer Road Trip Planners
4. Momondo
If you’re someone who loves seeing all your options laid out in a super visual way, you’ll love Momondo.
When you search, it shows you a price graph and a color-coded calendar so you can actually see when the cheapest days to fly are.
It makes finding deals kinda fun, not frustrating.
What’s cool is that it also digs up flights from budget airlines and smaller booking sites that don’t always show up on other apps.
I’ve seen deals here that were $30–$50 cheaper than the same route on Google Flights.
Another feature I like? It gives you this little slider thing that balances price vs. flight quality — so if you’re like, “I don’t want a 2 am layover in nowhere,” you can avoid that without blowing your budget.
It’s not as big a name as Skyscanner or Kayak, but honestly? It deserves more love.
Especially if you want every possible cheap option on the table.
Also read: Best Apps for Summer Travel
5. Hopper
Okay, Hopper feels like having a travel psychic in your pocket.
It doesn’t just show you flight prices — it predicts them. Like, “Wait 2 weeks, the price is gonna drop,” or “Book now before it spikes.” And it’s actually been right more often than not.
You pick your route and dates, and it tells you if it’s a good time to buy.
But here’s the real magic — you can freeze a fare for a few days. If you’re indecisive, it gives you time to think without the price jumping up.
It also lets you set alerts and will ping you when something gets cheaper. No more checking 12 times a day like a maniac.
Hopper has expanded a lot lately — they added hotels, car rentals, even some cashback deals if you book through the app.
But for cheap flights specifically? The price prediction thing is their superpower.
6. Dollar Flight Club
If you don’t have the time or energy to search for flight deals every day (honestly, who does?), Dollar Flight Club basically does it all for you.
You just sign up, tell it your home airport, and it sends you email alerts when crazy cheap deals pop up.
I’m talking like $280 round-trip to Europe. $190 to Costa Rica. Mistake fares. Flash sales. Stuff that disappears in hours.
It’s not really an app you scroll through — it’s more like a deal alert service.
And it’s shockingly good at finding gems that other apps miss. The free version gets you some solid alerts, but the premium plan unlocks more routes and international deals.
The only downside? You gotta be a little flexible.
Like, the dates and destinations aren’t always perfect… but if you can work around that, the savings are wild.
7. Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)
This one’s for the people who seriously want to travel more for less — like, if you’re the type who would hop on a $250 flight to Tokyo just because it’s cheap? Going is your new favorite app.
You sign up, choose your airports (they cover tons across the U.S.), and then… you wait.
They’ll email you when they find a deal that’s legit. We’re talking mistake fares, rare sales, even business class deals that don’t cost a kidney.
What makes Going special is that real humans are behind the deal curation. No spammy stuff, no fake discounts. Just actual flight nerds digging up the good stuff.
They have a free version that gives you a taste, but the premium or elite tiers unlock the full buffet, including international deals and weekend getaway alerts.
It’s not a flight search app — it’s more like getting insider info before everyone else.
And when a $189 round trip to Iceland hits your inbox? You’ll be glad you signed up.
Also read: Best Travel Apps
8. Skiplagged
Alright, Skiplagged is kind of the rebel in the flight world — and I mean that in the best way.
It shows you “hidden city” fares, which basically means you book a flight with a layover and just… don’t take the second leg.
Like, let’s say a direct flight to Chicago is $400, but there’s a flight to Denver with a layover in Chicago for $220? You book the Denver one and just get off in Chicago. That’s the hack.
It’s 100% legal for you as the passenger (airlines hate it, though), and it can save you a lot.
I’ve seen $150+ price differences doing this.
Skiplagged also shows regular flights too — not just hidden-city ones — so you can compare and decide what’s best.
It’s especially clutch for last-minute flights or routes that are weirdly expensive.
Just heads up: don’t check bags if you’re doing a hidden-city flight. Your suitcase will keep flying without you. Personal item only, always.
Basically, if you’re down for a little travel mischief to save some serious cash, this one’s for you.
9. Kiwi.com
Kiwi is like that friend who finds the weirdest but cheapest way to get anywhere — and somehow it works.
It doesn’t just search flights… it builds entire trips using different airlines that don’t normally partner together.
You could end up flying out on Spirit, switching to Ryanair mid-journey, and landing with Emirates — and it’ll be hundreds cheaper than a normal round-trip.
Sounds chaotic, but Kiwi makes it all smooth.
What makes this app different is their “self-transfer” feature.
It pieces together flight combos you wouldn’t even think of — sometimes it means longer layovers or switching airports, but the savings? Worth it.
They also have this “Nomad” tool if you’re doing a multi-city trip.
You enter the cities you wanna visit, and it finds the cheapest order to fly them in. Backpacker gold.
And, if something goes wrong and your self-made connection gets delayed? Kiwi offers a Guarantee that’ll help rebook you. So you’re not left stranded in some random airport.
If you’re flexible and don’t mind creative routes, this app seriously opens up cheap flight possibilities you won’t find anywhere else.
10. Opodo
Opodo doesn’t get talked about much, but it’s low-key one of the best apps if you’re flying around Europe — or anywhere that budget airlines love to hide sneaky fees.
It pulls in flights from all the major airlines, plus those tiny budget ones (like Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air) that don’t always show up on Google Flights or Skyscanner.
You get the full picture — not just the polished stuff.
What I like is that it’s super clear about baggage policies and all those little extras budget airlines love to surprise you with.
You’ll see “This fare doesn’t include a carry-on” before you book, not after.
They also have a Prime membership, kinda like Amazon Prime for flights — you pay a small yearly fee and get exclusive discounts on flights, hotels, and even car rentals.
If you book a lot of trips, it can pay for itself fast.
The app itself is clean, fast, and doesn’t try to upsell you on nonsense every five seconds. Just cheap flights with less drama.
11. Trip.com
Trip.com is one of those apps that’s way more popular outside the U.S., but if you’re booking international flights — especially to or from Asia — this one can seriously surprise you.
It pulls in flight options from a huge range of international airlines, and the prices? Sometimes they’re $40–$100 cheaper than what you’ll find on Google Flights or Kayak.
No idea how… but I’m not asking questions.
What makes it extra sweet is the Trip Coins system — basically, you earn coins (aka cashback) every time you book. Then you can use those coins to knock down the price on your next trip.
I’ve saved $30+ just from stacking a few past bookings.
They also offer 24/7 customer support in multiple languages, which is great if you’re traveling in different time zones or non-English-speaking countries.
Only thing to keep in mind? Customer service isn’t always the fastest if something goes wrong — so maybe don’t use this one for super complicated trips with lots of connections.
But for simple international round-trips or cheap long-hauls? This app is a gem most people overlook.
12. Wego
Wego is huge in places like the UAE, India, and Southeast Asia — and for good reason.
If you’re flying in or out of that part of the world, this app finds deals that a lot of the big U.S.-based apps totally miss.
It searches hundreds of airlines and travel sites at once — including local budget carriers that barely show up on Kayak or Google Flights.
And the best part… It doesn’t just show you the flights — it tells you exactly where the lowest price is coming from so you can book directly.
Wego also has multi-language support and pricing in tons of currencies, so if you’re booking internationally (or helping friends/family book flights across borders), it just makes things easier.
And honestly, the interface? Super clean. You don’t feel like you’re being attacked by pop-ups or fake “limited time deals.” Just real options, sorted by cheapest first.
It’s not as big in the U.S., but for global or multi-currency travelers — it’s a solid secret weapon.
13. Traveloka
Traveloka is huge in Southeast Asia — like, if you’re flying around Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia… this is the app locals actually use. It’s kind of like the all-in-one booking hub for the region.
You’ll find super cheap flights on smaller budget airlines that don’t always show up on U.S.-based apps — think Lion Air, AirAsia, Cebu Pacific.
And Traveloka often has exclusive promo fares you literally won’t see anywhere else.
What makes it extra handy is that it doesn’t stop at flights.
You can book hotels, airport transfers, sim cards, experiences — even local food delivery. It’s built for travelers actually on the ground in Asia.
And bonus: the app’s in English, supports multiple currencies, and often runs bundle deals (like flight + hotel discounts).
It’s not flashy, but it’s very practical if you’re traveling anywhere in Southeast Asia on a budget.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s more regional, so if you’re not flying in that part of the world, it might not be as useful. But if you are? Game changer.
14. EasyJet
If you’re planning to hop around Europe without blowing your budget, you need the EasyJet app on your phone.
It’s not a search engine like the others — it’s the official app for one of Europe’s biggest low-cost airlines. And booking direct here is usually where the real savings are.
Flights between major European cities can be stupid cheap — like $30-$60 one-way if you catch them early enough.
And the app sometimes shows promo fares that don’t pop up on Kayak or Skyscanner.
You can also manage your seat, check in, get boarding passes, track delays — all in one place. Super smooth if you’re doing carry-on only and trying to move fast.
It’s no luxury ride (think: tight seats and no free snacks), but if you’re going from Rome to Paris or Amsterdam to Barcelona on a tight budget? EasyJet keeps things… well, easy.
Just make sure to read the baggage rules — they’re strict about size limits, and extra fees at the airport aren’t fun.
15. OneAir Elite
OneAir isn’t as well-known as Hopper or Skyscanner, but if you’re into stacking deals and getting early access to cheap flights and hotels — this one’s worth a look.
Here’s how it works: you pay a one-time lifetime fee (yep, not monthly), and in return, you get access to AI-curated deals on flights, hotels, and bundles that usually aren’t public yet.
We’re talking $250 round-trip to Europe kind of energy.
What makes it cool is the personalized alerts — it learns your travel style and starts sending you super targeted deals.
Like, “Here’s a flash fare to Italy that matches your past search preferences.” It’s kind of like a smarter, deal-obsessed version of Google Flights.
There’s also this “Hopper-like” price freeze feature and some cashback deals baked into certain bookings.
It’s not for casual travelers, but if you book a few big trips per year? The lifetime plan pays for itself fast.
It’s newer on the scene, but people who use it swear by it — especially for scoring flight + hotel combos on a budget.
16. ExpertFlyer
Okay, ExpertFlyer isn’t flashy — it’s not gonna give you cute deal alerts or a pretty little map of cheap destinations.
But what it will do? Help you hack the system.
This app (well, more like a web tool) is built for serious travelers — the ones who want to snag the best seat on the plane, find last-minute award space, and squeeze every dollar out of their frequent flyer miles.
You can set up seat alerts, track fare buckets (aka the secret codes airlines use to price tickets), and even get notified when a sold-out flight suddenly has award availability.
It’s especially useful if you’re trying to:
- Fly using points/miles
- Book business class on a budget
- Avoid middle seats without paying extra
There is a small subscription fee, but for frequent flyers or travel hackers, it’s a steal.
I wouldn’t recommend it for total beginners — it’s more of a “deep dive” tool — but if you’re into this stuff? It’s kind of addicting.
Basically, this is the app you use after you’ve found a good deal… to make it even better.
17. Secret Flying
Secret Flying is for the people who don’t necessarily need to go somewhere… but will absolutely book a flight if it’s cheap enough.
If that’s you, this app will ruin your self-control in the best way.
It’s not a booking platform — it’s more like a live feed of flight deals, mostly international, often wild.
Think round-trip flights to Tokyo for $330, or Paris for under $280. A lot of them are mistake fares or flash sales that don’t last long.
The app and website both list deals by departure country or region, and the notifications are instant — like “Hey, there’s a $99 flight to Iceland from New York — go now.”
It’s the app you keep around just in case an unbelievable flight pops up and you suddenly need to go on a spontaneous trip.
Is it practical? Not always.
But if you’ve ever booked a trip just because it was too cheap to ignore… you’re gonna love this one.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of obsessive flight searching… it’s that finding cheap tickets isn’t about being lucky. It’s about knowing where to look — and these apps? They do a lot of the looking for you.
Some will save you $20, some might save you $200.
But more than that, they’ll save you from the stress spiral of constantly refreshing your browser and wondering if you should’ve booked yesterday.
So whether you’re planning your dream trip or just trying to fly home without going broke — try a few of these.
Set some alerts. Freeze a price. Keep Secret Flying on your phone just in case. You never know when your next trip is gonna sneak up on you.
And if you end up booking something crazy cheap, tell me. I love travel gossip.
