Summary of "STOP using Google Flights: 3 better ways to find cheap tickets!"

Concise summary

Google Flights is useful for seeing current fares, but it misses price predictions, mistake fares, and creative mixed‑carrier routes — so relying on it alone can leave you paying hundreds more.

Methods

Method 1 — Hopper

Hopper is an app that predicts whether fares will rise or drop by analyzing billions of data points. Key points:

Set price watches and get push alerts to know the best time to buy.
Best for domestic trips and flights booked about 1–3 months out.

Method 2 — Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights)

Going is a deal‑alert service whose analysts find mistake fares and flash sales (deeply discounted international fares).

Free tier sends some deals.
Paid premium (around $50/year) unlocks the biggest mistake fares.
Works best if you’re flexible on departure airport, destination, and travel dates.

Method 3 — Kiwi.com

Kiwi.com specializes in virtual interlining, combining flights from unrelated carriers (and sometimes trains) to build cheaper routes that Google Flights won’t show.

Often finds routes Google can’t assemble.
Always buy Kiwi’s guarantee add‑on to protect you if connections are missed (because carriers weren’t ticketed together).

Bonus tips

Book midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) — lowest fares often appear then.
Search in incognito/private mode to avoid cookie-driven price nudges.
Be flexible by a day or two on travel dates to find better prices.
Use at least one of the above tools and set alerts to save substantially versus Google Flights.

Practical takeaways

Hopper = when to buy.
Going = unexpected deal alerts (especially international mistake fares).
Kiwi = routes Google can’t assemble. Combine these tools with the bonus hacks to significantly reduce airfare and avoid overpaying.