Nomad Flight Search: Top Tools and Hacks to Save Money on Travel

Finding cheap flights can be overwhelming, but with the right tools and strategies, you can cut costs significantly. Here’s how:

1. Skyscanner: Use features like “Everywhere Search”, “Cheapest Month”, and price alerts to find budget-friendly options.
2. Kiwi.com: The “Nomad” tool optimizes multi-city trips, while booking protection covers delays or cancellations.
3. Google Flights: Track prices and get alerts when fares drop; use tools like the “Date Grid” for flexible planning.
4. Momondo: Access lesser-known deals with its “Mix & Match” feature and advanced filters.
5. Hopper: Predicts flight prices with 95% accuracy and offers features like “Price Freeze” to lock in fares.
6. Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going™): Get deal alerts for discounts up to 90%, with membership tiers for more benefits.
7. Airfare Watchdog: Monitors routes and promo codes, including budget airlines, for real-time savings.
8. Low-Cost Airlines: Book directly with carriers like Southwest or AirAsia to avoid extra fees and get transparent pricing.
9. Travel Rewards Cards: Use cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture X to earn miles and perks.
10. Multi-Stop Tools: Platforms like Kiwi.com and Skyscanner help plan affordable, complex itineraries.

Quick Comparison of Tools

Key Takeaways

• Flexibility Saves Money: Adjust dates, use alternative airports, and explore different airlines.
• Set Alerts: Price tracking tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner notify you when fares drop.
• Compare Platforms: No single tool guarantees the cheapest fare - cross-check prices.
• Plan Ahead: Book domestic flights 2–3 months in advance; international flights 5–6 months out.

Start using these tools and strategies today to save on your next trip!

1. Skyscanner: Core Features

With 100 million monthly users [4], Skyscanner searches through hundreds of airlines to help travelers find competitive fares - perfect for digital nomads looking to save.

Flexible Search Options
The “Everywhere” search feature allows you to browse destinations that fit your budget. By selecting a departure country instead of a specific city, you can explore spontaneous travel options with ease.

Price Tracking and Alerts
Enable Price Alerts by clicking the bell icon to get notified via email or push notifications whenever fares change [5].

Budget-Friendly Tools

• Cheapest Month Tool: Select a destination, and Skyscanner will show you the least expensive times to travel.
• Last-Minute Deals: Great for finding affordable, last-minute flight options.

Tips for Saving Even More
Compare Skyscanner’s results with other platforms like Momondo, and double-check unfamiliar booking sites for reliability.

Skyscanner’s user-friendly interface - both on desktop and mobile - makes these tools simple to use. For digital nomads juggling frequent trips, features like flexible searches and price alerts are key to staying on budget.

“Skyscanner is a great tool to find cheap flights. We particularly love the ‘search anywhere’ function if you just need to get away.”
– Scott Keyes, Founder & Chief Flight Expert [4]

Up next: Kiwi.com’s advanced search options.

2. Kiwi.com: Search Options

Kiwi.com simplifies travel by combining flights from different airlines to help you find cheaper routes. This method opens up unique travel combinations that can save you money.

One standout feature is the “Nomad” search tool, designed for frequent travelers and digital nomads. It allows you to enter multiple destinations, then calculates the most affordable route combinations - perfect for planning multi-city trips with ease.

The platform also offers booking protection, which covers you with alternative flights or refunds if delays or cancellations disrupt your connections.

The Kiwi.com mobile app adds convenience with offline boarding passes, one-tap booking, real-time updates, and special discounts.

You can choose flexible booking options: book directly through Kiwi.com with added protection or compare prices and book directly with airlines.

With its advanced search tools and flexible options, Kiwi.com is a great choice for travelers juggling complex itineraries.

3. Google Flights: Price Tracking

For digital nomads who value convenience, Google Flights offers a simple tool to monitor flight prices. It tracks fare changes and sends updates directly to your Gmail.

To get started, just toggle the “Track prices” button after entering your travel details. You can choose to track prices for specific dates or opt for “any dates” to find the lowest fares. This user-friendly feature makes Google Flights stand out from other price trackers.

The platform notifies you about fare changes, like when prices are expected to go up or down, when deals are about to end, or when better offers pop up.

“Tracking flight prices on Google Flights will help you book your flight during that sweet spot.” - Brian Kelly of The Points Guy [6]

For select flights, the Price Guarantee ensures you’ll get refunded if the price drops after you book.

Pro Tips:

• Sign in with your Google account to receive alerts.
• Keep tracking prices even after booking; many U.S. airlines now waive change fees.
• Use the Date Grid and Price Graph tools to spot the best travel dates.

With real-time updates, you can see if fares are below average, helping you make smarter booking decisions. Pair price tracking with flexible date searches to lock in great deals for your next trip.

4. Momondo: Price Comparison

For digital nomads looking to travel on a budget, Momondo is a go-to tool. It scans hundreds of online travel agencies (OTAs) to find lesser-known deals, and its standout “Mix & Match” feature pairs tickets from different providers to save you money on flights. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Momondo a solid choice.

What makes Momondo unique is its ability to search smaller OTAs that other platforms might overlook. This gives users access to flight options they wouldn’t find elsewhere.

“Momondo is a mainstay for the cheap flight community. Simply put, it is one of the best flight search engines for getting the cheapest fare possible.” [8]

Key Features

Smart Search Strategy

Start with Google Flights to identify the best routes and dates, then switch to Momondo to find cheaper fares. This method often uncovers better deals because of Momondo’s extensive OTA network [8].

“It’s hard to know all the airlines, so we love how the search tool does the work for us and finds the cheapest flight!” [9]

Pro Tips

• Compare Momondo’s prices with those on airline websites.
• Use filters to exclude self-transfers for smoother connections.
• If the price difference is small, consider booking directly with the airline.
• Don’t ignore smaller OTAs - they can sometimes offer the best discounts.

Forbes Advisor gives Momondo a 4.84 out of 5 rating, applauding its detailed search filters [10]. The platform’s dedication to transparency is clear in its mission:

“We believe in an open world, where travelling and getting acquainted across borders and cultures is available to us all, so we’re committed to showing you the cheapest flights in our flight finder.” [7]

5. Hopper: Price Predictions

Hopper stands out in flight search by using an algorithm that analyzes over one billion real-time flight prices daily [12]. For digital nomads, this level of precision helps make timely and budget-friendly travel decisions.

Price Prediction Accuracy

Hopper boasts a 95% accuracy rate for predicting flight prices up to a year in advance [11]. By comparing current airfare data with historical trends, the app advises users on the best times to book.

These tools make it easier to plan and save on flights.

Smart Booking Features

Hopper offers a Price Drop Guarantee on certain tickets. If the fare drops within 10 days of booking based on the app’s suggestion, you’ll receive Carrot Cash as compensation [12].

Real-World Savings Example

Here’s a practical example: Hopper predicted a $139 fare drop over seven weeks, followed by an increase of at least $128 after January 27 [12].

Tips for Saving More

Make the most of Hopper’s features with these tips:

• Track multiple routes by setting alerts for different departure cities.
• Use the Price Freeze option to secure a fare while finalizing your plans.
• Start monitoring prices three to four months before your travel dates.

Things to Keep in Mind

While Hopper is powerful, it has its drawbacks. The app is mobile-only, and its filtering options are somewhat limited [13]. Additionally, last-minute fares may not always provide the best deals.

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6. Scott’s Cheap Flights: Deal Alerts

Going™ employs a team of 25 experts who manually search for flight deals, offering discounts of 40%–90% [15][14].

How the Service Works

This platform keeps an eye on airfare for over 900 destinations worldwide. Their experts work 24/7 to identify price drops and mistake fares [14]. They also apply a “Bestie Test” to ensure deals have good routing, reasonable travel times, and avoid pitfalls like last-minute flights or budget carriers [16].

Deal Quality and Success Rate

The platform’s strength lies in catching deals early. Founder Scott Keyes shares:

“The secret sauce is hard work. Airfare changes by the hour, if not by the minute, and the best deals don’t tend to last very long, so finding out about them early is the key to booking them before they’re gone.” [15]

Expert Support

With a subscriber base of one million and 700 daily inquiries [15], the alerts include clear booking instructions, recommended travel dates, and suggested platforms [16].

Maximizing Deal Alerts

For frequent travelers, the Premium membership ($49/year) often pays off with just one booking. It’s not uncommon to find round-trip international flights for under $300 [17]. However, keep in mind that this service doesn’t include a flight search tool - you’ll need to wait for deals to land in your inbox.

Service Limitations

• Limited domestic flight options
• No direct flight search capability
• Departure options are restricted to select locations [17]

Flexibility with travel dates and destinations can help you save even more [15]. Up next, learn how Airfare Watchdog’s route monitoring can further cut your travel costs.

7. Airfare Watchdog: Route Monitoring

Airfare Watchdog keeps tabs on thousands of flight routes in real-time, covering all airlines - including budget carriers like Southwest and Allegiant. It even provides access to promo code fares typically found only on airline websites, helping you snag better deals [5][18].

Alert Types and Setup

Airfare Watchdog offers customizable alerts tailored to different travel preferences:

Expert-Curated Deals

Unlike fully automated systems, Airfare Watchdog relies on experienced airfare specialists to identify deals that algorithms might overlook [18].

Tips for Getting the Best Deals

Here’s how to maximize Airfare Watchdog’s features:

• Set Alerts for Nearby Airports: Add alerts for airports within driving distance of your departure and arrival cities to increase your options [5].
• Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Keep your dates open to catch the lowest fares [5].
• Turn on Notifications: Use the “Watch This Route” feature to get email updates whenever prices drop [5].

Advanced Features

The platform goes beyond basic tracking by including promo code fare searches and covering budget airlines in its monitoring.

How to Search Smarter

To uncover the best deals, start by selecting your primary departure airport and leaving the destination blank. This approach can highlight deeply discounted flights that you might not find using traditional search engines [3][5]. Plus, the expert-curated deals can save you time and money.

8. Low-Cost Airlines: Direct Booking

Booking directly with low-cost airlines can help you save money while ensuring transparent pricing. By understanding how these airlines operate, you can cut costs and avoid unexpected fees.

Top Low-Cost Airlines by Region

Why Book Directly?

Booking directly with low-cost carriers offers several advantages over using online travel agencies (OTAs):

• Direct Support: Get immediate help from the airline for changes or rebookings [21].
• Flexible Policies: Airlines often provide better options for refunds and modifications [21].
• No Extra Fees: Avoid third-party charges from OTAs for cancellations or changes [22].
• App Features: Use airline apps for real-time updates and easy rebooking [21].

Avoiding Hidden Fees

Extra fees can quickly add up - nearly 40% of travelers end up paying more than just the base fare [23]. Here are some common fees and how to avoid them:

Recognized Budget Airlines

AirAsia continues to shine, winning the title of World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for the 15th year in a row in 2024 [19]. For long-haul travel, Scoot has been recognized as the World’s Best Long Haul Low-Cost Airline for four consecutive years [19].

These awards highlight the value and reliability of budget airlines. By following smart booking techniques, you can make the most of these affordable options.

Smart Booking Tips

“When it comes to maximizing your travel savings, every little bit counts. That’s why I always look for ways to cut costs and avoid unnecessary fees when booking flights.” - Tanisha Yeatts [24]

To get the best deals with budget airlines:

• Book about 70 days in advance and pre-purchase luggage for lower rates [23].
• Fly mid-week - these flights can be up to 30% cheaper than weekend options [25].
• Check airline websites for exclusive offers and promotions [23].

Elevated Budget Options

Carriers like Southwest and JetBlue offer a more premium experience while keeping prices competitive [20].

9. Travel Rewards Cards for Nomads

Travel rewards credit cards can help digital nomads save big on flights, earn miles, and enjoy perks like lounge access. The key is to pick a card that fits your travel style and spending habits.

Premium vs. Mid-Tier Cards

Here’s a quick comparison of some top travel rewards cards for nomads:

Points Strategy for Digital Nomads

Combining transferable points with airline perks is a smart move for nomads. Data shows that 75% of users hold both transferable points and co-branded travel cards [27]. Programs like Chase, American Express, and Capital One allow transfers to multiple airline partners, giving you flexibility for your ever-changing travel plans.

“The best travel credit card is the one that aligns with your travel goals.”
– Nomadic Matt [26]

The Platinum Card: A Premium Option

The Platinum Card from American Express, with its $695 annual fee, offers excellent perks for frequent travelers. Benefits include 5x points on direct flight bookings, access to numerous lounges, $200 annual airline credit, $200 Uber Cash, and $199 CLEAR credit.

“While this card has a high annual fee, it more than justifies itself for frequent travelers like me. The lounge access options that come with the Platinum are unrivaled by competitors. I put all of my flights on this card to earn 5 points per dollar spent and trip protection insurance. I make sure to take full advantage of the Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hulu/Disney+, and Clear credits (enrollment is required). And, honestly, pulling a Platinum card out of your wallet to pay for something does feel pretty fancy.”
– Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor [27]

Tips for Applying

If you’re considering a new travel rewards card, keep these tips in mind:

• Plan Around Big Purchases: Timing your application with major expenses can help you hit the sign-up bonus requirements faster [29].
• Match Rewards to Your Spending: Choose a card that aligns with your most frequent spending categories.
• Weigh the Annual Fee: Make sure the benefits outweigh the cost of the fee.
• Check Your Credit Score: Most travel cards require a good to excellent credit score [30].

Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees

Cards without foreign transaction fees can save you up to 3% on international purchases [28]. This feature is a must-have for nomads and adds even more value when paired with strategic spending.

How to Maximize Rewards

Boost your rewards with these strategies:

• Use shopping portals for extra points.
• Link your card to airline loyalty programs.
• Focus spending on bonus categories.
• Watch for transfer bonuses between programs.

Nearly half of TPG readers rely on transferable currency cards as part of their travel rewards strategy [27].

10. Multi-Stop Flight Tools

Multi-stop flight tools are a great way for digital nomads to plan routes efficiently and save money. About 30% of travelers prefer multi-stop trips over round trips, and more than half of international travelers include multiple destinations in their journeys [32]. Using these tools can help cut travel costs even further.

Top Multi-Stop Search Platforms

Comparing Prices

For instance, a multi-city route (SFO > LON > BCN > ROM > SFO) might cost $1,097 on Google Flights, but Kiwi.com could offer the same route for $886 - saving $211 [31].

Booking Smarter for Multi-Stop Flights

Here are some tips to save even more:

• Search Individual Flights: Look for single flights using flexible date calendars, then combine them into a multi-city itinerary.
• Book Midweek: Flights booked on Tuesdays or Wednesdays tend to be cheaper.
• Consider Open-Jaw Flights: Flying into one city and out of another can often cost less than a round trip.
• Use Meta-Search Engines: Tools like FlightsFinder.com compare multiple aggregators to find the best deals.

What Is Virtual Interlining?

Platforms like Kiwi.com use virtual interlining to combine fares from unrelated airlines, creating affordable routes. While this approach can save money, it might involve longer layovers or the risk of missed connections [31].

Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Around 60% of travelers are concerned about hidden fees [32]. To avoid surprises, choose platforms that clearly display all costs upfront.

Conclusion

Finding affordable flights as a digital nomad means using a mix of strategies that suit your travel habits.

For domestic trips, aim to book tickets 2–3 months in advance, while international flights are best secured 5–6 months ahead. Use tools like fare alerts and explore alternative airports to uncover better deals [2]. No single platform guarantees the lowest price, so combine resources like Kiwi.com’s route tools with Skyscanner and Google Flights to track prices effectively [1][33].

Save more by picking methods that fit your needs. Options like self-transfers or less direct routes can cut costs but may require extra planning. On the other hand, searching flights from nearby airports or sticking with budget airlines offers simpler ways to save.

Strengthen your approach by setting up price alerts across multiple platforms, comparing nearby airport options, and taking advantage of loyalty programs. By staying consistent with these tactics, you can keep your travel expenses low while continuing to explore the world.