travel agents cheaper

2-FOR-1 GA TICKETS WITH OUTSIDE+

Don’t miss Thundercat, Fleet Foxes, and more at the Outside Festival.

GET TICKETS

BEST WEEK EVER

Try out unlimited access with 7 days of Outside+ for free.

Start Your Free Trial

Breaking Down the Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Agent

You're convinced that having a travel expert by your side will be useful. But how do you go about knowing when and how to book with them?

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Confession: I’m a big fan of travel agents (whoops, sorry, travel advisers ), even though I could technically book all my trips through websites and apps. And despite the fact that many of us might consider this industry old-fashioned and out-of-date, research shows that travelers, and millennials in particular, are once again turning to these specialists to help plow through TripAdvisor detritus. If you’re wondering: how much does a travel agent cost, and why would I book with one anyway? Read on.

How to Know If You Need a Travel Agent

Once you’ve come around to the idea of hiring a travel agent, ask these three questions before booking:

• Is this a domestic trip or one that involves traveling to a part of the world you’ve never been? If it’s the former you don’t need a travel agent.
• Can I get a better deal by using a travel agent? (This question requires you pricing out your trip with and without one.)
• Is this a big-budget, special-event kind of trip? If the answer is yes, go with a travel agent.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

They can find crazy deals..

This is literally their job. If they have been in the travel business for many years, they likely have supplier relationships in place that can help leverage better deals for you. Many travel agents specialize in locations (i.e., cruise vacations in Europe). Some travel agents offer package deals, with more savings passed on to you then booking the trip on your own—that is good news to your wallet.

They will be your advocate.

One of the best ways to utilize a travel agent is as an advocate should something derail on your trip. They can help you with lost luggage, in the case of natural disasters, if you get stuck in a location before your trip, etc. They are there to help you get your trip back on track.

They’ll take care of the little things.

I love my travel agent, and I love all the extras she provides when we use her services for a trip. For instance, when we traveled to the Bahamas, she made sure there was a nice bottle of champagne and strawberries in our room on our arrival, and she also upgraded our room free of charge. While this certainly is not a guarantee when you use a travel agent, there are a lot of added-value extras you can expect when you use a travel agent. Why? Because travel agents know you don’t have to use them to book your trip, and they want to say thank you.

They’re true experts.

Most travel agents have been working in the industry for years now, and it’s their job to stay on top of travel trends and upcoming hot destinations. When I spoke with my travel agent about a trip to Europe recently, she offered a few alternate destinations. I was not thinking about the destinations she suggested, but the alternatives offered great activities, culture, food, interesting boutique hotels, and more options for less money than my original destination.

They don’t usually cost extra.

It’s a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them. Make sure you know all the potential fees before you use a travel agent, and do not hesitate to negotiate away.

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

They’re not going to help with cheaper airfare..

Back in the day, you would use a travel agent to book every aspect of your trip. However, with so many options to find low-cost airfare, like Google Flights , Scott’s Cheap Flights , and  Skyscanner , booking your own flights is easy and cost-effective. Most travel agents cannot score discounted flights, and many travel agents will not even bother. Follow these tips on how to find the cheapest flights possible , instead.

They’re not you.

This may seem obvious, although it’s still important to consider. A travel agent not only finds you the best deals, but they also offer suggestions for activities, restaurants, and more. This is great if you’re someone who doesn’t like to research these things, but you run the risk of working with someone who doesn’t get your personal preferences (maybe they lean toward road tours rather than technical singletrack). Do your own research first, and come up with a list of activities that you want to do. Once you have that list, pass it along to your travel agent to see if they can rustle up any deals as they book.

How to Find a Great One

One of the best ways to find a reputable travel agent is to get referrals from your friends and family. Anyone that has used that travel agent for a previous trip and enjoyed their service is someone worth checking out. As with anything, I always suggest talking to at least two different travel agents to see who you feel most comfortable with. Remember, they are there to work for you.

Know your travel budget before you reach out to a travel agent. Likely, this will be the first question they ask you and will help steer them toward the best destinations for that budget. If you are traveling somewhere that’s specialized, like going on that once-in-a-lifetime African safari , find a specialist that knows that region inside and out. They will usually have the best deals and relationships with hotels and activity companies in that area.

How Much Does a Travel Agent Cost?

Usually, the cost of hiring a travel agent to organize a trip for you is fairly minimal. Many agencies charge a flat fee of around $100, and others may charge a certain small percentage of your trip. Most of their take-home profits come from the hotels, wholesalers, resorts, and businesses they work with, but be sure to as your travel agent about fees upfront and before you start working with them to plan your next dream vacation. (No one likes hidden fees and surprises.)

• Adventure Adviser
• Budget Trips

Popular on Outside Online

Enjoy coverage of racing, history, food, culture, travel, and tech with access to unlimited digital content from Outside Network's iconic brands.

Healthy Living

• Clean Eating
• Vegetarian Times
• Yoga Journal
• Fly Fishing Film Tour
• National Park Trips
• Warren Miller
• Fastest Known Time
• Trail Runner
• Women's Running
• Bicycle Retailer & Industry News
• FinisherPix
• Outside Events Cycling Series
• Outside Shop

© 2024 Outside Interactive, Inc

Best Online Travel Agencies

Booking.com is our top choice for making your trip arrangements

Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Planning a trip can be easier through an online travel agency than if you handle each aspect of the planning separately. You can book hotels, air travel, rental cars, and more through a single site, and booking everything together sometimes results in discounts. By inputting a destination, a range of dates, and other preferences, you will see a list of options for each aspect of travel.

The best online travel agencies offer options from the largest number of airlines, hotels, car rental agencies, and more. Look for sites that offer discounts for combining reservations for different aspects of your trip. For example, the best sites will have lower rates if you book both plane tickets and a hotel through their services. The best sites also provide reviews from customers who actually have booked through the service. These are our top picks.

• Best Overall: Booking.com
• Best Budget: Skyscanner
• Best Price Predictor: Hopper
• Most Innovative: Kiwi.com
• Best for Eco-Conscious: Kind Traveler
• Best for Social Impact: I Like Local
• Best for Design-Forward Homestays: Plum Guide
• Our Top Picks
• Booking.com

Kind Traveler

I Like Local

• See More (4)

Final Verdict

Frequently asked questions, methodology, best overall : booking.com.

 Booking.com

This industry leader offers one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms on the Internet.

Lots of options to choose from

Interface is easy to use

Numerous filters to customize your search

Tricky to tell whether changes/cancellations can be made with Booking.com or the vendor directly

Booking.com was founded in 1996 and has grown into an industry leader that stands out for being one of the most comprehensive trip planning platforms out there. From one website, you can compare and book accommodations, flights (including one-way and multi-city flights), sightseeing activities, and even airport taxis. The website lists more than 28 million accommodation options, from hotels, hostels, and B&Bs to vacation homes and luxury resorts—you can browse more choices per destination on Booking.com than other online travel agencies. The website also performs well on cost and typically returns lower-than-average prices for flights and hotels. 

Booking.com's interface is also easy to use. On the home page, search for a hotel by entering your chosen destination and dates. Then, use the extensive list of filters—such as price range and distance from the city center—to narrow the results down and find the best fit. You can also search for a specific hotel, or seek inspiration by clicking through options grouped by destination or property type or by topic such as the country’s best Michelin-starred hotel restaurants or the top cities for vegan travelers. The flights, car rental, and other tabs are just as intuitive. 

Best Budget : Skyscanner

 Skyscanner

You can compare prices across airlines, hotels, and car rentals.

Simple interface

Option to toggle searches between specific dates or by monthly calendars

Search Everywhere button is great for spontaneous planners

Extra clicks are required to make a final purchase

Must read fine print for changes/cancellations—may need to deal directly with the vendor

Ads on the sidebar can be distracting

Find deals on airfare, hotels, and car rentals with an aggregator site like Skyscanner , which uses a metasearch engine to compare prices from all online travel agencies and the airline, hotel, or car rental company in question. Run searches with fixed dates, opt to compare airfare prices month to month, or click “Cheapest Month.” Searches also include options for nearby airports or non-stop flights only. With hotel searches, you can choose to select only from properties with free cancellation, a cleanliness rating of 4.5/5 or higher, or 3- or 4-starred hotels only. Car rental searches include an option to select “return car to different location.”

Once you’ve found the best rate, click on the link to be redirected to the third-party site to make your booking. Feeling spontaneous? The Search Everywhere button on the homepage offers a list of the cheapest flight deals for destinations both locally and across the world—just plug in your departure airport first.

Best Price Predictor : Hopper

The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting when flights and hotel rates will be cheapest.

Color-coded system makes it easy to determine cheapest days to buy

App is easy to use

Option to track flights and receive alerts when the best time to buy arises

Some have mentioned the app functions better as a research tool than a booking tool

Unclear whether Hopper will price match if you find a cheaper flight elsewhere

Hopper is a travel app available on iOS and Android that aims to help travelers save on airfare by usng historical data and their own algorithm to predict when flights will be cheapest. Just type in where and when you’d like to fly and Hopper will present you with a color-coded pricing calendar indicating how much tickets are likely to cost. (Green is the least expensive, then yellow, orange, and red for most expensive.) Hopper will also recommend you either buy now or wait, or you can choose to watch a trip and receive notifications on the best time to buy. In addition, the app has expanded to offer hotel and car rental price predictions, too.

Some newer features since the app’s inception in 2009 include an option to freeze a price for a limited time—for an extra fee—as well as exclusive app-only discounts. Hopper is free to download, and you can choose to book directly through the app, though some users mentioned they use Hopper as more of a research tool before booking directly with the airline or hotel. The company claims a 95 percent accuracy rate at predicting flight rates up to a year ahead.

Most Innovative : Kiwi.com

This metasearch engine scours the web to piece together the ideal itinerary using planes, trains, buses, and more.

Creative itineraries get you where you need to go, especially if you’ve got a multi-stop trip

Kiwi Guarantee offers rebooking or cancellation protections

Nomad option appeals to travelers with a lot of flexibility

Creative itineraries mean you may not fly out of the same airport you flew into

Kiwi Guarantee has an additional fee

Charges all-in-one fee for booking flights, trains, buses (though you can always purchase a la carte)

Travelers planning multi-city destinations and seeking a bargain, as well as those looking to take planes, trains, and automobiles to get there, might consider Kiwi . Kiwi is a metasearch engine that scours and pieces together itineraries from various airlines (even if they don’t have a codeshare agreement), considers multiple airports (even if your arrival airport is different from departure), and offers booking options, whether you’re looking at very specific dates or more general ones (up to 60 nights).

Some will find the ability to make multiple bookings for a particular trip more convenient than going at it manually several different times, though note that you must opt into the Kiwi Guarantee program to access rebooking and refund protections should your reservation change or be canceled. Kiwi’s Nomad option allows you to plug in a bunch of destinations you’d like to visit and the length of your intended stay, and the website will churn out the most affordable itineraries for review.

Best for Eco-Conscious : Kind Traveler

A give-and-get business model means booking accommodations with exclusive perks, a donation to environmental organizations, and more.

All participating hotels include a local give-back component

Exclusive savings and perks

Participating hotels are located in some of the most beautiful places in the world

Inventory is much smaller compared to other booking platforms

Some of the amenities mentioned are based on availability only

In 2022, Kind Traveler (an online trave agency focused on hotel bookings) announced an increase in environmentally and socially conscious hotels, charity donations, voluntourism opportunities, and additional perks like waived resort fees or a welcome amenity.

Unlock exclusive hotel rates and perks from participating Kind Traveler hotels with a minimum $10/night minimum donation to a local charity. For example, stay at the Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives and receive up to $33 off the nightly rate and perks such as a food and beverage credit and an Earth Lab or Alchemy Bar workshop when you make a donation to Manta Trust. The organization funds coastal research to protect the island nation’s large yet fragile population of reef mantas.

Select from more than 140 participating hotels from the Hawaiian Islands to Bozeman, Montana, and the Maldives. Charities include wildlife, human rights, arts, education, and environmental preservation organizations.

Best for Social Impact : I Like Local

Choose from a host of travel experiences with the peace of mind that 100 percent of the cost goes directly to local partners.

Social impact mission woven into organization’s business model

Immersive experiences led by local guides

Range of experiences offered

May not be best fit for those seeking upscale, luxury experiences and stays

Can’t sort experiences by a list of countries (though an interactive map is available)

No experiences outside of Africa and Asia

For an online travel agency with a booking platform designed to route dollars spent directly to the communities travelers intend to visit, consider I Like Local . Visit the website to browse a host of travel experiences in countries including Indonesia, Kenya, and Cambodia. Experiences include homestays and farmstays as well as wellness and culturally oriented experiences—from cooking and cycling tours to weaving classes.

To search for an experience, select from drop-down items like travel dates and experience categories, or view a global map and click on a country to view experiences that way.

The platform got its start in 2014 and has grown to 4,000 local hosts across nearly 20 countries. As a social impact organization, 100 percent of each booking fee goes to local hosts. To date, 16,000 travelers have booked with I Like Local.

Best for Design-Forward Homestays : Plum Guide

Browse and book seriously vetted, design-forward vacation homes.

Highly curated inventory of vacation rentals across the world

Design-forward

Thorough vetting process

Does not publish guest reviews

Other platforms have homes available across more destinations

When it comes to booking a vacation home, serviced apartment, or condo, travelers are spoiled for choice. Plum Guide is an online travel agency that specializes in accommodations—though not just any home makes its directory. The company claims that each potential home listed on its site must jump through 150 hoops to be included, from internet speed and mattress and pillow quality to the showers’ water pressure and the home’s proximity to dining, shopping, and attractions.

Search by a featured collection on the website such as “ pet-friendly homes ” or “one-of-a-kind homes in Palm Springs.” Scroll to the bottom of its homepage to view its top destinations, as well as a list of all destinations where Plum Guide homes are available, including Barbados, Mexico, Portugal, Switzerland, the U.S., and Turkey. Note: From the top right-hand corner of the site, use the dropdown menu to select currency of choice.

As long as you know what you value most out of your travel experience—such as affordability, social impact, or luxe accommodations—there’s an online travel agency to help plan your next trip. Be sure to read the fine print, as some agencies are third-party websites and not direct vendors. If you're not sure where to start, Booking.com is your best bet for a smooth user experience and hard-to-beat offers on flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

What Is the Biggest Travel Agency?

Our choice for best overall, Booking.com, is known as an industry leader with listings for all major hotels, airlines, car rental companies, and more. It boasts more choices for accommodations per destination than any other site, and we found its interface to be user-friendly.

Are Online Travel Agencies Worth It?

This depends on your needs and priorities. The best online travel agencies certainly can save time by booking everything all at once. However, if you're someone who is good at haggling and enjoys the details of planning a trip, you might be able to find better deals by reaching out to hotels or other destinations and speaking to someone personally.

Is It Cheaper to Book Online Than With a Travel Agent?

Not always. A travel agent you know and trust should have the experience and connections to find deals that can match or surpass what you'll find online. Additionally, if something goes wrong, travel agents provide you with an actual person you can use as an advocate to correct the problem . But if you don't have access to a good travel agent, online sites still provide plenty of ways to streamline planning and save money .

We considered dozens of online travel agencies and narrowed down the options based on user experience, volume and quality of inventory, unique offerings and specials, and customer reviews. We also assessed travel companies’ environmentally and socially conscious policies.

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

Best Hotel Booking Sites

Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Solo Travelers

The Best Budget Hotels in Miami Beach of 2024

Best Dreams Resorts

Best Budget Manhattan Hotels

Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in Orlando

The 9 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Mexico in 2024

Best Las Vegas Hotels for Couples

Best Online Sites for Booking Cheap or Discounted Airline Tickets

Best London Budget Hotels

Best Car Rental Companies of 2024

The Best Oceanfront Virginia Beach Hotels

Best Budget Disney World Hotels

Best Hawaii All-Inclusive Hotels

Best Disneyland Hotels

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

We are reader supported. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links.

Do Travel Agents Get Discounts On Flights? (Explained)

One frequently asked question is whether booking a flight with a travel agent or online is cheaper. The most challenging aspect of planning a trip is sticking to a budget, which means finding more affordable flights.

Table of Contents

Here’s whether travel agents get discounts on flights

Yes, travel agents get discounts on flights. Travel agents establish and maintain relationships with air travel and have specific tactics and methods of obtaining low-cost tickets, e.g., consolidation fares.

Let us take a look at how they go about it.

How do travel agents get a better discount on flights?

Travel agents understand how to maneuver and employ techniques that result in airline savings. The most significant factor that travel agents consider is developing relationships with airlines to obtain lower airfare prices.

Travel agents have access to the information necessary to acquire better deals. They get a lot of their information from the same sites everyone uses. Furthermore, they receive daily discounts via e-mails and fax that are not usually available on the Internet.

They get rebates on flights and discounts on flight rates and can easily upgrade from one class to another.

Here is how they get discounts

Booking consolidator rates

These cheaper seats on less popular flights allow travel agencies to get fantastic discounts. They are a reliable means to sell a percentage of fares, negotiate annual contracts, set revenue targets, and closely regulate sales via a particular booking class.

The fares are frequently referred to as “private” or “bulk” fares. When consulting with a travel agent, an established travel agency is your best choice for finding a consolidator airline fare.

Time to book flights

Searching for flights at the beginning of the week will result in higher savings. This is because, at the beginning of the week, fares are primarily regulated by algorithms. Humans influence sales in specific directions.

Travel agents suggest that buying trends can lead to flash sales at the start of the week. This time is your greatest bet for finding lower-priced tickets.

The “Open Jaw” strategy

Travel agents use this booking strategy that takes advantage of the fact that airlines periodically discount routes with stops over direct flights—for example, a flight from New York to San Francisco.

The open jaw technique would involve routing yourself from New York to San Francisco to Los Angeles but leaving the San Francisco to Los Angeles portion unused. This strategy may not work for the most cautious travelers.

If you employ this method in the middle of an itinerary, the sequential legs after the unused trip may be canceled by the airline.

Searching the airline websites directly

Travel agents know that airlines occasionally offer connecting flights via a codeshare agreement that does not appear while searching on flight comparison websites. Therefore, they buy multi-carrier or interline tickets that airlines will not sell on other flight comparison websites.

However, those interline tickets can only be purchased through a reputable full-service travel agency.

Book in advance

The ideal time to buy summer flight tickets is 3-4 weeks before the day you want to travel. Beyond that, prices are likely to be higher. Travel agents anticipate increased domestic round-trip flight rates due to regular seasonal demand.

Prices will rise through the summer period before beginning to dip during the winter season. As a general travel agent rule, it is always advisable to start watching pricing early to secure a decent offer.

Travel package discounts

Travel agents know the discounts that come with complete booking packages. They are known for slipping huge discounts into all-inclusive packages. This is commonly seen in hotels.

The same applies to air travel. If you book lodging, car hire, and flight together, you are likely to pay at a discounted rate than a person who booked all three separately.

Agreements with airlines

Some travel agencies have contracts with airlines and therefore buy the airline’s flights in bulk at reduced prices. The agents sell these flights to customers at lower prices than regular airfare. Travel agents also have access to coupons and codes that also offer tickets at low prices.

Connections with discount airlines

Most travel agents are well connected with airlines that offer discounts. Therefore, it is easier for them to earn deals on airfare.

Airline specials

Travel agents know when airlines offer specials because they constantly browse airline websites for the best offers. Specials are provided mainly as a last-minute deal to sell any leftover seats. Specials are way cheaper than standard flight rates.

Price alerts

Travel agents establish a price alert to be notified when the price of a ticket rises or falls. Ticket prices can change daily, and even a slight decrease might result in significant discounts, especially if you need to purchase a ticket for every family member.

Booking two-one way tickets

Rather than booking a return ticket, travel agents book two cheaper one-way tickets that offer even better route options.

Weighing all costs

Travel agents understand that the base price of a ticket rarely covers the entire cost of flying. Therefore, they go out of their way to find the best overall value in terms of ticket costs.

They thoroughly investigate add-ons such as baggage fees, overweight charges, WiFi, and other options. Costs are also significant to travel agents, especially regarding “use it or lose it” tickets.

If you miss a trip, need to rearrange your flight, or cancel a leg of your vacation, restrictions might rapidly become prohibitively expensive. They pay close attention to notes regarding upgrading using frequent flier miles because they may not always be able to use particular fare classes or even pay to upgrade to another fare class.

Searching for alternative airlines

Travel agents save hundreds of dollars by traveling through a different airport – even if that airport is in another nation.

Other cities may have a few airports within a few hours’ drive that provide lower-cost flights. To discover the cheapest fare, travel agents consider all available options, including the cost of parking, gas, and possibly a rental car.

Read more: Do travel agents get discounts on cruises? & Do travel agents get discount on hotels?

In summary, travel agents get discounts on flights by having connections with airlines, having better access to information not commonly available on the internet, and booking in advance.

In addition, travel agents can buy tickets in bulk, resulting in discounted prices. Booking at the start of the week and in advance are also some of the ways travel agents get discounts on flights.

Wander Wisely with Cheap Hotels, Flights, Vacations & Travel Deals | Travelocity

• Things to do

Add a flight

Explore stays in trending destinations

Paso Robles

Find your perfect trip

Plan a trip for the whole family—from family travel tips to family-friendly filters, our tools make it easy.

Book with flexibility

Looking for a change of scenery, but want something flexible? With free cancellation on most hotels, you can book with peace of mind.

We've got your back

Need more help along your journey? We offer 24/7 support on social and through virtual agents onsite.

All-inclusive resorts 

Last minute getaways

Start planning your next trip.

Sunny beach hotel offers

Car rental deals

Member discounts

Vacation rental offers

Here to help keep you on the move

Change or cancel a trip, use a credit or coupon, track your refund, destination ideas to plan your next trip.

• Chicago Hotels
• San Jose Hotels
• Baltimore Hotels
• Las Vegas Hotels
• Maui Hotels
• Oakland Hotels
• Fort Walton Beach Hotels
• Washington, DC Hotels
• London Hotels
• Paris Hotels
• Cancun Hotels
• Punta Cana Hotels
• Flights to London
• Flights to Maui
• Flights to Washington, DC
• Flights to Fort Lauderdale
• Flights to St. Louis
• Flights to Frankfurt
• Flights to Barcelona
• Flights to Baltimore
• Flights to Paris
• Flights to Orange County
• Flights to Honolulu
• Flights to Los Cabos

Vacation packages

• Orlando Vacations
• San Diego Vacations
• Miami Vacations
• Nassau Vacations
• Seattle Vacations
• San Francisco Vacations
• Denver Vacations
• Montego Bay Vacations
• Los Angeles Vacations
• Las Vegas Vacations
• Cancun Vacations
• Cozumel Vacations
• London Car Rentals
• Maui Car Rentals
• Fort Lauderdale Car Rentals
• Honolulu Car Rental
• Newark, NJ Car Rentals
• San Juan Car Rentals
• Dublin Car Rentals
• Barcelona Car Rentals
• Washington, DC Car Rentals
• West Palm Beach Car Rentals
• Madrid Car Rentals
• Paris Car Rentals
• Bahamas Cruises
• Canada/New England Cruises
• Hawaii Cruises
• Mexico Cruises
• Australia/New Zealand Cruises
• Alaskan Cruises
• European Cruises
• Bermuda Cruises
• South Pacific Cruises
• Panama Canal Cruises

Travel deals

• Vacation Package Deals
• Travel Deals
• Daily Travel Deals
• Hotel Deals
• Travelocity Coupon Code
• Last Minute Travel Deals
• Hotels Under $99
• All Inclusive Resort Deals
• Flights Under $200
• All our Destinations

• KAYAK for Business NEW

Compare flights from 100s of sites.

Big names, great deals, filter for what you want, track prices, more than flights, search cheap flights by destination, find cheap flights.

Save money on airfare by searching for cheap flight tickets on KAYAK. KAYAK searches for flight deals on hundreds of airline tickets sites to help you find the cheapest flights. Whether you are looking for a last minute flight or a cheap plane ticket for a later date, you can find the best deals faster at KAYAK.

New York Flights

• Flight Atlanta - New York (ATL - LGA) $51+
• Flight Miami - Newark (MIA - EWR) $51+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $55+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $55+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - New York (FLL - LGA) $75+
• Flight Orlando - Newark (MCO - EWR) $75+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $76+
• Flight Orlando - New York (MCO - LGA) $78+
• Flight Miami - New York (MIA - LGA) $80+
• Flight Denver - New York (DEN - LGA) $90+
• Flight Houston - Newark (HOU - EWR) $92+
• Flight Los Angeles - Newark (LAX - EWR) $105+
• Flight Burbank - Newark (BUR - EWR) $107+
• Flight Dallas - Newark (DFW - EWR) $109+
• Flight Chicago - Newark (ORD - EWR) $110+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - LGA) $112+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - JFK) $117+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - LGA) $187+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - JFK) $189+
• Flight San Francisco - Newark (SFO - EWR) $211+
• Flight Seattle - Newark (SEA - EWR) $236+
• Flight Los Angeles - New York (LAX - JFK) $261+
• Flight Ontario - New York (ONT - JFK) $267+
• Flight San Francisco - New York (SFO - JFK) $304+

Orlando Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Orlando (ATL - MCO) $31+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (HOU - MCO) $35+
• Flight Houston - Orlando (IAH - MCO) $35+
• Flight Chicago - Orlando (ORD - MCO) $51+
• Flight Cleveland - Orlando (CLE - MCO) $53+
• Flight Philadelphia - Orlando (PHL - MCO) $53+
• Flight Dallas - Orlando (DFW - MCO) $60+

London Flights

• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $322+
• Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $364+
• Flight Los Angeles - London (LAX - LGW) $385+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LGW) $430+
• Flight New York - London (JFK - LHR) $447+
• Flight Boston - London (BOS - LHR) $450+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - London (IAD - LHR) $473+
• Flight Miami - London (MIA - LHR) $474+
• Flight Newark - London (EWR - LGW) $477+

Fort Lauderdale Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Fort Lauderdale (ATL - FLL) $44+
• Flight Philadelphia - Fort Lauderdale (PHL - FLL) $46+
• Flight Chicago - Fort Lauderdale (ORD - FLL) $52+
• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $56+
• Flight Baltimore - Fort Lauderdale (BWI - FLL) $61+
• Flight Detroit - Fort Lauderdale (DTW - FLL) $61+
• Flight Cleveland - Fort Lauderdale (CLE - FLL) $62+

Boston Flights

• Flight Baltimore - Boston (BWI - BOS) $42+
• Flight Orlando - Boston (MCO - BOS) $51+
• Flight Chicago - Boston (ORD - BOS) $73+
• Flight Newark - Boston (EWR - BOS) $75+
• Flight Philadelphia - Boston (PHL - BOS) $76+
• Flight Atlanta - Boston (ATL - BOS) $85+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Boston (FLL - BOS) $85+

India Flights

• Flight New York - Mumbai (JFK - BOM) $486+
• Flight New York - Ahmedabad (JFK - AMD) $567+
• Flight New York - New Delhi (JFK - DEL) $578+
• Flight San Francisco - New Delhi (SFO - DEL) $597+
• Flight Chicago - Hyderabad (ORD - HYD) $629+
• Flight San Francisco - Mumbai (SFO - BOM) $649+
• Flight New York - Chennai (JFK - MAA) $652+

Japan Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - NRT) $594+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - NRT) $634+
• Flight Los Angeles - Tokyo (LAX - HND) $736+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - NRT) $750+
• Flight San Francisco - Tokyo (SFO - HND) $756+
• Flight Seattle - Tokyo (SEA - HND) $756+
• Flight Ontario - Tokyo (ONT - NRT) $803+

Phoenix Flights

• Flight Ontario - Phoenix (ONT - PHX) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Phoenix (DFW - PHX) $47+
• Flight Denver - Phoenix (DEN - PHX) $50+
• Flight Los Angeles - Phoenix (LAX - PHX) $55+
• Flight Santa Ana - Phoenix (SNA - PHX) $58+
• Flight San Francisco - Phoenix (SFO - PHX) $61+
• Flight Portland - Phoenix (PDX - PHX) $77+

Honolulu Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Honolulu (LAX - HNL) $243+
• Flight San Francisco - Honolulu (SFO - HNL) $262+
• Flight San Jose - Honolulu (SJC - HNL) $275+
• Flight Ontario - Honolulu (ONT - HNL) $277+
• Flight Seattle - Honolulu (SEA - HNL) $328+
• Flight San Diego - Honolulu (SAN - HNL) $337+
• Flight Las Vegas - Honolulu (LAS - HNL) $354+

Los Angeles Flights

• Flight Phoenix - Los Angeles (PHX - LAX) $50+
• Flight San Francisco - Los Angeles (SFO - LAX) $56+
• Flight Oakland - Los Angeles (OAK - LAX) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Los Angeles (DFW - LAX) $67+
• Flight Denver - Los Angeles (DEN - LAX) $79+
• Flight Austin - Los Angeles (AUS - LAX) $84+
• Flight Houston - Los Angeles (HOU - LAX) $85+
• Flight Atlanta - Los Angeles (ATL - LAX) $89+
• Flight Miami - Los Angeles (MIA - LAX) $93+

Chicago Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $37+
• Flight Denver - Chicago (DEN - ORD) $47+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - MDW) $48+
• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $51+
• Flight Orlando - Chicago (MCO - ORD) $51+
• Flight New York - Chicago (LGA - ORD) $55+
• Flight Houston - Chicago (IAH - ORD) $58+

Denver Flights

• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $35+
• Flight Austin - Denver (AUS - DEN) $56+
• Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $60+
• Flight Los Angeles - Denver (LAX - DEN) $62+
• Flight Detroit - Denver (DTW - DEN) $74+
• Flight San Francisco - Denver (SFO - DEN) $74+
• Flight Atlanta - Denver (ATL - DEN) $76+

Washington, D.C. Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $36+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $52+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Baltimore (FLL - BWI) $57+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $73+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (HOU - BWI) $78+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (IAH - BWI) $78+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $96+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $123+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $124+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $125+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - IAD) $129+
• Flight Houston - Washington, D.C. (HOU - DCA) $133+
• Flight Minneapolis - Washington, D.C. (MSP - DCA) $137+
• Flight San Francisco - Baltimore (SFO - BWI) $148+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $149+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - DCA) $159+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - DCA) $169+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - IAD) $184+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $189+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - DCA) $195+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - IAD) $226+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - IAD) $227+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - IAD) $274+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - IAD) $298+

Atlanta Flights

• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $35+
• Flight Baltimore - Atlanta (BWI - ATL) $37+
• Flight Miami - Atlanta (MIA - ATL) $37+
• Flight Detroit - Atlanta (DTW - ATL) $41+
• Flight Houston - Atlanta (HOU - ATL) $43+
• Flight Houston - Atlanta (IAH - ATL) $43+
• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (MDW - ATL) $44+

United States Flights

• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $56+
• Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $60+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Newark (FLL - EWR) $61+
• Flight Dallas - New York (DFW - LGA) $70+
• Flight New York - Dallas (LGA - DFW) $72+
• Flight New York - Fort Lauderdale (LGA - FLL) $75+

Hawaii Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $213+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $262+
• Flight San Jose - Hawaii (SJC - USHI) $275+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $277+
• Flight Seattle - Hawaii (SEA - USHI) $317+
• Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $337+
• Flight Las Vegas - Hawaii (LAS - USHI) $354+

Tampa Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $38+
• Flight Chicago - Tampa (MDW - TPA) $63+
• Flight Richmond - Tampa (RIC - TPA) $63+
• Flight Detroit - Tampa (DTW - TPA) $68+
• Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $69+
• Flight Philadelphia - Tampa (PHL - TPA) $72+
• Flight Cincinnati - Tampa (CVG - TPA) $74+

Houston Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Houston (ATL - IAH) $37+
• Flight Orlando - Houston (MCO - IAH) $57+
• Flight Denver - Houston (DEN - IAH) $58+
• Flight Dallas - Houston (DFW - IAH) $60+
• Flight Philadelphia - Houston (PHL - IAH) $68+
• Flight Chicago - Houston (ORD - IAH) $70+
• Flight Miami - Houston (MIA - IAH) $76+

Las Vegas Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $24+
• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $39+
• Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $47+
• Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $59+
• Flight Santa Ana - Las Vegas (SNA - LAS) $61+
• Flight Portland - Las Vegas (PDX - LAS) $63+
• Flight Seattle - Las Vegas (SEA - LAS) $75+
• Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $78+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (HOU - LAS) $78+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (IAH - LAS) $78+
• Flight Atlanta - Las Vegas (ATL - LAS) $85+
• Flight Chicago - Las Vegas (ORD - LAS) $85+
• Flight Detroit - Las Vegas (DTW - LAS) $92+

Miami Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $33+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $47+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $51+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (MDW - MIA) $52+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $53+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $60+
• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $63+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $75+
• Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $75+
• Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $75+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $88+
• Flight Cleveland - Miami (CLE - MIA) $89+
• Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $91+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $92+
• Flight Denver - Miami (DEN - MIA) $92+
• Flight Minneapolis - Miami (MSP - MIA) $122+
• Flight Los Angeles - Miami (LAX - MIA) $132+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (DCA - MIA) $137+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (IAD - MIA) $139+
• Flight New York - Miami (JFK - MIA) $166+
• Flight Ontario - Miami (ONT - MIA) $167+

San Francisco Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $33+
• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $38+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $51+
• Flight Phoenix - San Francisco (PHX - SFO) $58+
• Flight Portland - San Francisco (PDX - SFO) $58+
• Flight Denver - San Francisco (DEN - SFO) $87+
• Flight Santa Ana - San Francisco (SNA - SFO) $97+
• Flight Dallas - San Francisco (DFW - SFO) $112+
• Flight Seattle - San Francisco (SEA - SFO) $126+
• Flight Minneapolis - San Francisco (MSP - SFO) $129+
• Flight Houston - San Francisco (HOU - SFO) $131+
• Flight Atlanta - San Francisco (ATL - SFO) $141+
• Flight Baltimore - San Francisco (BWI - SFO) $147+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - San Francisco (DCA - SFO) $151+

Seattle Flights

• Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $78+
• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $80+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $96+
• Flight San Diego - Seattle (SAN - SEA) $105+
• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $118+
• Flight Santa Ana - Seattle (SNA - SEA) $122+
• Flight Burbank - Seattle (BUR - SEA) $135+

Paris Flights

• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - CDG) $307+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Paris (IAD - CDG) $316+
• Flight New Windsor - Paris (SWF - CDG) $319+
• Flight Baltimore - Paris (BWI - CDG) $320+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - CDG) $331+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - ORY) $348+
• Flight Los Angeles - Paris (LAX - CDG) $370+

Europe Flights

• Flight New York - London (JFK - LGW) $273+
• Flight Newark - Barcelona (EWR - BCN) $351+
• Flight New York - Rome (JFK - FCO) $366+
• Flight New Windsor - London (SWF - STN) $370+
• Flight New York - Lisbon (JFK - LIS) $403+

Florida Flights

• Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $51+
• Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $53+
• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $56+
• Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $60+
• Flight Dallas - Florida (DFW - USFL) $60+
• Flight Boston - Florida (BOS - USFL) $61+
• Flight New York - Florida (LGA - USFL) $75+

Dallas Flights

• Flight Chicago - Dallas (MDW - DFW) $46+
• Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $51+
• Flight Minneapolis - Dallas (MSP - DFW) $56+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (ORD - DFW) $61+
• Flight Miami - Dallas (MIA - DFW) $67+
• Flight Los Angeles - Dallas (LAX - DFW) $69+

San Diego Flights

• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $50+
• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $57+
• Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $63+
• Flight San Francisco - San Diego (SFO - SAN) $65+
• Flight Dallas - San Diego (DFW - SAN) $66+
• Flight Sacramento - San Diego (SMF - SAN) $68+
• Flight Newark - San Diego (EWR - SAN) $79+

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to know before booking a flight.

There are various factors to consider when booking a flight including cost, fare classes, baggage policies, the complications of flying long haul, and complying with airport regulations. To make your booking journey smoother KAYAK has developed a comprehensive flight guide including insights on finding affordable flights, packing efficiently, and utilizing the best travel tools.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight?

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside United States over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Wednesday. For international flights, Tuesday had the cheapest tickets on average.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was January, while the most expensive was March. If you’re booking an international flight, then January is the cheapest month to fly and June the most expensive.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re traveling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 weeks before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 weeks prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying non-stop is not possible and you will have to fly with a layover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a layover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than non-stop flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with rental cars, vacation packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

Search hundreds of flight sites at once.

Trending cities, the most searched for cities on momondo.

San Francisco

Washington, D.C.

Trending countries

The most searched for countries on momondo.

United Kingdom

Philippines

United Arab Emirates

Netherlands

Flight deals by destination

Find and compare cheap flights.

We search and compare billions of real-time prices on plane tickets so you can easily find the cheapest, quickest, and best flight deals for you.

• Flights from Los Angeles to New York
• Flights from San Francisco to New York
• Flights from Dallas to New York
• Flights from Fort Lauderdale to New York
• Flights from Miami to New York
• Flights from Orlando to New York
• Flights from Chicago to New York
• Flights from Ontario to New York
• Flights from Seattle to New York
• Flights from Burbank to New York
• Flights from Los Angeles to Bangkok
• Flights from New York to Bangkok
• Flights from San Francisco to Bangkok
• Flights from Chicago to Bangkok
• Flights from Seattle to Bangkok
• Flights from Dallas to Bangkok
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Bangkok
• Flights from Ontario to Bangkok
• Flights from Houston to Bangkok
• Flights from Boston to Bangkok
• Flights from New York to Miami
• Flights from Los Angeles to Miami
• Flights from Boston to Miami
• Flights from Chicago to Miami
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Miami
• Flights from Atlanta to Miami
• Flights from Philadelphia to Miami
• Flights from Dallas to Miami
• Flights from Detroit to Miami
• Flights from San Francisco to Miami
• Flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo
• Flights from New York to Tokyo
• Flights from San Francisco to Tokyo
• Flights from Seattle to Tokyo
• Flights from Dallas to Tokyo
• Flights from Ontario to Tokyo
• Flights from Chicago to Tokyo
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Tokyo
• Flights from Boston to Tokyo
• Flights from Santa Ana to Tokyo
• Flights from New York to Chicago
• Flights from Los Angeles to Chicago
• Flights from Boston to Chicago
• Flights from San Francisco to Chicago
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Chicago
• Flights from Seattle to Chicago
• Flights from Orlando to Chicago
• Flights from Dallas to Chicago
• Flights from Atlanta to Chicago
• Flights from Philadelphia to Chicago
• Flights from New York to London
• Flights from Los Angeles to London
• Flights from San Francisco to London
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to London
• Flights from Boston to London
• Flights from Chicago to London
• Flights from Seattle to London
• Flights from Dallas to London
• Flights from Miami to London
• Flights from Atlanta to London
• Flights from New York to Paris
• Flights from Los Angeles to Paris
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Paris
• Flights from San Francisco to Paris
• Flights from Boston to Paris
• Flights from Chicago to Paris
• Flights from Dallas to Paris
• Flights from Seattle to Paris
• Flights from Atlanta to Paris
• Flights from Miami to Paris
• Flights from New York to Copenhagen
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Copenhagen
• Flights from Boston to Copenhagen
• Flights from Los Angeles to Copenhagen
• Flights from Chicago to Copenhagen
• Flights from San Francisco to Copenhagen
• Flights from Seattle to Copenhagen
• Flights from Atlanta to Copenhagen
• Flights from Philadelphia to Copenhagen
• Flights from Denver to Copenhagen
• Flights from Los Angeles to Manila
• Flights from San Francisco to Manila
• Flights from New York to Manila
• Flights from Ontario to Manila
• Flights from Seattle to Manila
• Flights from Chicago to Manila
• Flights from San Jose to Manila
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Manila
• Flights from Houston to Manila
• Flights from Honolulu to Manila
• Flights from New York to Las Vegas
• Flights from Dallas to Las Vegas
• Flights from Chicago to Las Vegas
• Flights from San Francisco to Las Vegas
• Flights from Los Angeles to Las Vegas
• Flights from Seattle to Las Vegas
• Flights from Atlanta to Las Vegas
• Flights from Boston to Las Vegas
• Flights from Denver to Las Vegas
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Las Vegas

Los Angeles

• Flights from New York to Los Angeles
• Flights from Seattle to Los Angeles
• Flights from Boston to Los Angeles
• Flights from Dallas to Los Angeles
• Flights from Chicago to Los Angeles
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles
• Flights from San Francisco to Los Angeles
• Flights from San Jose to Los Angeles
• Flights from Oakland, California to Los Angeles
• Flights from Portland to Los Angeles
• Flights from New York to Istanbul
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Istanbul
• Flights from Los Angeles to Istanbul
• Flights from San Francisco to Istanbul
• Flights from Chicago to Istanbul
• Flights from Miami to Istanbul
• Flights from Dallas to Istanbul
• Flights from Seattle to Istanbul
• Flights from Boston to Istanbul
• Flights from Atlanta to Istanbul
• Flights from New York to Rome
• Flights from Chicago to Rome
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Rome
• Flights from Boston to Rome
• Flights from San Francisco to Rome
• Flights from Los Angeles to Rome
• Flights from Dallas to Rome
• Flights from Miami to Rome
• Flights from Atlanta to Rome
• Flights from Philadelphia to Rome
• Flights from New York to Barcelona
• Flights from Los Angeles to Barcelona
• Flights from San Francisco to Barcelona
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Barcelona
• Flights from Miami to Barcelona
• Flights from Chicago to Barcelona
• Flights from Boston to Barcelona
• Flights from Atlanta to Barcelona
• Flights from Dallas to Barcelona
• Flights from Philadelphia to Barcelona
• Flights from New York to Orlando
• Flights from Boston to Orlando
• Flights from Philadelphia to Orlando
• Flights from Chicago to Orlando
• Flights from Dallas to Orlando
• Flights from Washington, D.C. to Orlando
• Flights from Los Angeles to Orlando
• Flights from Detroit to Orlando
• Flights from Houston to Orlando
• Flights from Providence to Orlando

How to find cheap flight deals with momondo

• How does momondo find such cheap airfare? momondo searches across hundreds of airlines and travel sites, from major booking sites to individual company sites, to give you as many cheap airfare options as possible. When you conduct a single search on momondo, you can find and compare cheap airline tickets like you’ve done hundreds of searches at once. momondo is completely free to use - with no hidden charges or fees - and the prices you see are never affected by your searches, no matter how many you make. We believe in an open world, where traveling 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.
• How do I find the best price on plane tickets? Choose your destination and preferred travel dates, and we’ll provide you with an overview of the cheapest, quickest, and best flights so you can compare prices and book flights with confidence. Flexible on dates? It’s even easier to find cheap flights by using our Price Calendar (found above your search results), which shows you the cheapest travel dates. This is available on all of our most popular flight routes.
• How can Mix & Match save me money? Sometimes you can save money by combining flight tickets from different suppliers, and we call that Mix & Match. This means you can book your outbound flight with one supplier, and your return flight with another. If you can save money by combining tickets from different suppliers, we’ll automatically include this option in your flight results and label it Mix & Match. You’ll have to complete two separate booking flows after you select this deal on our site, but it’s worth it if you can save money over a traditional round-trip with one supplier. It’s an advanced way of getting the cheapest flights even if they’re offered by different suppliers.
• How do I make sure I don’t miss a flight deal? Sign up for Price Alerts on your favorite flight routes and automatically get live price updates, so you can book flights when the price is right. You can do so next to your flight search results or in the profile menu. If you're on our app, you will find Price Alerts in the navigation menu. You can also subscribe to special offers and limited-time flight deals from our partners. Just sign in, go to Notifications in your profile and subscribe to the topics you’re interested in.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Pros and Cons of Booking Through Online Travel Agencies

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

You’re likely already familiar with online travel agencies, even if you don’t travel often. These companies — such as Priceline , Expedia and Orbitz — act as intermediaries between you and a travel provider.

Booking your travel through an OTA can be a good idea in some circumstances, but you’ll want to be wary of its pitfalls. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of online travel agencies, so you’ll know what to use to book your next vacation.

Pros of booking through online travel agencies

There are certainly advantages booking through online travel agencies, though you’ll find different experiences whether you’re using public OTAs — such as Kayak — or private ones like those offered by your card issuer, such as the Chase's travel portal .

✅ It may be cheaper

When searching for flights online, you may see different prices for the same routes that vary across websites. Although it may be a result of fare type — for example, some search results may not clarify that a fare is basic economy rather than main cabin or economy — other times, the difference comes down to competition for your business.

Online travel services will often offer slightly lower prices on flights in an effort to entice you as a customer. This is true for both hotels and airlines.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for online travel-booking websites

✅ It can earn you more rewards

Have you ever heard of shopping portals ? By logging into a shopping portal, you can earn rewards for purchases made with many online merchants. Some hotel chains, such as Hilton , Marriott and IHG , can be accessed through shopping portals while still booking directly on the hotel website. In this way, you can earn rewards with the hotel directly as well as with the shopping portal.

The same isn’t true for shopping portals and most airline sites. However, many public online travel agencies are accessible through shopping portals, which can then earn you rewards for airfare bookings. By opting to book in this way, you’ll be able to earn points or cash-back rewards through the shopping portal that you’d otherwise miss.

Some card issuers will also reward you heavily when using their online travel services. Clear examples of this can be seen with Capital One and Chase. With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , for example, you’ll get 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel .

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is similar. With this card, you can get 10 Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Chase's portal.

While these numbers are high, it’s important to remember that there are trade-offs when booking through an OTA rather than directly with a hotel or airline. We’ll get into that a little later.

Online travel agencies offered by your card issuer may not feature the same prices as booking directly; you’ll want to compare these before committing to a purchase.

Some card issuers will go so far as to give your points more value when redeeming through their online travel agencies.

This is true with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . When redeeming points on Chase's travel portal, you’ll get 1.25 cents in value per point rather than 1 cent elsewhere.

» Learn more: How much are your airline miles and hotel points worth this year?

Cons of booking through online travel agencies

There are several downsides when it comes to using online travel services for booking travel. It mainly comes down to the fact that travel providers prefer that you book directly with them — and offer more perks to woo your business.

❌ It can be harder to change a booking

Ever needed to change a flight after it's booked? No matter the reason, attempting to alter or otherwise cancel a flight can be a hassle — especially if you’ve booked through a third party.

Generally speaking, rather than offering you direct assistance, both hotels and airlines will recommend you contact the online travel agency you’ve booked with in order to make any changes.

While you may be able to make changes or get refunds with the travel agency, airlines and hotels can — and will — offer much more flexibility when you’ve booked with them directly. You may also be subject to additional fees charged by the online travel agency, which can erase any savings you’ve received.

❌ You may not receive elite benefits

This is the real kicker for anyone wanting elite status. Although airlines will almost always recognize your elite status and allow you to earn miles even for bookings made through an online travel agency, hotels and rental car companies will not.

This is especially important for hotel chains. Earning elite status with hotels generally relies on elite night credits. Although these can be earned in a variety of ways — including having complimentary status by holding certain credit cards — the main method of acquiring elite night credits is by spending nights in hotels. Rooms booked through an online travel agency do not count toward elite status as elite night credits.

Additionally, you will not receive any of the benefits of your existing elite status if your booking is through a third party. This can mean the loss of perks such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast and even free Wi-Fi.

» Learn more: The best airline and hotel rewards loyalty programs this year

❌ It may be more expensive

Did you know that many hotel chains have best price guarantees? Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and IHG all have a guarantee that’ll give you either points or a discount if you find a better rate elsewhere.

These guarantees are generous; Hilton, for example, will match the rate and then discount it by a further 25%.

Although you’ll need to file claims for these guarantees and they face limitations — such as a 24-hour window from when you made the booking — you can save a lot of money on your stay if your request is approved.

Online travel agencies can be hit or miss

There are two sides to every coin and this is no different, as there are several benefits and limitations of online travel services. Depending on your needs and loyalty program status, you’ll want to choose whether to book directly with a travel provider or rely on OTAs to do the job for you.

Booking travel through credit card portals from issuers like Chase and Capital One can earn you big rewards. But if you anticipate altering your travel plans or aim to earn elite status instead, booking directly is the way to go.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Search flights.

Add a place to stay

Add Price Drop Protection and Expedia will pay you back if your flight gets cheaper.*

As a One Key member, you can earn OneKeyCash on top of airline miles.

Save up to 30% when you add a hotel to your flight as a One Key member

Looking for cheap flights?

Perfect for last minute travel!

Flights under $200

Flights under $300

Popular flight destinations.

Los Angeles Flights

Las Vegas Flights

Cancun Flights

Miami Flights

Honolulu Flights

Orlando Flights

New York Flights

Flight deals departing near you .

Explore USA with cheap domestic flight deals

Find International flight deals that take you to some great places

Grab cheap business class flight tickets to treat yourself

Tips on booking cheap flights.

Looking for the best time to buy airline tickets to get a cheap flight to everywhere? We’ve got you covered anytime, anywhere. Here’s how to find the best deal for flight booking no matter where you want to go in the world.

Which day of the week is the best day to buy cheap airline tickets?

For both U.S. domestic and international travel, Sundays can be cheaper for airline ticket purchases. Fridays tend to be the most expensive day to book a flight. Booking on the right day of the week could save you up to 6% on your airfare, according to historical data*.

When is the best time to buy airline tickets?

Based on 2020 And 2021 global flight data for Economy tickets, prices usually start to increase 56 days before departure for domestic flights. When traveling internationally, prices usually start to increase 21 days before departure*. Keep in mind that this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule; keeping an eye on prices is a good idea when trying to find the best airfare deals. Compare fares across different airlines, and set up a price alert for your preferred route.

Which are the cheapest days to fly?

Analysis of domestic and international airfare prices shows that flying out on Fridays can be cheaper. Many travelers start their trips on Sundays, so your chances of a lower price are better when departing early in the week instead. Starting your trip on a Friday could be almost 11% cheaper than air travel on Sundays, so book flights online wisely*!

Which is the cheapest month to fly?

The cheapest month to fly can vary depending on where you’re going, so finding the best rates largely comes down to avoiding peak travel times for your destination. If you’re looking for cheap international flights , the most expensive month tends to be February, while the cheapest is November with cheap flights in November offering potential savings of up to 34.6% relative to February. Cheap domestic flights work a bit differently, with March being the most expensive and August being the least expensive with cheap flights in August offering savings of up to 35%*.

How can I find the cheapest flights on Expedia?

Compare cheap airline ticket prices at a glance from a large inventory of carriers on Expedia. You can get cheap flights by staying flexible with travel dates, carriers, and nonstop/layover flights to get the best price. Insider tip: Become a member (it’s free!) to earn rewards back on every booking. We make your travel stress-free and source incredible airfare deals so you can sit back, relax, and start your vacation or business trip.

How can I save money on flights?

Mixing and matching airline tickets and fare types could help save money on airfare to your destination. Easily compare prices for carriers, arrival and departure dates, airplane cabin class, and more when you book with Expedia. Booking your plane ticket on a Sunday, and departing on Friday, could possibly save you money* based on historical data. You can also filter for flights based on your budget, such as looking for cheap flights under $200 specifically.

How can I get cheap last-minute flight deals?

The historical data analysis of flight pricing patterns shows that you can still find amazing airfare deals 3 weeks prior to departure* when traveling domestically. International last-minute flights offer great deals 2 weeks prior to departure if you’re flying premium, but economy travelers may want to strive for no less than 4 weeks out*. Try to stay flexible with travel dates, airports, and nonstop/layover flights to find the cheapest flights on Expedia. Whether you’re planning a quick business trip or a spontaneous holiday with friends, you’ll have your choice of last-minute flights, roundtrip, or multicity flights on Expedia. You’ll find everything you need for your travels all in one place — and all at the right price.

How do I book with Expedia?

Booking your flight with Expedia is easy, as all you have to do is implement your travel dates, departure destination, like flights from Atlanta or flights from Hartsfield-Jackson , and arrival destination into the search. Then, all the available flights for those dates and destinations will appear. You can use search filters to narrow down the results as well based on a variety of factors like the airline, number of stops, departure time, and policies like seat choice and refundable bookings. Additionally, travelers may alter their search for round-trip flights, one-way flights, and multicity flights.

What should I look out for when booking flights?

Several factors go into any flight booking, and you’ll need to keep an eye out for them all to ensure that you get the travel time, luggage policy, airline, and class you want. Consider which airport is closest to your ultimate destination (travelers to Los Angeles may prefer flights to LAX over flights to PSP , and make sure that the flight will accommodate all the luggage you plan on bringing. Additionally, consider the different flight classes including economy flights for functionality and premium flights if you want to enjoy a more relaxing experience.

Where’s the cheapest place to travel?

The cheapest place to travel can be in the same country, like Chicago. Flights to Chicago are fairly affordable no matter where you’re coming from in the continental United States. Flights to Las Vegas tend to be pretty affordable as well. While the Vegas airport isn’t a hub for any major airline, it does have plenty of competition to keep prices relatively low.

Where can I fly for cheap?

Staying within a strict budget still allows you to find plenty of cheap flights, even to destinations like Puerto Rico. In fact, flights to Puerto Rico don’t even require U.S. citizens to have a passport. Flights to Alberta and other destinations in Canada can be fairly affordable as well.

Is it cheaper to buy flights last minute?

Flight tickets can be cheaper at the last minute depending on how late you’re actually booking, where you’re going, and the kind of flight you opt for. For domestic flights with Economy tickets, prices usually start to increase 3 weeks before departure, and 4 weeks for international flights, according to historical data*.

Are fully refundable flights available?

Yes, several fully refundable flights are available and will be labeled as such right on your search results page in green text. You may also filter for fully refundable flights specifically to eliminate all flights from your results that don’t qualify. Just make sure to check the specific policy for each flight before booking.

Why should I book my flight with Expedia?

Booking with Expedia makes finding a flight easy, but that’s just the beginning of everything you can take advantage of. We also offer hotels, car rentals, and even activities that you can purchase with package deals available for travelers planning more than one aspect of their trip at a time. Plus, Expedia offers stunning cheap flight deals that can help you save with ease. As a One Key member, you will earn OneKeyCashTM for every eligible booking that you can use to save on future bookings. Plus, OneKeyCash can be earned on top of airline miles.

*Data specialists from both ARC and Expedia Group analyzed ARC’s global flight data to distil actionable information to help people save money on travel. While it’s impossible to guarantee when to find the lowest prices, after examining the variables, we were able to observe trends. Best day of the week to book and best day of the week to depart is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2021, sourced from ARC’s global airline sales database. Best month to depart recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through December for 2020, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. Best time to book recommendation is based on average round-trip ticket prices for January through August for 2021 & average round-trip ticket prices for January through December for 2020, sourced from ARC's global airline sales database. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

Other vacations you might like

• Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Domestic flights

• Flights to Las Vegas
• Flights to Hawaii Island
• Flights to New York
• Flights to Miami
• Flights to Orlando
• Flights to Los Angeles
• Flights to Maui
• Flights to Chicago
• Flights to Houston
• Flights to Denver

International flights

• Flights to Mexico City
• Flights to Puerto Rico Island
• Flights to London
• Flights to Bora Bora
• Flights to Manila
• Flights to Cancun
• Flights to Tokyo
• Flights to Cabo San Lucas
• Flights to Bali
• Flights to Paris

Flight routes

• Flights from Philadelphia to Orlando
• Flights from San Francisco to Delhi
• Flights from Philadelphia to Las Vegas
• Flights from Manila to El Nido
• Flights from Chicago to Dublin
• Flights from New York to Cancun
• Flights from Los Angeles to Madrid
• Flights from Honolulu to Los Angeles
• Flights from Minneapolis to Seattle
• Flights from Dallas to Washington
• American Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• Sky Airlines
• Philippine Airlines
• LATAM Airlines Group

More destinations

• Domestic routes
• International routes
• Destinations by city
• Destinations by country
• Business Class Flight
• First Class Flight

*Available for a fee on select flights. Terms apply.

• troubleshooter

Is it cheaper to hire a travel agent or book on your own? We looked into it

How much time do you spend researching your next vacation? According to Expedia , Americans visit 140 travel websites before booking their next vacation. Could you be saving time and money using a travel agent?

"Really truly what we work on is value, you're getting someone with knowledge and experience on your side, so you don't have to do all of the work," said Crystal Seaton with Road to Relaxation Travel .

Seaton says booking through a travel agent typically won't cost you more. She says while some agents will charge you a nominal planning fee, many agencies like hers do not charge anything extra for their services.

"We get paid a commission on the back end from the vendor, so that's how we make our income," she said.

She did say they sometimes charge a fee if it's for a major complex trip with extensive planning.

When it comes to getting the same deals offered online, Seaton says, "99 percent of the time we can get the same deals."

"What I caution people," she said, "is to look beyond price to value because sometimes those digital deals come with a lot of small print that you don't notice upfront."

You need to make sure the advertised price is the final cost, and there are no extra taxes and fees added on after booking.

Seaton gave examples of when travel agents can save their clients' money on trips to Disney.

"We monitor promotions," she said. "Disney had a fall promotion that's come out recently. Our agents were up through the night waiting for it to drop based on what we're hearing, and then we go through the reservations that are booked for us and see who qualifies for it and apply it."

She says agents do the same thing when it comes to cruises and all-inclusive trips.

When you book on your own, you could be locked in on the price. The biggest difference is time.

According to Expedia, Americans spend nearly 23 hours on travel websites six weeks prior to booking a vacation. Those are hours that you could save for other things and let a travel agent do the work for you.

If you prefer booking your trip on your own online, Rob Stern, with RobPlansYourTrip.com says consider this: " Travel agents offer many things that the Internet does not, including personal knowledge of destinations and our recent travel experiences, knowing the quality of different travel suppliers, and providing a live resource for help during your trip. We have access to some industry only booking engines for travel packages as well."

If you book through an agent, they can also help when problems arise on your trip.

"Travel agents can help with troubleshooting when suppliers don't come through, in cases of bad weather, labor strikes, lost luggage, flight delays and cancellations," he said. "If there's an issue at a hotel or with a car rental when can often resolve it. We can explain what types of travel protection plans are the best for your type of trip."

Whether you are booking on your own or with an agent, Seaton says, "My best advice is to plan early. Your better deals are almost always early."

Related Topics

• TROUBLESHOOTER
• TRAVEL TIPS

Troubleshooter

Franklin Co. couple out thousands after contractor doesn't finish job

Your homeowners insurance could be increasing, here is why

North Carolina AG trying to ban Cary contractor from working in state

New scam tries to use your phone number to fleece others

Top stories.

Here's how Wake County will use $7.5 million to tackle opioid crisis

• 3 hours ago

12-year-old boy shot, killed in Lenoir County

• 12 minutes ago

Officials ask for help building timeline in case of missing relatives

• 2 hours ago

Excitement builds in Pinehurst for 2024 U.S. Open

Raleigh pastor faces sexual misconduct complaint

Leaking 30,000 gallon propane tank forces Durham evacuations

Convenience store chain hit with discrimination lawsuit

Armadillo Grill closes days after alcohol permit suspended

Protect Your Trip »

Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

Getty Images

A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

You might also be interested in:

• Is Travel Insurance Worth It?
• First-Time Cruise Tips
• Carry-on Luggage Sizes by Airline
• What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

The Best Luggage Brands

Tags: Travel , Travel Tips

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best carry-on luggage.

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood , Catriona Kendall , Amanda Norcross and Leilani Osmundson April 17, 2024

Rachael Hood April 17, 2024

The Best Hard-sided Luggage Picks

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

John Rodwan April 17, 2024

The Best Rome Colosseum Tours

Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

Best Alaska Tours

Lyn Mettler April 16, 2024

The Best Fredericksburg Wine Tours

The Best Personal Item Bags

Rachael Hood April 16, 2024

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

Lyn Mettler April 12, 2024

Hard vs. Soft Luggage

Rachael Hood April 12, 2024

Is it better to book a cruise through a travel agent? We say yes

Going online to book an airline ticket or hotel stay is a familiar and fairly easy transaction. When you book a cruise, however — particularly your first cruise — you might want to reconsider the impulse to handle the transaction yourself through a cruise line website or an online advertiser with cheap prices. This DIY approach might not be the best way to find your dream vacation at sea.

In reality, it's not that simple to book a cruise. You will likely run into a lot of questions to which you have no ready answer.

That's where specialized cruise travel agents come into play. Their expertise can help you avoid mistakes, whether you are a first-timer or a repeat cruiser checking out a brand you have not tried before.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Why you should book through a cruise travel agent

You should consider booking a cruise through a travel agent because a knowledgeable agent can help you understand the nuances of a cruise purchase and help you make the best decisions for your vacation preferences.

When you book a cruise, you are making a vacation decision that goes way beyond a flight or hotel nights. Which ship you choose determines your dining and evening entertainment choices for the duration of your vacation. Which itinerary you choose impacts which destinations you'll visit and which shoreside activities will be available to you. It can be overwhelming to evaluate the options on your own if you've never cruised before.

In addition, cruise fares can be hard to understand and compare. You might, for instance, see a fare listed online without the port charges, taxes and fees, which you only see after you give your personal details.

Plus, the price of your cruise includes accommodations, meals, entertainment and activities — and in some cases drinks, tips, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and other extras. There's a lot bundled into some fares and not as much with others. A travel agent can help you determine what your cruise fare gets you. The cheapest base cruise fare does not always provide the best value or best overall vacation deal.

Related: 4 scenarios when you should use a travel agent

You aren't just booking general passage on a ship, either, as you will be asked to pick a specific cabin and when you prefer to dine. Making a mistake in these categories can ruin your cruise experience, as there are such thing as "bad" cabins and dining times (think noisy or claustrophobic cabins, dinner at 8 p.m. with cranky children, etc.).

With cruises, you typically don't pay for your whole vacation upfront but rather put down a deposit, with final payment due at a later date. A cruise travel agent can ensure you don't miss any due dates.

Remember, you might be a DIY type when booking airlines and hotels, but booking a cruise is more complex. If you enjoy doing your own research, focus on what to do and see in the ports of call. Read about different ships, cruise lines and itineraries. However, when it comes to booking the cruise, we recommend you still contact a travel agent who specializes in cruises to help you learn a few tips and avoid any rookie mistakes.

Travel agents can get better deals on cruises

If you're concerned that working with an agent will make your cruise more expensive, don't be. Cruise travel agents receive the bulk of their income via commission from the cruise lines. Their service to you is usually free, though some might charge first-time clients a minimal fee. It's worth it.

In addition to sharing their expertise, the agent may have negotiated group space at lower rates with the cruise line, which could save you money on the cruise fare. The agent might also have first access to sale prices because the cruise lines notify their agent partners and loyalty club members first before they announce a sale to the public.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Some cruise travel agents even throw in booking perks , such as a complimentary bottle of Champagne, awaiting your arrival in your cabin.

How to find a travel agent for a cruise

Cruise lines prefer that you use a travel agent rather than going online and booking directly. They have small in-house reservation teams, and when you have a question while making a booking, good luck in getting an expert on the phone in a timely manner.

Companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line provide online directories to help you find an experienced cruise travel agent near you.

You can also find experienced and certified cruise travel agents through CLIA, the Cruise Lines International Association , which is the industry's main marketing group. Asking friends who have cruised to recommend a travel agent is another good idea.

Related: 5 unexpected places that sell cruises

You might get more personalized care from smaller agencies than from the huge online agencies, though websites such as icruise.com, Cruise.com and Cruise411.com also have experienced cruise agents. These larger online travel agencies can be a good option for those who prefer to make decisions and ask questions via chat. Just make sure you get the name and phone number of the representative for any follow-up questions.

Questions to ask a cruise travel agent

In choosing a cruise travel agent, you will want to tap into the person's specific expertise about the cruise line and ship you are considering. Anyone can read a ship deck plan outlining ship spaces (which you can find online), but you are looking for people who really know their stuff.

Look for travel agencies that are cruise-only or a home-based agent who specializes in cruises. If you are using a full-service travel agency, ask for the cruise desk.

Here are some questions to ask a travel agent to determine their expertise:

• How often do you cruise?
• Have you cruised on the line I am considering?
• Have you cruised on the ship that I am considering, or do you have clients who have cruised that ship and provided a review of their vacation?
• Do you have firsthand knowledge about the cruise destination? The itinerary?

You will also want to ask the travel agent if they have a preferred relationship or negotiated agreement with any specific lines that could lead to special perks for you.

Be aware that not all agents work with all cruise lines; some represent only a few preferred suppliers or specialize in higher-end cruises. They get bigger commissions from their preferred lines.

This is not necessarily a bad thing, but be aware if the agent seems to be putting you off the line you were originally considering, as this could be the reason. On the plus side, an agent who is a preferred supplier might have negotiated rates with the cruise line and be able to call in favors, such as that bottle of Champagne or a cabin upgrade .

You should also ask if the travel agency offers 24/7 assistance (usually an 800 number) in case you have last-minute questions or something goes wrong before or during your trip.

The cruise travel agent should have questions for you as well, to better understand your dream vacation desires. If you are calling a cruise agency for the first time, the agent should be interviewing you as much as you are interviewing him or her. The agent should be focused on helping you choose the cruise line , ship and cabin that is right for you. Making the correct choices is very important to your overall cruise experience.

Bottom line

Booking a cruise is a complex enterprise. A cruise travel agent will guide you through choosing your cabin and dining times, deposits and final payment, and options for shore excursions and specialty dining. If you need to cancel the trip, the agent will also help you through the refund process. You'll have a lot less stress before and during your vacation if you book with an experienced agent.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

FinanceBuzz

8 Proven Ways To Find Cheaper Airline Ticket Prices

Posted: November 26, 2023 | Last updated: April 7, 2024

Hopping online to purchase airline tickets can cause quite a shock due to their high prices. 

Earn Points and Miles: Find the best travel credit card for nearly free travel

Thanks to the cost of gas, staffing issues, and pilot shortages, it’s not cheap to travel by plane. That’s why we’re here to help you get the best deals on airline tickets so you can start traveling more . 

Here are the best tips to help you find the most affordable airplane tickets for the times you just need to get away.

Use a travel or airline credit card

One easy way to save on airline tickets is to purchase them with the best travel credit cards, which give you points for each dollar you spend. 

The best airline credit cards offer similar rewards programs, allowing you to acquire miles that you can save up and redeem for discounted or even free flights.

Some credit cards will also offer free companion tickets. Just be sure that you don’t carry a balance on either type of credit card, as interest rates and annual fees can negate any benefits you rack up if you let debt build up without paying it off in a timely manner.

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

Plan your trip far in advance

You may have heard that there are magical times when you can book a flight to snag the best possible price on airline tickets. 

However, that might not always be the case, especially considering the fluctuating price of oil and general market uncertainty.

To that end, it’s best to book your flight as soon as you know you will be taking one. Travel experts suggest booking your summer trip in winter, and vice versa. Think of it like buying a bathing suit when it’s chilly or a parka when it’s beach weather.

Book on certain days and fly at unpopular times

You’d be hard-pressed to find a person who delights at getting up at 3 a.m. for an early flight or boarding at 11 p.m. for a red-eye flight. However, the discomfort and exhaustion of traveling at the crack of dawn or the dead of night might translate into some serious savings for you.

Also, purchasing your airline tickets on certain days of the week, like Thursdays, and planning to depart on a Wednesday can chip away at the cost as well. 

Although the savings may not be huge, any savings helps. So yes, the days and times you both book and fly can spare your wallet.

Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Add a connecting flight

Let’s face it, booking a direct flight is certainly the easiest and most hassle-free way to go about air travel. Your bag travels with you in one plane, you don’t have to run through the airport to catch a connection and delays will stress you out far less this way.

However, you’re likely to pay more for a direct route. If you want to save some cash, then book a connecting flight. 

You do run the risk of arriving at your connecting flight a sweaty mess and will have to add extra time to your overall travel schedule, but you’re going to the same place in the end.

Book with a budget airline

We’ve all heard the horror stories of flying on a budget airline, but take those with a grain of salt. The reason? These airlines have grown significantly in recent years, and have quadrupled in size since the last time oil prices were soaring into oblivion.

Additionally, more people are turning to budget airlines to book their flights, from a mere 4% of travelers in 2008 to 15%, and growing today.

You do have to be mindful of hidden fees on budget airlines, including for carry-ons and such, but in the end, you can wind up with serious savings.

Sign up for sites like Travelzoo

If you have flexibility about when and where you want to travel, you can find some of the best airline tickets and travel packages around on sites like Travelzoo.

This company has an entire staff of experts who spend their time scouring the web to find the best deals on a wide variety of trips, from quick beach getaways in Mexico to bucket list trips like African safaris, eco getaways to the Galapagos Islands, and more.

All you need to do to access these deals is sign up with your email address, and each week you will get a list of their top 20 picks, with cheap airfare included in many of them.

Retire Sooner: Take this quiz to see if you can retire early

Book with a site like Expedia

Another way you can save money on plane tickets is by booking your flight on sites like Expedia. For one, you can often (but not always) find cheaper flights on Expedia as opposed to booking them directly with a carrier. 

Additionally, if you’re willing to bundle your flight, hotel, and car rental, you’ll often find that doing so comes out cheaper than the sum of its parts.

Expedia also offers last-minute deals similar to Travelzoo if you’re up for a spontaneous adventure. Just be sure to compare shops, and read the cancellation policies very carefully. Finally, Expedia also offers reward programs, but airline and credit card reward programs tend to be more lucrative.

Use a travel agency

This last bit of advice might sound like a relic from a time gone by, but booking with a travel agency can still save you money, even in the era of oodles of travel websites. 

For one reason, they have expertise that can be exceptionally valuable, especially if you are planning a complicated trip to a place you’ve never been, like South Asia or the Middle East. 

Additionally, you often don’t have to pay extra to utilize an agent, as their compensation comes from the hotels and services they work with. Just inquire about fees up front, and prepare to save.

Bottom line

While flying in general is more expensive lately, especially if you have to book at the last minute, it’s not impossible to score some savings. This is especially true if you do a little recognizance beforehand.

If possible, consider saving money on travel by taking the train if you can reach your destination, as those fares can be far cheaper. You can see more of the country, too. 

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 7 things to do if you're scraping by financially.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

More for You

James Bond Trailer Featuring Henry Cavill Receives 2.3M Views Despite Being an AI Fake | THR News Video

Massive Mt. Ruang eruption sends plumes nearly 70,000 feet high

Our first look at Netflix's upcoming adaptation of one of the greatest novels of all time

Trump loses bid to halt Jan. 6 lawsuits while he fights criminal charges in the 2020 election case

The (Official) Best Way to Reheat a Glazed Doughnut, According to Krispy Kreme

Kyrie Irving reacts to Team USA snub: "I grew up in a time when we actually had to try out for USAB"

25 human foods you should never give your dog—and 25 foods you can

'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' Trailer: Michael Keaton & Winona Ryder Meet Again, Jenna Ortega Joins Ghastly Family | THR News Video

Salmonella outbreak linked to item sold at Trader Joe’s in 29 states including DC, Maryland, Virginia

Shohei Ohtani, LA Dodgers Phenom, to Build Offseason Home in New Luxury Hawaii Community

One of the best British spy dramas of all time is finally streaming on Netflix

They Wrote it Off as School Stress. I Hid the Truth Out of Terror

This Krispy Kreme Fan Favorite Is Now Available 7 Days a Week

4-Year-Old Living With One of the Rarest Disorders in the World

NY lies haunt 'narcissist' Trump as jurors gear up for criminal trial

The obesity rate in America is the highest in these cities, according to data

In 3 Years Since Joining The Utah Jazz Ownership Group, Dwyane Wade Has Watched Its Valuation Go From $1.75B To $3.46B

Experts Say These Are The 5 Worst Foods For Your Cholesterol

Dr Pepper is bringing a new, limited-time coconut flavor to a store near you: What to know

California’s Fast Food Wage Increase Backfires As Restaurants Close or Cut Hours

• Auto Insurance Best Car Insurance Cheapest Car Insurance Compare Car Insurance Quotes Best Car Insurance For Young Drivers Best Auto & Home Bundles Cheapest Cars To Insure
• Home Insurance Best Home Insurance Best Renters Insurance Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Types Of Homeowners Insurance
• Life Insurance Best Life Insurance Best Term Life Insurance Best Senior Life Insurance Best Whole Life Insurance Best No Exam Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance Best Pet Insurance Cheap Pet Insurance Pet Insurance Costs Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
• Travel Insurance Best Travel Insurance Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Best Cruise Travel Insurance Best Senior Travel Insurance
• Health Insurance Best Health Insurance Plans Best Affordable Health Insurance Best Dental Insurance Best Vision Insurance Best Disability Insurance
• Credit Cards Best Credit Cards 2024 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Best Rewards Credit Cards Best Cash Back Credit Cards Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards Best 0% APR Credit Cards Best Business Credit Cards Best Credit Cards for Startups Best Credit Cards For Bad Credit Best Cards for Students without Credit
• Credit Card Reviews Chase Sapphire Preferred Wells Fargo Active Cash® Chase Sapphire Reserve Citi Double Cash Citi Diamond Preferred Chase Ink Business Unlimited American Express Blue Business Plus
• Credit Card by Issuer Best Chase Credit Cards Best American Express Credit Cards Best Bank of America Credit Cards Best Visa Credit Cards
• Credit Score Best Credit Monitoring Services Best Identity Theft Protection
• CDs Best CD Rates Best No Penalty CDs Best Jumbo CD Rates Best 3 Month CD Rates Best 6 Month CD Rates Best 9 Month CD Rates Best 1 Year CD Rates Best 2 Year CD Rates Best 5 Year CD Rates
• Checking Best High-Yield Checking Accounts Best Checking Accounts Best No Fee Checking Accounts Best Teen Checking Accounts Best Student Checking Accounts Best Joint Checking Accounts Best Business Checking Accounts Best Free Checking Accounts
• Savings Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Best Free No-Fee Savings Accounts Simple Savings Calculator Monthly Budget Calculator: 50/30/20
• Mortgages Best Mortgage Lenders Best Online Mortgage Lenders Current Mortgage Rates Best HELOC Rates Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders Best Home Equity Loan Lenders Best VA Mortgage Lenders Mortgage Refinance Rates Mortgage Interest Rate Forecast
• Personal Loans Best Personal Loans Best Debt Consolidation Loans Best Emergency Loans Best Home Improvement Loans Best Bad Credit Loans Best Installment Loans For Bad Credit Best Personal Loans For Fair Credit Best Low Interest Personal Loans
• Student Loans Best Student Loans Best Student Loan Refinance Best Student Loans for Bad or No Credit Best Low-Interest Student Loans
• Business Loans Best Business Loans Best Business Lines of Credit Apply For A Business Loan Business Loan vs. Business Line Of Credit What Is An SBA Loan?
• Investing Best Online Brokers Top 10 Cryptocurrencies Best Low-Risk Investments Best Cheap Stocks To Buy Now Best S&P 500 Index Funds Best Stocks For Beginners How To Make Money From Investing In Stocks
• Retirement Best Gold IRAs Best Investments for a Roth IRA Best Bitcoin IRAs Protecting Your 401(k) In a Recession Types of IRAs Roth vs Traditional IRA How To Open A Roth IRA
• Business Formation Best LLC Services Best Registered Agent Services How To Start An LLC How To Start A Business
• Web Design & Hosting Best Website Builders Best E-commerce Platforms Best Domain Registrar
• HR & Payroll Best Payroll Software Best HR Software Best HRIS Systems Best Recruiting Software Best Applicant Tracking Systems
• Payment Processing Best Credit Card Processing Companies Best POS Systems Best Merchant Services Best Credit Card Readers How To Accept Credit Cards
• More Business Solutions Best VPNs Best VoIP Services Best Project Management Software Best CRM Software Best Accounting Software
• Manage Topics
• Investigations
• Visual Explainers
• Newsletters
• Abortion news
• Coronavirus
• Climate Change
• Vertical Storytelling
• Corrections Policy
• College Football
• High School Sports
• H.S. Sports Awards
• Sports Betting
• College Basketball (M)
• College Basketball (W)
• For The Win
• Sports Pulse
• Weekly Pulse
• Buy Tickets
• Sports Seriously
• Sports+ States
• Celebrities
• Entertainment This!
• Celebrity Deaths
• American Influencer Awards
• Women of the Century
• Problem Solved
• Personal Finance
• Small Business
• Consumer Recalls
• Video Games
• Product Reviews
• Destinations
• Airline News
• Experience America
• Today's Debate
• Suzette Hackney
• Policing the USA
• Meet the Editorial Board
• How to Submit Content
• Hidden Common Ground
• Race in America

Personal Loans

Best Personal Loans

Auto Insurance

Best Auto Insurance

Best High-Yields Savings Accounts

CREDIT CARDS

Best Credit Cards

Advertiser Disclosure

Blueprint is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service focused on helping readers make smarter decisions. We receive compensation from the companies that advertise on Blueprint which may impact how and where products appear on this site. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Blueprint. Blueprint does not include all companies, products or offers that may be available to you within the market. A list of selected affiliate partners is available here .

Travel Insurance

Cheapest travel insurance of April 2024

Mandy Sleight

Heidi Gollub

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Updated 9:52 a.m. UTC April 11, 2024

• path]:fill-[#49619B]" alt="Facebook" width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 18 18" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
• path]:fill-[#202020]" alt="Email" width="19" height="14" viewBox="0 0 19 14" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

WorldTrips is the best cheap travel insurance company of 2024 based on our in-depth analysis of the cheapest travel insurance plans. Its Atlas Journey Preferred and Atlas Journey Premier plans offer affordable travel insurance with high limits for emergency medical and evacuation benefits bundled with good coverage for trip delays, travel inconvenience and missed connections.

Cheapest travel insurance of 2024

Why trust our travel insurance experts

Our team of travel insurance experts analyzes hundreds of insurance products and thousands of data points to help you find the best travel insurance for your next trip. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content . You can read more about our methodology below.

• 1,855 coverage details evaluated.
• 567 rates reviewed.
• 5 levels of fact-checking.

Best cheap travel insurance

Top-scoring plans

Average cost, medical limit per person, medical evacuation limit per person, why it’s the best.

WorldTrips tops our rating of the cheapest travel insurance with two plans:

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheaper travel insurance plan of the two, with $100,000 per person in emergency medical benefits as secondary coverage and an optional upgrade to primary coverage. It’s also our pick for the best travel insurance for cruises .
• Atlas Journey Premier costs a little more but gives you $150,000 in travel medical insurance with primary coverage . This is a good option if health insurance for international travel is a priority.

Pros and cons

• Atlas Journey Preferred is the cheapest of our 5-star travel insurance plans.
• Atlas Journey Premier offers $150,000 in primary medical coverage.
• Both plans have top-notch $1 million per person in medical evacuation coverage.
• Each plan offers travel inconvenience coverage of $750 per person.
• 12 optional upgrades, including destination wedding and rental car damage and theft.
• No non-medical evacuation coverage.

Cheap travel insurance for cruises

Travel insured.

Top-scoring plan

Travel Insured offers cheap travel insurance for cruises and its Worldwide Trip Protector plan gets 4 stars in our rating of the best cruise travel insurance .

• Worldwide Trip Protector offers $1 million in emergency evacuation coverage per person and a rare $150,000 in non-medical evacuation per person. It also has primary coverage for travel medical insurance benefits, which means you won’t have to file medical claims with your health insurance first.
• Cheap trip insurance for cruises.
• Offers a rare $150,000 for non-medical evacuation.
• $500 per person baggage delay benefit only requires a 3-hour delay.
• Optional rental car damage benefit up to $50,000.
• Missed connection benefit of $500 per person only available for cruises and tours.

Best cheap travel insurance for families

Travelex has the best cheap travel insurance for families because kids age 17 are covered by your policy for free when they’re traveling with you.

• Free coverage for children 17 and under on the same policy.
• $2,000 travel delay coverage per person ($250 per day) after 5 hours.
• Hurricane and weather coverage after a common carrier delay of any amount of time.
• Only $50,000 per person emergency medical coverage.
• Baggage delay coverage is only $200 and requires a 12-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for seniors

Evacuation limit per person

Nationwide has the best cheap travel insurance for seniors — its Prime plan gets 4 stars in our best senior travel insurance rating. However, Nationwide’s Cruise Choice plan ranks higher in our best cheap travel insurance rating.

• Cruise Choice has a $500 per person benefit if a cruise itinerary change causes you to miss a prepaid excursion. It also has a missed connections benefit of $1,500 per person after only a 3-hour delay, for cruises or tours. But note that this coverage is secondary coverage to any compensation provided by a common carrier.
• Coverage for cruise itinerary changes, ship-based mechanical breakdowns and covered shipboard service disruptions.
• Non-medical evacuation benefit of $25,000 per person.
• Baggage loss benefits of $2,500 per person.
• Travel medical coverage is secondary.
• Trip cancellation benefit for losing your job requires three years of continuous employment.
• No “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) upgrade available.
• Missed connection coverage of $1,500 per person is only for tours and cruises, after a 3-hour delay.

Best cheap travel insurance for add-on options

AIG offers the best cheap travel insurance for add-on options because the Travel Guard Preferred plan allows you to customize your policy with a host of optional upgrades.

• Travel Guard Preferred upgrades include “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage , rental vehicle damage coverage and bundles that offer additional benefits for adventure sports, travel inconvenience, quarantine, pets, security and weddings. There’s also a medical bundle that increases the travel medical benefit to $100,000 and emergency evacuation to $1 million.
• Bundle upgrades allow you to customize your affordable travel insurance policy.
• Emergency medical and evacuation limits can be doubled with optional upgrade.
• Base travel insurance policy has relatively low medical limits.
• $300 baggage delay benefit requires a 12-hour delay.
• Optional CFAR upgrade only reimburses up to 50% of trip cost.

Best cheap travel insurance for missed connections

TravelSafe has the best cheap travel insurance for missed connections because coverage is not limited to cruises and tours, as it is with many policies.

• Best-in-class $2,500 per person in missed connection coverage.
• $1 million per person in medical evacuation and $25,000 in non-medical evacuation coverage.
• Generous $2,500 per person baggage and personal items loss benefit.
• Most expensive of the best cheap travel insurance plans.
• No “interruption for any reason” coverage available.
• Weak baggage delay coverage of $250 per person after 12 hours.

Cheapest travel insurance comparison

How much does the cheapest travel insurance cost?

The cheapest travel insurance in our rating is $334. This is for a WorldTrips Atlas Journey Preferred travel insurance plan, based on the average of seven quotes for travelers of various ages to international destinations with a range of trip values.  

Factors that determine travel insurance cost

There are several factors that determine the cost of travel insurance, including:

• Age and number of travelers being insured.
• Trip length.
• Total trip cost.
• The travel insurance plan you choose.
• The travel insurance company.
• Any add-ons, features or upgraded benefits you include in the travel insurance plan.

Expert tip: “In general, travelers can expect to pay anywhere from 4% to 10% of their total prepaid, non-refundable trip costs,” said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip.

Is buying the cheapest travel insurance a good idea?

Choosing cheaper travel insurance without paying attention to what a plan covers and excludes could leave you underinsured for your trip. Comparing travel insurance plans side-by-side can help ensure you get enough coverage to protect yourself financially in an emergency for the best price. 

For example, compare these two Travelex travel insurance plans:

• Travel Basic is cheaper but it only provides up to $15,000 for emergency medical expense coverage. You’ll also have to pay extra for coverage for children.
• Travel Select will cost you a bit more but it covers up to $50,000 in medical expenses and includes coverage for kids aged 17 and younger traveling with you. It also offers upgrades such additional medical coverage, “cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage and an adventure sports rider that may be a good fit for your trip.

Reasons to consider paying more for travel insurance 

Make sure you understand what you’re giving up if you buy the cheapest travel insurance. Here are a few reasons you may consider paying a little extra for better coverage. 

• Emergency medical. The best travel medical insurance offers primary coverage for emergency medical benefits. Travel insurance with primary coverage can cost more than secondary coverage but will save you from having to file a claim with your health insurance company before filing a travel insurance claim.
• Emergency evacuation. If you’re traveling to a remote location or planning a boat excursion on your trip, look at travel insurance with a high medical evacuation insurance limit. If you are injured while traveling, transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility could cost in the tens to hundreds of thousands. It may make sense to pay more for travel insurance with robust emergency evacuation coverage. 
• Flexibility. To maximize your trip flexibility, you might consider upgrading your travel insurance to “ cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage . This will increase the cost of your travel insurance but allow you to cancel your trip for any reason — not just those listed in your policy. The catch is that you’ll need to cancel at least 48 hours before your trip and will only be reimbursed 50% or 75% of your trip expenses, depending on the plan. 
• Upgrades. Many travel insurance plans have optional extras like car rental collision and adventure sports (which may otherwise be excluded from coverage). These will cost you extra but may give you the coverage you need. 

How to find the cheapest travel insurance

The best way to find the cheapest travel insurance is to determine what you’re looking for in a travel insurance policy and compare plans that meet your needs.

 “Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every trip is different, and every traveler has different needs, wants and concerns. This is why comparison is key,” said Morrow.

Consider the following factors when comparing cheap travel insurance plans.

• How often you’re traveling. A single-trip policy may be the most cost-effective if you’re only going on a single trip this year. But a multi-trip travel insurance plan may be cheaper if you’re going on multiple international trips throughout the year. Annual travel insurance policies cover you for a whole year as long as each trip doesn’t exceed a certain number of days, usually 30 to 90 days. 
• Credit card has travel insurance benefits. The best credit cards offer perks and benefits, and many offer travel insurance-specific benefits. The coverage types and benefit limits can vary, and you must put the entire trip cost on the credit card to use the coverage. If your trip costs more than the coverage limit on your card, you can supplement the rest with a cheaper travel insurance plan.
• The coverage you need. When looking for the best travel insurance option at the most affordable price, only buy extras and upgrades you really need. A basic plan may only provide up to $500 in baggage insurance, but if you only plan to take $300 worth of clothes and accessories, you don’t need to pay more for higher coverage limits.

Is cheap travel insurance worth it?

Cheap travel insurance can be worth it, as long as you understand the plan limitations and exclusions. Taking the time to read your policy, especially the fine print, well before your trip can ensure there won’t be any surprises about what’s covered once your journey begins.

“If a traveler is looking for coverage for travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, medical and baggage — a comprehensive travel insurance policy will provide the most bang for their buck,” said Morrow. But if you’re on a tight budget and are only worried about emergency medical care and evacuation coverage while traveling abroad, stand-alone options are cheaper.

Before buying travel insurance, you should also consider what your health insurance will cover. 

“Most domestic health insurance plans, including Medicare, will not cover medical bills abroad,” said Morrow. Even if you’re staying stateside, you may find value in an affordable travel insurance plan with medical coverage if you have a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). 

A cheap travel insurance plan is better than none at all if you end up in a situation that would have covered some or all of your prepaid, nonrefundable trip expenses.

Methodology

Our insurance experts reviewed 1,855 coverage details and 567 rates to determine the best travel insurance . From those top-scoring travel insurance plans, we chose the most affordable for our rating of the cheapest travel insurance.

Insurers could score up to 100 points based on the following factors:

• Cost: 40 points. We scored the average cost of each travel insurance policy for a variety of trips and traveler profiles.
• Medical expenses: 10 points. We scored travel medical insurance by the coverage amount available. Travel insurance policies with emergency medical expense benefits of $250,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Medical evacuation: 10 points. We scored each plan’s emergency medical evacuation coverage by coverage amount. Travel insurance policies with medical evacuation expense benefits of $500,000 or more per person were given the highest score of 10 points.
• Pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver: 10 points. We gave full points to travel insurance policies that cover pre-existing medical conditions if certain conditions are met.
• Missed connection: 10 points. Travel insurance plans with missed connection benefits of $1,000 per person or more received full points.
• “Cancel for any reason” upgrade: 5 points. We gave points to travel insurance plans with optional “cancel for any reason” coverage that reimburses up to 75%.
• Travel delay required waiting time: 5 points. We gave 5 points to travel insurance policies with travel delay benefits that kick in after a delay of 6 hours or less.
• Cancel for work reasons: 5 points. If a travel insurance plan allows you to cancel your trip for work reasons, such as your boss requiring you to stay and work, we gave it 5 points.
• Hurricane and severe weather: 5 points. Travel insurance plans that have a required waiting period for hurricane and weather coverage of 12 hours or less received 5 points.

Some travel insurance companies may offer plans with additional benefits or lower prices than the plans that scored the highest, so make sure to compare travel insurance quotes to see your full range of options.

Cheapest travel insurance FAQs

When buying travel insurance, cheapest is not always the best. The most affordable travel insurance plans typically offer fewer coverages with lower policy limits and few or no optional upgrades. Add up your total nonrefundable trip costs and compare travel insurance plans and available features that cover your travel expenses. This strategy can help you find the cheapest travel insurance policy that best protects you from financial loss if an unforeseen circumstance arises.

Get the coverage you need: Best travel insurance of 2024

According to our analysis, WorldTrips , Travel Insured International and Travelex offer the best cheap travel insurance. Policy coverage types and limits can vary by each travel insurance provider, so the best way to get the cheapest travel insurance plan is to compare several policies and companies to find the right fit for your budget.

A good rate for travel insurance depends on your budget and coverage needs. The most comprehensive travel insurance plan is usually not the cheapest. But cheap trip insurance may not have enough coverage or the types of coverage you want. Comparing different levels of coverage and how much they cost can help you find the best cheap insurance for travel. 

The average cost of travel insurance is between 5% to 6% of your total travel expenses for one trip, according to our analysis of rates. However, you may find cheaper travel insurance if you opt for a plan with fewer benefits or lower coverage limits. How much you pay for travel insurance will also depend on the number of travelers covered, their ages, the length of the trip and any upgrades you add to your plan.

Travel insurance covers nonrefundable, prepaid trip costs — up to the policy coverage limits — when your trip is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason outlined in your plan documents. Even the cheapest travel insurance policies usually provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies.
• Trip delays.
• Trip interruption.
• Trip cancellation.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

However, if you’re looking to save on travel insurance, you can shop for a policy that only has travel medical insurance and does not include benefits for trip cancellation .

Even when you buy cheap travel insurance, you can often use upgrade options to customize your policy to meet your specific needs. 

Some common travel insurance add-ons you may want to consider include:

• Rental car damage coverage. 
• Medical bundle.
• Security bundle.
• Accidental death and dismemberment coverage.
• Adventure sports bundle.
• Pet bundle.
• Wedding bundle.
• “Cancel for work reasons” coverage.
• “Interruption for any reason” (IFAR) coverage.
• “Cancel for any reason” (CFAR) coverage .

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mandy is an insurance writer who has been creating online content since 2018. Before becoming a full-time freelance writer, Mandy spent 15 years working as an insurance agent. Her work has been published in Bankrate, MoneyGeek, The Insurance Bulletin, U.S. News and more.

Heidi Gollub is the USA TODAY Blueprint managing editor of insurance. She was previously lead editor of insurance at Forbes Advisor and led the insurance team at U.S. News & World Report as assistant managing editor of 360 Reviews. Heidi has an MBA from Emporia State University and is a licensed property and casualty insurance expert.

10 worst US airports for flight cancellations this week

Travel Insurance Heidi Gollub

AXA Assistance USA travel insurance review 2024

Travel Insurance Jennifer Simonson

10 worst US airports for flight cancellations last week

Average flight costs: Travel, airfare and flight statistics 2024

Travel Insurance Timothy Moore

John Hancock travel insurance review 2024

HTH Worldwide travel insurance review 2024

Airfare at major airports is up 29% since 2021

USI Affinity travel insurance review 2024

Trawick International travel insurance review 2024

Travel insurance for Canada

Travel Insurance Mandy Sleight

Travelex travel insurance review 2024

Best travel insurance companies of April 2024

Travel Insurance Amy Fontinelle

Best travel insurance for a Disney World vacation in 2024

World Nomads travel insurance review 2024

Outlook for travel insurance in 2024