Airfare can be unpredictable. Prices fluctuate constantly, and airlines often allow free changes for non-basic economy tickets. This means savvy travelers can save money by rebooking at lower fares or claiming credits. However, keeping track of all these changes can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several tools and services designed to make the process easier, ranging from free price alerts to services that handle the claims for you.
Use a Service to Save Money
If you want to automate the process, using a dedicated flight monitoring service can help ensure you never miss a price drop.
JetBack
JetBack is an app that tracks fare drops for major airlines such as Delta, United, American, Southwest, Alaska, and JetBlue. When prices decrease, JetBack files claims with the airlines on your behalf to request credits for the difference. A yearly subscription costs $100 and covers unlimited flight credits, though it only applies to your own reservations, not those of travel companions.
According to a JetBack representative, “JetBack doesn’t rebook flights. We monitor eligible flights for price drops and, if a lower fare becomes available, file a claim to request a credit for the difference.” For frequent flyers, this can be a convenient way to save without constantly checking fares manually.
Autopilot
Autopilot offers a more automated approach. The service can import your flight details directly from Gmail or allow manual entry. If your fare drops by $20 or more, Autopilot rebooks the ticket in the same fare class automatically. The service charges a 25% commission of the savings on a pay-as-you-go plan or offers a Pro subscription for $9.99 per month or $99 per year with a 15% commission. Autopilot supports American, Delta, and United flights beyond basic economy, with credits issued directly in the traveler’s name.
Founder Sam Hollander notes, “Autopilot has reviewed airline policies to ensure compliance, especially with American Airlines,” giving users peace of mind that their rebookings follow airline rules.
Price Drop Protection
Even without a dedicated service, you can protect yourself from fare fluctuations.
Capital One Free Price Drop Protection
Capital One Travel offers free price drop protection for eligible bookings. If the portal flags a fare as “book now,” it will track price changes for 10 days. If the price decreases, travelers can receive a refund of up to $50.
Paid Price Drop Protection
Sites like Expedia and Google Flights also offer paid protection. For example, Expedia charges a fee to monitor your flight daily until departure and refunds the difference if the fare drops. While a $17 fee for a $249 flight might not seem like much, it’s worth evaluating if you frequently book flights. Frequent travelers may find services like JetBack more cost-effective in the long run.
Automate Your Search
If you prefer a DIY approach, free tools can help you monitor flights without extra subscriptions.
Google Flights and Other Booking Sites
Google Flights allows you to set free price alerts for specific dates or flexible travel windows. Similar features are available on Expedia, Kayak, and Skyscanner, letting you receive notifications when fares drop.
Capital One Travel
Capital One cardholders can also set price alerts for certain airlines through the portal, though some carriers, like Southwest, are excluded.
TripIt Pro
TripIt Pro offers notifications if prices drop for booked flights. At $49 per year, the subscription also provides other useful travel features, including seat alerts and check-in reminders, making it a good option for frequent travelers who want comprehensive travel management.
Bottom Line
Even small price drops can add up, especially for frequent flyers. Deciding between a paid service or automated alerts depends on your travel habits and how much time you’re willing to spend tracking fares. Services like JetBack and Autopilot offer convenience and automation, while free tools like Google Flights or TripIt Pro require more hands-on management but cost less.
Ultimately, staying proactive and using the right tools can save you money and ensure you never miss a chance to get credit for a cheaper fare. Whether you rely on automated services, price protection programs, or DIY alerts, there’s a solution for every type of traveler.
