Traveling can be one of the most rewarding experiences, but the cost of airfare often stands in the way. With prices fluctuating constantly, finding reasonable flight options can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fortunately, tools like Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) offer solutions that can help travelers uncover incredible flight deals without spending hours sifting through options. If you’re wondering whether this service is right for you, keep reading to explore its features, benefits, and how it compares to other flight-finding platforms.
Understanding the Value of Flight Finding Tools
Airfare is often one of the largest expenses associated with travel, especially in the wake of increased demand and fluctuating supply after the pandemic. Unlike fixed costs associated with lodging or activities, flight prices can shift dramatically day by day, or even hour by hour. This unpredictability can lead to frustration and missed opportunities for travelers seeking affordable options.
Flight finding tools leverage this volatility to help users book flights at significantly reduced rates. By subscribing to services that alert you to fare drops, mistake fares, or special promotions, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, on travel. Going is one such tool, designed specifically to aid travelers in navigating the complex world of airfares.
What is Going?
Founded in 2013, Going began as Scott’s Cheap Flights, a platform that started from a simple experience of securing an astonishingly low fare from New York City to Milan. After sharing his findings with friends and family, Scott Keyes realized there was a demand for a service that would alert travelers to similar deals. Over time, the platform grew to include over two million users and rebranded as Going.
Going operates on a membership model and focuses on finding significant discounts on flights to over 900 destinations globally. Members typically enjoy savings ranging from 40% to 90% off standard airfare prices, which translates to an average savings of about $550 on international economy tickets.
Membership Plans: A Breakdown
Going offers three membership tiers, each with varying levels of access to flight deals:
- Limited (Free): This plan provides a small selection of deals on international economy-class tickets, available 1-2 days after they are found. Users can track flights from up to five U.S. departure airports.
- Premium ($49/year): Premium users receive immediate notifications of both international and domestic economy-class deals, alerts about rare mistake fares, and Weekend Getaway alerts. This plan allows you to filter alerts and follow up to 10 U.S. airports.
- Elite ($199/year): This tier includes all benefits of the Premium plan, as well as access to all mistake fares, deals on all ticket classes, and unlimited departure airport tracking. It also provides alerts for award flights and priority customer support.
These tiers cater to different travelers’ needs, whether you’re a casual flyer or a frequent traveler looking for the best possible deals.
How Does Going Find Deals?
What sets Going apart from other fare alert services is its dedicated team of Flight Experts. These professionals sift through countless flight options to curate high-quality deals based on specific criteria. Unlike automated systems that might flood your inbox with irrelevant offers, Going ensures that members receive only the best and most manageable flight options.
Key factors considered by Going’s experts include:
- Nonstop or one-stop flights on established airlines
- Manageable layover times
- A minimum of ten different departure dates for flexibility
Each deal comes with a detailed breakdown, including helpful tips from the flight expert who discovered it, ensuring members are well-informed before they book.
How to Book Flights Using Going
Booking a flight through Going is a simple process. Once you receive a deal alert that piques your interest, you can click through to the booking site, typically Google Flights or Skyscanner. The filters are pre-set to match the deal, streamlining your booking experience.
It’s important to act quickly since flight prices can change rapidly. Many deals will require booking within a day or two to secure the low fare, especially for mistake fares, which are often honored only for short periods.
Advantages of Using Going
Going provides numerous benefits for travelers looking to save money on flights:
- Time Savings: Instead of spending hours searching for flights, members receive curated deals directly to their inbox.
- User-Friendly: The platform is designed for ease of use, making the process straightforward.
- Dedicated Customer Service: Going prides itself on providing excellent support to its members.
- Flexible Options: Users can track multiple airports and receive alerts that cater to their travel preferences.
Potential Drawbacks of Using Going
While Going has many advantages, there are some limitations to consider:
- Subscription Required: To access the best deals, users must subscribe to a paid plan.
- U.S. Focus: Currently, the service is primarily geared toward travelers based in the U.S., which may limit its usefulness for international travelers.
- Limited Award Flight Availability: The ability to search for award flights is still in beta phase for Elite members.
Who Should Use Going?
Going is ideal for those who prioritize flexibility in their travel plans and are open to exploring different destinations based on available deals. If you often find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of flight options, this service can help you save time and money.
It’s particularly beneficial for travelers who can act quickly on flight deals—since availability can change rapidly, the ability to book promptly is crucial.
However, if you prefer searching for specific flights on fixed dates, or if you enjoy the hunt of finding deals yourself, then Going might not be the best fit. While the deals are accessible through public platforms, Going’s advantage lies in its ability to curate and deliver these deals efficiently.
Alternatives to Going
If you’re considering options beyond Going, there are several other flight-finding tools worth exploring:
- Google Flights: A powerful search engine that allows users to set alerts and track fare changes for specific routes.
- Skyscanner: This platform compares prices across numerous airlines and travel agencies, providing a comprehensive overview of available options.
- Secret Flying: A popular platform for uncovering mistake fares and unadvertised deals from various airlines.
- FareDrop: A service focused on notifying users of fare drops for specific routes they are interested in.
Conclusion
Overall, Going serves as an excellent resource for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore new destinations without breaking the bank. By leveraging the expertise of flight professionals and offering a user-friendly experience, it empowers members to seize travel opportunities they might otherwise miss. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a frequent flyer, there’s a good chance that Going can help enhance your travel experience.
