Everyone loves a bargain, particularly when it comes to flights as this is often the mostly costly part of a trip.

Earlier this year I discovered an app called Hopper. It has won numerous travel app awards and in 2016 achieved the following:

  • Won the Google Play awards for ‘Standout Startup’
  • It ranks as one of the top 10 travel apps in over 95 countries
  • It has been downloaded over 4.5 million times and has monitored over 8 million trips
  • Saves an average user $50 an airfare (it has been known to save up to $1,300 per trip)

Sounds good doesn’t it?

Over the past few months I’ve been trialling the Hopper app to get a better understanding of how it works and how it can be beneficial when booking flights. The one thing I love about this app is the super simple interface. Even if you’re not particularly techy you’ll find it really easy to use.

1. What is Hopper? 

Hopper is a mobile app that uses big data to predict and analyse airfares.

When you choose your destination and travel dates Hopper will advise you of the current fares and advise you when to book. It operates with 95% accuracy.

2. How does it function?

  • Type in your destination, flight dates and number of people who will be flying.
    The app shows the calendar dates in a simple colour coded chart that displays the cheapest dates to fly to your destination. If you’re flexible on your dates it’s a great way to quickly choose the most cost efficient time to fly.

  • If the flight is currently at its lowest price the app will prompt you to book “You should book now. This is £40 less than recent prices” (see example of dates Nov 15th to Nov 26th)

  • If the flights are not at their predicted lowest price the app will advise you to wait and gives you the option of watching this flight (see example dates of Nov 15th to Nov 29th)

  • The app will ‘ping’ your phone when the flight price drops and will also notify you when it predicts a steep price increase.
  • You can click into the app at any time and fetch the latest price and predictions.

3. The verdict

If you’re booking flights 6 months plus in advance then this app is superb. I love the fact that it ‘pings’ you when the flight price drops – the perfect reminder to book.

I also love the simple to use interface. Hopper does not have a website, so all of the design and functionality has been channelled into the app.

I would love to know if you’ve used it and what the results were.

Happy Hopping!