Q: How reliable is FareScout?
A: FareScout is in beta. We’re trying to give consumers access to information they’ve never been able to get before. We know that we’ll be able to make improvements over time that increase the accuracy. Along the way, we’d love to hear from you about whether our information was correct for your situation.
A: FareScout is free to use. This is one way we can help make the travel experience better for you.
Q: What if you're wrong, do I get compensated?
A: Our model provides an educated estimate of whether a price will rise or fall in the near future. But we haven’t created a magic formula, or a portal to the future. So there’s a chance the guidance may not be correct. The method airlines use to price flights is opaque. We think it’s worth providing you more information than you have available now, even if we can’t be certain it will be 100 percent correct. It’s better than the lack of information and the feeling of unfairness that most people currently feel when booking a flight.
Q: How do you know? What information are you using?
A: The system we use has access to historical pricing. This historical data is what the airlines use to build their pricing models. We think you should have more access to the underlying data they use when they set prices, so that you can make a more informed decision about when to buy.
Q: How do I book?
A: Tap the “purchase tickets” link and we will link you to a partner website.
Q: Why can’t I search more than 60 days in the future?
A: Our access to the data is limited to 60 days out. Depending on the time of year, and
proximity to traditional airline sales, booking early can help you save money. But the 60 days before a flight are the most volatile for price changes and the time when most people feel the least confident in whether they should book now or wait a bit longer.
Q: Can I look at international routes?
A: Not right now - but we’re working on it!
Q: I keep entering my airport but am getting no results. Why is this?
We are constantly adding more cities and routes as data comes in. Keep checking back to see if your route has been added.