How we saved over $400 in flights with Going.com
and it is easy as pie.
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As you may or may not know, my day-time job is helping set up international group travel programs. So while working in the travel industry, I quickly became aware of Going or what was then called “Scott’s Cheap Flights.”
When I first looked into it, it seemed too good to be true - to have a team of people looking for the best deals while I just go about my day? But alas, that is what happens, and it is amazing.
I had been a member since 2017 but it wasn’t until this past winter that I actually used a deal from Going.
So what was the destination that made me say “YES to the flight”? …Well before we get to the destination, let’s take a look at how we got there.
My husband and I were wanting to get away for a relaxing vacation. We originally had our sights set on Ecuador, having almost a complete itinerary ready to go. But unfortunately the flight prices weren’t working in our favor during the times we were able to get away.
Not being able to go to Ecuador because of flights was causing too much stress - exactly the opposite of what we wanted this vacation to be. So we switched strategies!
I turned to Going.com and selected:
Departure Airports
Set the Max Price
Departure Months
Deal Type - International
I then saved this filter and set up email updates.
After only a couple weeks of these filters, We snagged a trip to the Canary Islands!
La Gomera
La Laguna, Tenerife
The flight we purchased was from Boston - Tenerife (with one stop in Lisbon) on TAP airlines - a reputable Portuguese airline - at $450 per person. These tickets generally go for $650-$800 around that time of year! So that was AT LEAST $400 savings. The price also allowed us to be ok with a shorter trip, keeping the pressure down (which is what we were struggling with in planning for the Ecuador trip). I’m sure we are not alone in the feeling of we have to make it worth every penny which is an incredibly stressful way to plan a vacation.
What I loved about Going, was that it opened us up to destinations we never had on our list. The Canary Islands is a popular European traveler destination, but it isn’t really on the radar for us Americans. I would say the Canary Islands is to Europeans what Puerto Rico is to Americans.
So to be able to see a place that we never really had in mind, was really exciting and again, removed some of the previous pressures since we didn’t have any pre-conceived expectations.
I will go into the Canary Islands trip in a separate post. But for now I will break down the pros and cons of using Going.
Pros
With just a few settings, you can sit back and let the good deals come to you.
Opens up new destination options.
Incredibly easy-to-use platform and app
Can set your home or preferred airports so you only see what is relevant for you.
Can set your max price so you aren’t tempted by something out of your budget.
Can filter by airline or airline alliances if you are looking to gain or use miles.
You can save your filters for easy access. (ie. Spring 2025 trips)
You can add destinations to you “Watchlist” in case you do have certain destinations in mind.
Price of membership will quickly be made worth it if you book a trip!
CONS
The advertised price of flights might be outdated (things booking quickly and prices change FAST in the flight world)
Because of this you usually have to commit the day you see the deal.
For full use of international bookings, you do have to pay a membership fee of $49/year for Premium or $199/year for Elite to get Business/First class deals. (but again, it will be worth it if you book)
Who would benefit from Going.com?
I would say that if you are open to the destination and dates, then Going is for you! The Premium Membership packs a punch for a good price, and you will quickly recoup the cost once you book a flight.
Tips before signing up!
Use Rakuten for a currently a $15 cashback deal. (and an additional 10% with referral link)
Figure out the dates you are able to travel so you can act fast on booking a flight!
I hope this helps you plan you next amazing adventure!
Safe travels!