I receive compensation for content and many links on this blog. Be aware that websites may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. Citibank is an advertising partner of this site, as is American Express, Chase, Capital One, and others. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by my advertising partners. I do not write about all offers that are available -- instead focusing on miles, points, and cash back (and currencies that can be converted into the same). Terms apply to the offers and benefits listed on this page.
Like most made-up commerce holidays, “National Cheap Flight Day” is marketing. I didn’t even know this one was a thing? But Thrifty Traveler is running a real sale that ends tonight: new subscribers get 30% off the first year of Thrifty Traveler Premium.
- Premium flight alerts: $90.99 for the first year, normally $129.99
- Premium+ flight and hotel alerts: $132.99 for the first year, normally $189.99
- The sale ends Thursday, August 20 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific.
They’re calling this their best sale of the year. It is their largest percentage discount, although readers who acted when I wrote about their March price increase actually got better economics: $79 for the first year and $99 locked in for future years. That’s no longer available, and the promise at the time was it no longer would be.
This offer discounts only the first year. After that, Premium can renew at $129.99 and Premium+ at $189.99, with that renewal price locked as long as the subscription remains active.
Thrifty Traveler searches cash fares and award availability from more than 220 U.S. and Canadian airports, lets members customize which airports generate alerts, and sends texts for especially scarce opportunities. Recent alerts have included Australia for 25,000 Delta miles roundtrip, Delta One to Tokyo below 80,000 miles each way, Cathay Pacific first class and Qatar Airways Qsuites.
Most alerts won’t fit any one traveler’s plans. The service makes the most sense if you have flexible destinations or dates, transferable points and the ability to book quickly. One useful premium cabin alert can justify several years of fees. If you’re trying to book one specific itinerary, it probably won’t.
Premium+ costs another $42 during the first year and adds hotel alerts, including difficult award availability such as Park Hyatt Kyoto. Existing Premium members can also get 30% off when adding hotel alerts for the remainder of their current year and the following year. (I set MaxMyPoint alerts for hotel award space and Hyatt confirmed suites.)
False sense of urgency? Well then, I’m in! Go! Go! GO!!