If air travel is a part of running your business, you’re probably always on the lookout for two things:
1. Cheaper flights
2. More convenient or efficient flights
Hopper, an airfare “predictive” app that has focused on finding travelers cheaper flights since launching last year, is adding “flight filters” to its flight search service to help passengers discover more convenient and efficient flights.
Users now can filter the Hopper database to screen for convenience or comfort, as well as cost. For instance, the user can filter searches to discover the least number of stops, long layovers and basic fares (cheaper fares, but with more restrictions and fees for things like seat selection and bags).
(Note: Hopper does not have access to data from Delta, Easyjet, Ryanair, and Southwest Airlines.)
Hopper’s Approach & Why it is Popular
Hopper has received several accolades since launching in 2015, including an Apple’s App Store Best of 2015, a Google Play Award for Standout Startup of 2016 and the Webby Award for Best Travel App.
Here’s why: When you search for a flight, Hopper predicts when you will find the cheapest fare with the considerations you have set with the flight filters. It also recommend whether you should wait or book. If Hopper says WAIT, the user can tap an icon in the shape of binoculars to monitor the flight’s ticket price. The app will send you notifications whenever the price drops. If Hopper says BUY, you can choose your flights and book in just a few taps and a swipe. You can store passenger and payment information for future flight booking.
Flight Filters
While passengers often focus on the cheapest fares, business travelers may put more emphasis on fewer stops or quicker layovers. Flight filters let the user place priority on such factors.
- Nonstop flights are available for about two-thirds of domestic trips.
- Typically, nonstops flights are 21% more expensive than flights with stops.
According to Hopper, the app’s predictions and notifications can off-set the 21%.
TIP: If you do opt to fly stops (or there’s no nonstop option), consider filtering out long layovers because it rarely adds a significant amount to the ticket price.
Promotional video via Hopper
The Hopper App is available for iOS and Android
| iOS
| Android
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