Discovering Hopper: Your Go-To App for Affordable Airfare

Who doesn’t want to get the best price on airfare? While everyone loves a great deal, finding one often requires a significant investment of time and effort. The founders of Hopper, having experienced the frustrations of flight hunting firsthand, posed a pivotal question: what if a single app could accurately predict the best time to buy a ticket? This inquiry led to the creation of Hopper, a travel app that leverages artificial intelligence to provide timely insights on when to book flights, helping users save money and avoid unnecessary expenses. In this Hopper app review, we’ll explore how this innovative tool is revolutionizing the way we find cheap flights, hotels, and more.

Hopper: Is It Worth It?

Pros

• Booking Recommendations: Hopper offers personalized recommendations on when to book flights and hotel stays, helping users make informed decisions.
• Visual Calendar: The app features a calendar that highlights the cheapest days to fly, making it easy to spot the best deals at a glance.
• High Ratings: With an impressive 4.8-star rating on the Apple App Store, Hopper has garnered positive feedback from many users.

Cons

• Customer Reviews: Despite its popularity, Hopper has received poor customer reviews on TrustPilot, with a rating of just 1.8 stars out of 5.
• Limited Support: The app lacks a customer support phone number, which can be a drawback for users needing immediate assistance.

Verdict: While Hopper’s recommendations for booking flights and hotel stays are valuable, users may find it more beneficial to book directly with airlines or hotels. If you choose to book through Hopper, be prepared for limited customer service options.

What is Hopper?

If you’ve traveled before, you know that making reservations well in advance can help keep costs down. However, determining the optimal time to book can be challenging. Enter Hopper. Founded in Montreal in 2009, Hopper was designed with the sole purpose of predicting the best times to find affordable airline fares for specific trips. Users simply input their travel details, and the app provides guidance on when to book, when to wait, and sends updates via push notifications.

Hopper’s predictive capabilities are powered by historical data, proprietary algorithms, and artificial intelligence, boasting a claimed accuracy rate of 95% for flights booked up to a year in advance. When you’re ready to book, you can do so through the app’s secure payment system, which allows you to save credit card information and track booking details easily. If you’re not quite ready to commit, you can set up a watch for specific trips, receiving notifications when prices change.

Hopper has also expanded its offerings beyond flights, allowing users to book hotels, rental cars, and vacation rentals. While it provides insights into hotel deals and optimal booking times, it currently does not offer similar data for rental cars and homes.

Price Freeze Feature

One of Hopper’s standout features is the Price Freeze option. When booking flights, users can lock in a fare for a fee, which does not count toward the flight cost. For instance, if you find a round-trip flight from Detroit to Las Vegas for $178, you can lock in that price for seven days for a fee of $48 per person. If the fare increases, Hopper will cover the difference up to a specified limit, while if the price drops, you’ll pay the lower fare. However, it’s important to note that the Price Freeze fee is non-refundable if you decide not to book within the allotted time.

Carrot Cash Program

Hopper also features a rewards program called Carrot Cash, which allows users to earn travel credits when booking through the app. These credits can be applied to future travel plans, making it a great incentive for frequent travelers. Your Carrot Cash is stored in the in-app Hopper Wallet, along with other promotional opportunities.

How to Use Hopper

Hopper is available for both Android and iOS devices. To get started, simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once installed, open the app and either log in or create an account.

After signing in, you can begin searching for flight information or other travel deals. Start by entering your departing airport, destination, and number of travelers. The app will then display a color-coded calendar indicating fare prices: green for the cheapest, orange for mid-range, and red for the most expensive.

You can adjust your travel dates to see a range of available flights. When selecting specific dates, Hopper will provide the current lowest price and an assessment of whether it’s a good time to book or if you should wait. Additionally, it offers predictions on future price changes and a recommended booking timeframe.

If you want to monitor these dates, simply tap “Watch This Trip” to receive updates on price changes. When you’re ready to book, you can view flight options, select departure times and carriers, and choose fare classes. After finalizing your selections, you’ll receive a summary of your total charges and can complete the payment process.

The booking process for hotels, rental cars, and vacation homes follows a similar structure, making it easy to navigate through various travel options.

Alternatives to Hopper

While Hopper provides valuable insights, some travelers may prefer alternatives that offer different features or booking processes. Here are a few options to consider:

Other Options for Researching Travel

• Google Flights: This platform offers similar recommendations to Hopper, allowing users to see whether they should book now or wait. It also features a calendar of flight prices to help identify the cheapest travel dates.
• Kayak: A comprehensive travel search engine, Kayak allows users to search for flights, trains, and buses. Unlike Hopper, Kayak can be accessed via a computer, providing more flexibility.
• Expedia: Known for its extensive range of airline options, Expedia is another alternative that can be accessed on a computer, making it a versatile choice for travelers.

Use the Chase Portal to Save on Airfare

For those looking to maximize savings, using travel booking tools offered by credit cards can be beneficial. If you’re a Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Cardholder, you can utilize Hopper to track prices and determine the best time to book, then log in to the Chase portal to purchase your flights.

Chase often matches or offers better prices than those found on Hopper. Additionally, you can redeem Ultimate Rewards points to cover some or all of your airfare, resulting in significant savings. For instance, points booked through the Chase portal are worth 1.25 cents for Sapphire Preferred cardholders and 1.5 cents for Sapphire Reserve customers, amplifying your savings potential.

FAQs About Hopper Flights

Is the Hopper app trustworthy?

Hopper has been around since 2009 and has served millions of customers. It is certified as an accredited travel agency, providing multiple layers of protection for personal and financial information.

Does the Hopper app cost money?

The app is free to download and use. However, optional services, such as refund protection or Price Freeze, may incur fees.

Does Hopper have hidden fees?

While Hopper does have fees, they are primarily for optional services, not for using the app itself.

Can you choose your seats on Hopper?

Seat selection is not available through the app. However, you may be able to select seats directly with the airline after booking, depending on their policies.

How does Hopper make money?

Hopper generates revenue by asking customers if they would like to leave a $5 tip after booking a flight. Additionally, it earns a commission of 1-4% from airlines for tickets booked through its platform.

The Final Word on Hopper

Hopper serves as an excellent research tool for travelers. Its user-friendly interface and predictive capabilities make it a valuable resource for finding lower airfare. While I personally haven’t booked through Hopper yet, I’ve successfully used the app to inform my travel decisions. However, as a Sapphire Preferred customer, I opted to book my flight through the Chase portal, leveraging my points for additional savings.

Ultimately, the key takeaway is to utilize the right tools for your specific travel needs to secure the best deals. Whether it’s Hopper, Chase, or another platform, combining resources can lead to significant savings on your next adventure.