New iPhone app sends real-time alerts when airfares drop

New iPhone app sends real-time alerts when airfares drop

By Laura Bly, USA TODAY

Tracking airfare deals is getting easier for iPhone users, thanks to a new free app from the price comparison site FareCompare.com that sends users real-time alerts when fares drop significantly on a chosen route.FareCompare's new iPhone app sends alerts of airfare price drops in real time.

While several travel websites already alert travelers of fare reductions via e-mail, Facebook and Twitter, this is the first time such notifications have been "pushed" to mobile users via real-time, text message-like notifications, says FareCompare CEO Rick Seaney.

Travelers can set up price alerts - which will be sent up to six times a day - by picking a departure airport and month, and then choosing a U.S. or foreign destination from a drop-down menu in 17 categories that range from "top U.S./Canadian destinations" to "casinos." The lowest current fares are then listed by destination (though not in alphabetical order, alas) or displayed via interactive Google map. Price alerts are sent when fares drop at least $15 below the current lowest fare for U.S. tickets, or at least 5% below the lowest international fare.

Despite a few obvious shortcomings - users are linked to Orbitz.com for actual booking, they can't specify individual airports in Washington, D.C., Chicago or New York City, and Southwest Airlines isn't included - this looks like a useful weapon in a bargain hunter's arsenal of apps.