There are a number of fare watching tools available online that push customized fares directly to you based on parameters you create.
From what I’ve seen so far, you typically have three ways you can receive this information: RSS feed, email notification, or a desktop widget you have to download.
I’ve read a few articles online about the various tools in the market today and their pros and cons.
Over the next few weeks I’m going to be pulling together some high-level requirements and would love to get some feedback. How do you fare watch? What types of parameters should trigger a notification to you? Special requests, features, wish I could, etc. ?
In the meantime, here’s a little poll I put together:
I’ll be sure to keep you posted on any new developments.
Jacob
Product Manager
delta.com & self-service
January 14th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
The easiest notification is what WN has with their “DING”. It’s almost too simple.
January 14th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I tried SideStep’s (apparently discontinued) beta fare tracker and it never worked. It only sent me an email about a fare reduction when I went to the site and searched for the flight myself. Otherwise it would never update.
One thing I really like on Delta’s site is the “Flexible Weekend Travel” search function. I just wish it was easier to get to. Right now, from the main Delta.com home page, I have to click on “Full Search Options”, then when that page loads I have to click “Include more dates”, and even then it’s way down at the bottom of the page, off the screen if you have your monitor resolution turned way down. This effectively hides the Flexible Weekend Travel option, I wouldn’t know it was there unless I had literally stumbled on it one day searching for flights. A link to the feature would help.
How much do I love the Flexible Weekend Travel search option? It helped me avoid a potential Florida travel disaster last year by steering me toward the weekend *between* the Super Bowl (in Miami) and the Daytona 500, when apparently nobody wanted to go to Florida because every airline including Delta was giving away seats to Florida that weekend. I enjoyed a not-too-crowded, stress-free trip to Tampa to visit friends by simply going a week earlier than I had planned and avoiding the Daytona circus.
January 15th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
TriStar, what do you like best about DING? Where could it be improved?
tvDan, very good point about flexible weekend travel. I’ll bubble up the topic here. I agree, we should definitely merchandise it more.
Jacob
January 15th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Jacob, I have really enjoyed the blog. I think I have some tips for you on how you could improve it a bit. If you would be willing to send me an email I would love to chat with you. Keep up the good work, Vic
January 16th, 2008 at 12:17 am
Thanks Victor.
I have your email and will drop you a note tomorrow when I get into the office. Would love to hear your ideas (it’s probably about time I devote a blog post to that topic!).
Jacob
January 16th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Jacob,
In my eyes, the DING is probably the best choice for me whenever I want to get airline news, fares on sale, etc. Here’s why. All I have to do is glance at my toolbar and when an envelope-looking icon is shown on the WN’s Tail logo, I know there is news or a sale fare waiting to be looked at. It’s so simple and I love it. Personally, I dont usually check my emails every second of the day. When its so easy to “glance” down at the toolbar on the spot. (Yeah, I know Outlook does the same thing). Its all about simplicity, IMHO.
January 16th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Jacob,
forgot this: The DING meets all of my needs therefore, I really cant see where anything could be improved upon. Thx.
January 16th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
I have downloaded both DING! and American Airlines fare watcher widget, both working great, however I tend not to fly both of the airlines. If Delta made a widget, not only would I download it, it would more than likely remain on my desktop. One thing I like about AA’s version is that it shows stock quotes and other useful information, without me having to go to an internet site. I think you should make a creative tone, similar to the “DING” sound Southwest uses to represent Delta. Also, you should make a tiny ticker on the bottom displaying Delta Press Releases or News. Why not add a button to access the SkyMiles page as well. This tool can be very powerful, and who better than Delta to create one
January 17th, 2008 at 1:04 am
TriStar, thank you for your feedback!
golich17, great suggestions. What kind of traveler are you?
Thanks
Jacob
January 17th, 2008 at 9:52 am
golich17:
Your idea about DL News Releases is right up my alley. I’m constantly looking at http://news.delta.com or http://media.delta.com just to keep up with DLs news.
Suggestions about making a special DL sound just like WN has their “DING”? Here’s my suggestion: RB.211 Rolls-Royce type sound. It totally says “DL” !! Hence my screen name: TriStar. Just a thought as it keeps DLs heritage as the worlds largest L-1011 fleet back in the day.
January 17th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
I just travel mostly leisure, but I try to fly Delta as much as I see possible. I haven’t unfortunately flown Delta since summer of 2006.