Scott’s Cheap Flights vs RatePunk: Which Finds Better Deals?

Travelers hunting for cheap flights often turn to services like Scott’s Cheap Flights and RatePunk to score big savings. Both promise deals that slash costs on airfare, but which one delivers more value? Scott’s Cheap Flights, now rebranded as Going, focuses on email alerts for mistake fares and price drops. RatePunk, with its new flight deal service, adds AI-powered personalization and combines it with hotel options for full-trip savings. If you're tired of overpaying for tickets, this comparison breaks down features, real savings, and user feedback to help you choose. Key factors include deal quality, ease of use, and average discounts, which can reach 90% off regular prices for international routes.

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What Is Scott’s Cheap Flights (Now Going)?

Scott’s Cheap Flights started in 2013 after founder Scott Keyes found a $130 round-trip from New York to Milan. It grew into a popular email newsletter spotting cheap flights, mistake fares, and deals from U.S. airports. In 2023, it rebranded to Going.com, keeping the core idea: alert subscribers to low prices so they book directly with airlines.

Going scans over 900 airports for deals, focusing on economy and premium economy. Users pick departure cities and get emails with curated fares. Free members see limited alerts from one airport. Paid tiers unlock more: Premium ($49/year) adds unlimited airports and domestic deals; Elite ($199/year) includes business class and partner alerts. No app yet, but a mobile version launched in 2024.

Pros include proven track record and direct booking to avoid fees. Cons? Some users on Reddit say quality dipped post-rebrand, with fewer standout deals. Average savings reported at $550 per trip, but alerts can feel generic without deep customization.

For more tips on spotting airfare bargains, check our guide to cheap flight hacks.

What Is RatePunk and How Does It Work for Flights?

RatePunk is a travel technology platform designed to help travelers save time and money by finding the best deals on flights and hotels. Based in Vilnius, Lithuania, and founded in 2022, RatePunk offers a suite of tools, including a browser extension, mobile app, and flight deal subscription service, all aimed at simplifying the booking process and securing exclusive discounts.

Key Features:

1) Flight Deals Subscription:

- RatePunk’s flagship product, RatePunk Flights, delivers personalized flight deals directly to your inbox, with savings of up to 90% on tickets. Users select their preferred departure airports, and RatePunk’s AI-powered system scans the internet 24/7 to uncover hidden fares and exclusive offers not always found on platforms like Google Flights or Skyscanner.

- Deals are tailored to user preferences, covering over 100 destinations, including peak season, holiday, short-haul, long-haul, weekend breaks, and last-minute flights. For example, users have reported roundtrip deals like New York to Los Angeles for $200 (vs. $600) or Paris for $378.

- The Flights Dashboard provides dynamic sorting options (e.g., by price difference or percentage drop) and an AI deal score to evaluate offer quality.

2) Hotel Price Comparison Extension:

- RatePunk’s free browser extension (available for Chrome, Safari, and Firefox) automatically compares hotel prices across major booking sites like Booking.com, Expedia, Priceline, and Agoda when you browse. It pops up to display the lowest available rates, ensuring you never overpay.

- Additional features include price drop notifications, rebooking alerts for free-cancellation hotels, and cashback rewards (up to 7%) on eligible bookings. The extension has reportedly saved users over $19 million by identifying savings as high as $3,000 per stay.

- Unique tools include a one-click Airbnb price negotiator, access to zero-margin booking sites, and VPN-based price checks for better rates in other countries.

Mobile App:

The RatePunk app mirrors the web experience, offering intuitive deal browsing with categories like Trending, Romantic, Beach, or Business. It includes advanced filters, AI deal scores, and seamless access to all premium features with a subscription. The app is free to download on iOS and Android, with recent updates as of June 2025.

User Experience and Reviews:

- Positive Feedback: Over 50,000 users have praised RatePunk for its ease of use and significant savings. Travelers have shared stories of booking dream trips to destinations like Thailand, Hawaii, and Bali at steep discounts (e.g., Bali for $400 less than usual). The platform’s personalized alerts and user-friendly interface are frequently highlighted.

- Criticism: Some users report that basic membership deals may not always outperform manual searches on other aggregators, and there are occasional concerns about unclear pricing for add-ons or subscriptions. RatePunk addresses this with a 14-day money-back guarantee and responsive customer support at hi@ratepunk.com.

Legitimacy and Credibility:

- RatePunk is a legitimate company with a 4.2-star rating from 670+ reviews and coverage in major outlets like Forbes, The Washington Post, and The Telegraph.

- While some skepticism exists about overly aggressive marketing or “too good to be true” claims, scam checks (e.g., Scamadviser) confirm ratepunk.com as reliable, with a valid SSL certificate and a domain active since 2022.

Why Choose RatePunk?

RatePunk stands out for its AI-driven deal curation, seamless integration into existing booking habits, and focus on both flights and hotels. It’s ideal for budget-conscious travelers, frequent flyers, or anyone looking to save without spending hours comparing prices. While not every deal is groundbreaking, the platform’s transparency, free tools, and money-back guarantee make it a low-risk option for smarter travel planning.

Discover Our 

- Flight Deals

- Hotels

- Extension

Explore RatePunk's browser extension for instant savings or browse hotel deals alongside flights.

Key Features Comparison: Alerts, Customization, and More

Both services email deals, but differences shine in execution. Going emphasizes mistake fares – rare glitches like $230 to Paris – and tracks specific routes. RatePunk uses AI for broader scans, including bundles with hotels or cars, often beating Going on personalization.

• Alerts and Frequency: Going sends 1-2 emails weekly; RatePunk lets you choose daily or weekly, with real-time push via app.
• Customization: Going limits free users to one airport; RatePunk includes multiples from the start, plus filters for trip types.
• Additional Tools: Going has basic price tracking. RatePunk adds VPN checks for country-based discounts, Airbnb negotiation, and post-booking rebooks – ideal for flexible travelers.
• Mobile Access: Going's app is alerts-only; RatePunk's iOS/Android app has full search, filters, and AI scores for deal quality.

RatePunk edges out with integrated hotel tools, making it better for complete vacations. Going suits pure flight hunters but lacks extras.

For deeper insights, read our blog on best flight alternatives or check user reviews for real stories.

Savings and Deal Quality: Who Saves You More?

Savings drive these services. Going claims up to 90% off, with users averaging $550 per international flight. RatePunk matches that, but testimonials show higher wins, like $849 to $289 for Thailand round-trips. In 2025, flight prices dropped 3.5% overall, boosting both, but hotel rates fell 3.7%, giving RatePunk an edge for combined trips.

Real data: Expedia's 2025 report notes international flyers save 17% booking mid-week; RatePunk's alerts target those days. Going shines on domestic ($85 average save), but RatePunk excels internationally ($120+).

RatePunk often finds exclusive deals Going misses, thanks to AI scanning more sources.

Sign up for RatePunk Flights now and unlock savings up to 90% on your next adventure.

User Reviews and Real Experiences in 2025

Feedback matters. Going has a 4.5/5 on Trustpilot, but Reddit users note fewer "wow" deals lately, with one saying it's "not worth $200/year elite." Positive? Quick bookings and reliable alerts.

RatePunk scores 4.3/5 overall, with app users raving about ease – "Saved $400 on Bali flight effortlessly." Most praise the extension for instant comparisons. On X, users share wins like business class to Asia for $500.

RatePunk's 50,000+ users report consistent savings, outpacing Going's mixed post-rebrand vibes.

Dive into more reviews on RatePunk or explore blog tips for max savings.

Pricing Breakdown: Free vs Paid Options

Going's free tier limits to basic alerts from one airport. Premium ($49/year) unlocks full U.S. deals; Elite ($199/year) adds global premium cabins.

RatePunk starts free with the extension and basic flight emails. Premium ($29/year) gives unlimited alerts, AI customization, and cashback. No elite tier needed for business deals.

RatePunk costs less for similar (or better) value, especially with hotel perks included.

Why RatePunk Outperforms for Most Travelers

RatePunk wins for its all-in-one approach: flights, hotels, and tools like rebooking save more overall. Going is solid for flights alone, but RatePunk's AI finds hidden gems faster, with broader customization. In 2025, with airfares down, RatePunk's bundles amplify savings – think 20% on flights plus 7% on stays.

For budget flyers, RatePunk's free extension adds instant value Going lacks.

FAQ

Is RatePunk Better Than Scott’s Cheap Flights for International Deals?

Yes, RatePunk often finds deeper discounts on global routes, like 90% off to Asia, thanks to AI scanning more sources. Users save up to $560 per trip, versus Going's $550 average. It also bundles with hotels for extra value.

What Makes RatePunk's Flight Alerts Unique?

RatePunk customizes alerts for multiple airports and trip types, sending daily if wanted. Unlike Going's weekly generics, it includes cashback and rebooking if prices drop post-purchase. The free extension compares rates instantly during searches.

How Much Can I Save With These Services in 2025?

Expect 20% on flights overall, with peaks at 90% for deals. RatePunk users report $400+ on single tickets, plus 7% on hotels. Going averages $550, but RatePunk's tools often exceed that for combined trips.

Does RatePunk Have a Mobile App for Flight Deals?

Yes, the iOS and Android app offers full features: search, filters, AI scores, and alerts. It's free to download, with premium unlocks. Going's app is alerts-only, making RatePunk more versatile on the go.

Can I Use RatePunk for Hotel Deals Too?

Absolutely, RatePunk started with hotels, saving over $19 million for users. The extension scans for cheaper rates across sites, with rebooking alerts. Pair it with flights for seamless trip planning and bigger savings.

Get started with RatePunk's extension for free and see the difference.