Q&A with Scott Keyes, Founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights
Scott Keyes, the founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, has revolutionized the way travelers find affordable flights. While not your typical personal finance service, Scott’s Cheap Flights plays a significant role in helping people save money on one of the most expensive aspects of travel—airfare. In this Q&A, Scott shares insights into how the service started, the secrets behind finding cheap flights, and tips for travelers looking to maximize their savings.
Q: What inspired you to start Scott’s Cheap Flights?
Scott Keyes: The idea for Scott’s Cheap Flights came from a personal experience. Back in 2013, I stumbled upon an incredibly cheap round-trip flight from New York City to Milan—just $130! After that, friends and family kept asking me to help them find similar deals, and I was happy to oblige. Eventually, I realized there was a larger audience out there who could benefit from these alerts, and that’s how Scott’s Cheap Flights was born. It started as a simple email list for friends and has since grown into a service that helps millions of people find affordable flights.
Description: Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, sharing the story behind the creation of his popular flight deal service.
Q: How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work?
Scott Keyes: At its core, Scott’s Cheap Flights is a service that alerts users whenever a great flight deal pops up. We have a team of flight experts who are constantly searching for deals, whether it’s a mistake fare, a flash sale, or just a route that’s suddenly become affordable. When we find a deal, we send an alert to our subscribers so they can book the flight before the price goes up. We offer a free version of the service, which includes a limited number of deals, and a premium membership for $49 per year, which offers more exclusive deals and faster alerts.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in finding these deals?
Scott Keyes: One of the biggest challenges is the sheer unpredictability of airfare. Prices can fluctuate wildly, and what’s a great deal today might not be tomorrow. It’s also a challenge to balance the desire for fast alerts with the need for accuracy. We want to get deals out to our subscribers quickly, but we also need to ensure that the information is correct and that the deal is still available. It’s a constant balancing act, but we’ve developed systems and processes to handle it effectively.
Q: What advice would you give to travelers looking to score cheap flights?
Scott Keyes: Flexibility is key. The more flexible you are with your travel dates and destinations, the better your chances of finding a great deal. I always recommend setting up alerts for multiple destinations and being open to flying on different days of the week. Another tip is to book quickly when you see a deal. Cheap flights don’t last long, so it’s important to act fast. Lastly, don’t forget to check nearby airports—sometimes flying out of or into a different airport can save you a lot of money.
Q: How has Scott’s Cheap Flights evolved since its inception?
Scott Keyes: We’ve come a long way since the early days. What started as a small email list has grown into a full-fledged service with a dedicated team of flight experts. We’ve expanded our offerings to include premium memberships, more personalized alerts, and even a mobile app. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve the service and provide even more value to our subscribers. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited about what the future holds.
Description: The Scott’s Cheap Flights team working together to find and share the best flight deals for their subscribers.
Q: What’s next for Scott’s Cheap Flights?
Scott Keyes: We’re always exploring new ways to help our subscribers save money on travel. One area we’re focusing on is expanding our reach to include more international deals. We’re also looking at ways to personalize the service even further, so subscribers get alerts that are tailored to their specific preferences and travel habits. And, of course, we’re constantly refining our deal-finding techniques to ensure we’re providing the best possible service.
Q: How do you see the future of travel and airfare in a post-pandemic world?
Scott Keyes: The pandemic has changed a lot about how people travel, and we’re still seeing the effects of that. I think we’ll continue to see volatility in airfare prices for some time as airlines adjust to changing demand. However, I’m optimistic that travel will return to pre-pandemic levels eventually, and when it does, there will be plenty of opportunities for savvy travelers to find great deals. The key will be staying informed and being ready to act when those deals appear.
Q: How do you balance running a successful business with maintaining your own love for travel?
Scott Keyes: It’s definitely a challenge, but I’m passionate about what we do at Scott’s Cheap Flights, which makes it easier. I try to carve out time to travel myself, as it’s important to stay connected to the experience that we’re helping our subscribers achieve. Travel is what inspired this business, and it continues to be a big part of my life. It’s all about finding that balance between work and the joy of exploring new places.
Conclusion
Scott Keyes’ journey from finding a single cheap flight to building a successful service that helps millions of travelers save on airfare is truly inspiring. His insights into the world of travel and his dedication to providing value to his subscribers make Scott’s Cheap Flights a must-have resource for anyone looking to explore the world without breaking the bank.
