Comparison of the best award flight search tools
Loading article…
The use of points and miles has profoundly changed the way we travel, offering travelers concrete opportunities to save on their airfare. To get the most out of them, the best award flight search tools surface availability quickly, with features tailored to both beginners and experts.
However, these platforms do not take into account Canadian credit cards or Canada-specific transfer programs. This limitation complicates the analysis of offers, particularly during transfer promotions and when taxes and fees must be manually converted into Canadian dollars.
The ideal approach is to explore different platforms to find the one that fits your needs. No single tool can do it all, just like with credit cards. A combination of two or more tools is often necessary. By integrating them into your booking strategies, you optimize your points while simplifying your searches. If you would like to support Milesopedia, use our affiliate links or promo codes in this article: it’s free for you and helps us continue producing useful content.
Discover our complete comparison, organized into two sections:
Cash flight search tools:
1. Skyscanner
2. Google Flights
Award flight search tools:
1. ExpertFlyer
2. Roame
3. AwardFares
4. Point.me
5. Seats.aero
6. AwardTool
7. PointsYeah
8. Points Path (Google Flights)
9. Awayz
The best tools for finding cheap cash flights
Before diving into award search tools, we wanted to remind you of the two essential references for finding the best cash prices. These platforms do not handle award tickets, but they are useful for comparing cash rates and identifying the cheapest routes before deciding if a points redemption is worth it.
1. Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a metasearch engine that aggregates prices from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies. Its strength: searching by whole month or by open destination (“everywhere”), ideal for flexible travelers. It does not handle award tickets.
2. Google Flights
Google Flights is the most accurate tool for comparing cash rates in real time. Its price calendar and fare alerts are particularly useful. Note: it does not natively display prices in points. This is where the Points Path extension, covered later in this article, comes in.
The best tools for finding award flights
These platforms are designed to search for award flight availability and optimize your points redemptions. None of them take into account Canadian credit cards or Canada-specific transfer programs, which means manually converting taxes and fees into Canadian dollars. A combination of two or more tools is often necessary.
1. ExpertFlyer
ExpertFlyer is a platform intended for frequent flyers and aviation enthusiasts. It provides accurate data on flight schedules, seat availability, seat maps, as well as booking classes and upgrade options.
In March 2026, ExpertFlyer received its biggest update in 17 years: new seat maps via an AeroLOPA partnership, significantly increased alert limits, and a new Elite tier for American Airlines frequent flyers. Rates also increased by approximately 30% to 40% depending on the tier. These features remain particularly useful for those who want to find upgrade opportunities or choose their aircraft.
Strengths
- Exceptional level of detail on schedules, flight statuses, and cabin configurations to better plan your trip.
- Access to seat availability in business and first class as well as award tickets on many airlines.
- Alerts as soon as a coveted seat or award ticket becomes available, with up to 250 simultaneous alerts on the Premium plan.
- New AeroLOPA seat maps integrated directly into the platform since March 2026, much more detailed than before (pitch, recline, seat attributes).
- New Elite tier with extended American Airlines upgrade search up to 330 days in advance.
Limitations
- Design and ergonomics still lag behind more recent platforms.
- Price increase in March 2026: approximately 30% to 40% more expensive than before depending on the tier.
- Star Alliance absent since late 2023: programs like Aeroplan, United MileagePlus, and LifeMiles are no longer available for award availability searches.
- The Elite tier ($19.99/month, no annual discount) only adds one exclusive feature compared to Premium.
2. Roame
Roame is one of our favorite tools for finding award flights. Its modern and intuitive interface clearly sets it apart from the competition. Its SkyView tool aggregates award ticket offers from the previous 48 hours, with a view spanning up to 60 days per region. Roame also offers a newsletter that shares the best deals spotted via the platform.
In 2026, Roame added a hotel search in beta (Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt), an iOS app, and eSIMs. If you would like to support Milesopedia by trying Roame, use our affiliate link in this article.
Strengths
- Modern and user-friendly interface, one of the most accessible on the market.
- Real-time search across more than 28 airline loyalty programs.
- Supports major Canadian programs: Aeroplan, Flying Blue, and Avios.
- SkyView to explore recent availability by region over a window of up to 60 days.
- Custom alerts: 5 for monthly subscribers, 10 for annual subscribers.
- Daily newsletter with the best identified points deals.
- Hotel search in beta: Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt.
- iOS app available.
Limitations
- The free version (Lite) limits flexible search to a 3-day window only. The paid version extends this window to 7 days.
- SkyView relies on data from the previous 48 hours, not real-time.
- Alerts are reserved for paid subscribers.
- Integration with Canadian transfer partners is still missing.
3. AwardFares
AwardFares is a platform designed to facilitate the search and tracking of award flights across several loyalty programs. It offers real-time searches, email alerts, live seat maps, and a trip planner to organize complex itineraries. Its user-friendly interface and advanced filtering options make it an interesting tool for those looking to maximize their points.
Strengths
- Grouped searches across multiple loyalty programs, with data retrieved directly from airlines.
- Calendar view of availability to compare options over an extended period and spot days with the best deals.
- Comparison of points costs between different programs to maximize the value of your rewards.
Limitations
- Expanded searches use data from the previous 48 hours, which may not reflect current availability.
- Avios is not directly supported, which penalizes Canadians who use this program.
- Aeroplan (Air Canada) still unavailable on the platform since March 2025. The situation has not changed as of April 2026.
- Paid subscription required for advanced features.
4. Point.me
Point.me is a well-established platform that helps travelers optimize their points and miles for award flights. It combines a powerful search engine covering many airlines and loyalty programs with a personalized concierge service. This service assists subscribers at every step, from flight recommendations to maximizing reward value.
Strengths
- One of the oldest and best-established tools in the award flight field, with coverage of 35 airline loyalty programs.
- Concierge service for paid subscribers: expert assistance to maximize your points on complex itineraries.
Limitations
- Very limited free version: you must upgrade to a paid subscription for real-time results and full features.
- The pro version seems to favor American Express transfer partner programs, which may bias recommendations.
5. Seats.aero
Seats.aero is a search engine dedicated to travel with points. It allows you to quickly explore flight availability by region with near-instant results. The platform offers free alerts, live seat maps, and tools to visualize fare classes. A Pro version offers additional filters and SMS alerts.
Strengths
- Fast search results: this tool is ideal for experienced users who want to optimize their points quickly.
- Allows targeting specific products, such as Qatar Airways QSuites, among the best business class options.
- Clean and intuitive interface. Free alerts are a real advantage for monitoring award availability.
- Since July 2026, a Chrome extension shows points prices directly on Google Flights and Chase Travel, along with cost per point.
Limitations
- Mainly cached data: possible lag between displayed availability and actual availability.
- Table-based interface, less visual than other tools. May confuse new users.
- Impossible to search for an itinerary with a connection in a single search. For a YUL-SYD flight, you must perform two separate searches: YUL-YVR, then YVR-SYD.
6. AwardTool
AwardTool is a platform specialized in searching for award flight availability. It allows you to explore multiple airports and dates simultaneously, which facilitates planning. Its free version covers a 15-day window with a refresh every three days. The Pro version extends that window to 365 days, with two refreshes per day. Its Panorama tool provides a broad view over extended periods or multiple regions.
Strengths
- Simultaneous searches across multiple airports and dates for a broad view of points availability.
- Panorama and Mega Search to analyze options over extended periods or across multiple destinations.
Limitations
- Free version limited to 4 simultaneous searches and 3 Mega Searches per day.
- The Panorama function does not update in real time.
7. PointsYeah
PointsYeah is a visual platform dedicated to optimizing loyalty points. Its real-time search covers a window from 4 days to 365 days in advance. Its DayDream Explorer offers an interactive map-based approach to exploring flight opportunities in a visual and accessible way.
Strengths
- Visually pleasing interface, with a card-format presentation that facilitates navigation and interpretation of results.
- Custom alerts available for all users, including the free version.
Limitations
- Card-format interface can sometimes be confusing, especially with the ads present on the platform.
- Less advanced filtering options than the competition: impossible to filter by taxes and fees or by percentage of available premium cabins.
8. Points Path
Is Google Flights reliable for award flights?
Google Flights is a powerful tool for comparing airfare in cash, but it does not directly provide rates in points or miles from loyalty programs. This is where the Points Path extension comes in, designed to enrich your experience on Google Flights by displaying point rates alongside cash prices.
Points Path is a browser extension (Chrome or Edge) that integrates flight prices in points directly into the Google Flights interface. It performs parallel searches and displays results without leaving the platform.
Since July 2026, Seats.aero offers a similar extension for Google Flights and Chase Travel, with cost per point and additional carrier options for the same program.
Strengths
- Displays prices in points alongside cash prices on Google Flights, making decision-making easier.
- Supports US programs like American Airlines, Delta, and United, as well as others via the paid version.
- The Pro and Founders Club versions offer price tracking alerts and a 7-day points calendar.
- Integrated directly into Google Flights: no need for a separate platform.
Limitations
- Mainly focused on US airlines. Aeroplan is only available in the paid version.
- Only useful for those who already use Google Flights for their flight searches.
- Alerts and additional programs require a paid subscription.
9. Awayz
Awayz is a platform designed to compare cash and points costs for hotel bookings. It integrates Accor Live Limitless, Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, and Wyndham Rewards. The flight search feature remains in beta. The company was acquired by Odynn, a B2B travel loyalty platform, and now operates as “Awayz by Odynn” with a new version of the app.
Strengths
- Real-time comparison between cash and points rates for hotels, to choose the best option based on your balance.
- Coverage of major hotel loyalty programs.
- Coverage of major hotel loyalty programs.
Limitations
- Flight search is still in beta and only covers AAdvantage, Alaska Mileage Plan, Flying Blue, and United MileagePlus.
- Paid subscription required to access full features.
Where to credit your flights with Travel Smarter
All nine tools above answer the same question: is there award space left? None of them handles the other half of the problem, the one you face when you pay for your ticket in cash. Which program should this flight be credited to, and how much will you earn? The answer usually shows up once the flight is flown, when it is too late to change your mind.
Travel Smarter
Travel Smarter approaches the problem from the other end: it calculates what you will earn before you book, not after you fly. Its Smart Search feature compares what the same trip earns from one program to another, factoring in the fare class purchased. It also projects your progress through the qualification year and shows what is left to fly to reach the next elite status tier. Its Smart Status feature analyzes your typical routes, cabin classes and annual travel spend to show which loyalty program offers the most efficient route to your target status, along with the benefits available through each option. Its Smart Advisor feature uses AI to recommend one specific action rather than just showing a score.
According to the tool’s official FAQ, the service covers more than 70 airlines and programs spread across oneworld, Star Alliance, SkyTeam and independent airlines. The free plan is permanent: it already includes real-time status tracking, an unlimited flight calculator and personalized promotions, for one loyalty program at a time.
Strengths
- The earnings calculation happens before you buy, program by program, rather than once the flight has been credited.
- Status projection: what you have left to fly to reach the tier you are targeting this year.
- Permanently free version, with no limit on the number of calculations.
- Tracking of active airline and hotel program promotions, included from the free plan.
- Display currency adjustable in your account settings (profile, View Settings, Display Settings, Display Currency).
Limitations
- It searches no award availability: this is a complement to the nine tools above, never a replacement.
- The public page of supported programs lists 22, including Aeroplan, but not WestJet or Porter. The full list only appears once you have created your free account.
Best award flight search tools compared
Table of supported loyalty programs
This table presents the loyalty programs most used by Canadian travelers. AAdvantage, Asia Miles, and Etihad Guest have been removed as they are less relevant to the Canadian audience. Points Path has been excluded as it is a Google Flights extension covered in its own section.
| Program | ExpertFlyer | Roame | AwardFares | Point.me | Seats.aero | AwardTool | PointsYeah | Awayz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan (Air Canada) | ✗* | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Avios (British Airways) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| SkyMiles (Delta) | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Marriott Bonvoy | ✗ | ✓ (hotel beta) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
* ExpertFlyer no longer covers Star Alliance since late 2023. Aeroplan is therefore no longer available for award availability searches.
Which award flight search tool is best?
This table compares key features for Canadian travelers. The Points Path column has been removed as it is a Google Flights extension and not a standalone tool. The “Transfer Partner Integration” row has been removed because all tools that offer it do so only for US partners (Amex US, Chase, Capital One), with no direct relevance to Canadian cards.
| Features | ExpertFlyer | Roame | AwardFares | Point.me | Seats.aero | AwardTool | PointsYeah | Awayz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time availability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ ($) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Number of airline programs | 37 | 28+ | 15 | 35 | 17 | 21 | 20 | 4 |
| Alerts | ✓ | ✓ ($) | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ free | ✓ | ✓ free | ✗ |
| Search by region | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Multi-airport search | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Visual date calendar | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hotel search in points | ✗ | ✓ (beta) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Difficulty | Advanced | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Advanced | Easy | Easy | Moderate |
| Monthly rate | $6.99 / $12.99 / $19.99 USD | USD 12.99 | $13.99 / $29.99 CAD | USD 19.99 | CAD 12.99 | USD 10.99 | USD 11.99 | CAD 14.99 |
| Annual rate | $71.88 / $131.88 / $239.88 USD | USD 109.99 | N/A | $129 / $260 USD | CAD 129.99 | USD 131.88 | USD 99.99 | CAD 149.99 |
Conclusion
Choosing the right platform depends on your profile and needs. Here is a quick summary:
- Beginners: Roame and AwardTool are the best options, with simple interfaces and quick learning curves.
- Advanced users: ExpertFlyer remains the reference for its data richness and alerts, despite the March 2026 price increase. Useful mainly outside Star Alliance.
- Quick searches: Roame stands out for its speed and ability to cover key Canadian programs in real time.
- In-depth searches: Point.me excels with its extensive coverage and concierge service for complex itineraries.
- Hotels in points: Awayz and Roame Hotels (beta) are the two options to explore for comparing cash and points on stays.
Personally, I use a combination of Roame and ExpertFlyer depending on my needs. Roame shines with its modernity and ability to perform real-time searches on Canadian programs. ExpertFlyer remains unbeatable for advanced analysis and visualizing the number of seats available for an upgrade, even if the loss of Star Alliance has reduced its utility for many Canadians.
- Annual fee
- $191.88
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$255Total$255Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $255
- Welcome offerGet 1,250 points after $750 in purchases per month for 12 months
- Up to 15,000 points
Apply Now
on American Express's website
Apply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).
Frequently Asked Questions — award flight search tools
When should I buy a plane ticket with points?
Buy as soon as you have accumulated enough points for an interesting reward. To have the best choice in business or first class, aim for at least 1 year in advance. For economy flights, availability also often opens up less than 30 days before departure.
What is the best day to buy plane tickets with points?
The day of the week has no impact on points prices. Unlike cash tickets, award rates depend on availability and loyalty program promotions. Monitor offers and book as soon as you have enough points for a good value.
Can these tools be used with Canadian points like Aeroplan?
Yes, but not all of them. Roame, Seats.aero, and AwardTool support Aeroplan. AwardFares has no longer supported it since March 2025. ExpertFlyer has no longer covered Star Alliance since late 2023. Always check the list of supported programs before choosing your tool.
Do I have to pay to use these flight search tools?
Most offer a free version with basic features. However, alerts, flexible searches across multiple dates, and advanced filters generally require a paid subscription. Roame, Seats.aero, and AwardTool are among the most accessible in their free versions.
Can multiple award flight search tools be combined?
Yes, it is even recommended. No tool covers all programs or all routes. A combination of Roame (real-time searches, Canadian programs) and ExpertFlyer (advanced alerts, seat selection) gives very good results for most travelers.
What is the difference between Skyscanner, Google Flights, and award flight tools?
Skyscanner and Google Flights compare cash prices across hundreds of airlines. They do not handle award tickets. Tools like Roame, ExpertFlyer, or Seats.aero specialize in searching for award flight availability, paid for with your loyalty points or miles. The two types of tools are complementary.
Why does a seat found in a search tool disappear on the program’s site?
Many tools display cached data: results collected during earlier searches, then updated at intervals. As of September 2026, Seats.aero relies on this data for most of its searches and for its Explore feature; live search is reserved for Pro members, and only for some programs. The seat may therefore be gone by the time you reach the program’s website. Before transferring points, confirm availability on the loyalty program’s site. At American Express Canada, for example, a transfer to a partner program cannot be reversed once it is made.
Which tool should I use if my travel dates are fixed?
With fixed dates, favour a tool that searches in real time, then confirm directly on the program’s site. In our comparison table, Roame, AwardFares, and PointsYeah offer real-time availability. If your dates or destination are flexible, a region or calendar view is more useful: Roame’s SkyView, Seats.aero’s region search, or AwardTool’s Panorama tool give you an overview across an extended period. For a trip planned far in advance, alerts notify you when a seat opens up.
