How To Use Matrix ITA To Find Affordable Flights In 2021
Is the high cost of airfare keeping your bucket list destinations out of reach? If the answer is yes, then I have a tip for you. It’s called the Matrix ITA. The Matrix ITA is a secret weapon of sorts—it can get you to your desired destination at the cheapest possible price. All you need is a little flexibility.
WHAT IS MATRIX ITA?
The Matrix ITA is a search engine that analyzes routes and prices for flights on most airlines to find you the cheapest deal. Search engines like Orbitz and Google Flights use a milder version of the Matrix ITA software, which excludes flights below a certain price point. The full version of the Matrix ITA can offer better airfare prices, but the search engine is not without its drawbacks. No Southwest Airlines. No Ryanair. No on-site booking capabilities. Is it still worth it? Absolutely.
HOW DO YOU USE MATRIX ITA?
Let’s start by going to the Matrix ITA website. At first glance, the Matrix ITA website might look like most search engines, but if you look a little closer, you will see that there are more parameters than your average search engine. The Matrix ITA allows you to specify connecting airports, search up to plus or minus two days, search from multiple nearby airports, and even search for flights in different currencies.
As I mentioned above, the key to the Matrix ITA is flexibility. If you’re flexible as to when you want to travel and the airport you want to depart from and/or arrive at, you will have a better chance of landing a sweet deal.
For example, let’s say I live in the Milwaukee area and want to fly to Munich any day in October for 5-8 days. To find a flight, I would take the following steps:
Enter Milwaukee as the departing airport.
Add Chicago O’Hare to the list of acceptable airports using the “Nearby” option (if I am, in fact, open to driving an hour to the O’Hare Airport).
The “Nearby” option shows you airports that are within 25 to 2,000 miles of your departing airport, and you can choose to include them in your search.
Add Munich as the destination.
You can also use the “Nearby” option to search for flights that arrive at airports near your destination.
Select “see calendar of lowest fares” to compare a month worth of fares.
Make the departing date the earliest day that I am willing to fly out.
Enter my desired length of stay.
Keep in mind that using a range will lead you to cheaper flights.
Hit the “search” button.
Find the deal you’ve been looking for.
HOW CAN I BOOK WITH MATRIX ITA?
As I mentioned above, the Matrix ITA has its drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is the fact that the search engine is just that—a search engine. The easiest way to actually book the flight that you found using the Matrix ITA is use the Book With Matrix website (which, from my experience, only works on a Google Chrome browser).
Follow these simple steps and you will have your flights booked in no time:
Return to the flight you selected on the Matrix ITA website.
Once you’re on the “itinerary details” screen click CTRL + A to select the entire page.
Then click CTRL + C to copy the page.
In a separate tab in Google Chrome, go to the Book With Matrix website.
Click CTRL + V to paste in the search bar.
Then select which provider you want to book with (Priceline, American Airlines, etc.).
Pay for your flights.
Travel should be enjoyed by all. The world is full of beautiful places to see, amazing foods to try, and experiences to never forget. Using the Matrix ITA will help make your next bucket list destination within reach. Remember—for the best deals on airfare, the key is flexibility.
Feeling inspired? Be sure to watch our free video guide on 5 Tips For Finding Your Next Flight (without breaking the bank).
Your Connect,
Gabriella
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