There are tons of flight comparison sites out there—KAYAK, Skyscanner, Kiwi, and Momondo, to name a few. Maybe you’ve even tried travel hacks like Google Flights’ destination explorer, which shows you the cheapest places to fly (if you’re flexible about where you end up). Expedia has long been a go-to for booking, but are you really getting the best deals?

If you’re tired of playing airfare roulette on Expedia or other sites only to discover hidden fees at checkout, it’s time to meet WayAway. This lesser-known travel search engine is quietly becoming a favorite among savvy flyers for one big reason: it consistently finds cheaper flights than Expedia—with no hidden costs. Even better? It offers real cashback on travel bookings.

Whether you’re a budget-conscious solo traveler or planning a family getaway, WayAway helps you save upfront and get rewarded after you book. How does it work, what makes it different, why it just might replace every travel app you use, and what are some insane deals you can find right now?

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Current WayAway Deals

Dreamstime WayAway app on a screen.

Right now, WayAway is offering some undeniably strong deals on popular routes—and in many cases, it undercuts Expedia by a noticeable margin. While not every flight is cheaper, WayAway often delivers better prices, especially on major international and cross-country routes. Even when prices match, WayAway’s cashback benefits can tip the scales in its favor.

Route WayAway Price Expedia Price Savings NYC to Miami (roundtrip) $87 $108 $21 LA to Honolulu (roundtrip) $419 $464 $45 Chicago to Paris (roundtrip) $451 $473 $22 Atlanta to Cancun (roundtrip) $280 $280 $0 Boston to London (roundtrip) $504 $530 $26

These aren’t flash sales or bait-and-switch fares that disappear when you click. WayAway scans over 1,000 carriers, including budget airlines and lesser-known agencies, to pull real-time pricing that you then book directly through the airline or agency, not through WayAway itself. Since it’s a metasearch engine, deals update constantly. Prices are subject to change, so if you see a good one, don’t wait too long to book.

How Does WayAway Work?

WayAway operates as a flight aggregator, not a traditional booking platform. That means it searches hundreds of booking sites and airline websites to display the most affordable options based on your preferences, including flights with baggage, preferred airlines, or even specific alliances.

Unlike many sites that only show base fares, WayAway allows you to filter for total prices including baggage and other fees, giving you a more accurate final cost comparison. That’s a rare feature and a much-needed one in the era of stripped-down “basic economy” tickets.

While WayAway often finds cheaper fares than Expedia, prices are sometimes identical. In those cases, WayAway’s cashback perks (available with a Plus membership) can still give you an edge in total value.

Another standout feature? WayAway allows you to set alerts for price drops and displays alternate travel dates if you’re flexible, making it easier to optimize your travel budget.

WayAway doesn’t take your money directly. When you choose a flight, you’re redirected to book on the airline’s official site or through an online travel agency. This means no hidden booking fees, unlike some traditional travel agencies that charge added costs at checkout.

Free Versus Paid Version

WayAway is free to use, but it also offers a premium tier called WayAway Plus with a free 7-day trial. Both versions give you access to the powerful flight search engine, but WayAway Plus ups the ante with a unique rewards program and VIP support features.

Comparison of Free Versus Paid Versions:

Feature Free Version WayAway Plus ($49.99/year) Flight search √ √ Hidden-fee-free pricing √ √ Cashback on flights and hotels X √ (up to 10%) Access to 24/7 travel experts X √ Free trial N/A √ (7-day free trial)

WayAway Plus is especially valuable for frequent travelers. Even a single international trip can earn back the cost of the subscription through cashback. For example, if you spend $1,000 on flights and hotels, you could get up to $100 back, making the $49.99 annual fee well worth it.

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How Cashback Rewards Work

WayAway Plus sets itself apart with one killer feature: cashback on travel bookings, not in the form of points, but actual cash. Members earn 5% cashback on flights, 10% cashback on hotel bookings, and cashback on car rentals, attractions, and more.

The cashback isn’t instant. There’s a processing window of 30 to 120 days, and you need to accumulate at least $10 before cashing out. Once eligible, funds are paid out via PayPal.

Here’s a quick example:

Book a $600 flight and a $400 hotel through WayAway Plus

Earn $30 (5% of flight) + $40 (10% of hotel) = $70 cashback

This system is ideal for digital nomads, solo travelers, or anyone planning a big trip. It turns everyday travel expenses into long-term savings without needing to jump through the hoops of a traditional airline loyalty program.

Cashback Highlights:

Paid in real cash, not points

Can cover WayAway Plus membership fee with one trip

Withdraw to PayPal once you hit $10

If you’re relying solely on Expedia, you’re likely overpaying and missing out on cash back. WayAway is a refreshingly transparent travel search tool that helps you find cheaper flights, book directly with airlines, and even get real cash back on your purchases. With WayAway, you don’t have to wait for peak deal seasons or special sales—it finds low fares year-round.

With flexible filters, no hidden fees, and a powerful premium cashback program, WayAway is more than just a budget travel app. It’s a smarter way to book. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous getaway or a detailed itinerary abroad, give this hidden gem a try.