Everything worth knowing about searching flights by text — what SMSPilot is, what it costs, how booking works, and where it flies. Short answers, no runaround.
SMSPilot is a free flight-search service you use entirely by text message. You text a US number in plain English — like JFK to LAX next Friday, one way — and SMSPilot texts back three real, bookable flights, cheapest first, usually in under ten seconds. There's no app to download and no account to create.
You text SMSPilot where and when you want to fly in everyday language. If anything's missing, SMSPilot asks one short question at a time, then searches hundreds of airlines and travel agencies and texts back three options, lowest price first. Reply with a number and SMSPilot sends a link to book directly with the airline or agency.
Text SMSPilot at +1 (845) 444-3960 from any US mobile number. Send where and when you want to fly — there's nothing to install and no sign-up first.
No. SMSPilot works in the text-messaging app already on your phone, so there's nothing to install or update. It's the same Messages app you use to text friends.
No. SMSPilot has no sign-up, no login, and no password. You just text the number and start searching — your phone number is all it needs to hold your search.
Yes. SMSPilot is free to use, with no booking fee and no subscription. Your carrier's standard text-message rates apply like any other SMS, and on most US plans texts are unlimited.
No. SMSPilot never adds a booking fee. When you book, you pay the airline or travel agency's own price on their site — the price you tap is the price you pay.
SMSPilot earns an affiliate commission from the airline or agency when you book through one of its links. That's the entire model, and it's why SMSPilot is free. Results are always sorted by price, cheapest first, regardless of who pays the commission.
Text SMSPilot in plain English — an origin, a destination, dates, trip type, stops, and a budget, in any combination. Airport codes like JFK, city names like “New York,” and natural phrases like “next friday” or “under $300” all work.
Yes. Leave the destination open — say “Newark to anywhere,” “to Italy,” or “somewhere in Europe” — and SMSPilot first texts back a numbered list of the cheapest places to fly from your airport. Pick one and it runs a live search for your exact dates.
SMSPilot usually texts back three options in under ten seconds; the median reply time is about six seconds. You'll often have flights back before you've set your phone down.
SMSPilot searches hundreds of airlines and online travel agencies at once, then shows the cheapest fares first. When you pick a flight, it lists every agency selling it with live prices so you can choose where to book.
Yes. Reply with a flight's number and SMSPilot sends a link to a page listing every agency selling that flight with live prices. Tap one and you check out on the airline or agency's own site — SMSPilot hands you off at the price shown.
Yes. SMSPilot never takes payment and never sees your card. All checkout — passenger details, payment, and seat selection — happens on the airline or agency's own website, not on SMSPilot. See our Privacy Policy for details.
Yes. While viewing a flight, text EMAIL and SMSPilot sends the details to your inbox. Add an address the first time and SMSPilot remembers it for next time — handy for saving a fare or booking later on a laptop.
You need a US mobile number to text SMSPilot today, though it can search flights to destinations worldwide. Wider texting coverage is on the way.
Yes. SMSPilot works over standard SMS, so it runs in the built-in Messages app on any iPhone or Android phone — there's nothing to install.
Text STOP at any time to opt out of all messages, and START to opt back in. To clear a search and begin fresh, text RESTART.
Text any time. We'll text back three options — usually before you've finished your coffee.
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