Here are the best websites and services to search for and book award flights, grouped by purpose so you can pick the right tool for your needs.

1. Best all‑in‑one award search (shows many programs/partner redemptions)

• Point.Me — real‑time award search across 100+ airlines and many credit‑card transfer partners; also offers step‑by‑step booking instructions and a paid concierge option. Good when you want to compare many programs quickly. (Point.Me)

2. Best for tracking balances, promotions and simple booking reminders

• AwardWallet — tracks points across dozens of programs, posts timely award promotions and can help you keep transfer/booking deadlines organized. Useful to spot program promotions that reduce required miles. (AwardWallet.com)

3. Best for alerting and fare-class/award‑class monitoring

• ExpertFlyer — long‑standing tool for inventory alerts and award class monitoring (note: coverage has been reduced for some airlines, so check whether the airline you need is included). Good for setting alerts when a specific seat/class opens. (LoyaltyLobby.com)

4. Best paid concierge / full‑service award booking

• Point.Me (concierge) and long‑standing award booking shops (formerly Juicy Miles / various boutique award agents) — these services will research, advise transfers, and book awards for you for a fee (handy for complex routings or premium cabins). Review prices and refund/guarantee terms before paying. (Point.Me)

5. Useful airline/partner sites you must check for final booking

• Always verify availability and complete booking on the airline or alliance site you’ll actually use (e.g., United, American, Air Canada/Aeroplan, Alaska, Flying Blue, ANA, etc.). Many award search tools miss some inventory or price quirks, so confirm on the program you’ll transfer points into. (General practice; see reviews of award tools recommending double‑checking with airlines.) (travelstrategies.com)

6. Other tools worth knowing

• Seats.aero — praised by many award travelers for robust searching and alerts (community feedback indicates it’s a strong alternative).
• Google Flights / KAYAK — not for award redemptions, but excellent for itinerary/cash‑fare research which can inform routing ideas for award searches. (reddit.com)

Quick suggestions for choosing:

• If you want to compare many programs and discover “hidden” partner options: start with Point.Me (or pay for concierge if you want them to do booking). (Point.Me)
• If you need alerts for a specific seat: use ExpertFlyer (but check which airlines it still covers). (LoyaltyLobby.com)
• If you want to keep track of promos and balances: use AwardWallet. (AwardWallet.com)
• For high‑value premium cabin trips or complex itineraries, consider hiring a paid award concierge/agent — it often pays for itself in time saved and mistakes avoided. (pointmetotheplane.boardingarea.com)

If you’d like, tell me the origin, destination and cabin (or whether you prefer DIY vs paid help) and I can recommend which exact site to search first and a quick plan (which program to check, whether you need alerts, and whether a concierge is likely worthwhile).