Short answer

• AwardFares is a legitimate, actively used award-search service with modern features (timeline map, multi-program searches, alerts) and a growing user base. It’s generally more discovery‑oriented and visual than legacy tools like ExpertFlyer. (AwardFares.com)

How it compares on the main trust dimensions

• Data accuracy and coverage

  • Strength: AwardFares claims real‑time searches and shows availability per frequent‑flyer program (so you see which program can book a seat). Many users report it finds seats they can then book. (AwardFares.com)
  • Caveat: No third‑party tool has perfect coverage. Some legacy tools (e.g., ExpertFlyer) lost access to large swathes of Star Alliance award data in recent years, which shifted usefulness toward newer services — AwardFares positions itself as a modern alternative. Still, coverage varies by airline/program and can change, so expect occasional differences with what an airline’s site or an agent sees. (blog.AwardFares.com)

• Transparency and provenance

  • AwardFares publishes features, examples, and comparisons on its site and blog; however, feature posts come from the company itself, so they explain strengths but are not independent verification. For an objective check, look for independent reviews and community reports (FlyerTalk/Reddit). (AwardFares.com)

• Security and legitimacy

  • There’s no widespread reporting that AwardFares is a scam — it’s listed as a real company, and many users report successful bookings found via the service. That said, when any tool (including AwardFares) provides links or booking help, you should always complete payment directly with the airline or with a known, trusted partner. Never hand over miles/credentials to strangers. (en.Wikipedia.org)

• Pricing and value

  • AwardFares offers a free tier plus paid plans for heavier use. Users who need broad discovery, timeline searches, and alerts often find the paid plans worthwhile versus the time cost of manual searching. Compare features and trial the free tier to confirm it finds the award types and programs you care about. (AwardFares.com)

• Community reputation

  • Community sources and travel media now commonly point users to alternatives to ExpertFlyer and to newer discovery tools. That’s a positive sign for AwardFares’ usefulness, but community feedback is mixed anywhere — read recent threads for issues like missed inventory, alert noise, or occasional UI quirks. (blog.AwardFares.com)

Practical recommendations (to maximize trust)

1. Always verify any award space you find on the airline’s own site or by calling the airline before transferring or spending points. Third‑party displays can be out of sync for minutes or longer. (AwardFares.com)
2. Use the free trial to test searches for the specific airline alliances and routes you use. If AwardFares consistently matches what the airline shows for your routes, that’s a good indicator it works for your needs. (AwardFares.com)
3. For high‑value redemptions (first/business class long‑haul), cross‑check with at least one other tool or the frequent‑flyer community to confirm availability before acting. (NerdWallet.com)
4. Never transfer points or hand over credentials to anyone claiming to “book for you” unless they are a reputable, reviewed agency; beware of marketplace scams in award services. (Reddit.com)

Bottom line AwardFares is a credible and capable modern award‑search tool with features that make discovery easier than many legacy alternatives. It’s as trustworthy as most reputable travel‑tech services when used carefully — but like any tool in this space, you should verify results with the airline and exercise caution when paying third parties or transferring points. (AwardFares.com)

If you want, I can:

• run a quick check for recent user reviews (Reddit, FlyerTalk, Trustpilot) for the last 12 months and summarize any recurring problems or praise; or
• compare AwardFares feature-by-feature with one alternative you care about (ExpertFlyer, Point.Me, SeatSpy, etc.) and show where each is stronger.