Skyscanner Flights Reviews: Is It the Ultimate Flight for Travelers?

Planning a trip can be overwhelming, especially with so many online tools and booking platforms to choose from. Skyscanner is one of the most popular flight search engines, known for helping travelers compare flights, hotel prices, and car rentals. But does it live up to the hype? This guide will take an in-depth look at Skyscanner’s features, user experiences, and reliability, as well as tips on how to get the most out of the platform. By the end, you’ll know if Skyscanner is the right choice for your travel planning needs.

What is Skyscanner?

Skyscanner is a global travel search engine that helps users compare prices for flights, hotels, and car rentals across thousands of providers. Since its founding in 2003, it has grown into one of the world’s leading travel platforms, serving millions of travelers in over 30 languages. The platform aggregates data from a wide variety of airlines and travel agencies, giving users a comprehensive overview of available options for any given route or itinerary. This makes it easy for travelers to find flights that fit their budget, schedule, and travel preferences.

One unique feature that sets Skyscanner apart is its ability to search for flights “to everywhere,” allowing users to explore different destinations based on budget and timing. For spontaneous travelers, this feature is a game-changer, as it makes it easy to find affordable options without a specific destination in mind.

Key Features of Skyscanner

Skyscanner offers several unique features designed to make travel planning easier, cheaper, and more efficient. Here’s a closer look at some of the platform’s standout features:

1. Comprehensive Search Functionality

One of Skyscanner’s biggest strengths is its extensive search capabilities. The platform searches through an impressive array of airlines and online travel agencies, covering both major and budget airlines. This broad scope gives users access to a wide range of options, making it easier to compare prices, flight duration, layover times, and more.

Example: If you’re planning a trip from New York City to London, Skyscanner can show you flights from major airlines like Delta and British Airways as well as budget carriers like Norwegian Air and Aer Lingus, all in one search.

2. Flexible Search Options

Skyscanner allows users to be flexible with their travel dates and destinations. If your schedule allows it, you can search for flights across an entire month to identify the cheapest days to travel. Similarly, if you’re open to different destinations, Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search can help you find affordable travel options to a variety of locations within your budget.

Example: Let’s say you have a week off in April but no specific destination in mind. By selecting “Everywhere” in the destination field, you can see a list of destinations ranked by price, which might reveal affordable flights to places you hadn’t previously considered.

3. Price Alerts

Skyscanner’s price alert feature allows you to set up notifications for specific routes. If you’re tracking flights for an upcoming trip, you can enable alerts, and Skyscanner will notify you whenever the price changes. This feature can save you a lot of money, especially on popular or expensive routes.

Example: If you’re planning to visit family in Los Angeles during the holidays, set up a price alert for your desired dates. You’ll be notified whenever the price fluctuates, so you can book at the right moment to get the best deal.

4. Multi-City Searches

For travelers planning complex itineraries, Skyscanner’s multi-city search function is invaluable. It allows you to book flights with multiple destinations in one itinerary, which can be more affordable and logistically efficient than booking each leg separately.

Example: Imagine you’re planning a European vacation and want to visit Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam. Instead of booking each leg individually, you can use the multi-city search to find a combined itinerary, potentially saving both time and money.

5. Mobile App and Easy Navigation

Skyscanner’s user-friendly mobile app is perfect for travelers on the go. The app mirrors the desktop experience, allowing users to search flights, set alerts, and view past searches. It also includes intuitive features like filtering, sorting, and map views, making travel planning easy and accessible from your smartphone.

User Experience and Interface

One of the reasons Skyscanner has become so popular is its clean, simple, and intuitive interface. Users can quickly enter their departure and destination cities, travel dates, and number of passengers, and Skyscanner presents them with a comprehensive list of available flights. The search results are presented in a way that makes it easy to compare options based on price, duration, layover times, and departure times.

Skyscanner also allows users to customize their searches with filters. You can narrow down options based on preferred airlines, layover duration, departure time, and more. This is particularly helpful if you’re looking for direct flights or prefer to avoid long layovers.

Reliability and Accuracy

One of the biggest concerns when using flight search engines is accuracy. Because Skyscanner aggregates data from various sources, there can occasionally be discrepancies between the information displayed on Skyscanner and the actual details on the airline or travel agency’s website. While Skyscanner works hard to ensure data is up-to-date, it’s always wise to double-check flight details on the airline’s official website before completing a booking.

In general, Skyscanner is quite reliable, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Price Fluctuations: Flight prices can change rapidly, especially during peak travel seasons. You may notice price differences by the time you’re redirected to the booking site.
• Limited Control Over Third-Party Sites: Skyscanner itself doesn’t handle bookings. Instead, it redirects users to the airline or travel agency’s website to finalize the purchase. This means any customer service inquiries or issues with the booking will need to be addressed directly with the third-party provider, not Skyscanner.

Booking Process

It’s important to understand that Skyscanner is a search engine, not a booking platform. When you select a flight, Skyscanner redirects you to the airline’s or online travel agency’s website, where you can complete the booking process. This setup has both advantages and disadvantages:

• Advantages: By not handling the booking process directly, Skyscanner can remain impartial, showing a broad range of options without being tied to specific airlines or agencies.
• Disadvantages: If you encounter any issues with your booking, you’ll need to address them with the third-party provider, as Skyscanner does not offer customer service for bookings.

This model can be particularly useful for finding the best price, but it does require users to carefully review booking policies on the third-party site, especially regarding cancellations, changes, and refunds.

Pros and Cons of Using Skyscanner

Using Skyscanner has its benefits, but it’s also important to be aware of potential downsides.

Pros:

• Wide Range of Options: Skyscanner provides access to numerous airlines and travel agencies in one convenient platform, giving users a comprehensive look at available flights.
• User-Friendly Interface: The clean and intuitive design makes it easy to search and compare flight options.
• Flexible Search Features: With options to search for “Everywhere,” track prices, and plan multi-city itineraries, Skyscanner is versatile and caters to both spontaneous and organized travelers.

Cons:

• Potential Price Discrepancies: Because Skyscanner redirects to third-party sites, prices may change during the booking process.
• Lack of Customer Service: Skyscanner doesn’t handle booking issues directly, so you’ll need to work with the airline or travel agency for support.

Skyscanner User Reviews and Feedback

Skyscanner has garnered many reviews from users worldwide. On popular review platforms like Trustpilot, Skyscanner holds a solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, based on thousands of reviews. Here are some common themes from user feedback:

Positive Feedback:

• Ease of Use: Many users praise Skyscanner’s easy-to-use interface and simple navigation, making it accessible even for first-time users.
• Broad Range of Options: Users appreciate the extensive options, as Skyscanner includes both budget and major airlines.
• Flexible Search Features: Features like the “Everywhere” search and multi-city functionality are especially popular among travelers.

Negative Feedback:

• Price Discrepancies: Some users report that prices change upon being redirected to the booking site, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to stick to a budget.
• Third-Party Customer Service Issues: Booking through third-party sites can sometimes lead to challenges, as customer service quality varies between providers.

Tips for Using Skyscanner Effectively

To get the most out of Skyscanner, here are some expert tips:

1. Set Up Price Alerts: If you’re tracking a specific route, enable price alerts to monitor changes. This is especially helpful for popular or expensive routes, as you’ll receive notifications when prices drop.
2. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations: Using the “Everywhere” feature and flexible date options can help you find the best deals if you have some flexibility in your travel plans.
3. Double-Check Details: Before finalizing a booking, verify the flight details and pricing on the airline’s website. This helps avoid any last-minute surprises due to discrepancies.
4. Consider Third-Party Reviews: If Skyscanner redirects you to a third-party site, take a moment to check reviews of that booking provider. This can give you insights into customer service quality and potential issues.
5. Use Skyscanner’s “Whole Month” Feature: If you’re planning a trip but have some flexibility with dates, the “Whole Month” feature allows you to see price trends for an entire month. This can help you choose the cheapest day to fly.

Competitors and Alternatives to Skyscanner

While Skyscanner is a powerful tool, it’s not the only option. Other popular flight search engines include:

• Google Flights: Known for its user-friendly interface and accurate pricing, Google Flights is a great alternative for finding flights quickly.
• Kayak: With similar features to Skyscanner, Kayak offers price alerts, flexible search options, and multi-city itineraries.
• Momondo: This platform provides a visually engaging interface with lots of filtering options, making it a favorite for users who want to compare various flight routes and prices.

Each of these platforms has unique features, so it can be worth trying a few different search engines to ensure you’re finding the best deal.

Conclusion

Skyscanner is a valuable tool for travelers seeking to compare flight options and find competitive prices. Its user-friendly interface, flexible search features, and broad range of flight options make it one of the top travel search engines. However, because Skyscanner redirects you to third-party sites for booking, it’s essential to approach the process with caution and verify all details on the airline’s or travel agency’s website. For travelers who enjoy flexibility, exploring budget options, or planning multi-city itineraries, Skyscanner can be a great choice.

By following these tips and using Skyscanner effectively, you can enhance your travel planning experience and, most likely, secure a great deal on flights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skyscanner Flights

What is Skyscanner?

Skyscanner is a travel search engine that helps users compare flight options, hotel prices, and car rentals across various airlines and travel providers. Founded in 2003, it has grown into a global platform that provides travelers with a comprehensive tool for finding the best travel deals based on their needs and budget.

Is Skyscanner safe and reliable?

Yes, Skyscanner is a reputable platform with millions of users worldwide. However, it is important to note that Skyscanner does not handle the booking directly; instead, it redirects you to third-party websites, such as airlines or online travel agencies, to complete your purchase. Always double-check flight details on the provider’s site to ensure accuracy before booking.

Does Skyscanner have hidden fees?

Skyscanner itself does not charge users any fees to search for flights. However, the travel agency or airline that you’re redirected to might have additional charges, such as booking fees or baggage fees. It’s best to carefully review the final price on the provider’s site before completing your purchase.

How does Skyscanner make money?

Skyscanner earns revenue through affiliate partnerships with airlines, travel agencies, and car rental providers. When users click through Skyscanner’s links to book a flight, hotel, or car rental, Skyscanner receives a commission from the provider. This setup allows Skyscanner to offer a free search service to users without additional costs.

Can I book flights directly on Skyscanner?

No, Skyscanner is a search engine that helps you find flights, but the actual booking is completed on the third-party provider’s website. Skyscanner will redirect you to the airline or travel agency’s site to finalize your booking.

Does Skyscanner offer flexible date options?

Yes, Skyscanner allows you to search for flights with flexible dates. You can view fares across a month to find the cheapest day to fly, or you can select “Everywhere” as a destination if you’re flexible with your travel location. These features make it easier to find budget-friendly options if you’re not limited to specific dates or destinations.

How can I set up price alerts on Skyscanner?

To set up a price alert, simply search for your desired route and select “Get Price Alerts” in the results. Skyscanner will send you notifications whenever there is a price change, helping you book at the best possible price.

Does Skyscanner offer multi-city flight searches?

Yes, Skyscanner offers a multi-city search option, which allows you to create complex itineraries with multiple destinations. This is particularly useful for travelers planning multi-stop trips, as it can help find affordable routes and simplify the booking process.

Are Skyscanner’s prices always accurate?

While Skyscanner works hard to provide accurate, real-time prices, occasional discrepancies may occur due to rapid changes in flight availability or price fluctuations. It’s a good practice to verify the final price on the provider’s website before booking to avoid surprises.

How does Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search work?

The “Everywhere” search is a unique feature that shows you destinations within your budget from your selected departure city. It’s great for flexible travelers looking for budget-friendly destinations or those seeking inspiration for their next trip.

Can I use Skyscanner to find last-minute flights?

Yes, Skyscanner can help you find last-minute flights by showing real-time availability across airlines and travel agencies. However, last-minute fares are generally higher, so setting up price alerts in advance is recommended for better deals.

Are there any Skyscanner alternatives?

Yes, there are several popular alternatives to Skyscanner, including Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo. Each platform offers similar features, but with slight variations in search options, interface, and pricing structure. Many travelers use multiple platforms to compare prices and find the best deals.

Does Skyscanner offer customer support?

Since Skyscanner does not handle the booking directly, it does not provide customer service for reservations. If you encounter issues with your booking, you’ll need to contact the airline or travel agency you booked with. Skyscanner’s support team can, however, answer general questions about using the platform.

How do I know if a third-party provider on Skyscanner is trustworthy?

When Skyscanner redirects you to a third-party booking provider, it’s helpful to read reviews and check the provider’s rating on review sites like Trustpilot. Skyscanner generally lists reputable agencies, but doing additional research can give you peace of mind.

Is there a Skyscanner app, and is it easy to use?

Yes, Skyscanner has a mobile app available for both iOS and Android. The app mirrors the website experience, making it easy to search flights, set up price alerts, and view flight information on the go. Many users find the app intuitive and convenient for mobile travel planning.

Can I find hotel and car rental deals on Skyscanner?

Yes, Skyscanner also offers a search feature for hotels and car rentals. Similar to flights, Skyscanner will display available options and redirect you to the provider’s website to complete the booking. It’s a one-stop shop for travelers looking to organize multiple aspects of their trip in one place.

Does Skyscanner support payment options like PayPal?

Skyscanner itself does not handle payments, as it redirects you to the third-party booking site to complete your transaction. Whether PayPal or other payment options are available will depend on the individual airline or travel agency’s payment policies.

What’s the best way to find the cheapest flights on Skyscanner?

To find the cheapest flights, try these tips:

• Use the “Everywhere” feature to explore budget-friendly destinations.
• Select flexible travel dates to view prices across a month.
• Set up price alerts for specific routes.
• Compare flight options across multiple platforms to ensure the best deal.

How do I change or cancel a booking made through Skyscanner?

Since Skyscanner redirects you to third-party providers for booking, any changes or cancellations must be made directly with the provider. Be sure to check the provider’s cancellation policy before booking, as each company may have different rules regarding changes and refunds.

Does Skyscanner offer a loyalty program or frequent flyer rewards?

Skyscanner does not have a loyalty program, as it is a search engine and not an airline or travel agency. However, if you book through an airline, you may be able to earn miles or points depending on the airline’s own loyalty program policies.