If you’re like us, traveling often involves navigating a sea of flight comparison websites. Over the years, we’ve tried countless platforms, but one that has remained consistently reliable is Skyscanner. It’s become our go-to tool for booking flights, and we continue to rely on it for all our travel planning.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key reasons why Skyscanner is the best option for finding great flight deals. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-timer, these features can help you plan your next adventure with ease.
Why Skyscanner?
Skyscanner is a UK-based metasearch engine that compares flight prices, hotel deals, and car rentals. Initially a small startup in Scotland, it has now grown into a global platform used by travelers worldwide. The best part? You won’t be able to book flights directly through Skyscanner. Instead, the platform redirects you to third-party travel agencies or websites, ensuring you get the best prices from various providers.
Here’s why we love it so much:
1. 30-Day Price Overview
One feature that makes Skyscanner stand out is its ability to show a 30-day price calendar. This tool aggregates flight prices for the entire month, allowing you to compare dates and find the most affordable days to fly. Whether you prefer the calendar or chart view, this tool will help you spot cheaper flights easily. You can see prices color-coded from green (cheapest) to red (most expensive), making it simple to find the best deals.
This feature is especially useful when planning trips with flexible travel dates, as it allows us to choose the most cost-effective day to fly.
2. Cheapest Month Feature
If you’re not tied to a specific date, Skyscanner’s “Cheapest Month” feature is a game-changer. Instead of selecting a particular month, you can see which month is the least expensive to travel to your chosen destination. This is perfect for those looking for budget-friendly options or for destinations where prices can fluctuate based on the season.
For example, when traveling to Africa, we’ve found amazing deals using this feature. It’s a great way to explore a destination without breaking the bank.
3. “Everywhere” Search
Our absolute favorite Skyscanner feature is the “Everywhere” search. This allows you to search for flights to any destination in the world, sorted by price. It’s perfect for spontaneous travelers who are open to exploring new places but are looking for the most affordable option.
After selecting “Everywhere,” you’ll be presented with a list of countries sorted by price, and you can dig deeper to compare different airports within the same country. This feature has led us to unexpected trips and unforgettable experiences. It’s how we ended up visiting countries we hadn’t initially considered—making travel more exciting and full of surprises!
4. Wide Selection of Carriers & Reviews
When searching for flights, Skyscanner provides detailed reviews of the online travel agencies (OTAs) you might book with. These ratings help ensure that you choose affordable flights with reliable agencies. If you’re considering booking through a third party, you can read reviews of that service to ensure it’s trustworthy.
We always recommend checking these reviews to make sure you’re booking with a reputable company.
5. Price Alerts
Already found the flight you want but think the price might drop? Skyscanner offers a price alert feature that lets you know when flight prices change. By entering your travel details and selecting “Get Price Alerts,” you can track prices and receive notifications when they fluctuate. This can be a great way to score the best deal, especially when prices are constantly changing.
We’ve used this feature for trips to New York, and it helped us track price changes without having to check manually.
6. COVID-19 Travel Information
Skyscanner has a dedicated page to keep you updated on COVID-19-related travel restrictions. Although we recommend checking your local government’s travel advice first, Skyscanner offers valuable insights on entry requirements and quarantine regulations for various destinations. By signing up for their newsletter, you can receive updates on travel restrictions, making it easier to plan a trip during uncertain times.
7. Additional Tips for Saving on Flights
- Use Incognito Mode: We’ve found that searching for flights in incognito mode often yields lower prices. It’s a small trick, but over time it can add up.
- Compare Directly with Airline Websites: While Skyscanner is great for finding deals, it’s always a good idea to compare prices on the airline’s official website. Occasionally, the airline may offer a lower price than what is displayed on Skyscanner.
Conclusion
Skyscanner continues to be our top choice for flight searches, thanks to its user-friendly features and ability to find the best deals. From the 30-day price overview to the spontaneous “Everywhere” search, it opens up endless possibilities for travelers. Whether you’re booking a last-minute getaway or planning a long-term trip, Skyscanner makes the process of finding affordable flights simple and efficient.
Happy travels, and may your next adventure be filled with affordable flights and amazing destinations!