Is Booking.com Safe for Flights? Answer is – Booking.com can be a convenient way to compare flight prices, but it’s not always the most reliable option. They outsource the actual ticket booking to third-party agencies. This can result in issues with customer service, hidden fees, and difficulties with changes or cancellations. It’s generally safer to book flights directly through the airline.

Is Booking.com Safe for Flights?

What is Booking.com?

Booking.com, founded in Amsterdam in 1996, is one of the world’s leading online travel agencies (OTAs). Originally starting as a small Dutch startup focused on hotels, it rapidly expanded to become a behemoth in the accommodation sector.

Part of Booking Holdings Inc., Booking.com boasts a staggering inventory of over 28 million listings ranging from hotels and resorts to apartments, villas, and even unique stays like treehouses or boats.

Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive search filters, Booking.com has become a go-to for travelers seeking the perfect place to stay.

Booking.com’s foray into flight bookings

While Booking.com’s dominance lies in the accommodation sector, the platform has also ventured into the flight booking arena.

This move aims to provide travelers with a convenient one-stop-shop for their travel needs. However, unlike their core hotel reservation service, Booking.com primarily acts as a middleman for flight bookings. Here’s how it works:

• Search and Comparison: Like many travel aggregators, Booking.com allows you to search for flights by inputting your destination, dates, and preferences. The platform then scours the web to compare prices and itineraries from various airlines and other third-party travel agencies.
• Redirection: Once you find a suitable flight on Booking.com, you’re redirected to the website of the airline or a third-party agency to complete the actual booking process. Booking.com, in essence, acts as a lead generator for these other entities.

Is Booking.com Safe for Flights?

While Booking.com can be a useful tool for comparing flight prices, it’s crucial to realize that the platform introduces several potential complications due to its reliance on third-party agencies.

1. The Third-Party Problem

Lack of direct control

When you book a flight through Booking.com, you are essentially handing over control of your reservation to an external company.

Booking.com has limited influence over the policies, procedures, and customer service practices of these third-party agencies. This lack of direct control can cause significant issues, especially when problems arise.

Customer service challenges

If you need to change your flight, request a refund, or deal with any unexpected disruptions, you’ll likely have to navigate the customer service channels of the third-party agency, not Booking.com.

This can lead to several frustrating scenarios:

• Confusing Responsibility: It can be unclear whether Booking.com or the third-party agency should resolve your issue. You might find yourself passed between customer service representatives, leading to delays and frustration.
• Long Wait Times and Inconsistent Support: The quality of customer service provided by third-party agencies can vary wildly. You might encounter long hold times, poorly trained representatives, or language barriers that hinder effective communication.
• Limited Recourse: Since Booking.com doesn’t directly control the reservation, they have less leverage in advocating for you if the third-party agency is unresponsive or difficult to deal with.

2. Hidden Fees and Unexpected Costs

Additional charges not always transparent

One of the major pitfalls of using Booking.com for flights is the potential for hidden fees and unexpected costs that might not be immediately obvious during the initial search process.

Here’s where things get tricky:

• Booking.com’s Initial Price: The price you see on Booking.com is often just a starting point and may represent a very basic fare. Additional fees might not be factored in until you’re redirected to the third-party agency’s website.
• Third-Party Agency Fees: These external agencies may tack on their own service fees, processing fees, or even credit card surcharges. These fees often only become apparent during the final stages of the booking process.
• Airline Fees: Airlines themselves are notorious for charging fees for checked baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and other extras. While these fees aren’t necessarily hidden, it can be harder to compare them clearly when you’re not booking directly with the airline.

3. Difficulty with Changes and Cancellations

Travel plans can change unexpectedly. Unfortunately, if you’ve booked a flight through Booking.com, the flexibility to adjust your itinerary or cancel altogether might be severely limited.

Here’s why:

Restrictive Policies

The third-party agencies that Booking.com redirects you to often have strict change and cancellation policies. These can vary greatly between agencies and even between different fare types offered by the same airline.

• Non-refundable Fares: Many discounted fares found on Booking.com are completely non-refundable, meaning you won’t receive any money back if you need to cancel, regardless of the reason.
• High Change Fees: Even if your fare allows changes, you could face exorbitant change fees on top of any difference in airfare for your new itinerary.

Long Wait Times for Resolution

When you need to change or cancel a flight, you’ll be dealing primarily with the third-party agency’s customer service. As mentioned previously, this can lead to frustrating delays and inconsistent support.

• Phone Tag: You might be stuck playing phone tag with the agency’s representatives, waiting on hold for extended periods, or getting bounced between different departments for even simple requests.
• Limited Power from Booking.com: If the agency is uncooperative, Booking.com has limited leverage to negotiate on your behalf. Your requests could get lost within their system or fall outside their area of responsibility.

Lisa Cheng

Lisa Cheng, founder of the travel rewards website This Life in Trips emphasizes the importance of understanding cancellation policies: “Before booking any flight, especially through third-party sites, scrutinize the terms and conditions. The cheapest fare may end up costing you dearly if you need flexibility due to unforeseen circumstances.”

4. When Booking.com Flights Might Be Okay

While it’s generally advisable to exercise caution, there are a few specific situations where Booking.com might be a reasonable option for flight bookings:

Simple, domestic itineraries

If you’re planning a straightforward domestic flight with no need for extra baggage, seat selection, or a high likelihood of changes, the risks associated with Booking.com are somewhat reduced.

The lower complexity of the flight minimizes the chances of significant issues arising.

Price comparisons only

Booking.com can sometimes serve as a useful starting point for comparing flight prices across different airlines and dates.

However, it’s crucial to follow these guidelines:

• Go Beyond the Initial Price: Don’t get fixated on the initial price displayed on Booking.com. Always factor in potential fees and be prepared to compare the final price directly on the airline’s website before hitting the ‘book’ button.
• Check Reviews: Before getting redirected to a third-party agency, do some quick research on their reputation. Look for reviews on platforms like Trustpilot [invalid URL removed]] to gauge their customer service and track record for handling issues.
• Use for Inspiration: Consider the flight information found on Booking.com as inspiration, rather than a final booking decision. Take those details and search directly on the airline’s website to see if you can secure a better deal or more favorable conditions.

Ahmed Mir

Ahmed Mir, a frequent traveler and founder of the travel blog Travel with Ahmed, offers a balanced perspective: “Booking.com can sometimes reveal decent flight prices, but I always treat it as a lead generator, not a booking platform. Use the information you find there as a starting point for further comparison and ultimately book with the airline itself whenever possible.”

What Does This Mean for You?

The potential drawbacks of using Booking.com for flights highlight the importance of considering more reliable and direct options for securing your travel arrangements.

Here’s a breakdown of where to look instead:

1. Alternatives to Booking.com for Flights

Booking directly with airlines

Cutting out the middleman is almost always the best strategy for flight bookings.

Here’s why:

• Full Control: You retain complete control over your reservation, from choosing your seat to managing any changes or cancellations.
• Best Customer Service: If issues arise, you’re dealing directly with the airline, who tends to be more responsive in resolving problems quickly and effectively.
• Loyalty Programs and Perks: Booking directly with the airline allows you to accrue frequent flyer miles or points within their loyalty program, potentially leading to future discounts or even free flights.

Reputable online travel agencies (OTAs) specializing in flights:

If you prefer the convenience of using an online platform, several trustworthy OTAs focus specifically on air travel.

Popular ones include:

• Expedia: A major player in the travel industry, offering a wide selection of flights and competitive prices.
• Kayak: A powerful meta-search engine that compares flight options across multiple OTAs and airline websites.
• Skyscanner: A user-friendly flight search tool with helpful features like price alerts and flexible date options.
• Google Flights: Google’s robust flight search platform with an intuitive interface and excellent price tracking tools.

Important: Always do your research! Even with established OTAs, read reviews and compare their terms and conditions before finalizing your booking.

2. Tips for Protecting Yourself if You Use Booking.com

If you do decide to book a flight through Booking.com, here’s how to minimize potential headaches:

Read reviews of the third-party agency

Before getting redirected from Booking.com, dedicate a few minutes to researching the reputation of the third-party agency or OTA you’ll be dealing with.

Platforms like Trustpilot offer valuable insights into customer experiences.

Thoroughly understand cancellation policies

Scrutinize the fine print regarding changes, cancellations, and refunds for both the airline and the third-party agency.

Ensure you know your options in case your travel plans change unexpectedly.

Document all communication

Keep detailed records of any communication with Booking.com and the third-party agency. Save email confirmations, take screenshots of your booking details, and note the names of any customer service agents you speak with.

This information could be crucial if there’s a dispute or problem with your reservation later.

James Asquith

James Asquith, the globetrotting founder of the travel website Worldwide Shopping Guide  emphasizes the importance of being informed: “Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to travel bookings. Always research your options, understand the terms, and choose the booking method that gives you the most control and protection.”

Conclusion

While Booking.com can be an excellent tool for finding hotels and accommodations, its foray into flight bookings introduces a layer of complexity that often leads to potential problems. The reliance on third-party agencies dilutes your control over the reservation, increases the chances of encountering hidden fees, and complicates any necessary changes or cancellations.

In most cases, booking flights directly through the airline is the safest and most reliable option. It grants you full control, access to the best customer support, and the potential benefits of frequent flyer programs.

If you prefer using an online platform, choose reputable online travel agencies (OTAs) that specialize in flights, such as Expedia, Kayak, Skyscanner, or Google Flights. These platforms generally offer a more streamlined booking experience and reliable customer service dedicated to air travel.

Only utilize Booking.com for flight bookings in very specific circumstances: simple domestic routes with minimal need for flexibility. If you do choose Booking.com, always follow the best practices: research the third-party agency, scrutinize cancellation policies, and document your communications carefully.

FAQs

Q: Is it ever okay to book a flight through Booking.com?

While generally not recommended, it might be acceptable for straightforward domestic flights where you don’t expect changes and don’t require additional services like baggage or seat selection. It can also serve as a starting point for price comparisons, but always proceed with caution.

Q: Why is booking directly with the airline better?

Booking directly with the airline affords you maximum control over your reservation and guarantees the best customer service experience. You avoid the complications that come with dealing with third-party agencies.

Q: Are flights cheaper on Booking.com?

Booking.com might initially display lower prices, but these typically don’t include the various fees that are added later in the booking process. Often, the final price obtained directly through the airline might end up being cheaper or very similar.

Q: What are the best alternatives to Booking.com for flights?

The top alternatives include:

• Booking directly on the airline’s website
• Reputable OTAs specializing in flights: Expedia, Kayak, Skyscanner, and Google Flights.

Q: What factors should I consider before booking a flight online?

Here’s your checklist:

• Price: Compare prices across multiple platforms and directly on the airline’s website. Factor in all potential fees.
• Cancellation and Change Policies: Know your options in case of unexpected circumstances.
• Baggage Allowance: Check what’s included in your base fare.
• Customer Reviews: Research the reputation of both the airline and any third-party agency involved.
• Loyalty Programs: Consider the value of earning miles or points if booking directly with the airline.