Is Skyscanner legit? Answer is – Yes, Skyscanner is a legitimate and reliable flight search engine. It doesn’t sell tickets directly but helps you compare prices from various airlines and travel agencies. While it’s generally safe to use, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks, such as hidden fees or booking through unreliable third-party agencies.

Is Skyscanner Legit?

Skyscanner is a leading flight comparison website and travel fare aggregator that empowers millions of users worldwide to find the best deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals.

Launched in 2003, Skyscanner has evolved from a simple flight search tool to a comprehensive travel platform, offering various features to streamline the booking process and enhance the travel experience.

What is Skyscanner?

At its core, Skyscanner is a metasearch engine that scours the internet for the most competitive prices from numerous airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs).

It does not sell tickets directly but presents users with a plethora of options, allowing them to compare prices, dates, and routes before redirecting them to the chosen provider to complete their booking.

How Does Skyscanner Work?

Skyscanner’s search algorithm operates behind the scenes, aggregating data from various sources to deliver real-time results tailored to the user’s preferences.

When a user initiates a search, Skyscanner sends out requests to its vast network of partners, which include airlines, OTAs, and other travel providers.

These partners respond with their available fares and itineraries, which Skyscanner then compiles and displays in a user-friendly format.

The platform also offers a range of filtering and sorting options, allowing users to refine their search based on factors such as price, duration, number of stops, and preferred airlines.

Additionally, Skyscanner provides helpful features like price alerts, which notify users when prices for their desired routes change, and a “flexible dates” option, which displays the cheapest days to fly within a given month.

Is Skyscanner Free to Use?

Yes, Skyscanner is completely free to use. The platform generates revenue through affiliate marketing and advertising partnerships with travel providers.

When a user clicks on a flight or hotel deal and proceeds to book through the provider’s website, Skyscanner earns a commission.

This business model allows Skyscanner to provide its services to users at no cost while ensuring that the prices displayed are accurate and up-to-date.

John Grant Expert Opinion

“Skyscanner has revolutionized the way people plan and book their travels,” says John Grant, a senior analyst at OAG, a leading provider of aviation data and insights. “Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive search results, and innovative features have made it a go-to platform for travelers seeking the best deals and a seamless booking experience.”

Is Skyscanner Safe and Reliable?

When booking travel online, safety and reliability are paramount. Skyscanner, as a popular flight comparison platform, raises questions for many users: Is it safe to use? Can I trust its results?

1. Skyscanner’s Legitimacy and Security Measures

Skyscanner is a legitimate company with a proven track record since its inception in 2003. It is owned by Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. This affiliation adds to Skyscanner’s credibility and financial stability.

The platform prioritizes user security through various measures:

Data Encryption: Skyscanner uses secure socket layer (SSL) encryption to protect user data during transmission, ensuring that personal and financial information remains confidential.

Secure Payment Processing: Skyscanner does not process payments directly. Instead, users are redirected to the chosen airline or travel agency’s secure payment gateway, where their payment information is handled.

Partner Verification: Skyscanner partners with reputable airlines and travel agencies, conducting due diligence to ensure their legitimacy and adherence to industry standards.

Fraud Detection: Skyscanner employs fraud detection systems to monitor and prevent suspicious activity, safeguarding users from potential scams.

2. User Experiences and Reviews

Skyscanner boasts a vast user base with millions of searches performed daily. Reviews across various platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews generally reflect positive experiences.

Users appreciate Skyscanner’s user-friendly interface, comprehensive search results, and the ability to find competitive prices.

However, some users have reported encountering issues such as hidden fees, misleading prices, or difficulties with booking modifications or cancellations through third-party providers.

It’s crucial to remember that Skyscanner acts as an aggregator and is not responsible for the actions of its partners.

3. Potential Risks and Concerns

While Skyscanner itself is safe to use, potential risks arise from booking through third-party providers displayed on the platform. These risks include:

Hidden Fees: Some OTAs may add hidden fees or surcharges that are not initially displayed, resulting in a higher final price than expected.

Unreliable Providers: While Skyscanner strives to partner with reputable providers, there is a risk of encountering less reliable agencies that may offer poor customer service or unreliable booking experiences.

Misleading Prices: In rare cases, prices displayed on Skyscanner may not be up-to-date or may not reflect the final cost due to additional fees or taxes.

Sarah Clayton-Lea Expert Opinion

“Skyscanner is a valuable tool for finding the best flight deals, but users should exercise caution when booking through third-party providers,” advises travel expert Sarah Clayton-Lea. “Always read reviews, compare prices across multiple platforms, and book directly with the airline whenever possible to avoid potential issues.”

How to Use Skyscanner Effectively

Navigating the vast landscape of flight options can be daunting. Skyscanner, with its intuitive interface and powerful search capabilities, simplifies this process.

This guide will walk you through how to use Skyscanner effectively, from initiating a search to understanding its unique features.

1. Searching for Flights

Begin by visiting the Skyscanner website or launching the app on your mobile device. The homepage presents a straightforward search bar where you can input your departure and arrival airports, travel dates, number of passengers, and cabin class preference.

Skyscanner’s flexibility is a key advantage. If your dates are flexible, you can select “Whole month” or “Cheapest month” to view a calendar showcasing the most affordable days to fly. Similarly, if your destination is open, type “Everywhere” in the “To” field to explore flight options worldwide.

Once you’ve entered your search criteria, click “Search flights” to initiate the search. Skyscanner’s powerful algorithm will then scour its extensive database to display a comprehensive list of available flights.

2. Filtering and Sorting Results

Skyscanner presents search results in a clear and concise format, listing flights based on various factors. To streamline your options, utilize the filtering and sorting tools:

• Filters: Refine your search by applying filters such as airlines, number of stops, departure and arrival times, and price range. You can even filter by specific airports or alliances.
• Sorting: Sort the results based on your priorities, whether it’s price, duration, departure time, or arrival time. This allows you to quickly identify the flights that best suit your needs.

Skyscanner also offers a “Best” option, which considers a combination of factors like price, duration, and stops to recommend the most suitable flights.

3. Understanding Price Alerts and Deals

Skyscanner’s price alerts are a valuable feature for budget-conscious travelers. Once you’ve conducted a search, you can set up price alerts for your desired route and dates. Skyscanner will then monitor price fluctuations and notify you via email or app notification when prices drop.

Additionally, Skyscanner features a “Deals” section highlighting discounted fares and special offers from various airlines and travel agencies. This is a great resource for finding last-minute deals or discovering new destinations.

Nomadic Matt Expert Opinion

Travel blogger and author Nomadic Matt emphasizes the importance of utilizing Skyscanner’s flexibility: “Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dates and destinations. Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search and flexible date options can open up a world of possibilities you may not have considered otherwise.”

Booking Flights Through Skyscanner

Once you’ve found the perfect flight on Skyscanner, it’s time to secure your booking. This section will guide you through choosing the right booking option, understanding the booking process, and most importantly, avoiding hidden fees.

1. Choosing a Booking Option (Airline or Agency)

Skyscanner presents you with two primary options for booking:

1. Directly with the Airline: This option takes you to the airline’s official website to complete your booking. It often offers the most transparent pricing and allows you to manage your booking directly with the airline, including any changes or cancellations.
2. Through an Online Travel Agency (OTA): OTAs like Expedia, Booking.com, or Kiwi.com often offer bundled deals including flights, hotels, and car rentals. While they can provide convenience, they might also come with additional fees or less flexibility compared to booking directly with the airline.

Choosing between these options depends on your priorities:

• Transparency and Control: If you value transparent pricing and direct control over your booking, booking with the airline is preferable.
• Convenience and Bundled Deals: If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for your travel needs and potentially save with bundled deals, OTAs might be a good choice.

2. Understanding the Booking Process

Regardless of your chosen booking option, the process generally involves the following steps:

1. Selecting Your Flight: Click on the flight you want to book from the search results.
2. Reviewing Flight Details: Carefully review the details, including fare conditions, baggage allowance, and any potential restrictions.
3. Entering Passenger Information: Provide accurate passenger details as per their travel documents.
4. Selecting Additional Services (Optional): Choose additional services like seat selection, travel insurance, or extra baggage if needed.
5. Payment: Enter your payment details securely on the provider’s website.
6. Confirmation: Receive your booking confirmation via email.

3. Tips for Avoiding Hidden Fees

Hidden fees can quickly turn a seemingly good deal into an expensive one. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Read the Fine Print: Before confirming your booking, carefully read the terms and conditions, paying close attention to any additional fees for baggage, seat selection, or payment methods.
• Compare Prices: Don’t just rely on the initial price displayed. Compare prices across multiple providers, including the airline’s official website, to ensure you’re getting the most accurate cost.
• Use Skyscanner’s Price Alert Feature: Set up price alerts for your desired route and dates to get notified of any price drops.
• Look for Transparent Providers: Choose airlines and OTAs with a reputation for transparent pricing and clear fee structures.
• Consider Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can protect you from unexpected costs due to cancellations, delays, or lost baggage.

Matthew Kepnes Expert Opinion

Travel expert and author Matthew Kepnes (Nomadic Matt) advises, “Always prioritize transparency and do your research. A little extra effort can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run.”

Exploring Skyscanner Alternatives

While Skyscanner is a popular choice for flight searches, it’s not the only option available. Several other platforms offer similar services, each with its unique features and benefits.

This section explores some of the top Skyscanner alternatives, comparing their features and helping you choose the best fit for your travel needs.

1. Google Flights: A powerful search engine backed by Google’s vast data resources, Google Flights excels at finding the cheapest flights across various airlines. It offers a user-friendly interface, interactive calendar views, and price tracking features. However, it may not always display budget airline options or comprehensive search results for international flights.

2. Momondo: Known for its sleek design and intuitive interface, Momondo is another popular metasearch engine that scours hundreds of travel sites for the best deals. It offers a unique “Trip Finder” feature that suggests destinations based on your budget and interests. However, Momondo’s customer service has been criticized for being less responsive than some competitors.

3. Kayak: A comprehensive travel search engine, Kayak goes beyond flights, offering searches for hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. It features a Price Forecast tool that predicts whether flight prices will rise or fall, aiding in decision-making. However, Kayak’s interface can be overwhelming for some users, with numerous ads and sponsored listings.

4. Kiwi.com: This innovative platform specializes in finding “hidden city” flights and multi-city itineraries, potentially saving you money on complex routes. It also offers a “Nomad” feature that suggests random destinations based on your budget. However, Kiwi.com’s customer service has faced criticism for its handling of cancellations and changes.

Comparing Features and Benefits

Feature	Skyscanner	Google Flights	Momondo	Kayak	Kiwi.com
Price Comparison	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Ease of Use	✅	✅	✅	🟡	🟡
Price Alerts	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Flexible Search	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Customer Support	🟡	🟡	🔴	🟡	🔴
Unique Features	🟡	🟡	✅	✅	✅

• ✅ (Green Tick): The feature is fully available and functions well on the platform.
• 🟡 (Yellow Circle): The feature is available, but may have limitations or not function as well as on other platforms.
• 🔴 (Red Cross): The feature is either not available or has significant issues and drawbacks.

Drew Binsky Expert Opinion

Travel technology expert and founder of Travel Is Free, Drew Binsky, advises, “Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Try out different flight search engines to compare prices and features. You might be surprised to find that one platform consistently offers better deals or suits your specific needs better than others.”

Conclusion: Is Skyscanner Worth Using?

Absolutely! Skyscanner is a valuable tool for modern travelers, offering a user-friendly platform to compare flight prices, discover deals, and streamline the booking process.

Its vast network of partners and comprehensive search results ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date and competitive prices available.

However, like any tool, Skyscanner is most effective when used wisely. Remember to:

• Compare Prices: Don’t just book the first flight you see. Compare prices across multiple platforms, including the airline’s official website, to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
• Read the Fine Print: Before confirming your booking, carefully review the terms and conditions, including baggage allowances and any potential restrictions.
• Beware of Hidden Fees: Some third-party providers may add hidden fees. Look for transparent providers and read reviews before booking.
• Utilize Price Alerts: Set up price alerts for your desired routes and dates to get notified of price drops.
• Explore Flexible Options: If your dates are flexible, consider using Skyscanner’s “Whole month” or “Cheapest month” search to find the most affordable travel times.

FAQs

Is Skyscanner Legit and Safe to Use?

Yes, Skyscanner is a legitimate and safe platform. It partners with reputable airlines and travel agencies and uses secure data encryption to protect user information. However, always exercise caution when booking through third-party providers and read reviews before finalizing your booking.

Does Skyscanner Have Hidden Fees?

Skyscanner itself does not charge any fees. However, some third-party providers listed on the platform may have hidden fees or surcharges. Always read the fine print before confirming your booking.

Can I Book Directly with Airlines on Skyscanner?

Yes, Skyscanner allows you to book directly with airlines through their official websites. This is often the most transparent and secure way to book your flight.

How Do I Set Up Price Alerts on Skyscanner?

After conducting a search, click on the “Get Price Alerts” button. You can then choose to receive alerts via email or through the Skyscanner app.

What Are the Best Skyscanner Alternatives?

Some popular alternatives to Skyscanner include Google Flights, Momondo, Kayak, and Kiwi.com. Each platform has its unique features and benefits.