Google Flights vs Skyscanner – Which Flight Search ACTUALLY Saves You Money?

Google Flights vs. Skyscanner: A Comprehensive Comparison for Booking Flights

When it comes to booking flights, two of the most popular tools are Google Flights and Skyscanner. Both offer powerful search engines to help travelers find the best airfare deals, but they operate in slightly different ways. This article will break down the features, advantages, drawbacks, and key differences between Google Flights and Skyscanner to help you decide which one to use for your next trip.

User Interface and Ease of Use

Google Flights has a clean and simple interface, making it extremely easy to search for flights. Users can quickly view a calendar with the cheapest travel dates, explore destinations using an interactive map, and filter results based on various criteria such as airline, stops, price, and duration.

In contrast, Skyscanner takes a more travel agency-like approach, offering options for flights, hotels, and car rentals. Although the interface is slightly more cluttered, it provides a wider range of filters and travel options.

Flight Search and Accuracy

One of the most important aspects of any flight search tool is its search capabilities and accuracy. Google Flights pulls data directly from airline websites and major travel agencies, providing fast, real-time results. It features price tracking alerts, notifying users when fares drop or increase.

Skyscanner, on the other hand, operates as a meta-search engine that scans thousands of travel agencies and booking platforms. While it often finds cheaper flights, some deals may come from lesser-known third-party booking sites that can have hidden fees or unreliable customer service.

Best Features of Each Platform

Google Flights

• Price Tracking and Alerts: Users can monitor fare changes and set alerts.
• Explore Tool: Discover cheap flights based on flexible destinations.
• Calendar View: Easy comparison of prices across different dates.
• Direct Booking: Reduces the risk of third-party cancellations.

Skyscanner

• Budget Airlines: Shows flights from smaller or lesser-known budget airlines not listed on Google Flights.
• Flexible Search Options: Find the cheapest month to fly or use multi-city flight options for complex itineraries.
• Package Deals: Displays bundled deals with hotels and rental cars.

Pricing and Hidden Fees

Google Flights does not charge any extra fees since it directs users to book directly with airlines. This results in more transparent pricing without hidden booking charges.

In contrast, Skyscanner redirects users to third-party travel agencies, which may add extra service fees during checkout. While Skyscanner might show lower fares than Google Flights, travelers should exercise caution and verify the credibility of third-party sellers before booking.

Refunds and Customer Service

With Google Flights, refunds and changes depend on the airline’s policy, as all bookings are made directly with the carrier. This generally ensures better customer support and more favorable refund options in case of cancellations or rebooking.

Skyscanner, however, does not handle bookings directly. Refunds and changes depend on the third-party booking website, which may have stricter policies or poorer customer service. It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing your platform.

How to Use Each Platform

Using Skyscanner

1. Go to the flights section on Skyscanner.
2. Select ‘one-way’, ‘return’, or ‘multi-city’.
3. Enter your departure city (e.g., Philippines) and destination (e.g., New York).
4. Choose your departure date and number of travelers.
5. Filter options for nearby airports or direct flights if needed.
6. Click the search button and select from the listed options, sorting by price or other parameters.

Using Google Flights

1. Navigate to Google Flights and enter your departure city and destination.
2. Select ‘one-way’ again, and fill in your departure date.
3. Use the calendar view to compare prices for different dates.
4. Click on the search button and explore booking options directly from the airlines.

Who Should Use Each Platform?

Choose Google Flights if you:

• Want a fast and easy flight search with real-time results.
• Prefer to book directly with airlines for better customer service.
• Need reliable price tracking to monitor fare changes.
• Value a user-friendly experience with no hidden fees.

Opt for Skyscanner if you:

• Are in search of ultra-cheap fares, including budget airlines.
• Desire more flexible search options for cheapest months or multi-city flights.
• Want to compare bundled deals for hotels and car rentals.
• Seek a wider range of airlines, including smaller carriers.

Conclusion

Both Google Flights and Skyscanner are excellent tools for booking flights, but they cater to different types of travelers. If you prioritize speed, accuracy, and transparency, Google Flights is the better option. However, if you’re seeking the absolute cheapest fares and more flexibility, Skyscanner might be worth checking out. Ultimately, using both platforms together can help you find the best deals possible for your trip.

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