Finding the perfect flight at the right price is often the first step in planning any trip, whether for business or leisure. With so many booking sites available, it can be overwhelming to sift through them all to find the best deal. To help you navigate the vast online landscape, we’ve detailed some of the top websites for booking flights, including a short introduction to each, their pros and cons, unique features, and insights into their customer service.
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- Skyscanner
- Flight List
- Booking.com
- Google Flights
- Jacks Flight Club
- Going
- Flight Glitch
- Best Onward Ticket
Skyscanner – skyscanner.net
Skyscanner is a global travel search site that offers a comprehensive look at flights, hotels, and car rentals. Known for its user-friendly interface and powerful search capabilities, it helps travelers find and compare the best travel deals.
Pros:
- Comprehensive search results from a wide range of airlines, including low-cost carriers.
- Flexible search options, including the ‘Everywhere’ feature for travelers open to any destination.
Cons:
- Prices may not always be updated in real-time, leading to occasional discrepancies.
- Customer support is primarily through online resources, with less emphasis on direct interaction.
Standout Features: The ‘Everywhere’ search function and price alert feature are invaluable for budget-conscious travelers looking for inspiration and the best deals.
Customer Service: Skyscanner directs users to an extensive FAQ and help section for troubleshooting, with direct support options more limited.
Flight List – flightlist.io
Flight List prides itself on simplicity and curated flight deals. It aims to cut through the noise by offering handpicked flight specials, making it easier for travelers to find exceptional offers.
Pros:
- Simplified searching with a focus on curated deals.
- Offers unique discounts and error fares not always found on larger sites.
Cons:
- More limited in scope and search functionality compared to comprehensive search engines.
- Smaller selection of airlines and destinations.
Standout Features: The curation of deals sets Flight List apart, catering to users looking for quick, straightforward savings without extensive searching.
Customer Service: Direct support is less visible, with users likely needing to contact airlines or booking agents directly for detailed inquiries.
Booking.com (Flight Booking Feature)
While Booking.com is best known for its hotel reservations, its flight booking feature offers a convenient way to plan your entire trip in one place. It combines flights with accommodations and car rentals for a seamless travel planning experience.
Pros:
- Comprehensive travel booking options beyond just flights.
- Strong customer service with 24/7 support.
Cons:
- The interface may prioritize accommodations over flights, which can be a slight inconvenience for those focusing solely on flight options.
Standout Features: The integration of flights with hotels and car rentals offers a convenient one-stop-shop for all travel needs.
Customer Service: Booking.com provides robust customer support, including 24/7 live chat and phone assistance.
Google Flights – google.com/travel/flights
Google Flights leverages Google’s extensive data and powerful search engine to offer fast, flexible flight searching. It’s designed for travelers who want to explore various options and find the best prices easily.
Pros:
- Rapid search results with a broad comparison of flight options.
- Flexible search tools, such as date grids and price graphs, help find the best deals.
Cons:
- Does not always feature budget or smaller regional airlines.
- Customer service is more indirect, focusing on self-service resources.
Standout Features: The speed and flexibility of Google Flights’ search capabilities make it a go-to for quick, comprehensive fare comparisons.
Customer Service: Google Flights encourages users to deal directly with airlines or booking agents for specific issues, offering limited direct support.
Jack’s Flight Club – jacksflightclub.com
Jack’s Flight Club operates as a subscription service that alerts members to deeply discounted flights and error fares. It’s built on the premise of sharing the thrill of finding amazing flight deals with its community.
Pros:
- Access to exclusive deals and error fares.
- Community-driven approach with a personalized touch.
Cons:
- Requires a subscription for the best deals.
- Deals are distributed via email, which might not suit everyone’s preferences.
Standout Features: The personalized email alerts and community aspect offer a unique, friendly touch to flight deal hunting.
Customer Service: Responsive support team that is well-regarded among both free and premium members.
Going (Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – going.com
Going, previously known as Scott’s Cheap Flights, specializes in alerting subscribers to exceptional flight deals, including mistake fares and deep discounts. Its focus is on international travel, aiming to make world exploration more affordable.
Pros:
- Exceptional at finding significant international deals.
- Offers both free and premium subscription tiers for more personalized deal alerts.
Cons:
- Relies on email alerts, which requires checking your inbox regularly for the best deals.
- Premium subscription needed for the most exclusive deals.
Standout Features: The quality and range of international flight deals set Going apart, especially for travelers looking to venture abroad.
Customer Service: Offers dedicated support, with a focus on ensuring subscribers can make the most of the deals shared.
Fly Glitch – flyglitch.com
Fly Glitch focuses on uncovering and sharing error fares and pricing glitches, offering savvy travelers the chance to book flights at significantly reduced prices. It’s a niche site catering to those looking to capitalize on temporary system errors.
Pros:
- Specializes in finding error fares that can offer substantial savings.
- Alerts users to limited-time deals that are often not available through traditional booking sites.
Cons:
- Deals are highly time-sensitive and can be unpredictable.
- Limited in scope and functionality compared to full-service flight search engines.
Standout Features: The focus on glitch fares offers an adventurous approach to flight booking, appealing to those looking for the thrill of snagging a once-in-a-lifetime deal.
Customer Service: Given the niche focus, customer service is more specialized, with assistance primarily around understanding and booking glitch fares.
Best Onward Ticket – bestonwardticket.com
Best Onward Ticket provides a unique service for travelers needing proof of onward travel—a common requirement for visa applications or entry into certain countries. It offers rental booking services for onward flight tickets without the need for full payment upfront.
Pros:
- Solves the problem of needing an onward ticket without committing to a specific flight.
- Quick and easy service, providing ticket confirmation within a short time frame.
Cons:
- The service is very niche, focusing solely on onward ticket requirements rather than full flight booking capabilities.
- Costs associated with renting tickets for proof of onward travel may not be worthwhile for all travelers.
Standout Features: The niche service of providing proof of onward travel tickets makes it a go-to resource for travelers in need of meeting this specific requirement.
Customer Service: Offers responsive customer service tailored to the unique needs of travelers requiring onward tickets, ensuring a smooth process.
