Finding a cheap flight can feel like winning the lottery — except you get extra cash for snacks or souvenirs instead of millions. But, with so many diverse offers on the market (your eyes just dart around, bright ads, tempting deals, it always feels like this is the lucky one!), how do you find the best flight booking site?
Don’t worry — we’ll help you out. We’ve scoured the flight search engines, done the legwork, and rounded up the top options to help you detect the best website to book flights for your next adventure.
What should you do with this information? Review and explore it — we’re happy to share our conclusions and fair judgments. And now, when you urgently need to book a ticket or plan a trip for a whole group — it’s no problem. You’ll find not only the operator with the cheapest prices but also the one that best suits your needs.
The Best Flight Booking Sites
Good news! You can choose from many flight booking sites. Some are big names you’ve probably heard. In contrast, others feel like well-kept secrets. But booking a flight doesn’t have to feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. It should be as easy as ordering pizza (please add extra toppings).
You’ve just decided to jet off for a surprise getaway — maybe an anniversary celebration or a weekend escape somewhere warm and sunny. You need a ticket fast, without breaking the bank or pulling your hair out over endless options. Who do you trust to get you there?
Based on your feedback, our dear readers, gathered from various forums, we’ve made it a rule that the best flight booking site means low prices and great service. Of course, there’s more to it, so we’ve put everything extra into one list you can explore. Check it out — if at least three of these five qualities match your expectations, you 100% need to explore our list!
Here’s what the best flight search engines should offer:
- Easy-to-Use Interfaces: Booking a flight should be so simple even your grandma — or your pet hamster — could handle it (okay, maybe not the hamster, but you get it).
- Wide Search Options: Whether you’re flying to Paris, Tokyo, or some tiny spot like Timbuktu (it’s real, promise), these sites have an offer you’ll like.
- Custom Filters: Not a fan of middle seats? Hate layovers that feel like an eternity? Pick and choose what works for you.
- Price Tracking: Who doesn’t love a heads-up when the price drops? It’s like getting a surprise sale alert for your dream vacation.
- Flexible Date Searches: Let’s be honest — life doesn’t always stick to one specific day, nor should your travel plans.
These sites make it all feel effortless, like having a travel-savvy friend in your pocket. Ready to meet your new flight-booking BFFs? Let’s dive in!
Google Flights
Features:
- Lightning-fast searches (this thing’s fast!).
- Use the date grid to easily spot the cheapest days to fly.
- Fare alerts will let you know when the price drops.
Google Flights is like your super-smart friend who always has the best advice (but doesn’t make you feel bad about it). Looking for the best deal ever? You’re in the right place. Google Flights is simple, quick, and easy to use. Is this the best flight website? We think so. The date grid is an extra convenient option for the fastest search because it shows you the cheapest days to travel at a glance. You’ll wonder how you ever booked flights without it. Need a last-minute flight to Mexico? Google Flights has a last-minute offer.
People Say: Google Flights is loved for its speed and clean interface. One user even mentioned how they saved $200 just by switching their departure date — talk about a deal!
Price Policy: Google Flights doesn’t book your flight directly, but it’ll send you to airlines or travel agencies that do. Heads up — prices may fluctuate when redirected, but it’s still the best site to book flights (at least 100% at the top).
Pros:
- Super fast results.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Great for flexible dates.
Cons:
- Limited filtering options.
- No booking directly through Google (boo!).
Kayak
Features:
- “Explore” tool to discover destinations within your budget.
- Price forecasting to let you know whether you should book now or wait (it’s like a crystal ball!).
- Tons of filters for airlines, layovers, and more.
Kayak is like the all-in-one tool for booking flights — it’s got everything you need. The “Explore” feature lets you punch in your budget and get a list of cool places you can fly to. Budget: $500? Let Kayak show you how far that can get you this weekend. Plus, it has price forecasting to tell you if it’s worth booking now or waiting for a deal. So, if you’re unsure when to pull the trigger, Kayak has your back.
Kayak started in 2004 with one simple idea: make travel planning easy. Built by people who know the travel business, it quickly became a top choice for finding and comparing flights, hotels, and rental cars. What makes it special? It’s super easy to use, and its smart tools search tons of travel sites to save you time and money. Over the years, Kayak has grown worldwide and earned a solid reputation for reliability. Today, it’s the go-to site for millions of travelers who want great deals and everything in one place.
People Say: Kayak’s customers love it for its versatility and best airline search engine capabilities. One traveler even used Kayak’s price forecasting tool to save $300 by waiting a few days before booking. Patience = $$$.
Price Policy: Kayak doesn’t handle booking directly but refers you to airlines and travel agents. Its price prediction feature is like a magic wand for finding the best airfares, but be aware that extra fees might apply when you book through third-party sites.
Pros:
- Price prediction is pretty spot-on.
- Tons of filtering options.
- Great for inspiration and travel ideas.
Cons:
- Sometimes, prices vary a bit from what’s listed.
- The site can get cluttered with ads.
Trip.com
Features:
- 24/7 customer support (seriously, someone’s always there).
- App-exclusive discounts (download it now!).
- Multi-city planning for all the globetrotters.
Planning a trip abroad? Trip.com is the best site for flights to destinations worldwide. With over 20 years in the travel industry, they’ve built a strong reputation for offering smooth, hassle-free bookings. Need to book a multi-city trip? No problem! You can fly from New York to Tokyo and then head to Sydney with an easy and seamless booking process.
Customers love Trip.com’s excellent customer support and exclusive app-only deals. It’s no secret that many companies are moving online, which is a plus. But not all offer special perks just for booking through their app, right? Anyway, over the years, Trip.com has built a top-tier organization. They have everything a customer needs in one place, right at your fingertips.
People Say: People love how easy Trip.com makes booking international trips, especially multi-city ones. One traveler scored a business-class seat to Asia for the price of the economy — thank you, Trip.com! But, some mention that domestic flights can be pricier than expected.
Price Policy: Trip.com is great for international fares, but domestic flights might be more expensive. The real gems are its app-only discounts, so download it ASAP for the best deals.
Pros:
- Excellent for international travel.
- Seamless multi-city flight bookings.
- Great customer support.
Cons:
- Domestic options are limited.
- Occasional slower site load times.
Expedia
Features:
- Bundle flights, hotels, and cars for bigger savings.
- Rewards program to rack up points for future travel.
- Advanced filtering options to narrow down your choices.
Oh, here’s another unique service with everything — hotels, flights, tours, and more- to make your vacation happy and comfortable. It’s insanely popular and often called the best flight search engine because every trip starts with booking a flight. The navigation is super simple: click “Flights” on the menu, pick your cities, dates, and the number of travelers, and you’re all set. You’ll see the best deals from various providers right in front of you.
No wonder Expedia might come to mind when you think of the best website for booking flights. It’s been around forever (seriously, since 1996) and knows how to travel inside and out. But it’s not just about the variety of prices and offers. There’s also the rewards program, which means you can earn money back for future bookings if you’re a frequent traveler. It’s a solid choice for planning your entire vacation.
People Say: While some love Expedia’s bundled deals and convenience, others find the interface cluttered. Still, it’s one of the best airfare sites for those looking for a complete vacation package.
Price Policy: You can save more by bundling your flights with hotels and cars. It’s an excellent service for people looking to book everything together. Frequent users also benefit from the rewards program, which can be a big money-saver in the long run.
Pros:
- Excellent for package deals.
- Great rewards program.
- Trusted brand with lots of options.
Cons:
- A bit too many options on the site.
- Customer service can be inconsistent.
Hopper
Features:
- Predictive analytics (We’re telling you, it’s like magic!).
- “Watch a Trip” feature to get alerts on fare drops.
- Tells you the best time to book.
Looking for the best flight comparison site? Hopper is here to help you predict when the price will drop! It’s got a predictive algorithm that gives you advice on when to buy your tickets. Got your eye on a trip to Paris? Hopper will let you know if it’s worth waiting a week or booking today. You can even “watch” a trip, and it’ll notify you when fares are at their lowest.
Hopper started its activity in 2007, completely changing how people book travel. When we say travel, we don’t just mean plane tickets but also hotels, as this little bunny takes care of all the main needs of travelers. In addition to booking, the site advises on the best time to buy a ticket for a cheaper price. When will prices start to drop? Yes, exactly. The site uses innovative technology to accurately predict when flight prices fall or rise, helping you save money. Agree. This is way faster than scrolling through pages of offers looking for the best price.
Now, no one doubts that millions of travelers have downloaded and are benefiting from the app. If you fly often, we recommend it. Forbes and TechCrunch have also praised the service as the best assistant for those who don’t like to plan and only remember they must buy tickets at the last minute. Believe us, even then, you can find a great deal.
People Say: Travelers love Hopper’s mobile app for its clean design and easy-to-use tools. One user saved $150 by waiting two weeks for prices to drop. If you’re the type who loves a good deal, Hopper is one of the best sites for flights.
Price Policy: Hopper is great for those who can wait a bit for prices to drop. However, remember that booking through Hopper doesn’t guarantee the absolute lowest price, and the app is mobile-only, so if you’re a desktop fan, you’re out of luck.
Pros:
- Predicts prices accurately.
- Great for mobile users.
- Best for those with flexible schedules.
Cons:
- Mobile-only.
- Limited booking flexibility.
Kiwi
Features:
- Multi-city trips made easy.
- Missed connection guarantees (yes, really!).
- Unconventional routes to save big on airfare.
Let’s meet Kiwi.com. This service is called the best flight finder for those who love adventures. The service was founded not too long ago in 2012, and quickly gained popularity. How? Simple — the site offers what others don’t rush to provide. It’s all about unconventional routes. Not everyone just needs to fly from Warsaw to Mexico City. Some journeys are so complicated that you could spend all your money just getting there. What’s cool about Kiwi.com is they guarantee compensation for missed connections! So, if your flight is delayed and you miss your connecting flight, don’t worry — they’ll refund your ticket.
Buy tickets, book hotels, and rent cars. Want to travel by train? No problem. You can even combine everything! Fly to Mexico City, take a train from there, rent a car, and you’re at your destination! The navigation on the site is simple: choose your destinations, dates, and number of people. They even have a handy app that helps track prices and reminds you about your flights.
What do the media say? Kiwi.com is often praised for its unconventional approach to route planning. Oh yes, that’s true. Forbes and TechCrunch highlight the site for its flexibility and convenience. If you’re not afraid to take risks and want to find the most affordable and unique routes, Kiwi.com is your choice.
People Say: Travelers love mixing and matching different airlines for lower prices, but some have mentioned that customer service could be better. Still, if you’re willing to take the risk, Kiwi.com can help you save big.
Price Policy: Kiwi.com’s unique routes often lead to best airline ticket sites, but customer service can be hit or miss. The miss-connection guarantees are great, but double-check your flight details before booking.
Pros:
- Great for multi-city trips.
- Innovative routes save money.
- Guarantees on missed connections.
Cons:
- Customer service could be better.
- Not always the cheapest for conventional flights.
Priceline
Features:
- Exclusive deals through “Express Deals”.
- Negotiator tool for bidding on prices.
- Package deals on flights, hotels, and cars.
For those looking for the best website to book flights, Priceline is definitely for you, especially if you like a little thrill. In short, this site is a real innovation! Priceline has the Negotiator tool feature, where you can bid for cheaper tickets. Who knows, maybe you’ll get your ticket for half the price! Isn’t that awesome?
If you love surprises (or want to add a bit of mystery to your booking process), their Express Deals are perfect for you. You book the ticket in advance but don’t know the exact details — just the route and the price. It’s like a lottery, but you always win if you’re not afraid of the unknown!
And by the way, with Priceline, you can book hotels, rent cars, and choose awesome vacation packages. Need to rent a car to drive around Southern California? No problem. Arrived in New York and want to book a hotel with a view of Central Park? That’s possible, too!
Navigating the site is super easy: select your date city, the Express Deals or Negotiator option, and you’re all set. It’s like a discount hunting game; you’ll find something great if you can catch the right moments.
People Say: People who love a good deal flock to Priceline for the thrill of bidding. Some even score business-class tickets for the price of economy. However, the bidding system isn’t for everyone; sometimes, it feels like a gamble.
Price Policy: The Negotiator feature can save you big, but you won’t always know which airline you’re flying with until after booking. But this could be your best airline ticket site for those who love to take risks.
Pros:
- Fun Negotiator tool.
- Great for package deals.
- Deals are exclusive.
Cons:
- Bidding can be unpredictable.
- Limited airline options.
Hotwire
Features:
- Deep discounts on last-minute bookings.
- Bundle deals for even more savings.
- User-friendly mobile app.
Hotwire is the perfect service for daredevils, especially if you need to book something last-minute. Got an unexpected wedding or trip invite? In that case, Hotwire will search well and offer discounts on flights, hotels, and car rentals. The site is geared towards spontaneous trips, so if you’re ready to pack right now (or tomorrow), it’s for you.
Hotwire’s main feature is the hidden discounts on flights and hotels (sounds strange, right?). You book, and the exact details are revealed only after confirmation, making the trips even more exciting. The user-friendly website and app let you book everything from your phone, wherever you are.
For those ready for adventure and wanting to save at the last minute, Hotwire is the best choice!
People Say: Travelers rave about Hotwire’s deep discounts on last-minute flights. However, international options are more limited, so if you’re flying within the US, you’re golden.
Price Policy: If spontaneous, Hotwire is your go-to for the best airfare deals. Their mobile app makes booking easy, but international options might not be as abundant.
Pros:
- Fantastic last-minute deals.
- Easy bundling for savings.
- Quick, simple mobile experience.
Cons:
- Limited international flights.
- Deals are often last-minute.
CheapOAir
Features:
- Promo codes for deeper discounts.
- Great for budget-conscious travelers.
- Flexible date searches for even cheaper options.
CheapOAir is one of the best flight search engines if you’re focused on saving cash. This site brings out the best deals, with the bonus of using promo codes. Flexible date searches also make it easier to grab the cheapest fares around. But, heads up: the customer service reviews are mixed, so keep expectations in check.
People Say: Travelers love the low prices and frequent airline ticket promo codes. However, some have had issues with customer service, so make sure to double-check your booking.
Price Policy: CheapOAir offers budget-friendly fares, and promo codes can get you even lower prices. However, beware of extra fees!
Pros:
- Great for saving money.
- Promo codes rock.
- Flexible date searches.
Cons:
- Customer service can be hit or miss.
- Fees may apply.
Skyscanner
Features:
- Global search options.
- “Everywhere” feature for wanderers.
- Price alerts to track fare drops.
Finally, if you haven’t decided yet, we won’t make your choice any easier. After all, we have one more service, and you’ll like it.
Skyscanner is the best flight comparison site (one of the cheapest, for sure) for anyone who’s a bit of a wanderer. Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” feature lets you search for flights to anywhere that’s cheapest — who knows where you’ll end up next? Its comprehensive range of international flights and price alerts makes it a favorite among those who want flexibility.
People Say: Travelers love Skyscanner’s freedom, letting them find the best flight website for any destination, even if they don’t know where that is yet. However, be cautious about being redirected to third-party sites.
Price Policy: Skyscanner provides a comprehensive overview of global flight options, but prices may vary when you are redirected to booking sites.
Pros:
- Everywhere feature for spontaneous trips.
- Price alerts are super handy.
- Wide range of global options.
Cons:
- Can redirect to third-party booking sites.
- Prices may change after redirection.
Price Comparisons
To simplify things, here’s a comparison of the lowest-cost flights with taxes and fees and the best for each booking site. Where shall we go? Let’s choose a popular destination for comparison: New York to London in January for one day.
Flight Booking Site | Lowest Cost Flight (USD) | Best For |
Google Flights | $414(Norse Atlantic UK) | Speed, flexibility, and tracking prices. Best for fast searches and price alerts. |
Kayak | $479(TAP Air Portugal) | Price forecasting and inspiration. Best for discovering destinations within your budget and price predictions. |
Trip.com | $448(American Airlines) | International travel and multi-city trips. Best for booking across multiple destinations with customer support. |
Expedia | $529 (Iberia British Airways) | Bundling flights, hotels, and car rentals. Best for vacation packages and rewards. |
Hopper | $533(TAP Air Portugal) | Price predictions and timing. Best for getting alerted when the right time to book arrives. |
Kiwi | $571(Norse Atlantic UK) | Unconventional routes and budget deals. Best for multi-city trips and saving on complex itineraries. |
Priceline | $489(TAP Air Portugal) | Last-minute deals and bidding. Best for those who want to bid for cheaper prices and save on last-minute bookings. |
Hotwire | $529(Iberia British Airways) | Last-minute bargains. Best for booking last-minute trips at deep discounts. |
CheapOAir | $527(American Airlines) | Budget-conscious travelers. Best for promo codes and flexible dates to save money. |
Skyscanner | $473(TAP Air Portugal) | Global searches and flexibility. Best for finding the cheapest destinations worldwide with flexible dates. |
Want the best flight deals? Book 3-6 weeks for domestic trips and 2-6 months for international ones. Since airlines drop deals then, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are golden days for booking. Be flexible with your dates and times — mid-week or off-peak is where the savings are.
Help for Air Passengers
AirHelp is a global company that assists air passengers in claiming compensation for flight disruptions, including delays, cancellations, and overbookings. Established in 2013, AirHelp combines legal expertise with advanced technology to simplify the compensation process. With services available in multiple languages and a user-friendly platform, the company has helped millions of travelers worldwide receive what they are entitled to under air passenger rights regulations.
To save your money, we have prepared a unique offer. Use our exclusive promo code for AirHelp:
Site: AirHelp
Name: AH2QL
Discount: 8%
Dates: 17th Jan – 28th Feb
Markets: All
Services: All AirHelp+ products
Conclusion
So, here’s the deal — each flight site has its sweet spot. Google Flights is perfect for speed and flexibility, while Kayak is great for predicting prices and exploring new destinations. If you’re planning a big international trip or multi-city adventure, Trip.com and Skyscanner are solid choices. For those last-minute getaways, Priceline and Hotwire have your back with surprise deals.
If you’re only interested in super-budget prices, pay attention to CheapOAir and Kiwi. They always have a few cheap options to compare. Expedia? Use this search engine to find bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals. Book early, stay flexible with your dates, and watch those mid-week deals for the best savings!
So, the next time you plan your trip, check out these best flight booking sites and compare prices before booking. Happy travels!
Friendly advice
If you’re searching for affordable travel deals, Trip.com has an exclusive promo for you! Use 2QLFLYTRIP10 to get $10 off bookings over $250. This deal is capped at just 500 coupons and is available for the US, UK, CA, and AU until March 31, 2025. Don’t miss out!
FAQ
Which website to find the cheapest flight?
If you’re searching for the best website to book flights, CheapOAir and Kiwi are your go-to spots — they’ve always got a few gems to find.
Which day can I find cheap flights?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the sweet spots for snagging those wallet-friendly flights. Think of it as a mid-week jackpot!
How to find the cheapest flights and dates?
Use tools like Google Flights’ date grid and Hopper’s price predictions to catch the lowest fares.
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