Skyscanner Review and Guide: A Traveler's Personal Experience

As a frequent traveler who loves exploring new destinations with friends on a budget, I’ve come to rely heavily on flight comparison tools to snag the best deals. Skyscanner is one that frequently comes up on my radar.

And if you’re someone who has never heard of Skyscanner or wondering if Skyscanner is legit, this review and guide will walk you through my personal experiences with Skyscanner, coupled with a practical guide on how to maximize its features.

What is Skyscanner?

Skyscanner is a search engine that helps travelers find the most affordable flights, accommodations, and car rentals by gathering data from various airlines and online travel agents. You get a comprehensive view of the best travel deals available just by entering your destination. The platform is easy to navigate, allowing users to compare prices across a wide range of dates and destinations.

My Experience with Skyscanner

I started using Skyscanner a few years ago when I was planning a multi-city trip across Europe. The interface was clean and simple, providing a detailed view of flight options from different airlines. When I entered my destinations and dates, I was presented with various choices, including routes that hadn't crossed my mind before. There was a lot of difference in prices with the alternative routes as well. That’s when I thought, you know what, this trip might turn out to be even more adventurous than expected!

Skyscanner also has a flexible dates feature that allows you to search for the cheapest days to fly to your destination. It is especially useful for leisure travelers (like me), whose travel plans can change if it helps save a considerable amount of money. 

However, what really set Skyscanner apart for me was its "everywhere" search function, which I used to find the cheapest flights from my city during my open-ended travelling schedule. More on that below! 

How Skyscanner Works

Skyscanner pulls flight prices from multiple travel sites and airlines, giving you a bird’s eye view on the best options available. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Skyscanner effectively:

1. Start with the basics: Input your departure city, destination, and travel dates. If you’re flexible, try the "whole month" or "cheapest month" options to scout the best rates.

2. Compare and contrast: Skyscanner will display a list of options, which you can filter by price, flight duration, airline, and number of stops.

3. Choose and book: Once you find a flight that suits your needs, Skyscanner will direct you to either the airline or a travel agent to complete your booking.

How to Book a Flight on Skyscanner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a flight might seem daunting, but Skyscanner makes it straightforward, whether you're planning a short trip or an extended stay overseas. Here's how to leverage the full potential of Skyscanner for your next flight, focusing on flexibility and cost efficiency.

Step 1: Open Skyscanner

Begin by visiting your local Skyscanner website, which could be Skyscanner.net for global searches, Skyscanner.com for the U.S., or Skyscanner.co.uk for the U.K. Each site is customized for its specific market, providing the best options for both local and international travel.

Step 2: Enter Your Departure Airport

In the 'FROM' field, type in your departure city. If your city has multiple airports, you don't need to specify which one. For example, if you're in London, you can choose to fly out of Stansted, Luton, or Heathrow. Opting for a less central airport like Stansted or Luton can sometimes result in cheaper flights.

Step 3: Set Your Destination

Go to the 'TO' box. Here, you can be as broad or as specific as you wish. If you're feeling adventurous, type "Anywhere" to explore the cheapest destinations available from your departure point. This feature is ideal for travelers who are flexible with their destination and are searching for the best travel deals.

Step 4: Choose Your Dates

Right next to the destination box, you’ll find the option to enter your travel dates. 

If your travel dates are flexible, click on the flexible dates option. 

This feature displays a calendar view or a bar chart view of daily prices throughout the month, allowing you to easily spot the cheapest day to fly. The color-coded prices under each date make it straightforward to see at a glance when it’s most economical to travel.

Step 5: Review and Modify Your Search

Once you’ve input all your information, review it to make sure everything is as you want it. Skyscanner’s interface allows you to adjust your search with ease, whether you need to change your departure airport, destination, or travel dates. Use the blue arrow buttons next to the month displayed to navigate forward or backward in time, exploring different months for better deals.

Step 6: Book Your Flight

After selecting your ideal flight date and destination, Skyscanner will show you a list of available flights along with prices from various airlines and travel agencies.

Click on the best option for you, and Skyscanner will direct you to the airline or travel agent’s website to complete your booking directly with them.

The best part is, Skyscanner does not take any additional fee for booking your trip and all your money goes directly to your airline/booking agent at their specified price!

How to Use Skyscanner Effectively

1. Exploring with the "Everywhere" Option

For those who are flexible with their destination—whether you're a long-term traveler unsure of your next stop, or you're just looking for a spontaneous weekend getaway—the "Everywhere" feature on Skyscanner is invaluable. Instead of selecting a specific destination, choose “Everywhere” from the destination dropdown menu. Skyscanner will then display a list of the cheapest possible destinations, sorted by price. 

There are also some really cool categories to filter your search like “cheapest flights”, “direct flights”. “Underrated destinations”, “beach”, “outdoor adventures” etc. 

This feature helps travelers discover new locations at the lowest available cost, just as it once led me unexpectedly to Costa Rica, turning a simple search into an unforgettable adventure.

2. Setting Up Price Alerts

To ensure you never miss a deal, Skyscanner allows you to set up price alerts for your preferred routes. This tool is especially useful if you have a specific destination and travel dates in mind but want to wait for prices to drop. Simply enter your flight details and enable alerts, (on the top left of the page) and Skyscanner will notify you via email whenever the flight price changes. This proactive approach means you can book at the optimal time, securing the best price without constantly checking the website.

You will also find a prompt for it in between flight options like this. 

Convenient, right? 

3. Utilizing the Mobile App

For those who prefer managing travel plans on the go, the Skyscanner mobile app offers all the functionalities of the desktop version in a convenient, user-friendly format. The app makes it easy to search for flights, accommodations, and car rentals from your smartphone. It's particularly useful for last-minute bookings and checking updates on your travel dates, ensuring you have the most accurate and up-to-date information no matter where you are.

Don’t have the app? Download it here. 

By mastering these features, you can enhance your Skyscanner experience, making it not just a tool for booking flights but a comprehensive assistant for crafting your perfect journey. So whether you're planning a detailed trip months in advance or looking for a last-minute escape, you can now streamline the whole process!

Pros and Cons of Skyscanner

Pros

- Wide range of flight options

- User-friendly interface with flexible search options.

- Often finds lower prices than direct booking sites.

- No additional fees as Skyscanner directs you to the actual provider for booking.

- Ideal for group trips where dates and destinations are flexible.

- Notifications for price changes help you book at the optimal time

- Multi-city search option simplifies the booking process for longer and more adventurous itineraries.

Cons

- Prices can change quickly, which might lead to occasional booking frustrations.

- Does not handle bookings directly, which means dealing with third-party agents if issues arise.

- Does not always include all budget airlines

Comparing Skyscanner to Other Platforms

Skyscanner vs.eDreams and Hopper: Skyscanner generally provides more comprehensive international coverage and clarity in prices (with lots of user reviews) compared to eDreams. However, Hopper offers predictive analyses on prices, which is a unique feature not found in Skyscanner. 

For more insights on these platforms, check our detailed reviews on Hopper and eDreams. Also see how Skyscanner stacks up against the infamous Dollar Flight Club.

Booking Tips Using Skyscanner

Exploring Alternate Flight Routes

If direct flights are stretching your budget, exploring alternative flight routes can lead to significant savings. For example, if you're planning to travel from New York to Tokyo, a direct flight might be quite expensive. Instead, consider flying to a different hub first, like Seoul, South Korea, and then catching a connecting flight to Tokyo.

How to Find Alternative Routes on Skyscanner:

1. Set Your Departure Point: Begin by entering New York in the 'FROM' box on Skyscanner.
2. Choose "Everywhere" as Your Destination: Instead of selecting Tokyo or any specific city, choose “Everywhere.” This will list the cheapest destinations available from New York.
3. Identify Cheaper Destinations: The results will show which countries are the most  affordable to fly to. For instance, flights to South Korea might appear as a cheaper option.
4. Search for Connecting Flights: Once you’ve identified a cheaper hub like Seoul, search for a flight from Seoul to Tokyo. This two-step route could end up being more cost-effective than a direct flight.

This approach is especially useful for long-haul flights where direct routes are traditionally more expensive. You save some money and get the added bonus of visiting an extra destination along the way! 

Utilizing Daily Best Deals

For those flexible with their travel plans, Skyscanner’s daily best deals are a must-use feature. These deals are updated daily and cover both domestic and international flights, giving you options for inexpensive travel from and within the USA. Yes, unfortunately, this feature is only available in the US for now. 

FAQs About Using Skyscanner

Is Skyscanner reliable for flights? 

Skyscanner is absolutely reliable for booking flights. It sources from a vast range of data to provide numerous options. You’ll be redirected to the original website for when you book your tickets, so if you’re ever unsure about the airline/service/booking agent, check out their reviews on third party websites like TrustPilot, Site Jabber etc like I do!.

What is the best time to book a flight? 

Generally, booking on Tuesday afternoons can offer the best deals. The next best day, in my opinion, is Thursday. Psst..! If you’re looking to save even more money, check out our detailed game plan on how to find cheap flights.

Can I book a flight that emits less CO2? 

Yes, Skyscanner shows carbon emission info on flights where it’s available and over 100 million travellers have found a plane ticket with lower emissions for their route through Skyscanner.

How can I get the best deals?

Definitely utilize the price alert feature and consider mid-week flights. You can also consider checking out some discount travel sites for deals!

What about refunds and cancellations?

Skyscanner’s role is as an intermediary; thus, any refunds or cancellations are handled by the respective airline or travel agent. Policies vary by the airline and agent, so check terms during booking.

Is it cheaper to book through Skyscanner or directly with airlines?

It can vary. While Skyscanner often provides the best deals, there are occasions when booking directly with an airline might be more economical. Airlines like Southwest, Wizz Air, Air Asia etc sometimes offer better prices than those listed on Skyscanner. Always compare the final price on Skyscanner with that offered directly by the airlines.

How can I be notified of price changes?

Skyscanner allows you to sign up for notifications on selected flights and dates. This feature lets you track multiple flights and destinations, consolidating all updates into a single email. This helps you monitor price changes and book when prices drop.

Does Skyscanner offer other booking services? 

Yes, Skyscanner also facilitates hotel and transport bookings. Using Skyscanner, you can browse through a variety of hotel and car rental deals and book directly through the links provided.