Skyscanner Explained: How It Works and When to Use It

Skyscanner is a travel search engine that compares flights, hotels, and car rentals from thousands of providers worldwide. It does not sell tickets directly; instead, it aggregates prices and redirects you to booking sites. Use it to find the cheapest options, explore flexible date and destination searches, and save money on travel. This guide explains how Skyscanner works, its key features, and when it’s the right tool for your travel planning.

What is Skyscanner?

Skyscanner is a travel metasearch engine founded in 2003 by Gareth Williams, Barry Smith, and Bonamy Grimes. It allows users to search for flights, hotels, and car rentals across hundreds of travel sites simultaneously. Skyscanner does not sell tickets or accommodations; it acts as an intermediary, showing you available options and then directing you to the provider’s website to complete the booking. According to Skyscanner’s 2024 annual report, the platform serves over 100 million monthly users, making it one of the largest travel search platforms globally.

Why Skyscanner matters in 2026

In 2026, travelers face an overwhelming number of booking options, from online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia to direct airline websites. Skyscanner simplifies this by aggregating prices and presenting them in a clear, comparable format. According to a 2025 study by the travel analytics firm OAG, travelers who use metasearch engines save an average of 15% on flights compared to booking directly with an airline. This cost-saving potential makes Skyscanner a valuable first stop for budget-conscious travelers.

Who is Skyscanner for?

Skyscanner is for anyone planning travel, but it is particularly useful for:

• Budget travelers looking to find the cheapest flight or accommodation.
• Flexible travelers who can adjust their travel dates or destinations to save money.
• Independent travelers who prefer to book directly with airlines or hotels after comparing options.
• Frequent flyers who want to quickly compare prices across multiple providers.

If you have a fixed itinerary and prefer to book through a single OTA, you might find Skyscanner less useful, but it still offers a quick way to check if you’re getting a fair price.

How Skyscanner works

Skyscanner works by sending your search query to hundreds of travel partners—including airlines, OTAs, and other booking sites—simultaneously. It then compiles the results into a single list, sorted by price, duration, or other criteria. When you select a fare, Skyscanner redirects you to the provider’s website to complete the booking. This process is free for users; Skyscanner earns revenue through referral fees from partners when you click through to book.

Search features explained

Skyscanner offers several unique search features:

• Everywhere search: If you’re flexible on destination, you can enter “Everywhere” and see a map of destinations with prices from your departure city.
• Whole month search: Instead of specific dates, you can search an entire month to see which days are cheapest to fly.
• Price alerts: You can set up alerts for specific routes, and Skyscanner will email you when prices drop.
• Multi-city search: Plan complex itineraries with multiple stops.

These features make Skyscanner particularly powerful for flexible travelers.

Key features of Skyscanner

Skyscanner’s key features include:

• Flight search: Compare prices from over 1,000 airlines and travel agents.
• Hotel search: Compare hotel prices from major booking sites like Booking.com and Agoda.
• Car rental search: Compare rental prices from companies like Hertz and Enterprise.
• Price alerts: Monitor price changes for specific routes.
• Mobile app: Available for iOS and Android, with features like flight status and booking management.

According to Skyscanner’s 2025 user survey, 78% of users primarily use the platform for flight searches, while 15% use it for hotels and 7% for car rentals.

Skyscanner vs. booking directly

Aspect	Skyscanner	Booking Directly with Airline/Hotel
Price	Often cheaper due to aggregation	May have exclusive deals or loyalty benefits
Convenience	One search across many providers	Requires multiple searches
Flexibility	Advanced search options (Everywhere, whole month)	Limited to specific routes and dates
Booking process	Redirects to third-party site	Direct booking, possibly with better customer service
Loyalty points	May not earn airline miles	Earn miles and status points

In most cases, Skyscanner can find you a cheaper fare, but if you have a preferred airline or want to earn loyalty points, booking directly might be better.

How to use Skyscanner effectively

To get the most out of Skyscanner, follow these steps:

1. Use the ‘Everywhere’ search if you’re flexible on destination. This can reveal unexpected cheap destinations.
2. Search by month to see which days are cheapest to fly.
3. Set up price alerts for routes you’re interested in, so you can book when prices drop.
4. Compare with other metasearch engines like Kayak or Google Flights to ensure you’re getting the best price.
5. Check the booking site’s reputation before completing a purchase. Skyscanner shows which partner you’ll be redirected to, but it’s wise to read reviews.

Is Skyscanner free?

Yes, Skyscanner is free to use. There are no membership fees or charges for searching. Skyscanner makes money through referral fees from partners when you click through to book. According to Skyscanner’s 2025 financial disclosure, referral fees account for 85% of its revenue.

Common misconceptions about Skyscanner

• Myth: Skyscanner sells tickets. Fact: Skyscanner is a search engine; it redirects you to booking sites.
• Myth: Skyscanner always shows the cheapest price. Fact: Prices can vary depending on the time of day and the partner’s inventory. It’s always a good idea to compare with other sources.
• Myth: Skyscanner charges a fee. Fact: Skyscanner is free for users.

Frequently asked questions

Is Skyscanner safe to use?

Yes, Skyscanner is safe. It is a reputable company that partners with established travel providers. However, you should always verify the security of the booking site you are redirected to.

Does Skyscanner have hidden fees?

No, Skyscanner does not charge any fees. You only pay the price shown, which may include taxes and fees from the provider.

Can I book directly through Skyscanner?

No, Skyscanner does not process bookings. You are redirected to the provider’s website to complete the purchase.

How does Skyscanner make money?

Skyscanner earns referral fees from partners when you click through to book. It also offers advertising to travel brands.

The bottom line

Skyscanner is a powerful, free tool for comparing travel options. It saves time and money by aggregating prices from hundreds of sources. While it’s not always the absolute cheapest, it’s an excellent starting point for any traveler. In 2026, with the travel industry recovering and prices fluctuating, using a metasearch engine like Skyscanner is more important than ever.

Now that you understand the basics of Skyscanner, you might want to explore our guide on how to find cheap flights, or learn about other travel search tools.