I’ll be honest with you: I used to be that person who opened 12 browser tabs, compared the same flight across every booking platform imaginable, and still wasn’t sure if I was getting a good deal. Sound familiar?
After booking more than 50 international flights over the past few years, I’ve tested every major flight search platform out there. The question everyone asks me is always the same: “Which one actually finds the cheapest flights?” And here’s what surprised me, there isn’t one perfect answer.
What I’ve learned is that Booking.com, Skyscanner, and Google Flights each have their own strengths, and knowing when to use which platform has saved me hundreds of dollars. In this guide, I’m sharing exactly what I discovered from my real-world testing, including which platform I reach for first depending on the type of trip I’m planning.
How I Tested These Platforms
Before I get into the details, let me explain my approach. Over three months, I searched for the same routes across all three platforms, tracked prices over time, and actually booked flights through each one. I tested everything from last-minute weekend trips to advance-booked international flights, budget airlines to premium carriers.
I also paid close attention to the booking experience itself not just the initial price displayed, but hidden fees, customer service when things went wrong, and how accurate the prices were when I clicked through to actually purchase.
Understanding How These Platforms Actually Work
Here’s something most travelers don’t realize: these platforms make money in completely different ways, which affects what you see and how much you pay.
Google Flights doesn’t sell tickets. Instead, it searches airline websites and select partners, then sends you directly to book. Think of it as a research tool that helps you find and track prices, but you’ll complete your purchase elsewhere.
Skyscanner casts the widest net. It’s a search aggregator that pulls prices from airlines, travel agencies, and third-party booking sites. You’ll see more options, including some rock-bottom fares from lesser-known sellers, which can be great or risky, depending on the seller.
Booking.com started as a hotel platform but now offers flights too. They often bundle flights with hotels and car rentals, which can save money on your total trip cost, though their standalone flight prices aren’t always the lowest.
Google Flights: My Go-To for Research and Price Tracking
I start almost every flight search on Google Flights. Here’s why it’s become my favorite research tool.
What Makes Google Flights Stand Out
The interface is clean and fast. No pop-ups, no confusing layouts just straightforward flight information. Within seconds, I can see my options laid out clearly with prices, durations, and layover times.
The date grid feature has saved me serious money. Instead of searching one date at a time, I can see an entire month of prices at a glance. Last summer, I found flights to Portugal for $200 less just by shifting my departure date by three days.
Price tracking is another feature I use constantly. I set up alerts for routes I’m considering, and Google emails me when prices drop. It’s like having a personal assistant watching airfares for you.
When I Choose Google Flights
I use Google Flights when I have flexible dates and want to find the cheapest time to fly. The explore map feature is perfect for those times when I know I want to travel but haven’t settled on a destination.
I also prefer booking directly through airlines when possible, and Google Flights makes that easy. They show you the airline’s direct price and send you straight to their website, which means better customer service if something goes wrong.
The Limitations I’ve Found
Google Flights doesn’t show every budget airline. I’ve missed deals on carriers like Southwest, Allegiant, and some international low-cost airlines because they don’t appear in Google’s results.
You can’t book directly through the platform. While I actually prefer this for peace of mind, it does add an extra step to the booking process.
Skyscanner: Best for Finding Unexpected Deals
When I’m looking for the absolute lowest fare and don’t mind putting in extra research time, Skyscanner is where I turn.
Why Skyscanner Finds Different Deals
Skyscanner searches more sources than any other platform I’ve tested. It includes smaller booking agencies and regional sites that Google Flights skips, which sometimes means finding flights $50-100 cheaper.
The “everywhere” search feature is something I love for spontaneous trip planning. You can literally search from your home airport to “everywhere” and see the cheapest destinations. I discovered an incredible deal to Iceland this way a trip I hadn’t even considered until I saw the price.
Price alerts work similarly to Google Flights, letting you track specific routes over time. I’ve found this particularly useful for booking flights several months in advance.
What to Watch Out For
Not all booking agencies are created equal. Skyscanner shows prices from third-party sellers that might have strict cancellation policies or poor customer service. I learned this the hard way when a booking agency I’d never heard of made it nearly impossible to change my flight during COVID.
These days, I always check reviews of the booking site before clicking through. If it’s not a name I recognize (or the airline directly), I do a quick search for customer reviews.
The prices you see aren’t always the final price. I’ve clicked through to book only to find the actual cost was higher due to added fees. It’s frustrating, but double-checking the final price before entering payment info has become second nature.
When Skyscanner Wins
For international flights, especially to less common destinations, Skyscanner often surfaces options I wouldn’t find otherwise. I booked a complicated route through Eastern Europe last year that required connecting with a regional airline. Skyscanner was the only platform that showed this option.
If you’re extremely price-sensitive and willing to spend time vetting third-party sellers, Skyscanner can find deals that don’t exist on other platforms.
Booking.com: Surprisingly Good for Package Deals
I’ll admit, I initially dismissed Booking.com for flights since they’re known for hotels. But I’ve found situations where they actually offer the best value.
Where Booking.com Shines
The real strength is in bundling. When I’m planning a complete trip, booking a flight + hotel package through Booking.com has sometimes saved me 15-20% compared to booking separately.
Customer service has been solid in my experience. The few times I’ve needed help with a booking, their support team was responsive and actually helpful, something I can’t say about every third-party booking site.
They also have a rewards program, so if you frequently book hotels through Booking.com anyway, earning points on flights adds up over time.
The Trade-Offs
For flight-only bookings, Booking.com rarely beats Google Flights or Skyscanner on price. I think of them as a convenience option when I’m already booking accommodations through their platform.
The flight search isn’t as sophisticated as the dedicated flight platforms. Filtering options are more limited, and the interface feels more geared toward hotel searches than flights.
When I Use Booking.com
If I’m planning a complete trip and already searching for hotels on Booking.com, I’ll check their flight prices. Sometimes the bundle discount is worth it.
I’ve also found their last-minute package deals can be surprisingly competitive, especially for popular vacation destinations.
My Strategy for Getting the Best Flight Deals
After all this testing, here’s my actual process when booking flights:
Step 1: I start with Google Flights to get a baseline. I search my dates, explore the date grid to find the cheapest days, and set up a price alert if I’m not ready to book immediately.
Step 2: I check Skyscanner to see if there are any deals Google missed. This is especially important for international flights or routes involving budget airlines.
Step 3: I verify the final price before booking. Whether I found the flight on Google or Skyscanner, I click through to see the actual booking page and check for hidden fees.
Step 4: If I’m booking hotels too, I do a quick check on Booking.com to see if their package deal beats booking separately.
Step 5: I compare the final prices across platforms and decide based on total cost, but also considering factors like cancellation policies and who I’m actually booking with.
Common Mistakes I See Travelers Make
Trusting the first price you see. I’ve learned to always click through to the booking page before celebrating a good deal. The displayed price isn’t always what you’ll actually pay.
Ignoring the booking source. When Skyscanner or Google redirects you, pay attention to who you’re booking with. A deal from an unknown third-party seller might cost you more in the long run if you need to change your flight.
Booking without comparing. I know it’s tedious, but checking at least two platforms takes five minutes and can save you $100+. It’s worth it.
Forgetting to check the airline directly. After finding a flight on any platform, I sometimes check the airline’s website directly. Occasionally, they have promotions or benefits (like free seat selection) that don’t show up on aggregator sites.
When Price Isn’t Everything
I’ve learned that the cheapest ticket isn’t always the best deal. Here’s what else I consider:
Cancellation policies matter more than I thought. During my early traveling days, I booked through a cheap third-party site and later spent $200 just to change my flight. Booking directly with the airline cost $30 more initially but saved me money when my plans changed.
Layover times and airports affect your real costs. That flight that’s $50 cheaper might require an overnight layover or land at a secondary airport that’s $60 by Uber from your actual destination.
Baggage fees can flip which deal is actually best. Some budget airlines charge for everything, while other carriers include checked bags. When I factor in luggage fees, the “expensive” flight sometimes ends up cheaper.
Tools That Make This Process Easier
Beyond these three main platforms, I use a few other tools:
Airline apps for direct booking: After finding a good price, I often download the airline’s app to book. It makes checking in and managing changes easier.
Credit card travel portals: Some credit cards offer flight booking portals with additional discounts or points bonuses. I check these after finding the lowest price elsewhere.
Private browsing: This one’s debatable, but I search in incognito mode to avoid dynamic pricing based on my search history.
My Personal Recommendations by Travel Style
If you’re a planner who books months ahead: Use Google Flights to set up price alerts early, then book when you spot a dip. The price tracking is unmatched.
If you’re flexible with dates: Google Flights’ date grid and Skyscanner’s month view are your best friends. Being flexible by even a few days can cut costs significantly.
If you want the absolute cheapest fare: Start with Skyscanner, but be prepared to do extra research on the booking agency before purchasing.
If you’re booking a complete vacation: Check Booking.com’s package deals alongside individual bookings. Sometimes bundling saves more than you’d expect.
If you value peace of mind: Stick with Google Flights and book directly through airlines. You’ll pay slightly more sometimes, but the customer service and flexibility are worth it.
What I’ve Learned After Years of Comparison Shopping
No single platform wins every time. I’ve found incredible deals on Skyscanner that Google missed, and I’ve had Google Flights alert me to price drops before Skyscanner. I’ve also found package deals on Booking.com that beat booking everything separately.
The travelers who save the most money aren’t loyal to one platform, they’re strategic about using the right tool for each situation. It takes an extra five minutes to check multiple sites, but that’s often $50-200 saved per ticket.
I’ve also learned that “cheap” isn’t always better if it comes with compromises that make your trip less enjoyable. Sometimes paying $40 more for a direct flight instead of a route with two connections is absolutely worth it.
The key is understanding what each platform does well and using them together strategically. That’s how I consistently find good deals while avoiding the headaches that come with some ultra-budget options.
Final Thoughts
If you take one thing from this guide, it should be this: start your search on Google Flights, double-check with Skyscanner, and don’t be afraid to book directly with airlines when the price is close.
I’ve booked hundreds of flights across these platforms, and this approach has consistently worked for me. You’ll develop your own preferences over time based on your travel style, but understanding how each platform works gives you the knowledge to find deals that other travelers miss.
Now you know exactly what I do when I’m searching for flights. No more wondering if you’re missing a better deal somewhere else, just a clear strategy for finding the best price without wasting hours searching.
Safe travels, and may you always find those sweet flight deals that make you smile when you click “book.”
Which flight booking platform is cheapest: Booking.com, Skyscanner, or Google Flights?
There’s no single winner. From my testing, Skyscanner often shows the lowest fares because it searches more third-party sellers, but Google Flights frequently matches those prices when booking directly with airlines. Booking.com tends to offer better value through package deals rather than standalone flights.
Is it safe to book flights through Skyscanner?
Skyscanner itself is safe, it’s a search engine, not a booking agent. However, you’re redirected to third-party sellers, and their reliability varies. I always check reviews of the booking agency before purchasing and prefer booking directly with airlines when the price difference is minimal.
Does Google Flights show all airlines?
No, Google Flights doesn’t include some budget carriers like Southwest, Allegiant, and certain international low-cost airlines. I cross-check with Skyscanner for routes where budget airlines typically operate to ensure I’m not missing deals.
Can you book directly through Google Flights?
No, Google Flights redirects you to airline websites or travel partners to complete your booking. I actually prefer this because it means you’re building a relationship directly with the airline, which helps if you need customer service later.
Are Booking.com flight and hotel packages worth it?
In my experience, yes, but only for certain trips. I’ve saved 15-20% by bundling flights and hotels on Booking.com for vacation destinations. For business trips or when I have specific hotel preferences, booking separately usually offers more flexibility.
Why do flight prices differ across these platforms?
Different platforms have different partnerships with airlines and booking agencies. They also update at different rates, so you might see price variations of $20-50 for the same flight. This is why I check at least two platforms before booking.
