Skyscanner is a travel comparison service for flights, hotels and car hire. For flights, it brings options from airlines and travel agents into one search, with tools for comparing dates, exploring destinations and tracking price changes.
This guide explains what it offers and how to use it when planning a trip. Start with a comparison, then check the full itinerary, booking provider and final price before paying.
This page contains a tracked promotional link and flight-search widget. I may earn a commission through them. The guide is not sponsored by Skyscanner.
| Main purpose | Compare flights, dates, prices and booking providers |
|---|---|
| Other searches | Hotels and car hire |
| Cost to search | Free |
| Flexible planning | Whole-month searches, Everywhere and nearby airports |
| Tracking fares | Price alerts for a route and specific dates |
| Booking | Complete your purchase with the selected airline or travel provider |
| Before paying | Check baggage, itinerary, fare conditions and the final total |
Search for flights
Enter your departure airport, destination, dates and passenger details below. If the widget does not load, use the button above to search on Skyscanner.
How to compare flights with Skyscanner
- Set up your search. Choose the airports, travel dates and number of passengers. Start with the trip you actually want to make.
- Narrow the results. Use the available filters, such as stops and departure times, to remove flights that do not suit your plans.
- Read the itinerary. Check total journey time, connection airports and arrival times rather than choosing on headline price alone.
- Compare booking providers. The same flight may be offered by an airline and travel agents. Look at the provider information as well as the fare.
- Check the provider’s checkout. Confirm the final total, baggage and ticket conditions before you pay. Keep the booking confirmation and provider’s contact details.
Useful features for flexible travel
Whole-month search: compare dates across a month if your trip can move by a few days. Calendar prices are estimates rather than guaranteed bookable fares; select your dates to see the available flight options.
Everywhere: explore destinations from your chosen departure airport when you have not settled on a place to visit. It can be a starting point for a weekend away or a hiking holiday, but check onward transport and the right season for the activities you want to do.
Nearby airports: widen the departure or arrival options if you can travel to another airport. A lower airfare may be less attractive once you add the cost and time of getting there.
Skyscanner explains these tools in its guide to finding flight prices.
Track a flight with price alerts
If you know your route and dates but are not ready to book, price alerts let you follow changes without repeating the search each time. Sign in to your Skyscanner account, search for the trip and use the price-tracking option.
The controls differ between desktop, mobile web and the app. Follow Skyscanner’s current price-alert instructions if you cannot find the option. An alert reports a change; it does not reserve a seat or guarantee that waiting will produce a lower price.
Who are you booking with?
Skyscanner helps you search and compare. Once you choose an offer, the booking is made with the selected airline or travel provider. Check the company’s name before paying, particularly if the cheapest option is offered by an agent you have not used before.
For flight changes, cancellations, refunds or a missing confirmation, contact the provider that handled your booking. Skyscanner’s booking changes and refunds guidance explains where to direct those enquiries.
Check the total cost before choosing
- Baggage: check cabin-bag sizes and checked-luggage allowances. This matters if you are taking walking boots, clothing and other equipment.
- Travel times: an early departure or late arrival may add an overnight stay or a more expensive transfer.
- Connections: check whether a journey includes a self-transfer or airport change and what that means for your time and luggage.
- Fare conditions: understand the seller’s change and cancellation terms before booking.
- Final price: confirm the total for everyone travelling, including any extras you select. Compare like-for-like options.
For a hiking trip, also work backwards from the trailhead or accommodation. A flight into a convenient airport can be better value overall than a cheaper flight with a long journey afterwards. Leave room in the plan for transfers and delays rather than booking a tightly timed start to a demanding walk.
What are the limitations?
Comparison tools are useful starting points, but they cannot promise the lowest price for every trip. Prices and availability change, calendar estimates may differ from a fresh search, and the service you receive after booking depends on the provider you select.
Skyscanner uses provider-quality information in its results, but you should still read the seller’s terms and check whether the package suits your needs. A good comparison is about the whole journey, not just the first number displayed.
Skyscanner FAQs
What is Skyscanner?
Is Skyscanner free to use?
Can I search without choosing a destination?
How do I compare flights across a month?
Do I need an account for price alerts?
Do I book directly with Skyscanner?
Who handles changes or refunds?
Does Skyscanner always find the cheapest flight?
Start planning your next trip
Compare a few realistic flight options, explore different dates if you can, and check how the journey fits your wider plans. Once you find a suitable option, review the provider’s full details before booking.