Booking flights has never been easier, thanks to the plethora of online travel websites and booking platforms available today. Whether you’re planning a vacation, a business trip, or a spontaneous getaway, finding the best deals on flights is essential. To help you navigate the world of online flight booking, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best websites for booking flights. These platforms offer a range of features, including competitive prices, user-friendly interfaces, and valuable travel resources.

1. Expedia

Expedia is a well-known travel booking website that offers a comprehensive range of services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. Their user-friendly interface and extensive search options make it easy to find and compare flights from multiple airlines.

Pros and Cons of Expedia

Pros:

• Earn and redeem points through the One Key program

Cons:

• Booking through Expedia may limit your mileage earned toward elite status
• Your ability to be eligible for upgrades can be limited when you book through Expedia

2. Kayak

Kayak is a popular flight search engine that aggregates data from various airlines, travel agencies, and booking sites. It offers powerful filters to narrow down your search, including options for flexible dates and nearby airports.

Pros and Cons of Kayak

Pros:

• Ability to combine 2 one-way flights on a single itinerary
• Price Alerts to keep an eye on flight prices

Cons:

• Kayak offers the most benefit when your travel plans are very flexible; many of its most valuable tools help you search for deals, so this site might be less appealing when you have a specific flight in mind

3. Google Flights

Google Flights is a simple yet effective tool for finding flights. It allows users to search for flights based on budget, travel dates, and destination. The platform also provides insights into historical flight prices and potential savings.

Pros and Cons of Google Flights

Pros:

• Price graph shows you the pricing trends for your route and allows you to see what days might be cheaper to fly
• Price tracking will send you an email when your flight’s price increases or decreases
• Automatic price guarantee on select flights

Cons:

• Since this search engine is so powerful with lots of options, it could get complicated for a novice traveler

4. Skyscanner

Skyscanner is another great flight search engine that compares prices from airlines and online travel agencies. It also offers a “Everywhere” option, which helps you discover the cheapest destinations based on your budget.

Pros and Cons of Skyscanner

Pros:

• Flexible searches including Explore everywhere and Multi-city search
• Easy to change language and currency
• Price alerts

Cons:

• No rewards program

5. Momondo

Momondo is known for its intuitive interface and comprehensive flight search capabilities. It often reveals hidden deals and offers a fare comparison calendar to help you find the cheapest days to fly.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Search Options: Momondo aggregates data from a wide range of airlines, online travel agencies, and booking platforms. This means users have access to a large pool of flight options, increasing the likelihood of finding the best deals.
2. Intuitive Interface: The website has a user-friendly and intuitive interface. The search process is straightforward, and the results page provides clear and organized information about available flights.
3. Flexible Date Search: Momondo allows users to search for flights with flexible dates, making it easier to find cheaper options if your travel dates are not fixed.
4. Fare Comparison Calendar: One of the standout features of Momondo is its fare comparison calendar. This tool displays fare trends over a period of time, helping users identify the most cost-effective days to fly.

Cons:

1. Redirects to Third-Party Sites: When you’re ready to book a flight on Momondo, you’re often redirected to the airline’s or a third-party booking site to complete the transaction. Some users find this process less convenient than booking directly on the airline’s website.
2. Additional Fees: Depending on the airline or booking site, there may be additional fees that aren’t immediately visible during the search process. It’s important to carefully review the details before finalizing a booking.
3. Limited Customer Support: Since Momondo primarily acts as a search engine, any customer service issues or inquiries often need to be directed to the airline or booking site where the ticket was purchased.
4. Occasional Glitches: Like any online platform, Momondo may experience occasional technical glitches or errors, though these are usually resolved quickly.

6. Hopper

Hopper is a unique flight booking app that uses predictive algorithms to suggest the best times to book flights. It provides price predictions and notifies you when fares drop, potentially saving you money on your bookings.

Pros:

1. Price Predictions: One of Hopper’s standout features is its ability to predict when flight prices are likely to be at their lowest. This can help users decide when to book their flights for maximum savings.
2. Notification Alerts: Hopper allows users to set up price alerts for specific routes. When the app detects a drop in price, it sends notifications, enabling users to book the flight at a lower rate.
3. User-Friendly Interface: The app is known for its intuitive and user-friendly design. Navigating through the interface is straightforward, making it easy for both novice and experienced travelers.

Cons:

1. Limited Booking Options: While Hopper provides flight information and prices, users are typically redirected to the airline or a third-party booking site to complete the transaction. This may result in additional steps during the booking process.
2. No Hotel Reviews: Unlike some other travel apps, Hopper does not provide user reviews or ratings for hotels, which could be a drawback for travelers who rely heavily on reviews for accommodation choices.
3. Limited Customer Service: Some users have reported challenges in reaching Hopper’s customer service, especially during peak travel times or when dealing with complex booking issues.
4. Price Accuracy: While Hopper’s price predictions are generally accurate, they are based on algorithms and historical data, and prices can fluctuate unexpectedly due to various factors.

7. CheapOair

CheapOair is a one-stop shop for travelers, offering flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. It’s known for its competitive flight deals and exclusive discounts.

Pros:

1. Competitive Prices: CheapOair lives up to its name by often offering some of the most competitive prices in the travel industry. This can save travelers a significant amount of money, especially when booking flights and accommodations together.
2. Wide Range of Services: In addition to flights, CheapOair provides a one-stop platform for booking hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, and even cruises. This makes it convenient for travelers to plan their entire trip in one place.
3. Discounts and Promotions: CheapOair frequently runs promotions, offers discounts, and provides coupon codes that can further reduce the overall cost of travel. This can be particularly beneficial for budget-conscious travelers.

Cons:

1. Additional Fees: While CheapOair offers competitive prices, travelers should be aware that there may be additional fees for services like baggage, seat selection, and other add-ons. These fees can sometimes offset the initial savings.
2. Limited Transparency: Some travelers have reported issues with transparency regarding fees and charges during the booking process. It’s important to carefully review the details of your booking to avoid any surprises.
3. Mixed Reviews: Like any travel agency, CheapOair has received mixed reviews from customers. While many have had positive experiences, there have been some complaints about customer service and unexpected charges.

8. Expedia, Inc.’s Orbitz

Orbitz, owned by Expedia, offers a wide selection of flights, hotels, and vacation packages. The site often provides extra perks like free cancellation on select bookings.

Pros of Orbitz:

1. Comprehensive Search Options: Orbitz provides a user-friendly interface with powerful search filters. Users can easily customize their search based on criteria such as travel dates, airlines, airports, and more.
2. Bundle Deals: Orbitz offers vacation packages that combine flights, hotels, and other services. This can often result in cost savings compared to booking each component separately.
3. Price Assurance: Orbitz has a Price Assurance program, which means if you find a lower price for the same flight or hotel within 24 hours of booking, they will refund you the difference.

Cons of Orbitz:

1. Service Fees: Orbitz charges a service fee on flights and some hotel bookings. This fee is not included in the initially displayed price and can be an additional cost.
2. Limited Customer Support: Some users have reported challenges in reaching Orbitz customer service, especially during peak travel times or in the event of flight cancellations or disruptions.
3. Hidden Fees: Like many online travel agencies, there may be additional fees or charges that are not immediately apparent when booking. These can include baggage fees, resort fees, and other extras.

9. Priceline

Priceline is famous for its “Name Your Own Price” feature, which allows you to bid on flights and potentially score substantial discounts. They also offer traditional flight booking options for those who prefer fixed prices.

Pros:

1. Name Your Own Price: One of Priceline’s unique features is its “Name Your Own Price” tool. This allows users to bid on hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages, potentially securing significant discounts.
2. Express Deals: Priceline’s “Express Deals” feature allows users to book hotels at a discounted rate without knowing the exact hotel until after booking. While you get to see general information like star rating and location, the exact hotel name remains hidden.
3. Package Deals: Priceline offers bundled vacation packages that combine flights, hotels, and rental cars at discounted rates. This can save travelers a considerable amount compared to booking each component separately.

Cons:

1. Limited Transparency: The “Name Your Own Price” and “Express Deals” features may lack some transparency, as users do not receive specific details about their booking until after it’s confirmed.
2. Non-Refundable Bookings: Many of Priceline’s discounted bookings, especially through the “Express Deals” option, are non-refundable. This means that if your plans change, you may not be able to get a refund.
3. Customer Service: Some users have reported challenges when it comes to customer service, particularly with resolving issues related to bookings.

10. Travelocity

Travelocity, like its competitors, offers a range of travel services. Their “Roaming Gnome” mascot symbolizes the brand’s commitment to helping travelers find great deals on flights, hotels, and more.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Travel Services: Travelocity provides a one-stop platform for various travel needs including flights, accommodations, car rentals, activities, and vacation packages. This makes it convenient for users to plan and book their entire trip in one place.
• Price Comparison: The platform allows users to compare prices from different airlines, hotels, and other service providers. This helps travelers find the best deals and potentially save money on their bookings.
• Promotions and Discounts: Travelocity often offers promotions, discounts, and exclusive deals for its users. These can include special rates on hotels, flight + hotel bundles, and more.

Cons:

1. Booking Fees: Travelocity may charge booking fees for certain services. While these fees are usually disclosed during the booking process, they can add to the overall cost of the trip.
2. Limited Search Filters: Some users may find that Travelocity’s search filters are not as extensive or customizable as other travel platforms. This could be a drawback for travelers with very specific preferences.
3. Hidden Costs: Like many online travel agencies, there may be additional costs that are not immediately apparent during the booking process, such as resort fees or taxes. It’s important for users to review their booking details carefully.

11. JetRadar

JetRadar is a global flight search engine that scours the web for the best flight deals. It offers a variety of filters and sorting options, making it easy to find the right flight at the right price.

12. Airfarewatchdog

Airfarewatchdog specializes in finding hidden flight deals and fare discrepancies. Their team of experts constantly monitors fares and alerts users to limited-time offers and mistake fares.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Search: JetRadar scours the web to aggregate flight options from a wide range of airlines and travel booking platforms. This allows users to access a diverse selection of flights and potentially discover lesser-known deals.
2. User-Friendly Interface: The website is designed with a clean and intuitive user interface, making it easy for users to input their travel details and search for flights without encountering any major complications.
3. Advanced Filters: JetRadar provides a variety of filters and sorting options, allowing users to refine their search based on preferences such as price range, airline, layovers, departure/arrival times, and more. This feature can be particularly helpful for users with specific travel requirements.

Cons:

1. Third-Party Booking: JetRadar is a flight search engine, not a booking platform. While it provides comprehensive search results, users are ultimately directed to third-party websites or booking platforms to complete their reservations. This can sometimes lead to a less seamless booking experience.
2. Limited Customer Support: Since JetRadar primarily acts as an aggregator, its customer support is limited. Users may need to rely on the customer service of the booking platform they are redirected to.
3. Possibility of Outdated Information: Flight availability and prices can change rapidly. There is a possibility that the information displayed on JetRadar may not always be up-to-date, leading to potential discrepancies when users are redirected to the booking platform.

Conclusion

When it comes to booking flights, the internet is a treasure trove of resources. The 12 websites mentioned above are among the best in the industry, each offering unique features and advantages. Whether you’re searching for budget-friendly options, last-minute deals, or specific airline preferences, these platforms have you covered. Remember to compare prices, read reviews, and consider your travel needs before finalizing your booking. With the right website and a little research, you can embark on your next adventure without breaking the bank. Happy travels!