When it comes to planning trips—whether for business, leisure, or a spontaneous weekend getaway—finding the right flights at the best prices is often the most time-consuming task.
Over the years, I’ve tried several travel apps and websites that claim to offer the best deals. But one name has consistently stood out from the rest: Skyscanner.
I’ve been using the Skyscanner app for a long time now, and it has become my go-to tool whenever I need to book flights. In this review, I’ll share my experience with the app, what makes it so effective, a few thoughtful suggestions for improvement, and why I believe it’s a must-have for frequent and casual travelers alike.
What is Skyscanner?
Skyscanner is a global travel search engine that helps users find flights, hotels, and car rentals. Founded in 2003, the platform has grown into one of the most trusted names in the travel industry. Its main strength lies in its comprehensive flight comparison feature, which pulls data from a wide range of sources including airlines, travel agents, and online booking platforms.
What sets Skyscanner apart is that it does not sell flights directly. Instead, it shows you the best available options and redirects you to the provider’s site to complete your booking. This approach allows for maximum transparency and flexibility, as users can see real-time prices across dozens of platforms.
My Personal Experience with Skyscanner
After using the app consistently for several years, I can confidently say that Skyscanner is simply the best flight search app I’ve come across. It’s fast, reliable, user-friendly, and above all, comprehensive.
Whenever a new deal is available—whether from a major airline or a lesser-known travel agency—I’ve almost always found it listed on Skyscanner. This means I don’t need to spend hours checking multiple websites or apps. Everything I need is right there in one place.
One of the features I particularly love is the ability to search for “Everywhere” as a destination. If I’m feeling spontaneous or open to suggestions, I just input my departure city and let Skyscanner show me the cheapest destinations available. It’s a fun and useful tool for those with flexible travel plans.
What I Love
1. Clean and Intuitive Interface
Navigating the app is incredibly easy. From selecting departure and arrival cities to adjusting travel dates and applying filters, everything flows naturally. Even first-time users will find the app intuitive.
2. Extensive Filtering Options
Skyscanner allows you to filter flights based on stops, airline, time of departure, total duration, and more. This is crucial when you’re trying to avoid long layovers or midnight connections.
3. Price Alerts
This feature has saved me money on more than one occasion. Set an alert for a specific route and date, and Skyscanner will notify you when the price drops. It’s ideal for people who like to plan ahead and grab the best deals.
4. Multi-City Search
If you’re planning a more complex trip with multiple stops, Skyscanner lets you build a custom itinerary with ease. This feature is incredibly useful for long vacations or business trips across different cities.
Suggestions for Improvement
While Skyscanner is an outstanding app, I believe there’s always room for growth. Based on my personal experience, here are two suggestions that could take it to the next level:
1. Option to Filter Out “Self-Transfer” Flights
Some budget-friendly flight options on Skyscanner are labeled as “self-transfer.” These require passengers to check themselves in again at a connecting airport, sometimes even switching terminals or rechecking luggage. While this is fine for some, it’s not always convenient for travelers with tight schedules or lots of baggage.
Having a filter to include or exclude self-transfer flights would give users more control over their travel choices, particularly for those who prioritize convenience over cost.
2. Flight Duration Limits for Each Segment
Currently, you can filter flights based on total travel time, but there’s no option to limit the duration of each individual segment. For example, some flights might include an 11-hour leg followed by a short hop, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
Adding a feature that allows users to set a maximum time per flight segment would make the search process even more tailored and user-friendly.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Extensive database of flights and travel providers
- Intuitive and clean user interface
- Flexible search features (including “Everywhere” destination)
- Price alerts and notifications
- Multi-city and round-trip options
- No hidden fees or commissions
Cons:
- Self-transfer flights can sometimes be confusing for newer travelers
- Lack of granular filters for flight segment duration
- Redirection to third-party sites for booking may involve variable customer service quality
Why I Continue to Use Skyscanner
The real value of Skyscanner lies in its consistency. I’ve tried other travel apps and platforms that may look modern or promise aggressive discounts, but very few match Skyscanner’s ability to deliver accurate, real-time, and competitive flight options.
Even when airlines are running promotional sales or exclusive offers, chances are those deals are reflected on Skyscanner too. This gives me confidence that I’m not missing out on better prices elsewhere.
Highly Recommended
If you travel frequently or even just once or twice a year, Skyscanner should absolutely be part of your planning toolkit. It takes the guesswork out of flight searches, presents options clearly, and offers features that make life easier for travelers of all kinds.
While there are a few minor areas for improvement—such as adding more specific filters—the core of the app is rock solid. It’s reliable, easy to use, and most importantly, it saves you time and money.
Thank you, Skyscanner, for creating such a fantastic app. Keep up the great work!
Have you used Skyscanner before? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore our other travel tips and reviews here at Ms. Blissness. Safe travels! ✈️
Hey Travel Babes. I’m Hayley a.k.a Ms Blissness – Adventurous dreamer and free spirit. I’m on a quest around the world with my husband, Peter. Join us on our journey for some travel inspiration and a lot of Love and Light xx. More about me…