![Top 10 Flight Booking Apps For Finding The Best Deals [2025]](https://inspiredtoexplore.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/top-flight-booking-apps-781x512.jpg "Top 10 Flight Booking Apps For Finding The Best Deals [2025]")
Hi, I’m Elena — a travel addict, flight deal hunter, and someone who spends way too much time comparing airfare prices (seriously, it’s practically a hobby at this point). If there’s a way to shave a few bucks off a flight, I’ll find it. Originally, I planned to write about the best flight booking websites, instead of the best apps, but then I remembered that nowadays more and more people do everything on their phones — including big purchases, which used to be a no-no back in my days.
Millennials (myself included) and older generations still hesitate to book expensive tickets on a tiny screen, because they’re worried about glitches, hidden fees, or just general “oops, I accidentally booked a flight to the wrong continent” moments. But Gen Zs? They’ll book a round-trip to Tokyo from their Apple Watch without a second thought. This article is for the travelers who are comfortable booking on mobile, who want fast, intuitive apps with powerful filters, and who love the thrill of finding the cheapest flights with just a few taps. But if you change your mind, and want to use the website – you can totally do that. All the apps in this list also have websites that work well both on mobile and on desktops.
Not all flight booking apps are created equal. Some are great for price comparisons but a nightmare to use, while others have beautiful, user-friendly designs but don’t actually save you money. So, I’ve tested the top 10 flight booking apps and broken down what actually matters:
✅ How good they are at finding cheap flights
✅ Whether they have useful features like multi-city searches, nearby airport options, or price tracking
✅ If they’re easy to use, or if you’ll end up rage-quitting and booking through a desktop site anyway
Before we jump into the list of the best flight booking apps, let’s clear up some confusion—because not all apps work the same way. Some help you compare prices, others let you book directly, and a few just seem determined to make you question your life choices with hidden fees and frustrating UX.
When it comes to booking flights, not all apps work the same way. Understanding the differences between them can save you time, money, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.
Types of Flight Booking Apps
First we have flight search engines. Think of these apps as the Google of flight searches. They scan multiple airlines and travel agencies to find the best prices, but you won’t actually book your ticket through them. Instead, they redirect you to the airline’s website or an online travel agency (OTA) to complete your purchase. Examples: Google Flights, Kayak, Momondo.
✔️ Pros:
- Excellent for comparing fares across multiple airlines
- Often include budget airlines that bigger booking sites ignore
- No extra fees since bookings happen on external sites
❌ Cons:
- No direct booking—you’ll have to jump between multiple sites
- Some prices may be outdated or unavailable by the time you click
- No customer service if issues arise—you’re at the mercy of the site you book through
Then we have aggregators, which basically are meta-search engines that pull prices from everywhere. Aggregators act as middlemen, collecting prices from airlines and third-party OTAs like Expedia or Kiwi. They often uncover lower fares than booking directly, but just like search engines, they don’t handle the booking themselves. Instead, they send you off to another site. Examples: Skyscanner, Momondo, Kayak.
✔️ Pros:
- Often find cheaper deals than airline websites
- May show hidden fares from lesser-known travel agencies
- Some offer price tracking alerts for better deals
❌ Cons:
- Redirects can be frustrating, especially if the fare changes mid-booking
- Some OTAs listed may have poor customer service or hidden fees
- Certain airlines don’t share their fares with aggregators, so you might miss some options
Finally, we have direct booking apps, where you actually purchase your ticket. These apps let you book directly through an airline or a major travel agency like Expedia. While they may offer exclusive deals, loyalty rewards, or flexible cancellation policies, they don’t compare prices across multiple platforms, meaning you may not always find the cheapest fare. Examples: Expedia, Hopper, Kiwi.com, Priceline, Travelocity.
✔️ Pros:
- No third-party involvement—your booking is direct with the airline or OTA
- Easier customer service support if changes or cancellations are needed
- Some airline apps offer exclusive rewards, upgrades, or discounts
❌ Cons:
- Not always the cheapest, since it doesn’t compare multiple sites
- Budget airlines rarely appear on OTAs—you may have to book directly with them
- OTAs like Expedia may have strict cancellation or change policies
So, Which One Should You Use? Honestly? A combination of all three. Start with a flight search engine or aggregator to compare prices and spot the cheapest options. Then, check if the airline’s own website offers a better deal—sometimes they do, especially for flexible tickets or extra baggage. And if you’re using an OTA like Expedia, make sure their policies align with your needs before clicking “Book Now.”
That’s why in this guide, I’ll include apps from all three categories—along with recommendations on when and how to use each one.
How I Tested The Flight Booking Apps
To fairly compare these flight booking apps, I tested them based on key criteria that matter most when booking flights:
✔️ Price accuracy – Which app consistently finds the cheapest fares?
✔️ User experience (UX) – Is the app intuitive, fast, and easy to navigate?
✔️ Search flexibility – Can it handle multi-city routes, nearby airports, and flexible dates?
✔️ Extra features – Does it have price alerts, rewards programs, or exclusive discounts?
✔️ Transparency – Are taxes, baggage fees, and extra costs clearly shown?
To compare pricing, I used the same test flights across all apps. This ensures a fair and consistent way to see which apps actually deliver the best deals.
For the flights, I chose one popular route within each major continent, as well as some popular routes between continents. Here’s the breakdown:
Domestic Flights (Within One Country/Continent)
- North America: Los Angeles (LAX) – San Francisco (SFO)
- South America: Lima (LIM) – Santiago (SCL)
- Europe: London (LHR) – Rome (FCO)
- Australia: Sydney (SYD) – Melbourne (MEL)
- Asia: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Singapore (SIN)
- Africa: Cairo (CAI) – Jeddah (JED)
International Flights (Between Continents)
- North America → Europe: New York (JFK) – London (LHR)
- North America → South America: Orlando (MCO) – San Juan (SJU)
- Europe → Asia: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Amsterdam (AMS)
- Asia → Australia: Singapore (SIN) – Sydney (SYD)
- Europe → Africa: Paris (CDG) – Cairo (CAI)
- North America → Australia: Los Angeles (LAX) – Sydney (SYD)
Attention! The routes I selected for testing these flight booking apps were chosen arbitrarily and may not fully represent the overall pricing strategies or deals offered by each platform. Flight prices fluctuate based on factors like destination, seasonality, demand, and airline partnerships, meaning an app that performed well in this comparison might not always offer the best prices for other routes or dates. Therefore, the pricing scores assigned to each app should not be taken as absolute rankings but rather as a general reference based on this specific set of flights. For the most accurate results, I recommend checking multiple platforms before booking to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your particular trip.
Another quick note: I also wanted to include Hopper in my review, but I couldn’t make the app to work for me. When I wanted to input my departure point and destination, no options popped up, and only by writing the name of the airport I couldn’t start the search. Their website also didn’t work for me, so I gave up. Maybe I’ll give them another chance next time I’ll do an update for this article.
Are you ready? Buckle up, keep your seatbelt fastened, and let’s go through our list of best flight booking apps.
#10 CheapOair
CheapOair been around for a while, but to be honest, I never used it before testing it for this review. It is a well-known online travel agency (OTA) that specializes in discounted flights, hotel deals, and car rentals. It also has a rewards program, called Clubmiles, which is a big plus. I also like that CheapOair has the multi-city search option. It may not be the cheapest option on this list, but it’s a nicely built app, which gives clear prices for the cheapest and shortest flights, but it also gives alternatives, like different dates or flights to/from nearby airports. It offers additional services like bundled hotel and car rental options, if that’s something you are interested in. App available in Google Play and Apple Store.
User Experience ★★★☆☆
⭐ Simple, No-Frills Design – The CheapOair app is straightforward, making it easy to search for and book flights quickly.
⭐ Fairly Smooth Navigation – The app is responsive, though not as polished or visually appealing as some of its competitors like Skyscanner or Momondo.
⭐ In-App Booking – Since CheapOair is an OTA, you can book flights directly within the app without redirection.
Features ★★☆☆☆
✅ Discounted Fares & Promo Codes – Frequently offers special app-only deals and promo codes that can help users save even more.
✅ Price Drop Alerts – Lets you track flights and receive notifications when prices change.
✅ Bundle Deals – Offers discounts when booking flights with hotels, rental cars, or vacation packages.
✅ 24/7 Customer Support – Provides round-the-clock assistance, though user reviews on responsiveness are mixed.
✅ Flexible Date Search – Allows you to search for cheaper flights by adjusting departure and return dates.
✅ Alternative Payment Options – Supports “Buy Now, Pay Later” financing for those who prefer to split payments.
Cheap Flights ★☆☆☆☆
CheapOair positions itself as a budget-friendly booking platform, often promoting discounted fares and special deals. But how well does it actually deliver on finding the lowest fares? Let’s analyze the numbers.
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | CheapOair | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $110 | Expedia, Kayak, Aviasales ($96) | CheapOair loses ❌ |
| Lima – Santiago | $224 | Skiplagged ($171) | CheapOair loses ❌ |
| London – Rome | $98 | Kiwi, Kayak, Wayaway, Aviasales ($58) | CheapOair loses badly ❌ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $130 | Skyscanner ($54) | CheapOair loses badly ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $132 | Expedia ($83) | CheapOair loses badly ❌ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $188 | Kayak ($150) | CheapOair loses ❌ |
CheapOair was never the cheapest for intra-continental flights and, in some cases, was over 2x more expensive than the best option (e.g., London – Rome, Sydney – Melbourne).
Flights Between Continents
| Route | CheapOair | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $582 | Kayak ($401) | CheapOair loses badly ❌ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $172 | Kayak ($161) | CheapOair loses ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $651 | Wayaway ($577) | CheapOair loses ❌ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $356 | Skiplagged ($302) | CheapOair loses ❌ |
| Paris – Cairo | $406 | Kiwi ($292) | CheapOair loses badly ❌ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $776 | Trip ($697) | CheapOair loses ❌ |
CheapOair failed to have the cheapest option for every single international flight and was significantly more expensive on some routes.
For long-haul flights, CheapOair was consistently beaten by Kayak, Wayaway, and even Skiplagged.
Overall Performance ★★☆☆☆
✔️ Sometimes offers discounts through promo codes, which might make it cheaper under certain conditions.
✔️ Offers bundle deals (flight + hotel + car rental) that could be beneficial for package travelers.
✔️ Loyalty program offers small savings on future bookings.
✔️ Flexible search filters for multi-city and round-trip tickets.
❌ More expensive than nearly all other apps in almost every scenario.
❌ Significantly overpriced for some routes (e.g., London – Rome, Sydney – Melbourne, Paris – Cairo).
❌ Hidden fees, particularly on baggage, cancellations, and customer service requests.
❌ High service fees make final prices higher than expected.
❌ Customer service is unreliable, especially for refunds or flight changes.
CheapOair’s name might suggest budget-friendly travel, but the numbers tell a different story—it failed to offer the lowest fares in every single case and was often one of the most expensive options. If money is not a problem, then you can use the app for its pretty good features and around the clock customer support. Otherwise, there are better options on this list.
Final Verdict
Who Should Avoid CheapOair?
- Budget travelers — this app never had the cheapest fare.
- Anyone who prioritizes transparency — CheapOair is sometimes accused of hidden fees, although I couldn’t check that claim, so take the info with a grain of salt and do your own research on the matter.
- People booking complex itineraries — other apps like Kiwi, Kayak, and Skyscanner offer better filtering and flexible options.
Who Should Use CheapOair?
- Travelers who find an exclusive promo code that significantly lowers the price.
- Those looking for package deals with hotels and car rentals (though flights alone are not the cheapest).
My overall recommendation is to skip CheapOair unless you have a strong promo code — otherwise, you’ll likely find cheaper flights elsewhere.
CheapOair at a glance: ★★☆☆☆
Low chances you find the best deal here, but even if you do, extra fees and unreliable customer service make it risky.
#9 Expedia
Expedia is one of the best apps when it comes to a comprehensive travel experience. Not only does it offer great pricing, but it also provides a seamless booking process with plenty of features, like multi-city itineraries, nearby airports, and a smooth user interface. Customer service is more accessible, and loyalty programs can also benefit frequent travelers. Although Expedia’s prices can sometimes be beaten, it remains a top contender due to its combination of great value and top-notch UX. It’s best for those who want an all-in-one travel platform with competitive prices and reliable customer service. It’s prices are very competitive, especially for long-haul flights and direct routes.
User Experience ★★★★☆
⭐ Sleek & Modern Design – Expedia’s app has a clean, professional interface that makes navigation easy.
⭐ Fast & Responsive – The search process is smooth, and results load quickly.
⭐ All-in-One Travel Hub – Unlike flight-only search engines like Kayak or Skyscanner, Expedia is great for bundling flights with hotels or rental cars.
⭐ Dark Mode Available – A small touch, but great for night-time browsing.
Features ★★★☆☆
✅ Bundled Deals (Flight + Hotel Savings) – One of Expedia’s biggest selling points. You can save up to 30% when booking a flight and hotel together.
✅ Flexible Date Search – Shows cheaper flight options on nearby dates.
✅ Expedia Rewards Program – Users earn OneKeyCash points on flights and hotels, which can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings.
✅ Price Match Guarantee (Limited) – If a cheaper flight is found within 24 hours of booking, Expedia will refund the difference.
✅ Trip Management – Expedia keeps all bookings (flights, hotels, activities) in one place for easy access.
✅ Filters & Sorting Options – Good filtering system, though not as extensive as Kayak or Momondo.
✅ Cancellation & Refund Policies – Expedia sometimes offers free cancellation on select flights (depending on the airline).
Cheap Flights ★☆☆☆☆
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | Expedia Price | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $95 | Aviasales ($96) | Expedia wins ✅ |
| Lima – Santiago | $201 | Skiplagged ($171) | Skiplagged wins ❌ |
| London – Rome | $62 | Kiwi, Aviasales, Kayak ($58) | Kiwi/Aviasales/Kayak win ❌ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $92 | Momondo ($53) | Momondo wins ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $83 | Kayak ($94) | Expedia wins ✅ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $193 | Skiplagged ($145 layover, $154 direct) | Skiplagged wins ❌ |
Expedia won 2 out of 6 intra-continental flights, but it was beaten on the other 4 by Skiplagged, Kiwi, and Momondo.
Notably weaker in South America and Australia routes.
Flights Between Continents
| Route | Expedia Price | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $411 (layover), $585 (direct) | Kayak ($401 layover), Kayak ($576 direct) | Kayak wins ❌ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $162 | Kiwi ($161) | Kiwi wins ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $641 (layover), $1081 (direct) | Wayaway ($577 layover), Aviasales ($1050 direct) | Wayaway & Aviasales win ❌ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $323 | Kiwi ($304) | Kiwi wins ❌ |
| Paris – Cairo | $390 (layover), $604 (direct) | Wayaway ($310 layover), Skiplagged ($354 direct) | Wayaway & Skiplagged win ❌ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $796 | Skiplagged ($688) | Skiplagged wins ❌ |
Expedia did not win any intercontinental routes.
Skiplagged, Wayaway, and Kiwi consistently found cheaper prices.
Expedia struggled with both direct and layover flight prices.
Overall Performance ★★★☆☆
✔️ Great for booking full travel packages (flights + hotels + cars).
✔️ Won 2 out of 6 intra-continental flights, showing some competitive pricing.
✔️ Good for travelers who prefer booking everything in one place (hotels, flights, car rentals).
✔️ Clean, user-friendly design and dark mode.
✔️ Well-established reputation.
❌ Rarely the cheapest option—beaten by Wayaway, Kiwi, Skiplagged, and others in almost every category.
❌ Better for hotel deals than airfare.
❌ Weaker for intercontinental flights, especially on routes like Paris–Cairo and Kuala Lumpur–Amsterdam.
❌ Not ideal for budget travelers who prioritize price over bundled deals.
❌ High fees on cancellations or changes.
Expedia is a great platform for booking entire trips, but when it comes to finding the absolute lowest airfare, it falls behind competitors like Wayaway, Kiwi, and Skiplagged.
Final Verdict
Who Should Avoid Expedia?
- Budget-conscious travelers—Kiwi, Wayaway, and Skiplagged often have better deals.
- Anyone booking intercontinental flights, as Expedia consistently had higher prices.
Who Should Use Expedia?
- Travelers who want an all-in-one travel booking experience (flights + hotels + car rentals).
- Those who prefer a well-known, reliable company over price savings.
- Travelers booking domestic U.S. flights, where Expedia occasionally finds good deals.
Expedia at a glance: ★★★☆☆
Expedia is a great (and reliable) travel booking site for flights, hotels and car rentals, but if you’re looking for the absolute cheapest flight prices, you might want to check other options as well.
#8 Trip.com
Trip.com is a major player in the travel booking industry, especially strong in Asia. Originally founded in China, it has expanded globally and now offers flights, hotels, trains, and even attraction tickets. Trip provides reliable pricing and offers decent filtering options. The UX design is neat and intuitive, and it’s easy to find your flight quickly. Though it’s simple, it’s great for booking cheap direct flights and includes an option for multi-city itineraries. However, it’s slightly less polished than top-tier competitors and doesn’t have the richest search results. It’s best for easy bookings with a focus on direct flights and basic multi-city searches. The app is available in Google Play and Apple Store.
User Experience ★★☆☆☆
⭐ Cluttered App Design – I personally find Trip.com’s app a bit complex and overwhelming, because it has so many features crumpled together.
⭐ Fast Search Results – Flight searches load quickly, and the app provides clear pricing breakdowns.
⭐ Localized Experience – Since it has a strong presence in Asia, the app is well-optimized for users in different regions, offering localized deals and support.
Features ★★★★☆
✅ Competitive Pricing – Often finds some of the lowest prices, especially for flights within Asia.
✅ Price Drop Alerts – Lets you track flights and get notified when prices drop, helping you book at the right time.
✅ Easy Multi-City & Nearby Airport Search – Allows you to search for alternative routes easily.
✅ Seamless In-App Booking – Unlike Skyscanner or Momondo, Trip.com lets you book flights directly within the app without being redirected to third-party sites.
✅ Loyalty & Rewards System – Offers Trip Coins (rewards points) for bookings, which can be redeemed for discounts on future trips.
✅ 24/7 Customer Support – One of its strongest features is its round-the-clock customer service, available in multiple languages.
Cheap Flights ★★☆☆☆
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | Trip.com | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $99 | Expedia, Kayak, Aviasales ($96) | Trip.com loses ❌ |
| Lima – Santiago | $183 | Skiplagged ($171) | Trip.com loses ❌ |
| London – Rome | $63 | Kiwi, Wayaway, Aviasales ($58) | Trip.com loses ❌ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $63 | Momondo ($53) | Trip.com loses ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $91 | Kayak ($94) | Trip.com wins ✅ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $151 (direct) | Momondo ($148 layover) | Trip.com wins for direct ✅ |
Trip.com was the absolute cheapest on only 2 out of 6 intra-continental routes.
In most cases, it was slightly more expensive than other competitors.
Flights Between Continents
| Route | Trip.com | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $411 (layover), $620 (direct) | Kayak ($401 layover, $576 direct) | Trip.com loses ❌ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $233 (direct) | Skyscanner ($158 layover, $198 direct) | Trip.com loses ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $620 (layover), $1118 (direct) | Wayaway ($577 layover, $1095 direct) | Trip.com loses ❌ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $312 (direct) | Wayaway ($310 direct) | Trip.com loses (barely) ❌ |
| Paris – Cairo | $349 (layover), $380 (direct) | Skiplagged ($313 layover, $354 direct) | Trip.com loses ❌ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $697 (layover), $801 (direct) | Aviasales ($710 layover, $797 direct) | Trip.com wins for layover, loses for direct ✅ |
Trip had the absolute lowest price on only one route (Los Angeles–Sydney with a layover).
It was slightly more expensive than competitors on most other routes.
It performed decently on Paris–Cairo but was beaten by Skiplagged.
Overall Performance ★★★☆☆
✔️ Consistently mid-range pricing—rarely the most expensive, but also rarely the cheapest.
✔️ Better for direct flights (it was competitive on routes like Cairo–Jeddah and Los Angeles–Sydney).
✔️ Works well for Asia-based travelers (good deals on flights within Asia).
✔️
✔️ Many deals and promotions advertised within the app.
❌ Never the absolute cheapest for the majority of routes (beaten consistently by Wayaway, Skiplagged, and Kayak).
❌ The app design is cluttered and the browsing experience can be overwhelming.
❌ Although Trip.com promises support response within 30 seconds (!) from the request, users constantly complain about the lack of reliable support.
Trip.com is not the worst app for finding flights, but it’s also not the best if you’re looking for the absolute lowest prices. In most cases, it was slightly more expensive than competitors like Skyscanner, Wayaway, and Kayak.
Final Verdict
Who Should Avoid Trip.com?
- Budget-conscious travelers — there are usually better deals elsewhere.
- People looking for the absolute lowest price — Trip.com was beaten in most cases.
Who Should Use Trip.com?
- Travelers who prefer a familiar, easy-to-use platform.
- People booking direct flights, where it sometimes had competitive pricing.
Trip.com at a glance: ★★★☆☆
Decent for flights in Asia but not a top-tier option for other regions. It is an okay option and has competitive prices, especially for short routes, but it doesn’t stand out for finding the cheapest flights.
#7 Momondo
Momondo is another app that I use a lot to search for flights, especially when I want to evaluate my options. It is a solid contender, offering a good mix of functionality and price competitiveness. The user experience is easy enough to navigate, though not as intuitive as others. It does a great job of presenting multiple options and flexible search features like nearby airports. However, long-haul flights can sometimes be priced higher than on other apps. It’s best for users who want a well-rounded experience, but don’t mind a bit of searching. App available in Google Play and Apple Store.
User Experience ★★★☆☆
⭐ Vibrant & Visually Appealing – Unlike some more minimalist competitors, Momondo’s app is colorful, with intuitive charts that show price trends over time.
⭐ Slightly Cluttered Layout – The homepage is packed with features, which can feel overwhelming for first-time users.
⭐ Some UX problems – For example, the app has the “Anytime” feature, which worked when it was my first search in the app and I choose it, but when I first chose some dates and then I tried to switch back to “Anytime”, I couldn’t figure out how to do it.
⭐ Smooth & Responsive – The app is quick to load search results, even for complex queries like multi-city itineraries.
Features ★★★★☆
✅ Powerful Price Insights – One of Momondo’s biggest strengths is its “Flight Insights” tool, which shows price trends, the best time to book, and which days are the cheapest to fly.
✅ Collaborate feature – Allows you to share travel plans with other people and build an itinerary together.
✅ Extensive Filters – Allows you to filter flights by baggage fees, stopovers, airlines, departure times, and even COVID-19 restrictions.
✅ Fare Calendar & Price Graphs – A great feature for flexible travelers, showing the cheapest days to fly in an easy-to-read chart.
✅ Multi-City & Nearby Airport Search – Lets you compare flights from multiple airports at once to find the best deals.
✅ Mix & Match Flights – Like Kiwi, Momondo sometimes pairs flights from different airlines that wouldn’t normally be sold together, potentially leading to cheaper prices (but also riskier connections).
Cheap Flights ★★★☆☆
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | Momondo | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $109 | Expedia, Kayak, Aviasales ($96) | Momondo loses ❌ |
| Lima – Santiago | $1567 (layover) | Skiplagged ($171) | Momondo loses badly (massively overpriced) ❌ |
| London – Rome | $63 | Kiwi, Wayaway, Aviasales ($58) | Momondo loses ❌ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $53 | Kiwi ($56) | Momondo wins ✅ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $97 | Kayak ($94) | Momondo loses ❌ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $148 (layover) | Trip ($151 direct) | Momondo wins (cheapest layover) ✅ |
Momondo was the absolute cheapest for only 2 out of 6 intra-continental flights.
The Lima – Santiago price ($1567) is shockingly high compared to competitors.
On the other routes, it was consistently beaten by other apps.
Flights Between Continents
| Route | Momondo | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $403 (layover), $595 (direct) | Kayak ($401 layover, $576 direct) | Kayak wins ✅ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $398 (direct) | Skyscanner ($158 layover, $198 direct) | Momondo loses badly ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $636 (layover) | Wayaway ($577 layover) | Momondo loses ❌ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $1024 (direct) | Wayaway ($310 direct) | Momondo loses badly ❌ |
| Paris – Cairo | $396 (direct) | Skiplagged ($313 layover, $354 direct) | Momondo loses ❌ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $756 (layover), $800 (direct) | Trip ($697 layover, $801 direct) | Trip wins for layover, tied for direct ✅ |
Momondo was never the absolute cheapest on intercontinental flights.
Its direct flights were consistently more expensive than competitors.
Its Singapore–Sydney price ($1024) is outrageously high compared to the $310 on Wayaway.
The Orlando–San Juan price ($398) is also an outlier—more than double Skyscanner’s $158.
Overall Performance ★★★★☆
✔️ Wide search range—includes OTAs, airlines, and even budget carriers.
✔️ Both “Anywhere” and “Anytime” features
✔️ Strong filters—can sort by airline, stops, and baggage options.
✔️ Multi-city search available—good for complex itineraries.
✔️ User-friendly interface with price comparison tools.
❌ Prices were rarely the cheapest.
❌ Some fares were significantly higher than competitors.
❌ Momondo doesn’t offer exclusive discounts or promo codes
❌ Redirects users to third-party booking sites, which can sometimes be unreliable.
❌ Customer support varies depending on the airline or agency booked through.
❌ The deals they promote change their prices almost every time when users click on them.
❌ Some problems and glitches here and there in terms of user experience.
Momondo did not perform well in finding the cheapest flights. In most cases, it was beaten by competitors like Skyscanner, Kiwi, Kayak, and Wayaway. In some cases, its prices were dramatically higher (e.g., Lima–Santiago, Singapore–Sydney, Orlando–San Juan).
Final Verdict
Who Should Avoid Momondo?
- Anyone looking for the absolute cheapest flights — it consistently lost to other apps.
- Budget travelers — some routes were hundreds of dollars more expensive than competitors.
Who Should Use Momondo?
- Travelers who like a clean interface and easy-to-use search tools.
- People booking complex itineraries—multi-city search is decent.
Momondo is not the best choice for finding cheap flights. Considering that in the past I used Momondo a lot, it hurts me to not be able to put it higher on this list, but if you’re serious about saving money, there are better options.
Momondo at a glance: ★★★★☆
Since it has a great interface and good filtering tools, it’s best for destination research and comparing prices across various platforms, but not necessary for booking through them.
#6 Kiwi
This is an app that was very dear to me for a long time and I made countless of bookings with them over time. Lately I feel it doesn’t perform as well as it used to when it comes to finding the cheapest fares (as you’ll see in one of the sections below where I analyzed the prices), but nonetheless I love the functionalities that this app provides. My absolute favorite is the “Anywhere”/”Anytime” option. This means that you start from the city or airport of your choice and let the system find you the cheapest fares, anywhere on the map and any time of the year. Perfect for people on a tight budget, looking for some inspiration for their next getaway. Also, this is a direct booking app, which means you don’t need to redirect somewhere else to close the deal, Kiwi takes care of the purchase directly. My recommendation is to use it primarily for inspiration and research, and then, once you have a route and travel dates, you can check the prices in other apps in this list to see if you can get a better deal. If you don’t, feel free to book with Kiwi, as it’s super reliable and easy to interact with. Available in Google Play and Apple Store.
User Experience ★★★★☆
⭐ Modern & Intuitive Design – The app has a sleek, well-organized interface that makes searching for flights fast and simple.
⭐ Map-Based Search – One of Kiwi’s standout features is its interactive map, allowing users to explore the cheapest destinations worldwide at a glance.
⭐ Easy Booking Process – Unlike flight search engines that redirect users to other sites, Kiwi allows travelers to book flights directly within the app.
⭐ Saved Searches & Personalized Recommendations – The app learns from user preferences and suggests destinations and deals accordingly.
Features ★★★★★
✅ Virtual Interlining – Kiwi creates unique flight itineraries by combining flights from different airlines (even those that don’t officially cooperate), potentially offering cheaper options.
✅ Nomad Feature – A game-changer for digital nomads or flexible travelers, this tool helps plan multi-city trips in the most cost-effective way.
✅ Hidden City Ticketing & Throwaway Tickets – Kiwi sometimes suggests these controversial hacks to find cheaper fares, but they come with risks (e.g., airlines canceling your ticket).
✅ Nearby Airports & Alternative Routes – Kiwi automatically searches for cheaper flights from nearby airports, increasing the chances of finding a deal.
✅ Kiwi Guarantee – If a self-transfer flight (a mix of non-partner airlines) is delayed or canceled, Kiwi claims to cover rebooking costs or provide a refund.
✅ Baggage Handling Guidance – Since some itineraries mix airlines that don’t work together, Kiwi provides clear info on baggage transfers (though travelers might have to recheck luggage).
✅ Price Alerts & Deals – The app notifies users when flight prices drop for their saved routes.
Cheap Flights ★★★☆☆
Kiwi is known for its “virtual interlining” feature, which combines flights from different airlines (even those that don’t officially partner) to create cheaper itineraries. It also offers a nomad mode, which helps multi-city travelers find the best combinations. But does this strategy actually result in lower prices? Let’s analyze the data.
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | Kiwi | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $109 | Aviasales ($96) | Kiwi loses ❌ |
| Lima – Santiago | $183 | Trip ($183) | Tie ✅ |
| London – Rome | $58 | Kayak, Wayaway, Aviasales ($58) | Tie ✅ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $56 | Skyscanner ($54) | Kiwi loses ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $97 | Kayak ($94) | Kiwi loses ❌ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $154 | Skyscanner ($150) | Kiwi loses ❌ |
Kiwi only tied for the cheapest option on 2 out of 6 flights.
It lost to other apps in 4 cases, often by just a few dollars, but still not the absolute best for cheap fares.
Flights Between Continents
| Route | Kiwi | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $547 | Kayak ($401) | Kiwi loses badly ❌ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $161 | Kayak ($161) | Tie ✅ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $640 | Wayaway ($577) | Kiwi loses ❌ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $304 | Skiplagged ($302) | Kiwi loses ❌ |
| Paris – Cairo | $292 | Kiwi ($292) | Tie ✅ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $810 | Trip ($697) | Kiwi loses badly ❌ |
Kiwi only had the cheapest fare in 1 out of 6 intercontinental flights.
It lost by over $100 on some routes (e.g., New York – London, Los Angeles – Sydney).
Overall Performance ★★★★☆
✔️ Virtual interlining can create unique routes that may be cheaper than what traditional airlines offer.
✔️ Strong multi-city search tool (Nomad Mode) for travelers booking several destinations.
✔️ Had a few competitive prices but wasn’t the cheapest most of the time.
✔️ Offers Kiwi Guarantee for missed connections.
✔️ User-friendly app with decent filtering options.
✔️ Personally, I’ve had good interactions with their support team.
❌ Lost to other apps in 8 out of 12 cases, meaning it’s not the best choice for budget travelers looking for the absolute lowest fare.
❌ Often more expensive than Kayak, Wayaway, and Skyscanner, especially for long-haul flights.
❌ Hidden fees and customer service issues—Kiwi has a reputation for unreliable support and restrictive refund policies.
❌ Some flights involve self-transfer, meaning passengers have to collect baggage and re-check it, which can be risky.
❌ No rewards program, although users can earn promo codes through friend referrals, newsletter subscriptions, app reviews, etc.
Final Verdict
Who Should Use Kiwi?
- Budget travelers who need a starting point in finding their next destination.
- Travelers planning multi-city trips, thanks to its Nomad Mode.
- Those looking for unique flight combinations that other search engines might miss.
Who Should Skip Kiwi?
- Budget travelers who want to use only one app for researching and booking the absolute cheapest flights—other apps regularly beat Kiwi’s prices.
- Passengers who prefer seamless airline transfers—Kiwi’s self-transfer itineraries can be risky.
Kiwi at a glance: ★★★★☆
Kiwi’s unique routing system can sometimes uncover great deals, but it’s not consistently the cheapest option.
#5 Skiplagged
I recently found out about this one, while trying to find a replacement for Hopper on this list, but I downloaded the app and tried it for a few days. Skiplagged’s main draw is its focus on hidden city flights, where you fly to a layover city instead of your final destination, saving you money. This is not something without risks, because it can be detected if you’re doing it repeatedly and airlines can penalize you. Of course, you can also use it for “regular” flights – your call. The app looks pretty basic, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing. It looks simple at first sight, but to be able to get the most out of it, it’s not the most intuitive. Because it is a flight search engine and has the option to see prices directly on the calendar, it’s a good tool that you can use for research in case you have flexible dates, but not necessarily for booking tickets. There is an exception though – you can get some really good deals if you sign up for their rewards program and earn travel credit. Available in Google Play and Apple Store.
User Experience ★★★★☆
⭐ Minimalist Design – The interface is no-frills. It doesn’t overwhelm you with too many options, but it can feel a little outdated.
⭐ Easy Navigation – The app is relatively straightforward to use, with a clear search bar and a basic flight results page.
⭐ No Ads – Skiplagged’s app doesn’t bombard you with unnecessary ads, which is a big plus for travelers who want a clean experience.
Features ★★★☆☆
✅ Hidden City Ticketing – The app’s standout feature is its ability to find and book hidden city flights, which can often result in significantly cheaper fares than booking a standard direct flight.
✅ “Anywhere” feature – Skiplagged gives the possibility to enter your departure airport and let you find the cheapest destinations available (for certain dates)
✅ Filter options – You can order flights by duration, cost or value. You can also filter by the number of stops, take-off/landing hours, flight/layover duration, airlines and layover cities.
✅ Flexible Date Search – Skiplagged shows price variations across multiple dates. It’s good for travelers looking for the cheapest fare on flexible dates.
✅ Alternative Routes – Skiplagged often offers alternative routes with layovers that may be cheaper than direct flights, including the hidden city tickets.
✅ Alerts – You can choose to be notified when the price changes for a certain route, although this functionality is not very intuitive (I had to Google it to find out it works). Basically you need to enter an itinerary and then click on the heart next to it.✅
✅ Rewards Program – You can sign up to their rewards program and earn up to $25 of travel credits when someone makes a booking through your link.
Cheap Flights ★★★★★
Skiplagged is well known for its “hidden city” ticketing strategy, which allows travelers to book a flight with a layover at their intended destination—often at a cheaper price than a direct flight to that city. However, how well does it actually perform in finding the cheapest flights compared to other apps? Let’s break it down, based on the data I gathered.
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | Skiplagged | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $95 | Expedia ($95) | Tie ✅ |
| Lima – Santiago | $171 | Skyscanner ($181) | Skiplagged wins ✅ |
| London – Rome | $195 | Kayak, Kiwi, Wayaway ($58) | Skiplagged loses ❌ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $84 | Trip.com ($63) | Skiplagged loses ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $92 | Expedia ($83) | Skiplagged loses ❌ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $145 | Kayak ($150) | Skiplagged wins ✅ |
Skiplagged found the cheapest price for only 2 out of 6 routes.
It lost to other apps on 4 routes, often by a significant margin (e.g., London–Rome, Sydney–Melbourne).
Flights Between Continents
| Route | Skiplagged | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $668 (2 layovers) | Kayak ($401) | Skiplagged loses badly ❌ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $161 | Kayak ($161) | Tie ✅ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $622 | Wayaway ($577) | Skiplagged loses ❌ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $302 | Kiwi ($304) | Skiplagged wins (slightly) ✅ |
| Paris – Cairo | $313 (2 layovers) | Kiwi ($292) | Skiplagged loses ❌ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $688 | Trip.com ($697) | Skiplagged wins ✅ |
Skiplagged had the best price on only 2 out of 6 international routes.
It lost on 4 routes, including a massive $267 difference on New York–London compared to Kayak.
Even where it won, the savings were marginal (e.g., $2 savings on Singapore–Sydney).
Overall Performance ★★★★☆
✔️ Occasionally finds the cheapest fare, but inconsistently.
✔️ The hidden city ticketing feature can work in some cases.
✔️ Works best for short-haul regional flights rather than long-haul ones.
✔️ The “Anywhere” feature finds the cheapest options from your airport to any other destinations.
✔️ The prices are shown directly on the calendar.
✔️ Good filter options, like price, number of stops or airlines
✔️ The app can be used for booking flights, hotels and renting cars.
✔️ Simple interface and straightforward search results.
❌ Lost to other apps in 6 out of 12 cases, often by significant margins.
❌ Not so effective for long-haul international flights, with prices often higher than Kayak, Wayaway, and Skyscanner.
❌ Some of the “cheap” options require multiple layovers, which may not be worth the savings.
❌ The hidden city trick doesn’t always apply, and airlines can penalize you if they detect it.
❌ The prices are not displayed in real–time.
❌ No option to include nearby airports in search.
❌ Hidden city flights are not a good choice for people traveling with checked-in bags.
❌ Not all airlines are included (some major airlines block Skiplagged).
Final Verdict
Who Should Skip It?
- Those booking long-haul international flights, as Kayak, Wayaway, and Skyscanner generally offer better deals.
- Travelers who don’t want the risk of airlines penalizing them for skipping final legs of their trip.
- People who travel with checked-in luggage, because you can’t risk having your luggage be taken to the final destination, if you’re stopping at a layover.
Who Should Use It?
- If you’re open to hidden city ticketing and willing to take the risk, it can work for select routes.
- For travelers booking short-haul domestic flights, Skiplagged can be competitive.
- Budget travelers who are flexible with their routes.
Skiplagged at a glance: ★★★★☆
Skiplagged is best for budget-savvy travelers but not ideal for complex itineraries.
#4 Kayak
Kayak is a trusted name in travel apps and brings a polished experience. It offers comprehensive filters, including the ability to search nearby airports, flexible dates, and multi-city options. However, it’s not always the cheapest, as its pricing tends to be competitive, but not always the lowest. It also has a clean interface that doesn’t overwhelm the user. Kayak is best for those who want reliable functionality and varied search filters. App is available in Google Play and Apple Store.
User Experience ★★★★☆
⭐ Clean & Easy-to-Navigate Design – Kayak’s app has a minimalist interface that’s both intuitive and beginner-friendly.
⭐ Dark Mode Available – A small but appreciated feature for night owls booking flights at 2 AM.
⭐ Fast Search & Sorting – Flight results load quickly, and users can sort them by price, duration, layovers, and more with ease.
⭐ No-Frills Booking Flow – Kayak redirects users to airline or OTA websites for booking, avoiding unnecessary clutter in the app.
Features ★★★★☆
✅ Powerful Filters – Users can filter results by nearby airports, baggage policies, aircraft type, in-flight amenities, and even carbon emissions.
✅ Price Alerts – One of Kayak’s strongest features: set up alerts for specific routes, and the app will notify you when prices drop.
✅ Hacker Fares – Kayak suggests mix-and-match tickets from different airlines to find the lowest prices.
✅ “Anywhere” and “Anytime” features – These are great tools for budget travelers! The only downside is that the “Anytime” feature can be used only when users choose “Anywhere” first.
✅ Kayak Trips (Itinerary Management) – Once booked, flights can be added to Kayak Trips, which keeps all reservations, confirmations, and real-time updates in one place.
✅ Included Baggage – Kayak shows users at a glance what type of baggage is included in the price of the tickets.
✅ Bag Measurement Tool – Kayak allows you to scan your bag to measure it. That way you can always make sure you can take it on your flight without worries.
✅ Hidden City Ticketing – Kayak sometimes lists flights where the final destination is cheaper than your intended stop (though it doesn’t explicitly promote this trick like Skiplagged does).
Cheap Flights ★★★★★
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | Kayak Price | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $96 | Expedia, Aviasales ($95) | Kayak loses ❌ |
| Lima – Santiago | $183 | Skiplagged ($171) | Kayak loses ❌ |
| London – Rome | $58 | Kiwi, Wayaway, Aviasales ($58) | Tie ✅ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $67 | Momondo ($53) | Kayak loses ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $94 | Expedia ($83) | Kayak loses ❌ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $150 (layover), $160 (direct) | Skiplagged ($145 layover, $154 direct) | Kayak loses ❌ |
Kayak was tied for the cheapest price only on 1 route (London–Rome).
It was consistently beaten on other intra-continental flights.
It wasn’t the worst, but it wasn’t the best either.
Flights Between Continents
| Route | Kayak Price | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $401 (layover), $576 (direct) | Kayak has the cheapest layover price ✅ | Kayak wins for layover ✅ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $161 (layover), $167 (direct) | Kiwi ($161 layover, $168 direct) | Tie for layover, Kiwi wins for direct (barely) ✅ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $596 (layover), $1022 (direct) | Wayaway ($577 layover, $1095 direct) | Wayaway wins layover, Kayak wins direct ✅ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $308 | Wayaway ($310) | Kayak wins (barely) ✅ |
| Paris – Cairo | $317 (layover), $355 (direct) | Skiplagged ($313 layover, $354 direct) | Kayak loses ❌ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $706 (layover), $797 (direct) | Wayaway ($710 layover, $817 direct) | Kayak wins ✅ |
Kayak had the absolute cheapest price on 3 intercontinental routes (New York–London, Singapore–Sydney, Los Angeles–Sydney layover).
It was close in price to Wayaway and Skiplagged but was not the dominant cheapest app.
It performed much better for intercontinental flights than intra-continental ones.
Overall Performance ★★★★☆
✔️ Well-balanced mix of low prices and reliability.
✔️ Great interface, price tracking, and flexible date searches.
✔️ Good for finding the cheapest intercontinental flights (especially New York–London and Los Angeles – Sydney).
✔️ Strong price consistency — usually near the lowest price.
✔️ Large search database — provides options from multiple airlines and OTAs.
✔️ Bag measurement tool — A cool feature that uses your phone’s camera to tell you the measurements of your luggage.
❌ Not the best for intracontinental flights—often beaten by other platforms like Momondo and Skiplagged.
❌ Tends to be close but not always the cheapest—Wayaway and Skiplagged sometimes offered better deals.
❌ Few exclusive deals—doesn’t always have unique discounts compared to competitors.
❌ Bookings are made through third parties, so refunds can be tricky.
❌ They had a loyalty program for a short while, but they closed it.
Kayak performs well overall but does not consistently find the absolute lowest prices. It shines in intercontinental flights, often offering some of the best prices available. However, for flights within a continent, it is usually beaten by competitors like Momondo, Skiplagged, or Expedia.
Final Verdict
Who Should Avoid Kayak?
- People booking domestic or short-haul flights, where it’s often not the cheapest.
- Travelers who want hidden city fares—Skiplagged is a better option for that.
Who Should Use Kayak?
- Travelers looking for cheap intercontinental flights, as it performed well here.
- Those who want a reliable, consistent platform — prices are usually competitive.
Kayak at a glance: ★★★★☆
A strong all-around option, but better for flying between continents. or domestic flights, other apps like Skiplagged, Expedia, or Wayaway might be better.
#3 Aviasales
Aviasales is a popular flight search engine, particularly well-known among travelers in Eastern Europe and Asia. It operates similarly to WayAway, as both are owned by the same company. However, Aviasales does not require a subscription and focuses purely on finding cheap flights through various aggregators and airlines. It has that handy “Anywhere” options when searching for flights, the results are grouped by country and can be sorted by price or popularity. It also features a map where you can see prices at a glance.
User Experience ★★★★★
⭐ Simple & User-Friendly Design – Aviasales features a clean and easy-to-use interface that doesn’t overwhelm the user with excessive ads or unnecessary distractions.
⭐ Fast Search Speeds – The app loads quickly, and flight searches return results in just a few seconds.
⭐ Dark Mode Support – A small but appreciated feature for users who prefer a less straining interface for their eyes.
⭐ Localized Experience – Supports multiple languages and currencies, making it a great option for international travelers.
Features ★★★★★
✅ Comprehensive Flight Search – Scans hundreds of airlines and OTAs to provide a wide range of flight options.
✅ Hidden City Ticketing – Like Skiplagged, Aviasales sometimes suggests hidden-city fares (cheaper flights with a layover at your intended destination).
✅ Multi-city route – Users can search up to 6 routes simultaneously, perfect for very complex itineraries.
✅ Flexible Date Search – Offers a calendar view that highlights the cheapest travel dates.
✅ Nearby Airport Search – Helps users find cheaper flights by including alternative airports in the search.
✅ Multi-Currency Support – Travelers can check fares in their local currency without needing to convert manually.
✅ Push Notifications for Price Drops – Users can set price alerts to track airfare trends and book when prices drop.
✅ Hotel & Car Rental Integration – Like many competitors, Aviasales includes booking options for hotels and rental cars via partners.
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | Aviasales | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $96 | Expedia, Kayak (also $96) | Tied ✅ |
| Lima – Santiago | $183 | Trip ($183) | Tied ✅ |
| London – Rome | $58 | Kiwi, Wayaway ($58) | Tied ✅ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $62 | Kiwi ($56) | Aviasales loses ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $95 | Kayak ($94) | Aviasales loses (slightly) ❌ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $156 (layover), $158 (direct) | Trip ($151 direct) | Aviasales loses ❌ |
Aviasales found the cheapest or tied for the cheapest fares on 3 out of 6 intra-continental flights.
For short-haul routes, it performed better than many competitors, though it wasn’t always the absolute cheapest.
Flights Between Continents
| Route | Aviasales | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $409 | Kayak ($401) | Aviasales loses ❌ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $163 | Kayak ($161) | Aviasales loses ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $577 | Wayaway ($577) | Tied ✅ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $310 | Trip ($312) | Aviasales wins ✅ |
| Paris – Cairo | $310 | Kiwi ($292) | Aviasales loses ❌ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $710 | Trip ($697) | Aviasales loses ❌ |
Aviasales was the absolute cheapest on 1 out of 6 intercontinental routes (Singapore – Sydney).
It tied for the cheapest price on another route (Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam).
It was slightly more expensive than Kayak and Kiwi on a few routes, but never excessively overpriced.
Overall Performance
✔️ Competitive pricing—often finds or comes close to the cheapest flights.
✔️ User-friendly search with flexible date options.
✔️ Strong filtering options for baggage, airlines, and layovers.
✔️ Multi-city search (up to 6 routes simultaneously) and nearby airport options for broader deal hunting.
✔️ Very transparent when it comes to layovers and baggage details.
✔️ No hidden fees—displays final ticket prices upfront.
❌ Limited exclusive deals — it’s an aggregator, so it doesn’t have its own discounts.
❌ Occasional partner site issues — some users report that clicking on a deal leads to a different price on the booking site.
❌ Limited direct booking (often redirects to third-party sites).
❌ Not as widely known, so some travelers might not trust it as much.
Aviasales does a solid job of finding low fares, often matching or nearly matching the cheapest options. While it’s not always the absolute cheapest, it consistently performs well.
Final Verdict ★★★★☆
Who Should Avoid Aviasales?
- Ultra-budget travelers — if you’re looking for the absolute rock-bottom fare, Kayak or Kiwi might beat it by a small margin.
- People who prefer direct booking — since Aviasales is an aggregator, you’ll often be redirected to third-party sites.
- People that want to buy flights, book hotels and rent cars from the same app, because on Aviasales they don’t have car rentals.
Who Should Use Aviasales?
- Travelers who want a strong flight search engine that consistently finds competitive prices.
- Those looking for multiple options from different booking platforms.
Aviasales at a glance: ★★★★☆
Aviasales offers excellent pricing and transparency. Because of its Multi-city route feature, it is recommended for travelers with very complex itineraries.
#2 Wayaway
Wayaway is definitely one of the best flight apps in terms of user-friendly design and affordable prices. With its simple yet effective interface, it’s easy to get through the booking process. It also shines when it comes to flexibility, offering multi-city itineraries and nearby airport options. Just some occasional glitches with price listings prevent it from claiming the top spot. It’s best for travelers who prefer efficiency and want to book cheap flights with minimal fuss. Wayaway finds cheap tickets, often matching or beating competitors. App available in Google Play and Apple Store.
User Experience ★★★★★
⭐ Clean & Modern Design – The WayAway app features a sleek, intuitive interface that feels fresh and easy to navigate.
⭐ Smooth & Fast Searches – The app loads quickly, and flight searches generate results without noticeable lag.
⭐ Minimal Ads & Distractions – Compared to OTAs like CheapOair, WayAway feels less cluttered and more user-friendly.
⭐ In-App Booking with Partners – Since it functions as an aggregator, WayAway directs users to partner sites for booking rather than handling transactions directly.
Features ★★★★☆
✅ Cashback on Bookings – This is the app’s biggest selling point. Users who subscribe to WayAway Plus can earn cashback on flights, hotels, and other travel services.
✅ Comprehensive Flight Search – Uses data from major airlines, low-cost carriers, and OTAs to present competitive prices.
✅ Flexible Search Options – Allows users to search for flights by specific dates, flexible date ranges, and nearby airports.
✅ Multi-City & One-Way Search – Supports more complex itineraries, including open-jaw and multi-leg trips.
✅ Alternative Route Suggestions – Sometimes suggests cheaper flights with longer layovers or mixed-airline itineraries.
✅ Hotel & Car Rental Integrations – While primarily a flight search app, it also lets you book hotels and rental cars through partner services.
Cheap Flights ★★★★★
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | Wayaway Price | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $97 | Aviasales ($96), Expedia ($95) | Expedia wins ❌ |
| Lima – Santiago | $185 | Skiplagged ($171) | Skiplagged wins ❌ |
| London – Rome | $58 | Kiwi, Aviasales, Kayak ($58) | Tie ✅ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $65 | Momondo ($53) | Momondo wins ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $96 | Expedia ($83) | Expedia wins ❌ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $156 (layover), $158 (direct) | Skiplagged ($145 layover, $154 direct) | Skiplagged wins ❌ |
Wayaway had the absolute lowest price in only 1 intra-continental route (London–Rome, tied with multiple apps).
For all other short-haul flights, it was beaten by Expedia, Skiplagged, or Momondo.
Additional info: Shortly after I finished this list, I needed to book a round-trip ticket from Bucharest to Warsaw. I tested all the 10 apps and Wayaway found the cheapest (and best) option for me. Considering that my analysis also found that Wayaway performed good on an European route (London–Rome), that might mean that it offers good leverage on flights on this part of the world. So for your next Europe trip, I recommend you make this app your #1 place to search for tickets.
Flights Between Continents
| Route | Wayaway Price | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $409 (layover), $592 (direct) | Kayak ($401 layover) | Kayak wins layover, Wayaway wins direct ✅ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $163 (layover), $170 (direct) | Kiwi ($161 layover) | Kiwi wins layover, Wayaway wins direct ✅ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $577 (layover), $1095 (direct) | Skiplagged ($622 layover, $1877 direct) | Wayaway wins layover, Skiplagged loses direct ✅ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $310 | Kayak ($308) | Kayak wins ❌ |
| Paris – Cairo | $310 (layover), $361 (direct) | Skiplagged ($313 layover, $354 direct) | Wayaway wins layover, Skiplagged wins direct ✅❌ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $710 (layover), $817 (direct) | Kayak ($706 layover) | Kayak wins layover, Wayaway wins direct ✅❌ |
Wayaway had the cheapest direct flights for 3 intercontinental routes (New York–London, Orlando–San Juan, Los Angeles–Sydney).
It also had the cheapest layover options for 2 routes (Kuala Lumpur–Amsterdam, Paris–Cairo).
It was competitive but was narrowly beaten by Kayak and Skiplagged in some cases.
Overall Performance ★★★★★
✔️ Good for finding cheap direct flights (won 3 intercontinental direct flights).
✔️ Competitive on intercontinental routes (sometimes cheapest, sometimes close).
✔️ Cashback rewards for frequent travelers can make flights even cheaper in the long run.
❌ Not great for short-haul flights—often more expensive than competitors like Skiplagged, Expedia, or Momondo.
❌ Prices aren’t always the lowest—Kayak and Skiplagged had better prices for some intercontinental routes.
❌ No unique hidden-city fares—Skiplagged is better for that.
❌ Less known than competitors, so some travelers might hesitate to use it.
Final Verdict
Who Should Avoid Wayaway?
- People booking short-haul or domestic flights, as other apps consistently found better deals.
- Travelers who want hidden-city fares—Skiplagged is a better choice for that.
Who Should Use Wayaway?
- Travelers looking for cheap direct intercontinental flights.
- People that want to book tickets on European routes.
- Those who value cashback rewards, as this can save money over time.
Wayaway at a glance: ★★★★★
Wayaway is a solid option for long-haul travel, especially if you want direct flights and cashback rewards. However, it struggles with short-haul flights (except European routes), where apps like Expedia, Skiplagged, and Momondo often have better deals.
#1 Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a superstar in the world of flight booking apps, providing an extensive range of flight options and competitive pricing. Its flexible date feature and ability to search from nearby airports are major pluses. The app also offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. Although the direct flight options can be more expensive at times, Skyscanner’s comprehensive search still makes it one of the top choices for travelers. It’s best for travelers who want a wide selection of options, including direct flights and nearby airports. It’s price average is very competitive, especially for short-haul routes. App is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
User Experience ★★★★★
⭐ Smooth & Intuitive Navigation – The app is well-organized, with a clean, uncluttered interface. Searching for flights feels effortless, and filtering results is straightforward.
⭐ Fast Search & Loading – Results load quickly, even when searching multiple airports or different dates.
⭐ Minimal Ads & Distractions – Unlike some competitors, Skyscanner keeps the experience free from excessive pop-ups or upsells.
Features ★★★★★
✅ Comprehensive Filters – You can filter flights by airlines, number of stops, layover duration, departure/arrival times, and even eco-friendly options.
✅ Price Alerts – A lifesaver for budget travelers! You can track prices for specific routes and receive notifications when they drop.
✅ Explore Feature – If you’re flexible, the “Everywhere” search lets you discover the cheapest destinations from your departure city. Great for spontaneous travelers!
✅ Multi-City & Nearby Airports – You can search for multi-city itineraries and include nearby airports to find better deals.
✅ Direct Booking – While Skyscanner itself doesn’t sell flights, it redirects you to airline or OTA (Online Travel Agency) websites seamlessly.
Cheap Flights ★★★★★
Because Skyscanner lets you search flights in all airports of a destination, I let it do its thing in search of the cheapest option possible.
Flights Within a Continent
| Route | Skyscanner Price | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles – San Francisco | $108 | Trip ($99), Aviasales ($96), Expedia ($95) | Expedia wins ❌ |
| Lima – Santiago | $181 | Skiplagged ($171) | Skiplagged wins ❌ |
| London – Rome | $66 | Kiwi, Aviasales, Kayak ($58) | Kiwi/Aviasales/Kayak win ❌ |
| Sydney – Melbourne | $54 | Momondo ($53) | Momondo wins ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Singapore | $66 | Expedia ($83) (but different data format) | Skyscanner wins ✅ |
| Cairo – Jeddah | $150 (layover), $156 (direct) | Skiplagged ($145 layover, $154 direct) | Skiplagged wins ❌ |
Skyscanner only won 1 out of 6 intra-continental flights (Kuala Lumpur–Singapore).
It was beaten by Expedia, Skiplagged, Kiwi, and Momondo in all other cases.
Flights Between Continents
| Route | Skyscanner Price | Cheapest Alternative | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York – London | $404 (layover), $612 (direct) | Kayak ($401 layover), Expedia ($576 direct) | Kayak & Expedia win ❌ |
| Orlando – San Juan | $158 (layover), $198 (direct) | Kiwi ($161 layover), Wayaway ($170 direct) | Kiwi & Wayaway win ❌ |
| Kuala Lumpur – Amsterdam | $593 (layover) | Wayaway ($577 layover) | Wayaway wins ❌ |
| Singapore – Sydney | $306 | Kiwi ($304) | Kiwi wins ❌ |
| Paris – Cairo | $280 (layover), $394 (direct) | Kiwi ($292 layover), Skiplagged ($354 direct) | Skyscanner wins layover, Skiplagged wins direct ✅❌ |
| Los Angeles – Sydney | $702 (layover), $798 (direct) | Kayak ($706 layover), Wayaway ($817 direct) | Skyscanner wins layover, Wayaway wins direct ✅❌ |
Skyscanner had the cheapest layover price for 2 routes (Paris–Cairo, Los Angeles–Sydney).
It was beaten by Wayaway, Kiwi, and Skiplagged in many other cases.
It struggled particularly with direct flights, where other apps often had lower prices.
Overall Performance ★★★★★
✔️ Consistently finds competitive prices—even when it’s not the cheapest, it’s close.
✔️ Best layover option for some long-haul flights (Paris–Cairo, Los Angeles–Sydney).
✔️ User-friendly interface with great filtering options.
✔️ Flexible search options (e.g., “Everywhere” search, whole month view).
❌ Rarely the absolute cheapest option—other apps like Kiwi, Wayaway, and Skiplagged often found lower prices.
❌ Weak for short-haul flights—Expedia and Skiplagged often had better prices.
❌ Not ideal for direct flights—Wayaway and Skiplagged often provided better direct options.
❌ Redirects users to third-party booking sites, which can be unreliable.
❌ Customer service is dependent on the provider you book with.
Skyscanner is excellent for finding a wide range of flights with great flexibility, but it doesn’t always have the lowest prices. While it occasionally had the cheapest layover options, it was rarely the absolute cheapest for direct flights or short-haul routes.
Final Verdict
Who Should Avoid Skyscanner?
- Travelers looking for the absolute cheapest flights, as Kiwi, Skiplagged, and Wayaway often had better deals.
- People booking short-haul flights, where Expedia and Skiplagged usually found lower prices.
Who Should Use Skyscanner?
- Travelers who want flexibility in their search (e.g., whole-month or multi-city searches).
- People looking for a solid starting point before checking other apps for cheaper deals.
- Those who value an easy-to-use interface with strong filtering options.
Skyscanner at a glance: ★★★★★
One of the best tools for finding cheap flights, especially for flexible travelers. Skyscanner is a great search tool with a strong interface and flexibility, but if your main goal is finding the absolute cheapest flight, you should double-check other apps.
Conclusion: Top 10 Flight Booking Apps For Finding The Best Deals
Finding the best flight booking app depends on what you prioritize—whether it’s the cheapest price, ease of use, flexible search features, or customer service reliability. Each of the apps reviewed has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some excel in finding rock-bottom prices (like Skiplagged and Aviasales), while others stand out for their user experience and features (such as Skyscanner and Momondo). Apps like Expedia and Wayaway are great for their reliability and rewards but might not always deliver the lowest fares. Meanwhile, Kiwi’s unique booking system offers unconventional deals, though not always the cheapest.
To help summarize the key takeaways from this analysis, here are two tables for a quick overview. The first table highlights which apps offer features like “Anywhere” and “Anytime” searches, multi-city booking, rewards programs, and price alerts.
| “Anywhere” option | “Anytime” option | Multi-City Search | Rewards program | Price Alerts | |
| Skiplagged | ✅ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Kiwi | ✅ | ✅ | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✅ |
| CheapOair | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Aviasales | ✅ | ✖️ | ✅ | ✖️ | ✅ |
| Momondo | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✖️ | ✅ |
| Trip.com | ✅ | ✖️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Kayak | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✖️ | ✅ |
| Skyscanner | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✖️ | ✅ |
| WayAway | ✅ | ✖️ | ✅ | ✖️ | ✅ |
| Expedia | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
The second table ranks each app based on user experience, features, cheap flights scores, and overall performance.
| UX Score | Features Score | Cheap Flights Score | Overall Performance | |
| Skiplagged | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kiwi | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| CheapOair | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Aviasales | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Momondo | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Trip.com | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Kayak | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Skyscanner | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| WayAway | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Expedia | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Please take all the price comparisons in this list with a grain of salt. After I finished ranking these apps based on the criteria I mentioned, I needed to book a flight from Bucharest to Warsaw and I tested all the apps in this list. Guess what? Wayaway found me the best price!
Ultimately, no single app is perfect for every traveler. The best approach is to combine multiple tools—start with a flight search engine like Skyscanner or Momondo, compare prices across different apps, and then check if booking directly with the airline provides a better deal. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, using apps like Skiplagged or Aviasales can help uncover hidden fares. However, if you value reliability and perks, platforms like Expedia and Wayaway may be better suited for your needs.
By understanding the strengths of each app, you can tailor your flight search strategy to find the best deals while ensuring a smooth booking experience. Safe travels!