When it comes to finding the best deals on flights and accommodations, some travelers turn to OTAs. Have you ever wondered if there’s a difference between using Skyscanner and an online travel agency to book your next trip? How does Skyscanner stack up against the other options? Let’s take a closer look.
Skyscanner is a leading travel search engine. It scours the Internet for the lowest possible rates on airfare and hotels prior to delivering those results to its users. Skyscanner is not an online payment processor, nor is it a virtual travel agent. When you book a flight and/or hotel using Skyscanner’s website or mobile app, your payment is processed by the airline, hotel or travel agent responsible for securing your reservation.
Have you ever wondered…
- How does Skyscanner work?
- Does Skyscanner process online payments?
- Where does my money go when I book a flight using Skyscanner?
- Who can I speak with about my flight/hotel reservation?
- Is Skyscanner an OTA?
How does Skyscanner work?
Skyscanner is a travel search engine, and as such, it’s a tool that’s been designed to help you find the lowest possible rates on airfare and hotels without having to scour the Internet for lengthy periods of time.
So, rather than bounce from one site to the next in search of the best travel deals, users can simply tap into the power of Skyscanner’s metasearch engine and find the lowest rates in a matter of seconds. And you can even do it on the go with the Skyscanner travel app. How cool is that?
When you’re ready to lock in your travel reservation, all you have to do is hit the green Select button next to the Skyscanner-generated search result that appeals to you most. When you do that, you’ll be redirected to an airline, travel agent or hotel website to complete your booking.
Does Skyscanner process online payments?
Payments are never made through Skyscanner. Instead, you will complete your travel transaction(s) offsite, either through the airline, travel agent or hotel that is offering the reservation you found using Skyscanner’s flight search engine.
So basically, Skyscanner redirects users to a third-party website to complete travel reservations.
Where does my money go when I book a flight using Skyscanner?
All transactions are completed offsite. Therefore, if the cheapest rate on your next plane ticket comes from, say, FlightHub (one of the thousands of Skyscanner partners), Skyscanner will automatically redirect you to the FlightHub.com website to complete your transaction.
Skyscanner vs OTA. Who can I speak with about my flight/hotel reservation?
Since Skyscanner has no involvement in payment processing, your reservation will be managed by the airline, travel agent or hotel that you ultimately booked with. Yes, Skyscanner found you the lowest rates in seconds, but no, we do not process payments for or manage reservations. If you have questions about your trip, you will need to speak with the airline, travel agent or hotel directly.
Is Skyscanner an OTA?
What’s the difference between Skyscanner and an online travel agency? Skyscanner is a trusted meta-search engine that lets globetrotters across the world research and book travel options for their trips, including flights, hotels and car hire. We can help you plan your next trip, whether that’s just a short weekend getaway or a multi-city adventure around the globe.
If you have questions about Skyscanner or how it works, we invite you to contact our Help Center. Alternatively, we have an amazing community of travel lovers, just like you, on Facebook. Be sure to give our page a like, and feel free to ask millions of people for travel advice, tips and trip suggestions!
