Skyscanner or Google Flights — which one helps you save more when booking flights within the US? If you’ve ever tried to book a flight and felt overwhelmed by prices jumping up and down, you’re not alone.
It can feel like a guessing game.
But the truth is: choosing the right flight tool can make a big difference in how much you spend.
In this article, I’ll walk you through both Skyscanner and Google Flights in a simple, clear way. No tech talk. Just real help.
What Is Skyscanner?
Skyscanner is a website (and app) that searches for cheap flights from lots of airlines and travel agencies all at once.
It doesn’t sell you the flight directly. Instead, it shows you a list of prices from different places, and when you pick one, it sends you to the site that’s selling it.
Think of Skyscanner like a flight detective — it goes hunting across the web to find you the lowest price.
Key things people love about Skyscanner:
- It compares prices from many sites at once.
- You can view a calendar of the cheapest days to fly.
- There’s a fun “Everywhere” option if you just want to go somewhere cheap.
- Works well for flights inside and outside the US.
What Is Google Flights?
Google Flights is a tool created by Google to help people search for flights fast and easily. It shows results directly in Google with helpful features like graphs, flexible dates, and price trends.
At the start of this second section, let’s say it clearly: Skyscanner is known for uncovering hidden flight deals, while Google Flights shines with its speed and clean design. Both are great tools — it just depends on what you need.
Here’s what people like about Google Flights:
- Very fast and easy to use.
- Tells you if the current price is high or low.
- Shows how prices change based on the day you fly.
- Sends you email alerts when prices drop.
Skyscanner vs Google Flights: Which Is Better?
Let’s compare the two side by side in areas that really matter. That way, you’ll know exactly when to use each one.
💸 Flight Prices
Skyscanner often finds cheaper deals, especially from smaller airlines or third-party travel websites.
Google Flights shows up-to-date prices from big airlines, but it may not catch the super-discounted deals on smaller sites.
Winner:
Skyscanner, if your goal is to find the absolute lowest price possible.
🕐 Flexible Date Searches
Skyscanner has a colorful calendar that shows the cheapest days to fly.
Google Flights also lets you play with dates, but it uses graphs and charts. It’s more “data” than “visual.”
Winner:
Skyscanner, especially if you like to see options laid out clearly.
🌍 Searching for “Anywhere”
Sometimes, you just want to go somewhere fun and cheap, even if you don’t know where yet.
Skyscanner shines here — its “Everywhere” option shows you the cheapest places to fly from your chosen city.
Google Flights has an “Explore” feature, but it’s not as flexible or fun.
Winner:
Skyscanner wins for travelers who love spontaneous getaways.
📱 Mobile Experience
Both have mobile apps and work well on phones.
Skyscanner has more travel-focused features in the app.
Google Flights works smoothly in your browser and connects with your Google account.
Winner:
Tie — both are easy to use on mobile, just depends on your preference.
📧 Price Alerts
Both tools let you track prices and send email updates.
Google Flights sends alerts directly from your Gmail (if you use it).
Skyscanner also tracks price drops, and sometimes catches deals that Google misses.
Winner:
Another tie. Use both if you really want to stay on top of price changes.
Real-Life Price Examples
Let’s look at two simple flight searches to see which one gives the better deal.
Example 1: New York (JFK) to Miami (MIA)
- Google Flights: $129 with American Airlines.
- Skyscanner: $105 with a smaller airline via a third-party site.
Winner: Skyscanner saves you $24.
Example 2: Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD)
- Google Flights: $140 with United.
- Skyscanner: $142 with Delta.
Winner: Google Flights saves you $2 this time.
Takeaway:
Skyscanner often finds cheaper options, but Google Flights can be better for big airlines or direct bookings.
When Should You Use Each Tool?
Use Skyscanner if:
- You want the cheapest flight possible.
- You’re flexible about airlines or flight times.
- You’re curious and want to explore cheap destinations.
- You’re okay booking through third-party websites.
Use Google Flights if:
- You want to book quickly and easily.
- You like seeing graphs and price trends.
- You already know your destination and dates.
- You prefer booking directly with airlines.
