Google Flights vs Skyscanner
Google Flights and Skyscanner are two of the most used tools for finding flight deals. This guide compares their strengths: search experience, date flexibility, price alerts, and when to use one, the other, or both so you can find the best fares.
Google Flights: strengths
Google Flights is fast and easy: you get a clear date grid showing prices for each day and a “flexible dates” view. Price tracking (“Track prices”) sends emails when fares change. It’s especially strong for US domestic and many international routes and often shows Southwest alternatives (without direct booking). For when to book, see our Best Time to Book Flights and Track Flight Prices guides. Use our Personal Finance Planner to set a travel budget so you know when a tracked price is good enough to book.
Skyscanner: strengths
Skyscanner aggregates many online travel agencies (OTAs) and airlines, so you may see options that don’t appear on Google Flights. The “whole month” and “cheapest month” views help if your dates are flexible. Price alerts are available for specific dates or flexible months. For a full strategy, see our How to Get Cheap Flight Tickets guide. When comparing budget carriers, use our Cheapest Airlines in the USA so you factor in bag and seat fees from OTAs.
When to use which
Use Google Flights for quick US and international comparisons and for date grids and tracking. Use Skyscanner when you want to see more OTAs and flexible-month views, or when Google doesn’t show a route you care about. For important trips, run the same search on both and set price alerts on both—they can surface different deals. Always confirm the final price and terms on the site where you book.
Tips for both
Clear your cookies or use incognito if you’re worried about dynamic pricing (evidence is mixed, but it doesn’t hurt). Compare total cost including bags when budget airlines are in the results. For career moves that involve travel, use our Salary Calculator to compare pay by city so travel costs are part of your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Google Flights is strong for US routes, with clear date grids and price tracking. Skyscanner aggregates more OTAs and has a “whole month” view. Use both and set price alerts on each for the same route.
Not always. They pull from different sources and can show different airlines and OTAs. Checking both can surface better deals. Always confirm the final price on the booking site before paying.
Both offer price alerts. Google Flights integrates with your search and date grid; Skyscanner lets you set alerts for flexible months. Use both for important trips to catch drops.