Finding cheap flights is a skill every traveler can and should learn. Once you understand how to use Skyscanner and Google Flights, you can consistently save money and plan trips with a lot more confidence. These tools help you compare prices, track trends, and spot deals that most people miss. Before going on exchange, I had never even heard of Skyscanner. Now, I use it on a daily basis!
Below is a practical, step by step guide to using both platforms. This is exactly how I search for flights when I am planning a trip.
What Skyscanner Looks Like
Using Skyscanner to Find Cheap Flights
Skyscanner works as a flight comparison search engine. It pulls prices from airlines and online travel agencies and shows you the cheapest available options. It is especially helpful if you are flexible with your dates or destination.
1. Search a Destination or Choose Everywhere
One of Skyscanner’s best features is the ability to search for flights to Everywhere. This option shows you the cheapest destinations ranked from lowest price to highest.
How to use it:
- Type your departure city
- Select Everywhere as the destination
- Pick your dates
- Browse the cheapest countries and cities
It is a great tool for discovering places you may not have even considered.
2. Use the Monthly Calendar View
When you choose the calendar view, Skyscanner highlights the lowest prices for each day. This makes it easy to see when it is cheapest to fly.
If your dates are flexible, the calendar can save you a significant amount of money.
3. Turn on Price Alerts
If the price is still higher than you want, turn on price alerts. Skyscanner will email you when the fare drops or rises. It is an easy way to monitor deals without checking every day.
4. Compare Different Booking Options
Skyscanner does not sell flights directly. It sends you to the airline or online travel agency offering the best fare. Before you book, compare the options and check reviews if you are booking through a third party.
What Google Flights Looks Like
Using Google Flights to Book Smarter
Google Flights is one of the fastest tools for researching flight prices. The interface is clean, the search loads instantly, and it gives you helpful information about price trends and whether you are looking at a good deal.
1. Start With a Simple Search
Enter your cities, dates, and cabin class. Google Flights will immediately display a list of flight options along with prices and airline comparisons. It is one of the easiest ways to see the full range of possibilities for a route.
2. Explore the Date Grid and Price Graph
These two tools are the real power of Google Flights.
The Date Grid shows you which combinations of departure and return dates are cheapest.
The Price Graph shows how fares change over time.
If your dates are adjustable, these tools make planning a lot easier.
3. Track Prices on Your Route
When you toggle on Track Prices, Google Flights will email you whenever the fare moves up or down. It is incredibly helpful for planning ahead or monitoring a trip you have not committed to yet.
4. Use the Explore Map
The Explore feature lets you view prices on a map. You can filter by budget, trip length, or interests. It is a great way to get travel inspiration if you are open to multiple destinations.
5. Pay Attention to Googles Booking Tips
Google Flights often provides helpful context such as whether the price you are seeing is low, typical, or high for that route. It might also recommend flying from a nearby airport if it is cheaper. These insights can make a big difference.
When to Use Each Tool
| Situation | Best Tool |
|---|---|
| You are flexible on destination | Skyscanner Everywhere search |
| You want the cleanest and fastest search tool | Google Flights |
| You want mixed airline combinations | Skyscanner |
| You want advice on whether to book now or wait | Google Flights |
| You want to compare online travel agency prices | Skyscanner |
A lot of travelers use both. I usually start with Skyscanner if I am flexible or exploring ideas, then switch to Google Flights for a deeper look at trends before booking.
Tips for Getting the Best Flight Prices
Here are a few habits that consistently help lower the cost of flights.
- Be flexible with your dates if possible. Prices can shift by hundreds of dollars depending on the day.
- Check nearby airports. Sometimes a short train or bus ride can save you a lot.
- Book two to three months ahead for most international travel.
- Compare round trip and one way tickets to see which gives you the best price.
- Search on multiple platforms to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Final Thoughts
Skyscanner and Google Flights complement each other really well. Skyscanner helps you discover cheap destinations and broad opportunities while Google Flights provides clear data and detailed price analysis. Once you get comfortable using both, finding affordable flights becomes a lot easier.