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Skyscanner is a global flight search engine. It allows users to search multiple airlines, travel agencies, and routes to find the least expensive flights. It also provides price comparisons for hotels and car rentals.

The application was created by a self-described group of “flight search geeks” in a mission to prevent missed flights. It was founded by Barry Smith, Bonamy Grimes, and Gareth Williams. The head office is located in Edinburgh, with a satellite office in Poland. The site averages approximately 127,000 unique visitors per month.

Skyscanner aggregates the best matches for flight, car rental, and lodging information for user-designated parameters. Filters allow for maximum customization and users can book all three from links on the site.

Right from the home page users can enter their flight parameters. By choosing departure and arrival airports from the dropdown lists, users indicate the dates of travel, whether the flights are one-way or round-trip, the number of travelers, and whether the search should include hotels and car rentals.

A search that includes hotel, flights, and car rentals opens three windows – one for each set of results. The results may then be filtered further by takeoff time, direct or indirect flights, airlines, and sorting options. Users may also toggle dates from the booking screen, which is a nice option and eliminates the need to start a new search.

Users confirm the information generated on the car and hotel windows and searches may be refined further. Hotel searches may be refined by distance, price, star ratings, features, property type, or brand. Car rental results may be sorted by company, type of car, or price.

Overall, the site is very fast and easy to use. The results are clearly presented and customizable. Booking links direct the user to the appropriate site for entry of personal and credit card information. The one downside is the presence of advertising that is somewhat intrusive and might confuse some users as it blends in with the search results.

The site requires no registration.

There are no fees or commissions to Skyscanner.

Travelers wishing to check rates from multiple sources from one site will enjoy using Skyscanner to make travel plans easily.

• Free to use
• No registration necessary
• Searches for flights, hotels, and car rentals
• Filter results easily
• Clean, intuitive interface
• Links for booking all services
• Global information

Skyscanner video

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