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Skyscanner is a flight comparison site, which means it searches many airlines and booking sites at once and shows you the results in one place. Used properly it can help you find cheaper flights, discover new destinations and keep track of price changes. Used carelessly, it can leave you comparing the wrong things, such as a low headline fare that does not include a bag. This guide explains how to use Skyscanner properly, including how the everywhere search works, whether it is really the cheapest and how to set price alerts. Features and layouts change from time to time, so treat this as a practical guide and check the site for the latest options.
How does everywhere search work?
The everywhere search is one of the most useful features for flexible travellers. Instead of choosing a destination, you enter your departure airport and dates (or choose a flexible option such as a whole month), and the site lists destinations with the lowest fares it can find. It is a good way to discover places you might not have considered, and it suits people who care more about the price than the destination.
How to use it
- Choose your departure airport. If you live in Sussex, Gatwick usually has the widest choice, and nearby airports can be worth comparing.
- Select “everywhere” as your destination.
- Choose specific dates, a month or the cheapest month option if you are flexible.
- Sort or scan the results by price, and look at the map or list view.
- Click a destination to see the available flights and how the price changes across the calendar.
What to bear in mind
- The cheapest fare may be for an inconvenient time, a long connection or a distant airport.
- Prices shown can be based on recent searches and may change by the time you book.
- Some destinations are cheap to fly to but expensive once you are there, so check accommodation and food costs.
- Check entry rules, such as passport validity and any visa or authorisation requirements, before you book.
The everywhere search pairs well with ideas from our city breaks, cheap holidays and last minute holidays guides.
Your first search, step by step
If you have never used a flight comparison site, here is a simple routine that works for most trips.
- Start broad: use the everywhere search or a flexible month to see what is cheap.
- Narrow down: pick two or three destinations that appeal and compare the calendar view for each.
- Check the details: look at departure times, connections, baggage and the airport you would fly from.
- Compare sellers: look at the options for the same flight and note any difference in price or terms.
- Check the airline site: see whether it offers the same flight for less or with better terms.
- Book when you are happy: if the fare is reasonable and the terms are flexible, do not wait too long.
Keep a note of the price you saw and the date you searched. It will help you judge whether a later price is a good deal.
Is it the cheapest?
Skyscanner is a comparison tool, so it does not sell the flights itself. It shows prices from airlines and travel agents, and you usually complete your booking on another site. Whether that is the cheapest price depends on the route, the date and the booking site.
In practice:
- It is often a good way to find the cheapest options quickly, because it compares many sellers at once.
- It is not guaranteed to be cheapest every time, because some airlines and offers do not appear in every comparison site.
- Prices can differ between the comparison site and the final booking page, for example because of fees, bags or changes in availability.
- It is worth checking the airline’s own website before you pay, in case it offers a cheaper fare or better terms.
- Third party sellers may have different customer service and refund terms from the airline, so check who you are booking with.
A sensible approach is to use Skyscanner to find the best options, then compare the final price, including extras, with the airline’s own site. If you are unsure about a seller you have not heard of, check reviews and the terms before you pay.
How to check a booking site before you pay
- Look at who is selling the ticket: the airline or a third party agent.
- Read recent reviews, and be cautious if there are many complaints about refunds or changes.
- Check how changes, cancellations and refunds are handled, and who you would contact.
- Look at the total price at the final step, including card fees and extras.
- Make sure the website address is correct and the page is secure before you enter payment details.
- Keep your confirmation emails and booking reference in a safe place.
How to set price alerts
Price alerts tell you when the fare for a route you have searched goes up or down, so you do not have to check every day. They are useful if you know where you want to go but you are not sure when to buy.
Setting up an alert
- Search for your route and dates.
- Look for the option to track prices or create an alert on the results page.
- Enter your email address, or sign in if you have an account, and confirm.
- Choose how often you want to be notified, if the site offers a choice.
Tips for using alerts
- Set alerts for a few date combinations, because small changes can make a big difference.
- Do not wait forever, because prices can rise as the departure date approaches, especially at busy times.
- Treat an alert as a prompt to check the fare and decide, not a guarantee that the price will fall further.
- Check your spam folder if you do not receive the confirmation email.
- Remove alerts you no longer need, so you are not flooded with emails.
Prices on a route can change several times a day, and there is no foolproof way to predict them. If you find a price you are happy with and the booking is flexible, it is often wise to book rather than gamble on further falls.
Other features worth knowing about
- Flexible date views: a calendar or month view that shows the cheapest days to fly.
- Cheapest month option: useful if you can travel at any time of year.
- Filters: you can filter by stops, airline, departure time and baggage, which helps you narrow the results.
- Multi city and one way searches: useful if you plan to fly into one place and out of another.
- Hotels and car hire search: some versions of the site also compare accommodation and car rental. Check the details, and see our car hire guide for tips.
Avoiding hidden costs
The headline fare on a comparison site is not always the final price, especially with low cost airlines. Before you book, check:
- Hand luggage allowance and size limits. See our guides to easyJet and Ryanair hand luggage.
- Cost of hold luggage, if you need it.
- Seat selection, priority boarding and check in fees.
- Airport transfers and parking, which can add to your total. See our Gatwick drop off charge guide.
- Card and payment fees at the booking stage.
- Whether the fare is refundable or changeable.
If something goes wrong, your rights depend on your airline and the type of booking. Our flight delay compensation guide explains the basics, and our travel insurance guide explains what cover to look for.
Tips for finding cheaper flights
- Be flexible on dates, because midweek flights are often cheaper than weekends.
- Compare nearby airports, because a cheaper fare can outweigh a longer journey.
- Avoid school holidays and bank holiday weekends if you can.
- Book one way tickets separately if it gives you better times or prices.
- Consider travelling in the shoulder seasons, when demand and prices are often lower.
- Check different departure airports. Our holidays from Gatwick guide covers what Gatwick offers.
- Clear your browser cookies or use a private window if you are worried about prices changing, although there is no guarantee this makes a difference.
Is a package holiday cheaper?
Sometimes. A package holiday that combines flights and accommodation can cost less than booking separately, and it often includes extra protection. Compare the total price of both options, and check what is included. Our all inclusive holidays guide explains how to compare packages.
Frequently asked questions
Is Skyscanner free to use?
Yes, searching is free. You pay the airline or travel agent when you book.
Does Skyscanner sell tickets?
It mainly compares prices and sends you to the airline or agent to book. Check the final booking site and terms.
When is the best time to book flights?
There is no single best time. Booking earlier often helps for busy dates, while last minute deals can be good value for flexible travellers.
Can I search for a whole month?
Yes, many versions of the search let you choose a month or the cheapest month. Check the options on the site.
Are price alerts reliable?
They are a helpful prompt, but they cannot predict the future. Use them as one tool among several.
What if the price changes at checkout?
It can happen when availability changes. Check the final price before you confirm, and compare with the airline.
This article is general guidance and not a recommendation to buy any particular ticket. Prices, features and terms change, so check the current details before you book.