Every great trip begins with a single step: booking the flight. But for many of us in India, this first step can be the most daunting. Prices for international travel can seem astronomical, and the fear of not getting a good deal is real.
What if you had a secret weapon? A tool that does all the hard work, scours the internet, and uncovers the best flight deals you didn't even know existed? That tool is Skyscanner.
What Exactly is Skyscanner?
At its core, Skyscanner is a powerful metasearch engine. This means it doesn't sell you flights directly. Instead, it acts like a super-smart travel detective, searching through hundreds of airlines (like IndiGo, Vistara, Emirates) and online travel agencies (like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, and others) to show you every available option. Once you find the flight you want, it takes you to the provider's website to complete your booking.
The Killer Features That Save You Money
Skyscanner is more than just a search bar. It’s packed with features designed to find the lowest prices.
The Legendary “Explore Everywhere” Search: This is Skyscanner’s most famous feature. If you have the travel bug but no fixed destination, just type in your departure airport (e.g., ‘Delhi’), and select ‘Everywhere’ as your destination. Skyscanner will show you a list of countries you can fly to, ordered from the cheapest to the most expensive. It’s the ultimate tool for spontaneous travel inspiration.
Flexible Date Search: Airline prices can vary wildly from one day to the next. Instead of searching for a specific date, you can search for the “Whole Month” or even the “Cheapest Month.” This is perfect for planning a trip around Diwali or your summer holidays when you have some flexibility and want to fly on the cheapest possible days.
Price Alerts: Found your perfect flight to Thailand but not ready to book? Set up a Price Alert. Skyscanner will email you the moment the price goes up or down, so you can book with confidence when the price is right.
Multi-City Search: Planning a complex trip like Mumbai -> London, then Paris -> Mumbai? The multi-city tool lets you piece together complicated itineraries with ease, often saving you money compared to booking separate one-way tickets.
Pro-Tips for Indian Travellers
Search from Major Hubs: Always check fares from major international airports like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), and Chennai (MAA), as they often have the most competitive pricing.
Domestic Deals: Don’t forget to use it for domestic travel! It’s fantastic for comparing all the budget airlines for a weekend trip to Goa or Kerala.
Check the Fine Print: Skyscanner will find you the cheapest fare, but remember to check baggage allowances and other fees on the final booking site, especially with international budget carriers.
Who is Skyscanner For?
Skyscanner is the essential first step for every traveller. Whether you’re a budget-conscious backpacker, a family planning an annual vacation, or a business traveller, its power to compare the entire market is unmatched.
It is your starting point, your flight-finding compass, and the tool that ensures you never overpay for a flight again.