20 Top Flight Booking Sites

What to check before booking flights through a third party

Flight booking sites fall into two groups. Metasearch sites compare fares and send you to another company to pay. Online travel agencies take your payment and issue the ticket themselves. Know which one you are using, because it decides who you contact when something changes.

• Who holds the booking. After paying, look for an airline booking reference as well as the agency's own reference. With the airline reference you can usually view the reservation on the airline's website.
• Total price at checkout. Compare the final amount, including seats, bags and payment fees, not the first fare shown.
• Change and refund rules. An agency may add its own fees on top of the airline's fare rules. Read both.
• Support channels. Check whether there is a phone line or only chat, and what hours it covers.

Each CandorRated company page shows who appears to run the website, how long the domain has been registered, the contact details we found and what other travelers wrote.

Where flight bookings go wrong

Schedule changes and cancellations cause most complaints. When an airline changes a flight booked through an agency, the refund often passes through the agency first, which can add time. Keep every email, screenshot the price and fare rules at checkout, and pay with a card that offers dispute rights.

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to book directly with the airline?

Sometimes. Compare the final price on both, and weigh it against how easy changes will be later.

Who do I contact if my flight is canceled?

If you paid an agency, start with the agency, since it holds the payment. The airline can confirm the flight status.

Can I filter flight booking sites by country?

Yes. Filter this list by country or city to find companies that work in your currency and time zone.