Booking Flights with Skyscanner and OTAs: Tips and Tricks for Getting the Best Deals

Demystifying Flight Fare Aggregators

Flight fare aggregators form the essential architecture for renowned travel websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo. These technological wonders act as grand libraries of flight information, carefully collating the most competitive fares for specific flight paths. This is achieved by meticulously comparing prices presented by a multitude of airlines and diverse Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).

The value of flight fare aggregators lies in their exhaustive reach. Unlike some platforms that may only feature major airlines or OTAs, these tools delve deeper into the aviation market. They don't just skim the surface; they dive deep into the industry's depths, incorporating smaller, less-known booking platforms into their data pool.

The advantage here is twofold. Firstly, these lesser-known booking sites often feature discounted fares, providing travellers with economical options that they might not discover otherwise. Secondly, they regularly host unique routes, offering the possibility of more convenient or more adventurous travel plans.

In essence, flight fare aggregators deliver an enhanced, comprehensive perspective of the air travel landscape. They allow you to uncover hidden gems of the travel world, facilitating informed decisions and potentially significant savings.

Are Online Travel Agencies Legit? Knowing Your Rights

When it comes to booking travel, it's essential to know your rights and the credentials of the company you're dealing with. Legally, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) must issue a ticket at the price you've agreed to pay before processing your payment. But what about the security measures?

In Ireland, reputable OTAs are generally licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). To ascertain their credibility, you can do a quick Google search for the OTA's name along with "IAA licensed" and verify their status. Licensed OTAs are held to high professional and ethical standards, with regular audits to ensure they're adhering to licensing requirements. In addition to the IAA, OTAs might also hold membership with other relevant organizations like:

ITAA: The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) represents Ireland's travel industry and promotes the highest level of professionalism within its membership.

IATA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a global organization representing airlines from around the world. Membership indicates that an OTA is recognized and trusted within the industry.

Being licensed by any of these entities adds to the credibility of the OTA and signifies that they are committed to high standards of professionalism and customer service. Moreover, travel agents in Ireland may also need to obtain a license from local authorities, depending on where they operate. These various layers of oversight further ensure that OTAs meet and maintain high industry standards.

Even though some travel agents might not be licensed by these specific bodies, they could still be reputable and provide good service. However, it's always advisable to do your research before booking with any OTA, irrespective of their licensing status.

For those booking from the UK, it's worth noting the presence of ATOL protection. ATAs with ATOL protection provide an extra layer of security against any potential misconduct. Just like with IAA, a simple Google search with "ATOL" and the OTA's name should verify their ATOL status.

Booking with a licensed OTA assures you a certain level of protection and professionalism. By understanding your rights and verifying an OTA's credentials, you can secure peace of mind for your travel plans.

Tricks of the Trade: Beating OTAs at Their Own Game

Traveling can be stressful, and the myriad hidden charges and stringent policies of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) don't always make it easier. However, with a bit of vigilance, you can sidestep these pitfalls and save some cash. Here are some things to keep an eye on:

Hidden Fees: OTAs often incorporate additional charges such as booking fees, cancellation fees, and credit card fees. Always comb through the terms and conditions diligently to avoid any surprise charges at the final stage of booking.

Price Differences: It's common for OTAs to list varying prices for identical services or products. It's crucial to compare the prices on different platforms before finalizing your booking to ensure you're bagging the best deal.

Cancellation and Refund Policies: OTAs are notorious for their strict cancellation policies and diverse refund rules for different products or services. Scrutinize these policies before booking to steer clear of unexpected charges and to know what to expect in case of any changes in your travel plans.

Scams: The world of OTAs is not devoid of scams. Be mindful of these potential traps and protect yourself by using secure payment methods and verifying the OTA's credibility through multiple sources.

As you navigate through the online booking process, you might come across some well-known OTA tactics:

Upselling Tactics: OTAs often attempt to sell additional products or services like travel insurance or airport transfers. Unless you're convinced you need these, it's best to decline these extras to keep your total cost within limits.

Scarcity Pricing: OTAs frequently employ scarcity pricing strategies to create a sense of urgency. They might list a product or service at a significantly low price, only to mention that this deal is available for a limited time. Always conduct independent research to verify that you are indeed getting a good deal.

Removing Negative Reviews: OTAs have been known to remove negative reviews from their platforms. Always cross-check the agency's reputation on unbiased review sites, such as TripAdvisor, before booking to get a more balanced picture of their services.

In essence, it's all about staying alert and informed. By understanding how OTAs operate, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises and keep your travel plans on track. Happy traveling!

The Mechanics of Discounted Fares: The OTA Advantage

The allure of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) largely rests on the promise of discounted fares. So, how do OTAs consistently offer fares that undercut those of traditional airlines and travel agencies? There are several reasons behind this.

Reduced Overhead Costs

Unlike airlines and conventional travel agencies, OTAs operate predominantly online. This digital presence means they don't have the substantial overhead costs associated with maintaining physical offices, employing large staff numbers, or procuring vast amounts of marketing materials. This lean business model allows OTAs to translate their operational savings into reduced prices for their customers.

Extensive Reach

OTAs have the distinct advantage of offering a wider selection of flights and hotels compared to airlines and traditional travel agencies. The latter usually restrict their offerings to flights and hotels they operate or have agreements with. Conversely, OTAs source their offerings from a multitude of providers. This broad spectrum grants them pricing flexibility, enabling them to present customers with the most affordable fares.

Technological Edge

Another significant advantage for OTAs is their adept use of technology. OTAs employ advanced algorithms to monitor fluctuations in flight and hotel prices. These algorithms can identify when prices drop to their lowest, allowing OTAs to seize these opportunities and provide customers with the best possible deals. This level of technological sophistication may be beyond the reach of traditional airlines and travel agencies, limiting their capacity to offer competitive prices.

Limited Customer Service Obligations

A crucial factor that further enables OTAs to offer cheaper fares is their reduced obligation towards customer service. Traditional airlines and travel agencies must dedicate substantial resources to customer service, which can be quite costly. In contrast, OTAs, focusing mainly on the booking process, don't carry the same level of customer service responsibility, which permits them to pass these savings onto their customers.

The culmination of these factors creates a distinct OTA advantage - the ability to offer competitively priced fares. However, it's important to bear in mind the reduced customer service aspect when opting for an OTA, and ensure you're well-informed about the specifics of your booking.

Navigating Negative OTA Reviews

It's true; OTAs, including well-known ones like Expedia, receive their fair share of negative reviews. However, customers are more likely to report a negative experience than a positive one, leading to a high rate of negative reviews. While this can indicate poor customer service, it doesn't necessarily mean you won't get the ticket you purchased.

The Direct Booking vs. OTA Dilemma: Assessing Your Options

The decision to book directly with an airline or through an Online Travel Agency (OTA) hinges on your specific circumstances and requirements. Here are a few factors to consider:

Budget Airlines

If you're considering flying with budget airlines like Ryanair or Aer Lingus, booking directly is generally the recommended option. The potential savings through OTAs for these carriers are often minimal, sometimes as little as €5. Given that these small savings can come with the risk of potential issues like sudden flight changes or cancellations, booking directly with the airline can provide greater peace of mind.

Significant Savings

Before opting for an OTA, carefully assess whether the offered savings are substantial enough to justify not booking directly with the airline. Remember, booking directly often comes with the benefit of more streamlined customer service and fewer complications if changes to your itinerary are required.

Exclusive OTA Deals

However, keep in mind that there may be situations where fares are only available through OTAs. This is particularly true for itineraries involving multiple airlines that don't have code-sharing agreements. In such cases, an OTA can provide access to such combinations, potentially offering significant savings and convenient scheduling.

While OTAs can indeed offer potential savings and flight combinations that airlines don't, it's crucial to balance these benefits against the peace of mind and streamlined service that comes with direct booking. Your personal circumstances, flexibility, and the specifics of your travel plans should guide your decision.

Inspired to book your next holiday, be sure to check out the latest flight deals on our deals page. Who knows, you might just snag a great deal in shoulder season. Happy travels!