How Skyscanner Acquires Flight Data and Works as a Metasearch Engine

Skyscanner is a prominent name in the travel industry, known for its mission to provide the best flight deals to customers. But have you ever wondered how Skyscanner manages to gather all this flight information? This article will delve into the intricacies of Skyscanner’s data acquisition methods and its role as a metasearch engine.

Understanding Skyscanner's Operations

Skyscanner operates primarily as a metasearch engine. Unlike traditional travel booking platforms, Skyscanner does not sell flights. Instead, it focuses on facilitating the comparison of prices and options from a wide array of sources, thus enabling users to make informed decisions. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Skyscanner’s key operations:

Direct Partnerships

One of the primary methods by which Skyscanner gathers flight information is through direct partnerships with airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs). When you search for flights on Skyscanner, the company pulls data from its extensive network of partners. These partners provide their available inventory and prices, which Skyscanner then displays for users to compare.

API Integrations

Many airlines and OTAs provide their flight data through APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Skyscanner integrates these APIs to access real-time pricing and availability information. This integration ensures that users get up-to-date and accurate flight data, enhancing their travel planning experience.

Aggregated Data

In addition to direct partnerships, Skyscanner also aggregates data from other flight comparison services. While its primary function is to provide a comprehensive comparison of prices, Skyscanner can sometimes incorporate additional data sources to offer a more complete picture. However, the company places a significant emphasis on direct partnerships and API integrations to maintain the integrity and reliability of its data.

User Experience and Booking Process

When you search for flights on Skyscanner, the platform will display various options from multiple sources. Users can easily compare prices and select the flight that best suits their needs. However, when a user selects a flight, they are typically redirected to the airline or OTA’s website to complete the purchase. This streamlined process ensures that users can secure their bookings seamlessly, while also giving them the flexibility to make final payment and check any additional terms and conditions.

Comparison with Other Services

While Skyscanner offers a unique value proposition, it faces competition from platforms like Google Flights and insurance price comparison sites. One of the main challenges users face with Skyscanner is the ambiguity surrounding special deals offered by travel agents. These deals often involve additional conditions or promotional activities, which may not be clear to the user. Moreover, the validity of travel agents’ offers is sometimes questionable, adding to user skepticism.

As a result, many travelers prefer to use Skyscanner or Google Flights for initial research and then book directly through the airline’s website. This approach provides transparency and a clear understanding of the full payment amount. Additionally, for short-haul national and EU flights, budget airline options are often more cost-effective, and these bookings are typically made directly with the airline or through budget airline websites.

Conclusion

Skyscanner stands out in the travel industry by providing a comprehensive platform for flight comparison. Through direct partnerships and API integrations, Skyscanner ensures that users have access to accurate and up-to-date flight information. While the platform faces challenges with transparency and clarity in some areas, its role as a metasearch engine remains invaluable for travelers seeking the best deals. Whether you choose to use Skyscanner or other travel booking platforms, understanding the intricacies of how these services operate can help you make more informed decisions.