Finding cheap flights isn’t as simple as it used to be.
Between airline websites, flight comparison tools, and online travel agencies, there are more options than ever before. The challenge isn’t finding flights, it’s knowing where to search.
Two tools we use regularly are Google Flights and Aviasales.
Both can help you find cheaper flights, but they work very differently.
If you’re wondering whether Google Flights is better than Aviasales, which one is cheaper, or which works best for family travel, here’s our honest experience after using both.
Don't Have Time to Read?
If you’re simply looking for the best flight search tool, here’s our short answer:
🏆 Cheapest flights: Aviasales
🏆 Best for flight research: Google Flights
🏆 Best for flexible dates: Google Flights
🏆 Best for family travel planning: Google Flights
🏆 Our recommendation: Use both
We usually start with Aviasales to uncover the cheapest routes and hidden deals, then use Google Flights to compare dates, track prices, and finalise our booking decision.
Quick Answer: Google Flights vs Aviasales
If you’re short on time, here’s our verdict.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Flights | Aviasales |
| Flight Research | Google Flights |
| Price Tracking | Google Flights |
| Flexible Dates | Google Flights |
| Route Discovery | Aviasales |
| Family Travel | Google Flights |
| Overall Value | Aviasales |
Choose Google Flights If You:
Want powerful price tracking
Need flexible date searches
Prefer booking directly with airlines
Are planning family travel
Like a simple user experience
Choose Aviasales If You:
Want the cheapest possible fares
Are comparing lots of booking providers
Don’t mind hunting for deals
Travel internationally often
Want access to more route combinations
Our Pick
For finding cheap flights, we usually start with Aviasales.
For researching and comparing options, we use Google Flights.
Together they’re one of the most effective flight-search combinations we’ve found.
What Is Google Flights?
Google Flights is Google’s flight search platform.
Rather than acting as an online travel agency, it aggregates pricing from airlines and booking partners to help travellers compare options.
Some of its most useful features include:
Flexible date searches
Price tracking
Calendar views
Destination exploration tools
Direct airline booking options
For families, it’s one of the easiest tools available.
What Is Aviasales?
Aviasales is a flight search engine that compares airlines, travel agencies, and booking providers to help travellers find lower fares.
It’s particularly popular among budget-conscious travellers and long-term travellers because it often surfaces booking options and route combinations that don’t always appear elsewhere.
One reason we like Aviasales is that it occasionally finds deals we never see on Google Flights.
Not every search produces savings, but enough do that it’s become part of our flight-booking process.
Which Is Cheaper: Google Flights or Aviasales?
In our experience, Aviasales wins this category.
That’s not because Google Flights is expensive.
It’s because Aviasales searches a wider range of booking providers and agencies.
Sometimes the difference is only a few pounds.
Other times we’ve found savings of £50–£150 per ticket.
For a family of four, that can add up quickly.
Why Are Flights Sometimes Cheaper on Aviasales?
A common question is:
Why are flights cheaper on Aviasales?
Usually it’s because Aviasales includes additional travel agencies and booking partners that Google Flights doesn’t always prioritise.
Google Flights often favours direct airline bookings.
Aviasales is more aggressive in searching for the lowest available fare.
Is Aviasales Legit?
Yes.
This is one of the most common concerns people have before booking.
Aviasales doesn’t operate flights itself.
Like Google Flights, it acts as a search platform that connects travellers with airlines and booking providers.
We’ve used Aviasales multiple times and have successfully booked flights through providers discovered on the platform.
As always, we recommend checking reviews of any booking provider before completing a purchase.
Can You Trust Aviasales?
In our experience, yes.
The platform itself is trustworthy.
The bigger consideration is the provider you’re redirected to.
Whether you’re using Aviasales, Skyscanner, or Google Flights, it’s always worth checking who you’re ultimately booking through.
For expensive family flights, we often compare the agency price against the airline’s direct price before making a final decision.
Which Is Better for Family Travel?
Winner: Google Flights
This is where Google Flights shines.
When travelling as a family, we’re not always looking for the absolute cheapest fare.
We’re balancing:
Cost
Baggage allowances
Layovers
Flight times
Airport transfers
Child-friendly schedules
Google Flights makes these comparisons incredibly easy.
The clean interface helps us make decisions faster.
For family travel planning, that’s a huge advantage.
Which Has Better Price Tracking?
Winner: Google Flights
Price tracking is one area where Google Flights clearly wins.
Setting alerts is simple.
Price history is easy to understand.
Notifications are reliable.
If you’re booking several months in advance, this feature alone makes Google Flights worth using.
Which Finds Better Flight Deals?
Winner: Aviasales
If the goal is simply finding the lowest possible fare, Aviasales often uncovers more opportunities.
We’ve found:
Alternative routing combinations
Smaller booking agencies
Lower international fares
Better long-haul deals
This doesn’t happen on every search.
But it happens often enough that we always check.
Our Flight Booking Strategy
This is the exact process we use before almost every trip.
Step 1
Search Aviasales for the cheapest routes.
Step 2
Compare dates using Google Flights.
Step 3
Track prices if we’re not ready to book.
Step 4
Compare airline direct pricing.
Step 5
Book.
This process takes a few extra minutes but regularly helps us save money.
Pros and Cons
Google Flights
Pros
Excellent price tracking
Clean interface
Great flexible date tools
Easy comparisons
Family-friendly planning
Cons
Doesn’t always find the cheapest fares
Can miss some booking providers
Aviasales
Pros
Frequently finds cheaper fares
Strong international coverage
Great for deal hunters
More booking options
Cons
Less intuitive interface
Requires more comparison work
Some booking agencies require extra research
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Flights better than Aviasales?
For planning and research, yes. For finding the cheapest fares, Aviasales often performs better.
Which is cheaper, Google Flights or Aviasales?
In our experience, Aviasales is often cheaper because it searches more booking providers.
Is Aviasales legit?
Yes. Aviasales is a legitimate flight search engine used by travellers around the world.
Can you trust Aviasales?
Yes, although you should always review the booking provider you ultimately purchase from.
Why are flights cheaper on Aviasales?
Aviasales often includes travel agencies and booking partners that don’t always appear prominently elsewhere.
Which is best for family travel?
We generally prefer Google Flights because it makes comparing schedules, layovers, and prices much easier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re trying to find the cheapest flights possible, Aviasales should absolutely be part of your search process.
If you’re planning a family trip and want the easiest way to compare options, Google Flights remains one of the best tools available.
For us, the answer isn’t Google Flights or Aviasales.
It’s Google Flights and Aviasales.
Using both consistently gives us the best combination of convenience, flexibility, and savings.
Use the monthly pricing calender below to check for the best flight dates
