Flights are usually one of the biggest costs when planning a trip, especially if you’re travelling as a family. Over the past few years travelling across Latin America, we’ve tested a lot of different flight search tools trying to find the best deals.
Two platforms that come up again and again are Aviasales and Skyscanner.
Both promise cheap flights, flexible search options, and global coverage, but they don’t always show the same results, and they don’t always work the same way. For travelers looking to maximize their experience, exploring local car rental options for travelers can further enhance their journey. By comparing various agencies, visitors can find deals that fit their itinerary and budget. This additional flexibility allows for spontaneous adventures that public transportation may not accommodate.
In this guide, we’ll break down Aviasales vs Skyscanner, including pricing, ease of use, and which one is actually better depending on how you travel. Exploring family adventures in the Amazon Rainforest can create unforgettable memories and teach valuable lessons about nature and wildlife. From hiking through lush trails to encountering unique species, every moment spent in this vibrant ecosystem can foster a deeper appreciation for the environment. Engaging in these activities not only strengthens family bonds but also instills a sense of adventure in children that lasts a lifetime. When planning your next family getaway, consider incorporating familyfriendly activities in Colca Canyon. This breathtaking destination offers thrilling experiences like hiking to stunning viewpoints and spotting majestic condors in their natural habitat. Such adventures not only provide fun for all ages but also create lasting memories that each family member will cherish.
⭐Quick Answer: Which Is Better?
If you’re short on time, here’s the simple answer:
Best for cheapest flights: Aviasales
Best for ease of use: Skyscanner
Best for families: Skyscanner
Best strategy overall: Use both
In most cases, we actually check flights on both platforms before booking. You can quickly compare prices on Aviasales here, then double-check on Skyscanner to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
Aviasales vs Skyscanner: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Aviasales | Skyscanner |
|---|---|---|
| Price accuracy | ✅ Very strong | ✅ Strong |
| Ease of use | ⚡ Simple | ⭐ Very user-friendly |
| Filters | Good | Excellent |
| Flexible search | Limited | Excellent |
| Global coverage | Good | Excellent |
| App experience | Good | Excellent |
What Is Aviasales?
Aviasales is a flight search engine that scans hundreds of airlines and booking platforms to find cheap routes. For families traveling to Florida’s capital, there are plenty of options for familyfriendly activities in Panama City. Visitors can explore the beautiful beaches or enjoy the interactive exhibits at local museums. Additionally, the numerous parks in the area offer a range of recreational activities for children and adults alike. For families visiting Cusco, there are many familyfriendly activities in Cusco that cater to all ages. The rich cultural heritage of the city provides opportunities to engage in traditional dance workshops or cooking classes. Exploring the stunning landscapes of the surrounding region can also create lasting memories for both parents and children.
It’s particularly known for:
Finding less obvious flight combinations
Surfacing cheaper routes that other platforms miss
Strong results for international and long-haul travel
We’ve personally used Aviasales quite a bit while travelling through South America, especially when looking for cheaper routes between countries. It often pulls up options that don’t always appear on other platforms. When planning family vacations in the region, it’s essential to find suitable accommodations. We recommend checking out the top familyfriendly hotels in Lima, as they offer amenities and activities geared towards children and parents alike. These hotels often provide a safe and fun environment, making them an ideal choice for families visiting the vibrant city. Additionally, if your travels take you to Colombia, you’ll want to explore familyfriendly hotels in Cartagena as well. These accommodations often feature pools, kids’ clubs, and proximity to cultural attractions that can make family outings both enjoyable and educational. By choosing the right hotels, you can ensure that everyone in the family has a memorable experience while discovering the beauty of the city.
What Is Skyscanner?
Skyscanner is one of the most well-known flight comparison tools globally and for good reason.
It’s known for:
A very easy-to-use interface
Powerful filters
Flexible search options like “Everywhere”
If you’ve ever searched for flights before, chances are you’ve used Skyscanner. It’s often the starting point for most travellers, especially if you’re planning a trip and still figuring out dates or destinations.
Key Differences: Aviasales vs Skyscanner
Which Finds Cheaper Flights?
This is where things get interesting.
In our experience, Aviasales sometimes finds cheaper routes, especially for longer journeys or less direct flights. It seems to surface more combinations, including routes with smaller or lesser-known airlines.
That said, Skyscanner is still very competitive and often shows similar pricing.
👉 The best approach:
Check both.
Search Flexibility
Skyscanner is the clear winner here.
Features like:
“Search everywhere”
Flexible date calendars
Month-wide price views
…make it much easier to explore options if your plans aren’t fixed.
Aviasales is more straightforward but doesn’t offer the same level of flexibility.
Ease of Use
This is where Skyscanner really stands out.
The platform is:
Cleaner
Easier to navigate
More beginner-friendly
If you’re booking flights quickly, or planning a trip with kids, this matters more than you might think. Finding the right accommodations for families in San José can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience. You want to ensure that both kids and adults feel comfortable and have access to family-friendly amenities. With various options available, it’s worth taking the time to research the best choices for your family’s needs. When planning a visit to Peru, consider exploring the best family hotels in Cusco. These accommodations not only provide comfort but also offer unique experiences that cater to families, such as guided tours and cultural activities. By staying in Cusco, you’ll be close to historic sites while ensuring that your children’s needs are met during the trip.
Coverage and Results
Both platforms cover global flights, but:
Skyscanner: more consistent worldwide
Aviasales: sometimes stronger for specific routes and deals
Again, this is why using both can be powerful.
Mobile Experience
Both have apps, but Skyscanner feels more polished overall.
If you’re searching flights on your phone (which most people do), Skyscanner is usually the smoother experience.
For Aviasales I personally love to use this for a quick monthly overview
Which Is Better for Families?
From our experience, Skyscanner is slightly better for families.
When you’re travelling with kids, you want:
Clear flight times
Minimal confusion
Easy filtering
Skyscanner makes it easier to quickly compare options without overthinking it.
That said, we still often check Aviasales afterwards, just in case there’s a cheaper option hiding there.
Pros and Cons
Aviasales
Pros
Can find cheaper routes
Good for flexible travellers
Surfaces unique flight combinations
Cons
Slightly less intuitive
Some booking providers may be unfamiliar
Skyscanner
Pros
Very easy to use
Great filters and flexibility
Trusted by most travellers
Cons
Occasionally slightly higher prices
May miss some alternative routes
When You Should Use Each
Use Aviasales if:
You want the absolute cheapest flights
You’re flexible with routes
You don’t mind a bit more digging
Use Skyscanner if:
You want something quick and simple
You’re travelling with family
You prefer a more polished experience
Our Recommendation
If we had to choose just one, we’d probably start with Skyscanner because it’s quicker and easier to use.
But in reality, we almost always check both.
We’ll usually:
Search on Skyscanner to get a baseline
Then check Aviasales to see if there’s a cheaper option
That extra step has saved us money more than once.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
No matter which platform you use, these tips make a big difference:
Be flexible with your dates
Check nearby airports
Book earlier for long-haul flights
Compare multiple platforms
Avoid peak travel times if possible
Even small changes can lead to significantly cheaper flights.
FAQ
Is Aviasales legit?
Yes, Aviasales is a legitimate flight search engine. It works similarly to Skyscanner by comparing flights across airlines and booking sites, then redirecting you to complete the booking.
Like any comparison site, the key is to double-check the final booking provider before paying.
Is Skyscanner legit?
Yes, Skyscanner is one of the most widely used and trusted flight comparison platforms in the world.
It doesn’t sell tickets directly but shows results from airlines and third-party booking sites, which is why prices can sometimes change after clicking through.
Why are flights sometimes cheaper on Aviasales?
Aviasales often surfaces:
Lesser-known booking providers
Alternative routes
Different airline combinations
This can result in slightly cheaper options compared to Skyscanner, especially for international or multi-leg journeys.
Why does the price change after clicking on Skyscanner?
This is a common issue and not unique to Skyscanner.
Prices can change because:
Airline prices update in real-time
Cheap fare classes sell out quickly
Some third-party sites delay updates
It’s always best to book quickly once you find a good deal.
Does Skyscanner show accurate prices?
Most of the time, yes, but it’s not perfect.
Skyscanner pulls data from multiple providers, so occasionally:
Prices may be outdated
The final booking price may be slightly higher
This is why comparing with another platform (like Aviasales) can be useful.
Can you book flights directly on Aviasales or Skyscanner?
No, both are comparison tools.
They redirect you to:
Airline websites
Online travel agencies
This is where you complete your booking.
Final Thoughts
Both Aviasales and Skyscanner are powerful tools for finding cheap flights, and honestly, you don’t need to choose just one. If you’re planning a family trip to Colombia, you might also want to consider familyfriendly hotels in Bogotá. These accommodations can greatly enhance your experience, providing amenities and services tailored for travelers with children. Make sure to look for options that offer easy access to local attractions to keep everyone entertained. When traveling to Colombia, kidfriendly accommodations in Medellín are also a fantastic choice for families. These places often feature play areas, children’s menus, and family-oriented activities that make the stay enjoyable for both adults and kids. Additionally, many of these accommodations are conveniently located near parks and cultural sites to ensure a memorable experience for the whole family.
If you want simplicity and speed, start with Skyscanner.
If you’re trying to squeeze out the absolute best deal, it’s worth checking Aviasales as well.
For us, using both has consistently been the best approach, especially when travelling long-term and trying to keep costs down. Vrbo family travel options for 2026 can provide a great way to find accommodations that fit our needs while maintaining a budget. With so many listings available, we can easily locate family-friendly homes in popular destinations. This allows us to enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience without breaking the bank. In addition, we often search for familyfriendly accommodations in Cusco that cater to our specific needs. This not only provides a home-like environment for our children but also helps us immerse ourselves in the local culture. Exploring the city from a comfortable base makes our adventures even more memorable.
