Booking flights can be a stressful part of travel planning. With countless options from different airlines, a range of prices, and varying benefits, it’s no wonder many travelers turn to Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) to simplify the process. OTAs like Expedia, Kayak, and Skyscanner promise convenience and competitive prices—but are they always the best choice?
Like any tool, using OTAs has its advantages and drawbacks. If you’re wondering whether to book through an OTA or stick with booking directly from airlines, this blog will clarify the decision by breaking down the pros and cons. At the end, you can decide what best fits your travel needs. Still curious? Find even more insights on are third-party travel sites really cheaper.
What Are OTAs?
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are websites or apps that aggregate deals from airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. They provide an easy way to search for and compare offers across multiple providers. Some of the most popular OTAs include:
- Expedia
- Orbitz
- Priceline
- Skyscanner
- Google Flights
OTAs cater to travelers looking for flexibility, diversity in options, or bundled deals that include accommodations, making them a go-to platform for many.
Now, let's explore why some people swear by OTAs while others avoid them like turbulence.
Pros of Booking Flights Through OTAs
Using OTAs can come with several clear advantages that make them a go-to solution for travelers.
1. Convenience in Comparing Prices
OTAs shine when it comes to price comparison. Within seconds, these platforms display dozens of flights that match your search criteria, so you don’t have to jump from one airline’s website to another. This streamlined process saves time and ensures you’re aware of most available options.
2. Access to Bundled Deals
Many OTAs offer package deals that combine flights, hotels, and even car rentals. These bundles often come with discounts, which are especially beneficial for vacationers looking to book everything in one go. For instance, booking a flight and hotel together can reduce overall trip costs by a significant percentage.
3. Promotional Offers and Discounts
OTAs frequently feature promotions and flash sales, giving you access to some of the lowest prices available. Stay alert for seasonal travel deals or discounts for new users or members.
4. Flexible Search Features
Unique search filters allow you to find flights tailored to your preferences in ways airline-specific websites might not. For example, OTAs like Skyscanner and Kayak offer tools like "flexible dates," "cheapest days to fly," and multi-city combinations, which can help you plan a budget-friendly itinerary.
5. 24/7 Booking
With OTAs, you can secure reservations at any time. You’re not restricted by airline customer service hours, which is especially useful if you're booking across time zones or at the last minute.
Cons of Booking Flights Through OTAs
While OTAs offer convenience, they also have their downsides that could negatively affect your travel plans.
1. Limited Customer Support
Dealing with customer service can be one of the biggest pain points when booking through OTAs. If your flight is delayed, canceled, or rescheduled, reaching support through an OTA can be a long and frustrating process. Airlines may direct you to the OTA for assistance instead of helping directly, creating unnecessary hurdles.
2. Hidden Fees
While OTAs often advertise low prices, additional fees can inflate costs. Booking fees, baggage charges, seat selection costs, and taxes might not always be immediately visible. These can lead to unexpected surprises at checkout.
3. Missed Out Airline Perks
Many airlines incentivize booking directly through their own platforms by offering perks like extra frequent flyer miles, waived baggage fees, or status upgrades. Additionally, special deals reserved only for loyal or repeat customers may not be reflected on OTA listings.
4. Refund and Cancellation Complications
If you need to cancel, rebook, or request a refund, the process can be far more complex through an OTA. Airlines tend to prioritize customers who book directly. Depending on the OTA’s terms, you might even forfeit part of your fare in fees or have to wait weeks for refunds to be processed.
5. Price Fluctuations and Accuracy Issues
The prices shown on OTAs sometimes don’t match what you pay at checkout. Fare discrepancies can occur because OTAs pull data from multiple sources and don’t update information in real time. By the time you select your booking, the cost may have increased.
Situations Where Booking Through an OTA Makes Sense
There are scenarios where using an OTA is the smart choice. For example:
- Budget travelers searching for the lowest fares.
- Vacation planners looking to book flights, hotels, and car rentals in one package to save time and money.
- Flexible travelers who can adjust schedules around the best deals.
- Explorers who want tools like price alerts or flexible travel date searches.
For these groups, the benefits of OTAs typically outweigh the downsides.
When to Book Directly with Airlines
Conversely, there are circumstances when booking directly is the better option:
- Travelers flying frequently with one airline and wishing to earn loyalty perks.
- Individuals prioritizing excellent customer service and direct support in case of disruptions.
- Those who need complex itinerary modifications or have tight schedules that require special care.
- Passengers wary of surprise fees and interested in transparent pricing.
A Final Takeaway
OTAs are undeniably a convenient tool for researching and booking flights, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Before deciding whether to use them, weigh the pros and cons based on your travel priorities. If saving time and scoring deals is your main goal, OTAs can be a lifesaver. However, if you’re seeking more control, clear communication, or loyalty perks, booking directly with airlines might be the way to go.
