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The Best Tools for Booking Cheap Flights In [2025]

Let’s be honest—trying to book a cheap flight online can feel like playing travel roulette. One site says $290, another says $480, and somehow neither includes luggage. If you’ve ever found yourself deep in flight search tabs wondering, “Which of these is actually legit?”… you’re not alone.

This guide breaks down the flight search tools that real travelers are using in 2025 to find solid deals, save time, and avoid the usual booking headaches. No fluff—just platforms that consistently show up when people talk about saving money on flights.

💡 Quick Heads-Up Before You Dive In

You don’t need to use all of these—just pick the one that fits how you like to travel. Whether you want flexible options, cashback, or to bundle your trip in one go, there’s a tool for that.

No Time to Read? Here’s Everything Mentioned

Best Flight Search Tools for 2025:

  • Kiwi.com: Great for flexible destinations and creative layovers.
  • WayAway: Earn cashback on flights, hotels, and activities with WayAway Plus.
  • Trip.com: Excellent for international routes, especially in Asia and Europe.
  • Aviasales: Finds budget airlines and regional carriers other sites miss.
  • Booking.com: Bundle flights and hotels easily in one place.

Pick the one that fits your travel style and save time, money, and stress on your next trip.

1. Kiwi.com

A collection of vintage maps scattered for exploring world journeys and discoveries.

If you’re the kind of traveler who’s flexible on the destination or doesn’t mind a quirky layover to save money, Kiwi is worth checking out. It lets you search from your city to “Anywhere”, which is perfect when you just want to see what’s cheap right now.

Why travelers like it:

  • Shows routes that combine airlines that don’t usually work together
  • Finds creative layovers (and usually saves you money)
  • Has a guarantee that covers certain delays and missed connections

👉 Try Kiwi and search from your city to “Anywhere” →

2. WayAway

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If you’re the kind of traveler who likes getting money back on flights, hotels, and even activities—you’ll want to check out WayAway. It’s a flight search tool that offers cashback on bookings, but to unlock that feature, you’ll need their WayAway Plus membership.

It’s not free, but there’s a 7-day trial, and if you’re planning more than one booking (like flights + hotel), the cashback can easily pay for itself. Membership runs around $49.99/year, and it includes perks like 24/7 support and local travel guides too.

Here’s how it works:

  • Sign up for a free account
  • Start the 7-day WayAway Plus trial (no pressure—just explore it)
  • If you like it, you can upgrade to full membership
  • Cashback is credited via PayPal, and you can cancel anytime from your account

You can still use the flight search for free—WayAway Plus is just there if you want the extra perks.

Benefits:

  • Cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals, tours
  • Clean, easy-to-use interface
  • 24/7 support and helpful local guides included

3. Trip.com – Especially Good for International Travel

Close-up of a hand holding a passport with travel essentials including a camera, phone, and tickets on a wooden table.

Trip.com is especially popular with travelers booking flights in and around Asia or planning multi-country trips. It often shows routes and prices that don’t pop up on Google Flights or other major sites, especially for Asian and European destinations.

Why people use it:

  • Great for less obvious flight routes
  • Often includes luggage in the upfront price
  • Smooth mobile-friendly platform

✈️ Planning your trip? You might also like my post on Budget Travel Tips That Don’t Sacrifice Comfort →

How to Book Cheap Flights in 2025

Finding cheap flights isn’t just about luck—it’s about knowing a few simple strategies that can save you hundreds. Here’s how to book smarter:

  • Be flexible with your travel dates and destinations. Prices can vary wildly depending on the day of the week or time of year. Using tools like Kiwi.com’s “Anywhere” search can help you find the best deals.
  • Search in private or incognito mode. Flight prices sometimes increase based on your browsing history, so this helps avoid price hikes.
  • Book flights midweek or several weeks in advance. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper, and booking 3–6 weeks ahead can get you better prices.
  • Compare multiple flight search engines. No single site has all the deals. Using a mix of Kiwi.com, WayAway, Trip.com, and others can uncover hidden bargains.
  • Check what’s included upfront, especially luggage fees. Some sites like Trip.com include luggage in the price, helping you avoid unexpected fees later.

Using these tips together with the right platforms will make booking cheap flights easier and less stressful in 2025.

4. Aviasales

Interior view of empty airplane seats with soft lighting from windows creating a serene atmosphere.

Aviasales is often mentioned in travel groups and forums when people talk about budget flights in Europe or lesser-known carriers. If you’re hopping between cities or trying to save on short-haul routes, this one’s worth a look.

What stands out:

  • Picks up regional and low-cost airlines
  • Good filters for adjusting by stops, time, or airline
  • Works fast and doesn’t feel overloaded with ads

5. Booking.com – For Booking Flights and Hotels in One Spot

Hand on map with camera, passport, laptop, and coffee, perfect for travel planning inspiration.

Yes, Booking.com is known for hotels—but they’ve added flights, too. For travelers who like everything in one place (especially bundling hotel and flight bookings), this can be a convenient option to keep things simple.

Why it’s convenient:

  • See hotel and flight options together
  • Clear breakdown of what’s included
  • No sketchy pop-ups or hidden fees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Kiwi.com legit?
Yes, Kiwi.com is a reliable flight search platform trusted by millions. It offers a unique feature that combines flights from different airlines and even provides a guarantee covering certain missed connections.

How does WayAway cashback work?
WayAway offers cashback when you book flights, hotels, or activities through their platform. To unlock cashback, you can sign up for their WayAway Plus membership, which includes a 7-day free trial and perks like 24/7 support.

What’s the best site for last-minute flights?
Sites like Kiwi.com and Aviasales are great for finding last-minute deals, thanks to their flexible search options and inclusion of budget airlines that other sites might miss.

How can I find flights with luggage included?
Trip.com often includes luggage in their upfront pricing, making it easier to avoid surprise fees. Booking.com also provides clear breakdowns of what’s included so you can compare easily.

So… Which One’s the Best?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you decide:

What You NeedTry This Tool
You’re flexible on where to goKiwi.com
You want cashback on your flightWayAway
You’re flying internationally (especially in Asia)Trip.com
You’re trying to find a cheap regional airlineAviasales
You want to bundle a hotel and flightBooking.com

You can also compare two or three of them when you’re ready to book—it only takes a few minutes and usually pays off with better options.

Final Thoughts

No single platform will win every time, but using the right tool for the kind of trip you’re planning can save you money, time, and stress. These tools are popular for a reason: they help travelers actually book smarter, not just faster.

So whether you’re looking to travel next month or just price things out today, these platforms are a solid place to start your search.

Ali Chahbar
Ali Chahbar
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