Booking a flight should be quick, cost-effective, and stress-free—but with dozens of apps out there, how do you choose the right one?
Whether you’re city-hopping across Europe or flying long-haul overseas, the best flight booking app does more than show low fares. It predicts price trends, compares hundreds of carriers (including budget ones), and helps you travel smarter.
In this guide, we break down the top features to look for and rank the best apps for booking flights in 2025—tailored to your destination, travel style, and budget.
Best App to Book Flights in Europe and Beyond: What to Look For
In an age of endless travel deals and pop-up discounts, choosing the best flight booking app can be the difference between snagging a great fare—or overpaying. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a European getaway, the right platform helps you compare prices, avoid hidden fees, and manage your travel plans on the go.
Below are five essential features to look for when choosing the app to book flights in Europe and worldwide.
1. Price Comparison Tools
The best app for booking flights should aggregate fares from multiple airlines and travel agencies to give you the lowest available price. Apps like Skyscanner and Hopper use advanced algorithms to forecast price trends, helping users decide when to book or wait. Always check whether the app includes both low-cost carriers and major airlines—especially if you're looking for the best app to book flight tickets in Europe, where budget airlines dominate the market.
2. Transparent Fees and Refund Policies
A good booking experience means no nasty surprises at checkout. The best flight booking app will clearly outline baggage fees, seat selection charges, and cancellation policies before you pay. Apps that offer flexible cancellation or built-in travel protection are ideal, especially for international and multi-leg trips.
3. Regional Coverage (Especially for Europe)
Europe’s flight ecosystem includes hundreds of regional carriers and ultra-low-cost airlines. If you're looking specifically for the best app to book flights in Europe, make sure the app covers local favorites like Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Vueling. Not all global apps list these carriers, so regional coverage is a must-have feature for European travelers.
4. Loyalty Program Integration
Frequent flyers can maximize rewards by using an app that supports loyalty program syncing. Whether you're flying with Lufthansa, Air France, or any Star Alliance member, the app should allow you to enter frequent flyer details and earn miles directly through the booking process.
5. User Experience and Mobile Interface
Finally, usability matters. The app should offer a clean, intuitive interface with minimal ads, smooth search filters, and quick mobile checkouts. Real-time updates, push notifications, and in-app customer support are all features that make managing your travel easier and more efficient.
Need help choosing?
Up next: a ranked list of the best flight booking apps in 2025—tested for price accuracy, user reviews, and ease of use.
Top 7 Best Apps to Book Flights in 2025
Whether you're planning a Eurotrip or a global adventure, here are the top 7 flight booking apps in 2025—ranked by features, regional strength, and user value.
1. Skyscanner – Best for Comparing International and Budget Airlines
Pros | Cons |
Global coverage including budget airlines | Redirects to third-party sites for booking |
Shows prices across OTAs and airlines | Limited loyalty program integration |
Flexible date/location search | No in-app booking for most flights |
Ideal for: Travelers wanting the best flight booking app for global comparisons.
Pricing model: Free to use; earns from partner links.
2. Hopper – Best for Predicting Future Flight Prices
Pros | Cons |
Predicts price trends with "Buy/Wait" alerts | Limited customer service post-booking |
Deal alerts and price drop notifications | Some bookings must be made through Hopper |
Freeze prices before booking | Small service fees for premium features |
Ideal for: Budget-conscious flyers booking at the right time.
Pricing model: Free to browse; optional paid features.
3. Google Flights (Web App) – Best for Flexible Date Searches
Pros | Cons |
Lightning-fast search results | No mobile app version |
Fare calendar for flexible travel planning | Redirects for booking—no direct purchase |
Strong filtering and tracking tools | No loyalty/reward integrations |
Ideal for: Travelers seeking a clean, web-based app to book flight tickets flexibly.
Pricing model: 100% free; no commissions.
4. Kayak – Best for Deal Tracking and Travel Bundles
Pros | Cons |
Tracks flights, hotels, and rentals in one app | Interface can be cluttered |
Price alerts and trend insights | Some “hacker fares” include long layovers |
Offers bundled deals and flexible tools | Redirects for booking process |
Ideal for: Travelers bundling flights and hotels or chasing deals.
Pricing model: Free; affiliate revenue model.
5. Momondo – Best for Multi-Airline Route Searches
Pros | Cons |
Finds unique routes across multiple airlines | Lacks advanced filters |
Great visuals for fare trends | App features less robust than web version |
Covers global and budget options | No in-app ticket booking |
Ideal for: Explorers seeking creative routes and low fares.
Pricing model: Free; monetized via redirects.
6. Kiwi.com – Best App to Book Flights in Europe, Including Budget Carriers
Pros | Cons |
Access to ultra-low-cost European airlines | Customer support can be slow |
Combines flights from non-partnered airlines | Self-transfer required for many itineraries |
Nomad tool for planning multi-city trips | Extra fees for support and cancellations |
Ideal for: Travelers booking complex or low-cost trips in Europe.
Pricing model: Free to use; service fees on bookings.
7. Expedia – Best for Loyalty and Full-Package Travel Planning
Pros | Cons |
One-stop shop for flights, hotels, and cars | Flights alone may not be cheapest |
Strong loyalty rewards program | App-only deals limit flexibility |
Reliable 24/7 customer service | Ads and upsells can clutter UI |
Ideal for: Travelers who value convenience and reward points.
Pricing model: Free; earns from bookings and app-only promos.
Best Flight Booking App for European Travel
Traveling across Europe means juggling dozens of budget airlines, currencies, and languages. Whether you're chasing weekend city breaks or planning an extended Eurotrip, the best app to book flights in Europe should offer more than just low prices—it should simplify complexity.
Here’s a closer look at the top apps designed for budget-friendly European travel, including support for regional airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air.
1. Kiwi.com – Best for Booking Low-Cost and Complex European Routes
Kiwi.com is widely considered the best app to book flights in Europe, especially when combining budget airlines that don’t usually cooperate—like Ryanair, Vueling, and Wizz Air.
Key Features | Details |
Local Coverage | Excellent access to regional airports and ultra-low-cost carriers |
Unique Routes | Creates custom connections with self-transfer support |
Localized Interface | Multilingual, multi-currency options for smooth booking |
Bonus | “Nomad” tool for flexible, multi-city trip planning across Europe |
Why it stands out: Kiwi’s algorithm searches beyond traditional alliances, offering routes other apps don’t find. Perfect for budget-conscious and flexible travelers.
2. Omio – Best App for Regional Connectivity (Flights + Trains + Buses)
While not just a flight app, Omio is ideal for booking short-haul flights within Europe—especially when paired with train and bus options in the same itinerary. It shines for travelers exploring countries like Germany, France, Italy, and the UK.
Key Features | Details |
Multimodal Search | Combines flights with trains and buses in one booking |
Strong Local Integration | Covers national airlines, LCCs, and even ferry routes |
Language/Currency Support | Over 20 languages and 30+ currencies supported |
Transparent Fees | Clear refund policies and ticket breakdowns |
Why it stands out: If you're looking for the best flight booking app that also handles ground transport, Omio is unmatched in Europe.
3. Skyscanner – Best for Comparing Budget Airline Fares
Skyscanner remains a top contender when you're hunting for cheap European flights, especially among budget airlines. It lets you compare prices across Ryanair, easyJet, Transavia, and more—all in one place.
Key Features | Details |
Budget Carrier Support | Searches dozens of low-cost European airlines |
Price Alerts | Track fare changes and book when the price drops |
Localized Search | Language and currency options tailored to your location |
Flexible Filters | View by cheapest month or nearby airports |
Why it stands out: Skyscanner offers a great mix of affordability, transparency, and user control, making it one of the best apps for booking flights across Europe.
Final Thoughts: Which One’s Right for You?
App | Best For |
Kiwi.com | Adventurous travelers combining multiple budget airlines |
Omio | Travelers mixing air and ground transport for regional trips |
Skyscanner | Price-savvy users comparing flights across all airlines |
When it comes to finding the best app to book flight tickets across Europe, your ideal choice depends on your itinerary. For complex routes and budget connections, Kiwi.com is a standout. If you want to pair a flight with a scenic train ride through the Alps, Omio is your go-to. And for sheer flexibility and transparency, Skyscanner still leads the pack.
Choose the Right App for Your Travel Needs
Finding the app to book flights depends on more than just low fares—it’s about aligning features with how you travel. Whether you’re booking for business or leisure, a weekend getaway or a multi-country adventure, different apps serve different priorities.
Business vs. Leisure Travel
For business travelers, time is money. You’ll want an app with real-time availability, fast checkout, and loyalty program integration—Google Flights, Expedia, and Kayak are top choices for their smooth interfaces and access to premium cabins. Want to make your flight feel even smoother? Try open-ear headphones. You can catch a podcast, take a call, or vibe to your playlist—without missing boarding calls or snack carts. Total game-changer.
Leisure travelers, on the other hand, often prioritize affordability and flexibility. If you’re planning a holiday or spontaneous trip, Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, and Hopper stand out for deal alerts, flexible dates, and access to budget airlines. These options are especially handy when booking flights in Europe, where smaller regional carriers dominate.
Trip Complexity: One-Way, Round Trip, or Multi-City
Not all itineraries are created equal. If you're booking a simple one-way or round-trip ticket, most mainstream apps will do the job. But if you’re organizing a multi-city journey—especially across Europe or Asia—you’ll need an app that can handle complexity.
Kiwi.com is a standout for multi-city searches, automatically combining low-cost carriers into a single itinerary. Kayak also does a great job with travel bundles if you're looking to book hotels or rental cars alongside your flights.
Booking Style: Price Watcher vs. Instant Booker
Do you like to watch prices and wait for the right moment—or book and go? If you fall into the first category, Hopper and Skyscanner are ideal. They offer predictive tools and price alerts, helping you time your purchase for the best rate.
If you're the instant booking type, apps like Google Flights, Omio, and Expedia offer real-time inventory and smooth checkout experiences. These are the best apps for booking flights when time is short and decisions need to be fast.
Key Takeaway
The flight booking app for you depends on how you travel:
- Business travelers: Go with Expedia or Google Flights for speed and perks.
- Budget-conscious explorers: Try Skyscanner or Kiwi.com for flexible, cost-saving options.
- Deal hunters: Use Hopper to track price drops.
- Last-minute bookers: Trust Google Flights or Omio for quick, reliable options.
By aligning your travel habits with the right platform, you can make booking not just cheaper, but smarter.
Bonus Tips for Saving on Flights Using Apps
Even the best app won’t always get you the absolute lowest price—unless you know a few extra tricks. Here are some bonus tips seasoned travelers use to score better deals, no matter where or when they're flying.
1. Use Incognito or Private Browsing Mode
Flight prices can fluctuate based on your search history. To avoid dynamic price increases, search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode. This helps ensure you’re seeing the most neutral pricing available on any flight booking app or website.
2. Set Multiple Alerts Across Different Apps
Don't rely on just one source. Apps like Skyscanner, Hopper, and Kayak let you set price alerts for specific routes. By monitoring the same route across several platforms, you increase your chances of catching a sudden drop or flash sale. It’s one of the most underrated ways to leverage the app to book flight tickets.
3. Take Advantage of Cashback and Points Programs
If you're a frequent traveler, choose an app that rewards you. Expedia, for instance, has a strong loyalty program that offers discounts and points on every booking. Some apps also integrate with credit card cashback offers or digital wallets with rewards. If you’re looking for the app for booking flights and stacking travel perks, these features can lead to significant savings over time.
FAQ: Choosing the Best Flight Booking App
1. Which is the best app to book international flights?
For international travel, Skyscanner stands out as the best app to book international flights. It compares prices across full-service and budget airlines, includes flexible date tools, and covers destinations worldwide. Google Flights (while technically a web app) is also excellent for planning complex international routes with ease.
2. Are apps cheaper than websites for booking flights?
Not always—but often, yes. Many flight booking apps offer app-exclusive deals, push notifications for price drops, and mobile-only promo codes. Using apps like Hopper or Kiwi.com, travelers can get alerts for the lowest fares or discover hidden discounts not available on desktop.
3. What is the best free app to book flights?
Most top apps are free to download, but Skyscanner, Hopper, and Google Flights are widely considered the best free apps to book flights. They don’t charge booking fees and allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and OTAs (online travel agencies) without bias.
4. Can I trust low-cost carriers found on booking apps?
Yes—with some caveats. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair or easyJet are reliable, but their policies on baggage, seating, and cancellations can differ significantly from full-service airlines. Apps like Kiwi.com and Omio specialize in European budget travel and often include alerts for changes and optional protections, helping you book confidently.