Booking flights to Ireland has never been easier—or more overwhelming. With countless online platforms promising the “best deals,” travelers often wonder which tools are truly worth their time. Two names that consistently appear in this space are Skyscanner and Kiwi.com.
As someone who has used both platforms to book flights from the U.S. to Ireland, I’ve seen how they differ in pricing, usability, and reliability. Once, I found a roundtrip flight to Dublin on Skyscanner for $430, but Kiwi displayed a similar route for $405—with a hidden catch I’ll explain later. These small differences can make or break your travel experience.
This article explores the pros, cons, and best use cases for Skyscanner vs Kiwi, with special focus on booking flights to Ireland.
Why This Comparison Matters Today
- Increased travel demand to Ireland: Tourism Ireland reported record U.S. visitor numbers in 2023, and interest is expected to grow into 2025.
- Dynamic pricing: Airlines adjust fares multiple times a day; the tool you choose can influence what you see.
- Hidden risks: Some platforms show great prices but offer weaker support if things go wrong.
When traveling internationally, especially across the Atlantic, choosing the right booking platform is as important as the flight deal itself.
What is Skyscanner?
Skyscanner is a flight search engine founded in 2003 and now owned by Trip.com Group. It aggregates fares from airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs), and booking sites.
- How it works: Skyscanner doesn’t sell you the ticket directly. Instead, it redirects you to an airline or OTA to complete your booking.
- Why it’s popular: Its flexible date search (e.g., “cheapest month” option) is one of the best for travelers with flexible schedules.
- Personal experience: I’ve used Skyscanner several times to fly to Dublin from New York. It consistently shows Aer Lingus, Delta, and United fares alongside budget options. Once, I booked via Aer Lingus after finding it through Skyscanner—my experience was smooth, and I had direct access to the airline’s customer service.
What is Kiwi.com?
Kiwi.com, founded in 2012 in the Czech Republic, is both a search engine and a booking platform. Unlike Skyscanner, Kiwi often issues the ticket itself and can combine flights from different airlines (even those that don’t traditionally partner).
- How it works: Kiwi allows “virtual interlining”—it creates flight combinations across airlines that don’t officially cooperate.
- Why it’s unique: Their “Kiwi Guarantee” promises rebooking or refund in case of missed connections, but terms can be restrictive.
- Personal experience: I once booked a multi-stop U.S.–Ireland–Spain trip on Kiwi. The price was cheaper, but I noticed that my Dublin connection involved two separate bookings. If one flight was delayed, the airline wouldn’t help; I’d need Kiwi’s support, which was slower to respond.
Skyscanner vs Kiwi: Key Comparisons
| Feature | Skyscanner | Kiwi.com |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Metasearch (redirects to airlines/OTAs) | OTA (often sells tickets directly) |
| Price Accuracy | High (shows airline fares directly) | Sometimes lower, but may involve risky connections |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive, flexible date/month search | Detailed, but can be complex for beginners |
| Customer Support | Handled by airline/OTA you book with | Handled by Kiwi (mixed reviews) |
| Unique Perks | “Everywhere” search, cheapest month tool | Virtual interlining, Kiwi Guarantee |
| Best For | Travelers who want transparent, reliable fares | Budget hunters willing to accept higher risk |
Expert & Consumer Opinions
- Trustpilot ratings:
- Skyscanner: ~4.3/5
- Kiwi.com: ~3.1/5 (many complaints about refunds and support delays).
- Consumer Reports & forums: Frequent flyers on Reddit and Flyertalk often recommend Skyscanner for straightforward bookings, while suggesting Kiwi only when travelers understand the risks of self-connecting itineraries.
Actionable Advice for Booking Ireland Flights
- Use Skyscanner if:
- You want reliable fares and to book directly with airlines like Aer Lingus, Delta, or United.
- You value flexibility in choosing travel dates.
- You prefer dealing with the airline directly for changes/cancellations.
- Use Kiwi if:
- You’re chasing the absolute lowest price.
- You understand “virtual interlining” and are okay with potential risks.
- You’re booking complex multi-stop itineraries that airlines don’t usually sell together.
Common Concerns & FAQs
1. Is Kiwi safe to use for Ireland flights?
Yes, Kiwi is legitimate, but many travelers report issues with refunds and customer service. It’s safe if you know the risks.
2. Why are Kiwi’s prices sometimes lower than Skyscanner’s?
Kiwi combines separate flights into one itinerary. This creates cheaper options but with added risks if a flight is delayed or canceled.
3. Can I find budget airlines like Ryanair or Aer Lingus on Skyscanner and Kiwi?
- Skyscanner often lists Aer Lingus and Ryanair directly.
- Kiwi may show Ryanair plus other airlines in combined itineraries.
4. Which is better for U.S. to Ireland flights?
For most travelers, Skyscanner is safer and more reliable. Kiwi is best for adventurous or budget-focused travelers who don’t mind taking risks.
Final Thoughts
Both Skyscanner and Kiwi.com can help you find cheap flights to Ireland, but they serve different types of travelers.
- Skyscanner is the go-to for transparency, flexibility, and peace of mind—especially if you want to book directly with trusted airlines.
- Kiwi.com can unlock unique routes and lower prices, but it requires caution and patience with customer support.
From my personal experience flying to Dublin and Shannon, I recommend Skyscanner for most U.S.–Ireland trips. If you’re budget-savvy and willing to take risks, Kiwi might be worth exploring.
Hi, I’m Tanvir, the founder and author of Explore Ireland Now. With a deep love for Ireland and its rich culture, history, and landscapes, I created this site to share everything that makes this beautiful country worth exploring. Whether you’re a local looking for hidden gems or a traveler planning your next adventure, I provide insightful guides, tips, and recommendations to help you experience Ireland to the fullest.
From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and quaint villages, Ireland is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. Through my personal experiences and research, I aim to bring you the most up-to-date information and inspiration for your journey.
Thank you for visiting Explore Ireland Now—I hope my content helps you uncover all that this incredible country has to offer! If you have any questions or need travel advice, feel free to reach out.
