KAYAK review

KAYAK is the broadest comparison tool on this list. It has been running travel metasearch since 2004 and searches hundreds of airlines, hotels, car rental companies and agencies at once, covering flights, stays, cars, packages and cruises. Every result carries a Book with Airline or Book with Partner label, which helps you decide whether a cheaper agency fare is worth giving up direct airline support. KAYAK says its results are based on what is best for the traveler rather than on whom it partners with, and its about page promises no hidden fees. Extra tools include Airfare Trends, a Flight Tracker, Explore and an AI trip planner. Like Google Flights, KAYAK does not sell or process bookings, so the agency or airline you choose handles changes. The interface packs in many filters and tools, which takes a few searches to learn, but it is the best single search for a trip that needs a flight, a room and a car.

Who it is for

Travelers who want flights, hotels and rental cars compared in one place before booking.

Price

Free to search; KAYAK states it charges no hidden fees and does not sell tickets itself.

No hidden fees. No surprises.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• Searches hundreds of airlines, hotels, car rental firms and travel agencies at once
• Labels each result Book with Airline or Book with Partner
• Flights, stays, cars, packages and cruises in one interface
• Plan with AI, Airfare Trends, Explore and Flight Tracker tools
• 60+ international sites in 25+ languages

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Covers every part of a trip, not only flights
• Strength: Clear labels show whether you pay the airline or an agency
• Strength: States that results are not based on partnerships
• Weakness: Does not process bookings, so support comes from the seller
• Weakness: Many result types and tools can feel busy
• Weakness: Some deals shown come from smaller agencies you may not know

Key facts

• Founded: 2004
• Trip types: Flights, stays, cars, packages, cruises
• International sites: 60+
• Books tickets itself: No, links to airlines and partners

Where it ranks

KAYAK is No. 3 in our Best Travel Booking Sites verdict.