These online tools collect and display flight information from multiple airlines and online travel agencies, providing a consolidated view of available options. A traveler might enter desired departure and arrival cities, dates, and the number of passengers, and the platform would present a range of flights from various sources, often ranked by price or other criteria. This allows users to compare prices, schedules, and amenities across different providers without needing to visit each website individually.
The ability to quickly compare options empowers travelers to find the best deals, saving time and potentially significant amounts of money. Historically, finding the cheapest flight required visiting numerous airline websites and online travel agents, a tedious and often frustrating process. Such platforms streamlined the process, increasing market transparency and competition among travel providers. This convenience and cost-effectiveness revolutionized the way people book flights, making air travel more accessible to a wider audience.