Cheapest UK Flights? Expedia vs Opodo vs Ebookers vs Lastminute
Getting multiple quotations from different airlines and online travel agents is essential in finding the cheapest flight. There is often considerable variation in airfares between airlines and major online travel agents such as Expedia, Travelocity and Opodo. |
Let's run another test for the UK market and compare flight prices for various routes for a 2 week (economy class) return in 2008. We will check fares on Expedia UK, Opodo, Lastminute.com (Travelocity), Ebookers and also double check the aggregator Kayak's UK site. All prices are in GBP sterling.
1. London to Rio, Brazil
| Expedia | £542 (TAP) |
| Opodo | £525 (TAM) |
| Lastminute | £536 (TAP) |
| Ebookers | £493 (TAM) |
| Comments | The TAM fare has 2 stops outbound. Kayak came back with a £532 fare direct with TAP. |
2. Belfast to Los Angeles
| Expedia | £434 (United / bmi) |
| Opodo | £362 (Continental) |
| Lastminute | £364 (Continental) |
| Ebookers | £510 (British Airways) |
| Comments | Fares vary widely amongst the agents. Kayak quotes £352 direct from Continental. |
3. Manchester to New York City
| Expedia | £244 (Lufthansa) |
| Opodo | £240 (Lufthansa) |
| Lastminute | £284 (KLM) |
| Ebookers | £292 (United) |
| Comments | This time Opodo comes up with the cheapest deal. |
4. London to Naples, Italy
| Expedia | £120 (British Airways) |
| Opodo | £121 (British Airways) |
| Lastminute | £76 (Easyjet) |
| Ebookers | £76 (Easyjet) |
| Comments | Intersting that both Lastminute and Ebookers include low cost Easyjet in their system. Kayak and ebookers also quoted a £90 fare with BA. |
Note, Kayak's UK site often quotes results from Cheaptickets.com in pound sterling. You can only purchase flights on cheaptickets by paying in US dollars so you should account for a foreign exchange fee (normally 2.75%) if you have a UK credit card. Only cards issued by Nationwide and the UK Post Office don't have this forex fee.
5. London to Bangkok
| Expedia | £580 (Turkish) |
| Opodo | £624 (Qatar) |
| Lastminute | £421 (Gulf Air) |
| Ebookers | £424 (Gulf Air) |
| Comments | Lastminute and ebookers around £200 cheaper than Opodo here. |
6. Glasgow to Mumbai
| Expedia | £402 (KLM / Northwest) |
| Opodo | £403 (KLM / Northwest) |
| Lastminute | £442 (KLM / Northwest) |
| Ebookers | £403 (KLM / Northwest) |
| Comments | KLM is usually competitive flying from UK regional airports. |
7. London to Sydney
| Expedia | £696 (Qantas) |
| Opodo | £679 (Qantas) |
| Lastminute | £679 (Cathay Pacific) |
| Ebookers | £674 (Cathay Pacific) |
| Comments | Fares are quite similar across the board. |
Whilst this is only a quick test with no real statistical significance, this does illustrate the importance of getting multiple quotations from airlines, agents and consolidators. No single major agent can be said to be the cheapest - it depends on flight route, which airlines and alliances are in their system, whether they have any special deals available...
We always say here at AirTravelGenius, the more work you put into your flight search, the more likely you will find a lower fare.
If you want some great insider tips and strategies for flying first or business class on an economy budget, reducing your international airfare costs and the lowdown on airline upgrades then take a look at our Ultimate Airfares & Upgrades Guide.
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