Looking to book your next vacation? You might be considering using an aggregator site to help find the best deals on flights, hotels, and rental cars. While there are certainly benefits to using these websites, there are also some drawbacks to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using aggregator sites for travel bookings so you can make an informed decision.

The Pros

Saves Time and Effort 🕑💪

One of the biggest advantages of using aggregator sites is the time and effort they save you. Instead of scouring multiple websites for different travel deals, you can simply enter your details on one site and compare prices from various airlines or hotel chains all at once. That means less time spent browsing, and more time planning.

A person relaxing on a beach with a laptop.

Find the Best Deals 🤑💰

Aggregator sites are specifically designed to help you find the best travel deals out there. By comparing prices from multiple sources, they often uncover lower fares or more affordable hotel options than you might find on your own. These sites even compile seasonal discounts, promotions, or limited time sales, making it easier to find affordable deals.

A screen showing a selection of affordable flight choices.

Transparent Pricing 💸💡

Aggregator sites typically provide transparent pricing, so you can clearly see what you’ll be paying for before you click the ‘book now’ button. That means no hidden fees or surprises when you arrive at the airport or hotel. Plus, they often lay out all the fees, taxes, and additional charges upfront, so you can compare total costs right away.

A person looking at a chart showing transparent pricing for a travel package.

Flexibility and Variety 🌍✈️

With aggregator sites, you have a wide variety of flights, hotels, rental cars and complete travel packages to choose from that suit the needs of different types of travelers, making it easy for you to find the perfect fit for your budget and travel plans. You can set up customised search settings such as preferred travel dates and flexible hours, and adjust your preferences if need be.

A diverse selection of flights and hotels that offer different packages to chose from on an aggregator site.

The Cons

Hidden fees and Extra Costs 💸😒

While aggregator sites often provide transparent pricing at the beginning of the booking process, there may be hidden fees or additional costs when it’s time to make the payment. This issue arises when there are updated charges due to policy changes, taxes, destination fees, or additional service charges. Make sure to read the terms and conditions and contact customer service to obtain relevant information on extra costs to avoid unpleasant surprises.

A surprised face at the end of a travel booking payment.

Restricted Flexibility 🤐🛑

Most aggregator sites restrict the freedom and flexibility to modify or cancel a booking. These restrictions can vary from airline to airline, differ depending on the type of ticket purchased, and may come with additional fees. Especially during the Covid-era, it’s essential to book with complete flexibility in case of unexpected travel cancellations and restrictions. Aggregator websites often lack the flexibility in changing reservations once booked.

A person holding a smartphone locked with a chain representing restricted flexibility.

Limited personalisation 🤖👤

With aggregator sites, personalisation is limited. That is, while you can input your preferences and have it tailor your search results, you may not receive the personal service you would expect from a traditional travel agent. This issue comes up when there is a need to communicate specific requests, such as an allergy-free hotel or preferred seating on a flight. There may be limited capability in addressing personalized requests through the website.

A robot holding a sign reading "limited personalized service when using an aggregator site"

Lack of Direct Customer Support 📱❌

Most aggregator sites usually opt for an online or chat-based customer service system rather than direct phone coordination, which can be inconvenient at times. In case of urgent needs or queries that require immediate attention, there might be limited access to customer support. Additionally, reaching out to an actual human being who can assist with booking changes or resolve issues may be challenging with aggregator sites.

A person frustrated waiting on an online chat support response from an aggregator site.

Final Thoughts

There are pros and cons to using aggregator sites for booking your travel arrangements. While these websites may be a convenient way to compare prices and find the best deals, there is also a degree of limited control on personalisation, flexibility, and customer support. It is essential to weigh up what’s most important to you when you invest in booking a travel experience, whether it’s convenience, price, or customer support. We hope that this has given you some insight into the potential advantages and disadvantages of using aggregator sites for travel booking.

A backpack and camera lying on a sunny beach representing the memories you can create while making convenient travel bookings using aggregator sites.