Top 10 Flight Booking Apps : Essential Statistics, Usage Trends, and Expert Insights
In today’s fast-paced world, travelers seek convenient, affordable, and efficient ways to book flights. With a growing number of travel apps, Americans rely on mobile platforms to compare prices, find deals, and book tickets seamlessly. This article explores the ten most popular flight booking apps, their key statistics, who primarily uses them, and when and why they are most frequently used.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Flight Booking Apps
1. Expedia
Statistics: Expedia holds a 19.3% market share in the U.S. online travel agency sector, making it the leading flight booking app.
Who Uses It? Leisure and business travelers looking for bundled travel deals.
Why? Users benefit from its all-in-one platform for flights, hotels, and car rentals, along with exclusive mobile discounts.
When? Peak usage occurs during holiday seasons and major sales events like Black Friday.
2. Booking.com
Statistics: Booking.com captures 15.2% of the flight booking market and was the most downloaded travel app globally in 2023.
Who Uses It? Solo travelers, families, and business professionals who prefer a unified booking experience.
Why? The app offers flexible flight options, price comparisons, and transparent user reviews.
When? Primarily used for last-minute bookings and planned vacations.
3. Skyscanner
Statistics: Skyscanner holds 12.5% of the market, making it one of the top choices for budget travelers.
Who Uses It? Budget-conscious travelers and frequent flyers looking for the best airfare deals.
Why? Its comprehensive flight comparison feature helps users find cost-effective routes.
When? Commonly used during price-sensitive periods, such as peak holiday seasons.
4. Kayak
Statistics: Kayak’s market share stands at 10.8%, with an 87% engagement increase in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Who Uses It? Tech-savvy travelers who appreciate robust search tools and alerts.
Why? Users can track price fluctuations and receive real-time notifications on price drops.
When? Utilized year-round, especially by those planning future trips and monitoring airfare trends.
5. Hopper
Statistics: Hopper holds a 9.7% market share and was the most downloaded travel agency app in the U.S. in 2021.
Who Uses It? Millennials and Gen Z travelers favor its AI-driven predictions.
Why? Predictive analytics forecast the best times to book flights for maximum savings.
When? Used mostly by travelers planning long-term trips who aim to book at the lowest prices.
6. Google Flights
Statistics: Google Flights has an 8.9% market share, benefiting from deep integration with Google’s ecosystem.
Who Uses It? Users looking for quick and efficient flight searches with no hidden fees.
Why? Google Flights provides a fast and transparent way to compare flight prices.
When? Popular among casual and business travelers year-round.
7. Momondo
Statistics: Momondo holds a 7.5% market share, known for its extensive flight search engine.
Who Uses It? Independent travelers and backpackers looking for alternative travel routes.
Why? It provides diverse airline choices, including lesser-known budget carriers.
When? Frequently used by users seeking international travel deals.
8. Kiwi.com
Statistics: Kiwi.com holds a 6.3% market share and is recognized for its unique flight-combining algorithm.
Who Uses It? Adventurous travelers open to flexible flight itineraries.
Why? The app connects multiple budget carriers to create affordable, unique travel routes.
When? Used by travelers planning unconventional trips with multiple layovers.
9. Orbitz
Statistics: Orbitz accounts for 5.8% of the market, as part of the Expedia Group.
Who Uses It? Frequent users of the Orbitz Rewards program looking for travel perks.
Why? Offers package deals that combine flights, hotels, and car rentals with loyalty rewards.
When? Commonly used by business travelers and frequent flyers who want to earn rewards.
10. Priceline
Statistics: Priceline holds a 5.2% market share, known for its ‘Name Your Own Price’ feature.
Who Uses It? Budget travelers willing to be flexible with travel details.
Why? Users enjoy bidding on flights, often securing lower-than-market prices.
When? Frequently used for last-minute travel and spontaneous trips.
Market Share Comparison of Top 10 Flight Booking Apps
| App Name | Market Share (%) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Expedia | 19.3% | Business of Apps Report 2024 |
| Booking.com | 15.2% | Statista Travel Industry Insights 2024 |
| Skyscanner | 12.5% | Travel App Analytics Report 2024 |
| Kayak | 10.8% | Adjust Mobile Trends 2024 |
| Hopper | 9.7% | Mobile Travel Trends by App Annie 2024 |
| Google Flights | 8.9% | Think with Google 2024 |
| Momondo | 7.5% | Travel Insights 2024 |
| Kiwi.com | 6.3% | Flight Booking Market Review 2024 |
| Orbitz | 5.8% | Expedia Group Annual Report 2024 |
| Priceline | 5.2% | Travel Consumer Reports 2024 |
Comparison Table: Who Uses It, Why, and When?
| App Name | Who Uses It? | Why? | When? |
| Expedia | Business & leisure travelers | Offers bundled deals with hotels & car rentals | Peak holiday seasons & major sales events |
| Booking.com | Solo travelers, families, business professionals | Unified travel booking experience | Last-minute & planned vacations |
| Skyscanner | Budget-conscious travelers, frequent flyers | Comprehensive flight comparison | Peak holiday seasons |
| Kayak | Tech-savvy travelers | Price tracking & real-time alerts | Year-round for airfare monitoring |
| Hopper | Millennials, Gen Z | AI-driven price predictions | Long-term trip planning |
| Google Flights | Casual & business travelers | Fast, transparent price comparison | Year-round usage |
| Momondo | Independent travelers, backpackers | Alternative routes & budget airlines | International travel planning |
| Kiwi.com | Adventurous travelers | Unique flight-combining algorithm | Unconventional travel with multiple layovers |
| Orbitz | Frequent travelers, loyalty program users | Rewards & bundled package deals | Frequent business travel |
| Priceline | Budget travelers | Bidding system for lower-than-market fares | Last-minute & spontaneous trips |
Conclusion
Flight booking apps have revolutionized the way Americans plan and book air travel. Whether looking for the lowest fares, bundled deals, or predictive analytics, travelers can choose from a range of apps tailored to their needs. With increasing adoption of mobile technology, these apps continue to shape the travel industry by offering greater transparency, cost savings, and convenience. The data presented underscores the significance of the top flight booking apps, showcasing how their market dominance influences consumer choice and travel planning trends.
