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Search and Discovery.

Flight search.

Flexible dates let you compare flight prices within ±3 days of your selected travel dates. This helps you quickly see if shifting your trip by a day or two gets you a cheaper fare.

How to use flexible dates on KAYAK.

When you’re entering your travel dates:

  • Open the calendar where you select your departure and return dates
  • Look in the top right corner of the calendar
  • Toggle the flexible dates option to show deals up to three days before and after your selected dates
  • Start your search to see all available options within that window

On the KAYAK mobile app: Look for green dates in the calendar. These show you cheaper options right away.

What flexible date options are available.

±3 days search:

  • Available for one-way and round-trip flights
  • Shows prices for dates within three days on either side of your selection

Flexible weekend search:

  • Broadens your results to find cheaper weekend combinations

Flexible month search:

  • Widens your search across an entire month to locate the lowest fares

When flexibility saves you money.

Shifting your dates can lead to significantly lower fares:

  • Mid-week travel (Tuesday or Wednesday) is usually cheaper than Monday or Thursday/Friday
  • Saturday departures are often cheaper for domestic flights (less impact on international routes)

Additional tools for flexible planning.

KAYAK Explore:

  • Select "Any time, Any duration" or choose a range of months
  • Adjust the trip length to see how prices change
  • Use the price graph to identify cheaper flights for your destination
  • Apply filters for stops, budget, flight duration, and trip type

Price Alerts:

  • Set alerts alongside flexible date searches to track fares and find the best deals

Important notes.

  • Not all providers support flexible date searches, so you may see different results compared to exact-date searches
  • You can search dates up to about one year out, but some airlines may not have published schedules or fares yet, which can limit results

For more information.

Yes. You can add children and infants to your flight search on KAYAK using the traveler drop-down menu. KAYAK will show you results priced for your entire party.

How to add children or infants to your search.

When searching for flights on KAYAK:

  • Open the traveler drop-down menu
  • Select the number of adults traveling
  • Add the number of children
  • Add infants (including lap infants, if applicable)
  • Run your search to see results

KAYAK displays an average price per person and a total price for all travelers. If there’s a child discount, it’s included in the total price.

Infants: lap vs. seat options.

Babies under 2 years old can either:

  • Be held on your lap (one lap infant per adult), or
  • Ride in their own seat using an approved device

Pricing and regulations vary by airline, so contact your airline or booking provider directly to confirm their specific rules and fees.

When a lap infant is added to the search, we will show you the total price for all travelers for better comparison.

Group size limits.

You can search for up to 16 travelers (9 adults and 7 children) at once on KAYAK. For larger groups, use KAYAK to find a suitable itinerary, then contact the airline directly to make arrangements.

If your child is flying alone.

KAYAK doesn’t support searches for unaccompanied minors. Run a search for an adult itinerary that fits your needs, then contact the airline or booking provider to ask about their unaccompanied minor policy.

For more information.

KAYAK’s Multi-City search lets you book flights with multiple stops in a single itinerary. You can search for up to 6 legs and combine flights from different airlines to create your land-hopping route.

How to search for multi-city flights.

On desktop:

  • Go to KAYAK.com/flights
  • Select "Multi-city" from the dropdown above the search bar
  • Enter your dates and destinations for each leg
  • Choose the number of passengers and cabin class
  • Click search
  • Add or remove legs as needed to fine-tune your itinerary

On mobile:

Tap “Multi-city” above the departure airport to search across multiple destinations and dates.

What you can search.

Multi-city vs. separate one-way tickets.

It depends on your route and airlines. Multi-city bookings can save money by combining segments, but sometimes separate one-way tickets are cheaper if airlines are promoting specific destinations. Use KAYAK’s price comparison to check both options. You might also want to learn about Hacker Fares, which show you one-way flight combos to help you save money.

If your plans are flexible.

Use KAYAK Explore to discover destinations and prices before finalizing your multi-city search:

  • Go to kayak.com/explore or select the globe icon
  • Enter your starting airport
  • Set your timing and trip duration
  • Apply filters for stops, price, flight duration, or trip type
  • Browse the map or price list to find destinations
  • Click a destination to check flight prices or set a Price Alert
  • Select "Check flight prices" to view fares that match your search

Once you’ve found your destinations, switch to Multi-City search to book your complete itinerary.

Yes, KAYAK is a reliable platform for finding, comparing and tracking flights. Here’s what you need to know:

What KAYAK actually does.

KAYAK is a travel search engine, not a ticket seller. We’re part of Booking Holdings and trusted by millions of travelers. When you search for flights, we compare hundreds to thousands of travel sites in seconds, then you book directly with your chosen airline or online travel agency (OTA). Learn more about what KAYAK is and how it works.

How our tools help you book smarter.

  • Price Alerts notify you when prices drop for routes you're tracking
  • Price Calendar highlights cheaper dates in green so you can spot the best deals
  • Filters let you narrow results (stops, bags, preferred airlines, and many more)
  • Mobile app unlocks Private Deals and Mobile Rates

What to know about price predictions.

Our Price Calendar and Price Alerts use historical and real-time data to predict whether prices will rise or fall. They’re educated guesses, not guarantees, but they’re one of the best free tools to help you track and book smarter. See how KAYAK’s Price Forecast works.

Security standards.

  • We use the NIST Cybersecurity Framework with 24/7 security monitoring
  • Regular external audits ensure protection and compliance

Important to remember.

We are not a travel agent, do not sell flight tickets or make reservations and are not involved in the payment. Upon selecting a travel option to reserve, you leave our website. Please check the details and conditions on the travel site before completing the reservation.

For more information.

That’s KAYAK’s Price Forecast (also called Price Trend). It predicts whether flight prices for your specific route are likely to go up or down within the next 7 days, based on historical data from over a billion travel searches we analyze each year.

Where to find it.

Desktop: The Price Trend graph appears on the upper left side of your search results for round-trip flights.

Mobile: It appears at the top of your search results.

How to use it.

The graph shows whether you should book now or wait, based on predicted price movements over the next 7 days. Here’s what to do:

  • Follow the "book now" or "wait" recommendation as your short-term guide
  • Check the confidence level displayed with the forecast to see how reliable the prediction is
  • Set up a Price Alert if the tool suggests waiting, so you can track price changes

When it won’t appear.

Price Forecast only shows when there’s enough historical data for your route. If you don’t see it, that’s normal. It doesn’t mean anything is broken. Some routes simply don’t have sufficient data available.

Setting up Price Alerts.

If the forecast suggests waiting, track prices with a Price Alert:

On the website: Sign in to your account and go to Price Alerts, or click the “Track Prices” button on the top left of your flight results.

In the app: Open the navigation menu, select Price Alerts, and follow the instructions.

You’ll receive the lowest prices other KAYAK users found in the last 48 hours. Price Alerts work for both Return and One-way flights.

What affects accuracy.

Predictions can’t be 100% accurate. World events, local events, weather, and airline competition can shift prices unexpectedly. We monitor accuracy daily and continuously refine our forecasting, but some predictions may be wrong. Overall, our forecasts are right more often than not.

For more information.

Self-transfer flights are clearly labeled in your KAYAK search results, so you’ll know exactly what you’re booking before you complete your reservation.

What self-transfer means.

A self-transfer means you’re responsible for:

  • Transferring between flights on your own
  • Checking in again for your connecting flight
  • Going through security again as required
  • Going through passport control at every airport you transit through (you may need a visa for each country)

Your baggage may or may not be checked through to your final destination. This depends on the airlines involved.

How to identify self-transfer flights.

Look for the “self-transfer” label on flight results in your search. Any itinerary that includes a self-transfer will be clearly marked.

How to remove self-transfer flights from your search.

If you don’t want to see self-transfer options at all:

  • Use the "Flight quality" filter in your search results
  • Untick the self-transfer box to remove these flights from your results

Please keep in mind that KAYAK is a comparison tool. Once you choose a booking option, you complete the reservation with the airline or travel agency you select. They hold your booking details and can confirm specifics like visas, transfers, and baggage handling.

For more information.

Some flight results show “Major Airline” instead of a specific airline name. This happens when providers offer special discounted rates with one condition: the airline stays anonymous until after you complete your purchase.

Why the airline is hidden.

These deeply discounted fares come with lower rates because the airline wants to remain anonymous until you’ve booked. It’s the trade-off for getting a better price.

What to know before booking.

  • You won't see the airline name until after purchase
  • The provider you book with will give you all flight details once your reservation is complete
  • KAYAK shows you options from multiple providers, so you can choose a different booking option if you prefer to know the airline upfront

For more information.

Hotel search.

Searching on the KAYAK website.

To search for hotels, go to www.kayak.com/hotels and enter your destination, dates, and number of guests. KAYAK will scan hundreds of travel sites in seconds to show you deals from over 5 million hotels and properties.

Once you see your results, use the filters on the left side to narrow down your options by price, star rating, amenities, or hotel type. You can compare different booking options for the same hotel and select the best deal directly from the results page. KAYAK doesn’t charge any extra fees.

Searching on the KAYAK app.

The KAYAK app for iOS and Android lets you search hotels the same way as the website. Open the app, tap on “Hotels,” and enter your search details. The app also offers Mobile Rates and Private Deals that can unlock additional savings on stays.

Map view for hotel searches.

If you prefer a visual approach, use the map. On desktop it opens automatically on the search results page, and on the app you can tap “Show map.” You’ll see hotel prices directly on the map, review scores when you select a property, and key landmarks as you zoom in to easily find the perfect stay.

Types of accommodations available.

KAYAK searches a wide range of accommodation types beyond standard hotels, including beach hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels, family-friendly hotels, 5-star hotels, luxury hotels, pet-friendly hotels, hotels with pools, hotels for couples, and hotels with spas.

All hotel reviews shown on KAYAK are from verified guests, with around half a billion reviews available to help you make your choice.

You can find vacation rentals on KAYAK including apartments, villas, and entire homes.

How to search for vacation rentals.

To find apartments, villas or rentals:

  • Go to www.kayak.com/hotels or the KAYAK app
  • Enter your destination and travel dates
  • Click "Search"
  • Use the "Type of stay filter" on the results page to narrow down your options
  • Review the property listings, which include various accommodation types from multiple booking sites

Filtering your results.

Once you run your search, you can:

  • Apply various filters on the results page to compare options
  • Filter to include or exclude specific types of stay, booking sites, amenities etc.

Please keep in mind that the specific filter options available will depend on what properties and booking sites are returned for your destination and dates.

Review the property details carefully once you find options that match what you’re looking for, and double-check all reservation details and policies once redirected to the provider’s website to complete your booking.

For more information.

KAYAK doesn’t currently offer cruise search. Our search tools focus on flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages.

What you can search on KAYAK.

KAYAK helps you find and compare deals across hundreds of travel sites for:

Questions about what KAYAK offers?

If you want to confirm whether cruise search might be available in the future or have other questions about KAYAK’s features, reach out through our chat support. Our team can provide the most up-to-date information about what’s available on the platform.

For more information.

Yes. KAYAK searches hotel prices across hundreds of travel sites so you can compare options for the same hotel and choose where to book. We process results from over 5 million hotels and properties and hundreds of third-party sites.

How to compare hotel prices on KAYAK.

  • Go to www.kayak.com/hotels and enter your search details.
  • On the results page, use the filters to narrow your options and compare deals for the same hotel.
  • Review the booking options from different travel sites and select the best deal for you.
  • Click through to complete your reservation on the provider's site.

KAYAK doesn’t charge you any extra fees. Prices come straight from the travel sites to your screen.

Does KAYAK show multiple booking sites for the same hotel?

Yes. KAYAK gathers hotel deals from across the web and presents them together so you can compare options for the same hotel. You’ll see both well-known online travel agencies and smaller sellers that may offer better prices.

You can filter results to include or exclude certain booking sites if you prefer to book with specific providers.

Learn more about how KAYAK tracks and compares prices.

Why hotel prices differ between KAYAK and other sites.

KAYAK doesn’t set or sell prices, so we can’t guarantee them. Here’s why you might see differences:

  • Hotel room prices change frequently, and multiple people may try to book the same option at once. A price you see on KAYAK may no longer be available by the time you click through.
  • Occasionally, problems arise in the price and availability data we receive from travel sites, which can cause mismatches.

If you encounter an inaccurate price, please let us know so we can work on addressing the issue.

Tracking hotel prices.

To track hotel prices, select “Set Price Alert” at the top right of the hotel results list. You can also access Price Alerts from your account when signed in, or through the app’s navigation menu.

For more on how price alerts work, visit Pricing and Price Alerts

Please keep in mind that when you leave KAYAK to book, you should review the provider’s details, conditions and final payment currency carefully before completing your reservation.

For more information.

When you search for hotels on KAYAK, we search hundreds of travel sites to show you deals from 5M+ hotels and properties in one place. Here’s how to use the available filters to narrow down your options.

How to filter hotel results.

1. Go to kayak.com/hotels and enter your destination and dates2. On the results page, use the filters to find hotels that match your needs:

  • Price: Helps you set up your price range
  • Freebies: Helps you find to select the freebies you need, such as free Wi-Fi, free cancellation, free parking, free breakfast etc.
  • Amenities: Helps you find the hotels that only offer what you need, such as a pool, restaurant, increased accessibility, beachfront etc.
  • Hotel class: Helps you define the hotel classes you want to look at
  • Review score: Helps you filter by customer review ratings
  • Type of stay: Allows you to search by accommodation type, for example, hostels, B&Bs, villas, farm stays etc.
  • Location: Helps you refine the location, or search for another destination
  • Neighborhoods: Makes it easier to focus on a specific area of the city, if you already have an idea in mind
  • Hotel chain: Helps you see only the offers from your favorite hotel chain
  • Style: Allows you to look at some specific hotels, such as family-friendly, wellness, luxury etc.
  • Exclusive deals: Allows you to see if there are any "Member Rates" or KAYAK "Private Deals" for the destination
  • Property name: Makes your search and comparison easier when you know the name of the establishment you want to stay at
  • Booking sites: Allows you to include or exclude specific booking sites from the results

The list of filters varies depending on the destination and the dates you are looking for. You might see only part of the filters, amenities, and styles listed above according to availability.

Use Smart Filters on your hotel search

Smart Filters is one of the newest features added by KAYAK to help you find the best hotel, without having to browse all the filters listed above.

1. Click on “Smart Filters” at the top of the hotel results page2. Write your custom search details (type of hotel, budget, amenities, and more) in the text field3. Let the magic happen and enjoy the pre-filtered hotel results that match your criteria

Can I sort hotel results on KAYAK?

Yes, you can sort KAYAK hotel results in the following ways:

  • Recommended
  • Price (low to high)
  • Price (high to low)
  • Hotel class (highest first)
  • Review score
  • Distance

For more information.

When you search for hotels on KAYAK, you’ll see two types of information: star ratings and review scores. Here’s what each means and where they come from.

What’s the difference between star rating and review score?

Star ratings are provided by the hotels themselves and online travel agencies (OTAs). KAYAK aggregates this information from multiple sources and weighs provider reliability to display the most accurate star count.

Review scores come directly from verified guests who’ve actually stayed at the property. These scores reflect real traveler experiences.

Does KAYAK show hotel reviews from travelers?

Yes. All hotel reviews displayed on KAYAK are from verified guests, so you’re reading feedback from people who actually stayed at the property. KAYAK displays millions of verified reviews to help you get the full picture before booking.

How to view reviews and ratings

  • Start your hotel search at www.kayak.com/hotels
  • KAYAK will display hotel deals alongside millions of verified reviews
  • Reviews and ratings appear directly on the search results page. Use the filters to display only hotels that have a specific star rating and/or review score
  • Click on a hotel name to access its dedicated hotel page and read the detailed traveler reviews in the section "Reviews"

Need to edit a review you wrote?

Go to your Trips, select the trip that included the hotel, and click the review summary (shown with the smiley face you selected) to view or edit your review.

For more information.

Star ratings on KAYAK come from two sources: The hotels themselves and the online travel agencies (OTAs) that sell those hotel rooms. KAYAK collects this information from multiple providers and displays the star rating it considers most accurate for each property.

How KAYAK determines which star rating to display.

KAYAK aggregates star ratings from hotels and OTAs, then factors in that some providers are more reliable than others. This means we’re weighing the data to show you the most accurate star count for each property, not just picking one source at random.

Are star ratings on KAYAK verified?

Star ratings themselves are not verified by KAYAK. They’re sourced directly from hotels and OTAs, with KAYAK adjusting for provider reliability when deciding what to display.

However, guest reviews on KAYAK are different. All hotel reviews you see are written by verified guests, so you can trust you’re reading legitimate feedback from real travelers. We display millions of these verified reviews to help you make informed booking decisions.

For more information.

To find nearby hotels on KAYAK, you’ll need to enable Location Services on your device and in your mobile browser. Location controls are managed at the device level, and if you’re using a mobile browser, at the browser level as well.

For iOS devices.

  • Open Settings > Privacy > Location Services
  • Toggle Location Services to On
  • Scroll down to your mobile browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) and make sure location services are turned on for that browser

For Android devices.

  • Open Settings > Location and toggle Location On
  • Open your mobile browser's menu (upper right corner)
  • Navigate to the Location menu
  • Toggle the Location switch On
  • Refresh the KAYAK page you're viewing

You can view which websites you’ve allowed or blocked and adjust location access for each site through your browser’s location menus.

Privacy settings.

You can change your device’s privacy settings at any time to turn off sharing of location information. Keep in mind that turning off location may affect certain features of KAYAK’s services, like finding nearby hotels.

For more information.

KAYAK doesn’t display hotel email addresses or phone numbers on our site. Here’s where to find them:

If you’ve already booked.

Check your confirmation email

  • Your confirmation email contains the hotel's contact details
  • This is your primary source for reaching the hotel directly

KAYAK doesn’t have access to your booking details due to privacy protections. For more details on managing your bookings, see the Booking and checkout support page.

If you haven’t booked yet.

  • Use Google or your preferred search engine
  • Search for the hotel name plus the city
  • The hotel's official website will have its contact information

Why KAYAK doesn’t show contact details.

Our travel provider partners handle your booking data directly to protect your privacy. This means KAYAK doesn’t have access to individual booking information or the ability to display hotel contact details on our site. You’ll always receive this information through your confirmation email or by contacting the provider or hotel directly.

For more information.

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites in seconds to consolidate hotel deals in one place. You can compare prices from 5M+ hotels and properties and hundreds of providers without KAYAK adding any extra fees. When you select a deal, you’ll complete your booking directly on the provider’s site.

Finding and comparing deals.

Start your search:

  • Go to www.kayak.com/hotels
  • KAYAK will search prices across hundreds of sites and display available deals for your search

Compare offers for the same hotel:

  • Use the filters on the results page to view multiple providers for the same property
  • Choose the best offer based on price and booking conditions

Set a Price Alert:

Check verified guest reviews:

  • All hotel reviews on KAYAK are from verified guests
  • Use reviews to help decide which room and deal offer the best value

Does KAYAK offer exclusive hotel deals?

KAYAK does sometimes offer special hotel deals, including member rates and private deals. To find these use the ‘Exclusive deals’ filter after you have done your initial hotel search.

Booking and fees.

  • KAYAK doesn't charge you any extra fees. Prices shown come directly from travel sites
  • After selecting a deal, you'll be redirected to the provider's site to complete your reservation
  • Review all booking details and conditions on the provider's site before confirming

For more information.

Car rental search.

KAYAK is a travel search engine that scans hundreds of travel sites to find rental car deals and displays them in one place at www.kayak.com/cars. There’s no extra fee from KAYAK when you book.

Searching and comparing rental cars

KAYAK compares prices from major rental car companies like Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and Payless to help you find low prices.

When the same rental car deal appears on multiple provider sites, KAYAK shows all available providers and highlights one based on factors like customer popularity or ratings.

To narrow your search:

  • Use the price sort to view the cheapest or most expensive deals first
  • Apply filters on the results page to compare by vehicle type (small, medium, large, SUV, van, luxury, pickup truck, convertible, or commercial vehicles)
  • See up to 3 car offers side-by-side with our Compare tool and find the best deal for you

Does KAYAK show local and international rental agencies?

Yes, KAYAK shows both local and international car rental agencies, depending on the partnership we’ve established in each location.

Can I search for car rentals by map view on KAYAK?

Yes, you can use the map view on KAYAK desktop search result pages to find the cars at the best prices. On the KAYAK app, however, the map for car rental searches is not available yet.

Does KAYAK list electric car rentals?

Electric vehicles aren’t listed as a separate category, but you can filter your results to find them under the “Fuel type” filter.

For more information.

To find rental cars near your location, head to kayak.com/cars and enter your pick-up location (your city, neighborhood, or local area) along with your rental dates. KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to show you all available options in one place.

Search for rental cars near you on desktop.

  • Go to kayak.com/cars
  • Enter your pick-up location and rental dates
  • Review the results and use filters to narrow down your preferred car type (small, medium, large, SUV, van, luxury, pickup truck, convertible, or commercial)
  • Sort by price to quickly see the cheapest deals first

Use your location to find rental cars near you on the KAYAK app.

  • Make sure you have activated the location sharing within the settings of your device
  • Open the KAYAK app and click on "Cars"
  • Click on the pick-up location field
  • Select "Current location"
  • Review and filter the results to find the best car for your trip

KAYAK compares prices from major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, and Payless, so you can see all your options without visiting multiple sites.

If you need a one-way rental.

Select “Different drop-off” when entering your search details and add both your pick-up and drop-off locations. Keep in mind that most agencies charge a return fee for one-way rentals.

For more information.

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites in seconds to find you the best car rental deals at www.kayak.com/cars. We compare prices from major rental companies like Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Payless and more, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

Finding and comparing car rentals.

Start your search:

  • Go to www.kayak.com/cars or the "Cars" section on KAYAK app, and enter your pickup location and dates

Compare your options:

  • Use the filters on the results page to narrow down by car type, features, passengers, policies, price etc.
  • Sort results by price to quickly see the cheapest deals
  • See up to 3 car offers side-by-side with our Compare tool and find the best deal for you

Choose your provider:

  • The same rental car deal may appear on several provider sites. KAYAK shows all available providers and highlights one main provider based on factors like customer popularity or ratings, so you can choose what works best for you

Setting up Price Alerts.

KAYAK’s Price Alerts monitor car rental prices, notifying you when it’s a good time to book.

To set up an alert:

  • After you enter your car rental location and dates and see results, use the option at the top of the results page to create a price alert
  • Track and manage your alerts at kayak.com/alerts

You can receive notifications via email and/or push notifications through the KAYAK app (available on iOS and Android).

For more information.

Yes, KAYAK is a legitimate search engine for car rentals. Here’s what you need to know about how it works and what to expect.

What KAYAK does

KAYAK is a search engine, not a booking agent or seller. It compares rental car prices from hundreds of travel sites, including major companies like Enterprise, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, and Payless, to help you find the best deal in one place. KAYAK is part of Booking Holdings and is trusted by millions of travelers.

When you search at kayak.com/cars, you’ll see results from multiple providers. You complete your booking and payment directly with the provider you select, not with KAYAK.

How accurate are car rental prices?

KAYAK does not guarantee prices. Here’s why:

  • KAYAK doesn't set prices. Providers do.
  • Rental car prices change frequently, and multiple people may try to book the same deal simultaneously.
  • Occasional discrepancies can occur in the data KAYAK receives from provider sites.

If you find a price mismatch between KAYAK and the provider’s website, please report it so we can investigate and address the issue.

For more information.

KAYAK lets you narrow down rental car results using several filters on the search results page.

KAYAK car rental filters.

  • Filter by price: Set up a price range to find the cars that match your budget
  • Filter by car type: Small/compact cars, medium cars, large cars, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles, pickup trucks, convertibles, and commercial vehicles
  • Passengers (capacity): Find car rental deals for up to 9 passengers
  • Filter by company: Select the car rental agencies you want to include in the search results, for example: Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Payless and more. When multiple providers offer the same deal, KAYAK shows all available providers and highlights one main option based on popularity and ratings. You can then choose which provider to book with
  • Filter by location: Check the car rental deals from the airport, the city center, or an additional location
  • Transmissions: Select the car transmission you prefer between manual and automatic
  • Car features: Look for specific features, such as A/C, 4WD, and more
  • Policies: Select car rental deals that have free cancellation, free fuel policy, or unlimited mileage
  • Fast pick-up: Check the deals that allow online check-in or "skip the counter"
  • Fuel type: Find hybrid or electric car rentals
  • Payment type: Pay at the counter, pay now, partial payment

You can also use the Smart Filters feature.

Use Smart Filters on your car rental search.

Smart Filters is one of the newest features added by KAYAK to help you find the best car rental deals, without having to browse all the filters listed above.

  • Click on "Smart Filters" at the top of the car results page
  • Write your custom search details (car type, price range, passengers, and more) in the text field
  • Let the magic happen and enjoy the pre-filtered car rental results that match your criteria

For more information.

Yes. You can search for one-way car rentals on KAYAK by selecting the “Different drop-off” option during your search. Most car rental agencies call this a one-way rental and may charge a return fee.

How to search for one-way rentals.

  • Go to www.kayak.com/cars
  • Select "Different drop-off" from the drop-down right above the location box
  • Enter your pick-up and drop-off locations (they can be in different cities or countries)
  • Set your dates and times, then run the search
  • Use the filters on the results page to compare options and find the best deal

Cross-country trips in the USA.

Driving across state lines is typically not an issue with most rental agencies. If you’re planning to cross into Canada, this is generally allowed. Traveling to Mexico usually requires an extra insurance fee. Always inform the rental agency about your planned route.

International rentals and cross-border travel.

  • Europe: Crossing from one country to another generally requires a cross-border fee. Failing to pay this fee may invalidate your insurance
  • Africa and Asia: Border crossings are generally more difficult and may require additional documentation

Recommendation: Always inform the rental agency about your planned itinerary before booking.

Important details about fees and booking.

  • One-way rentals typically include a return fee set by the rental agency
  • KAYAK is a search engine, not a travel agent. When you choose an offer, you book directly with the provider
  • Always review the provider's terms, conditions, and fees on their website before completing your reservation

For more information.

When you search for a rental car, KAYAK scans hundreds of travel sites and aggregates deals from major rental companies like Thrifty, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and Payless in one place. You can then compare the deals directly on the search results page.

  • Go to www.kayak.com/cars and enter your pickup location, return location, and dates.
  • Choose up to 3 car rentals you want to compare, and click on the "Compare" button on each of them.
  • When the car rentals are added to the comparison list at the bottom of your screen, click on "Compare".
  • Enjoy the clear comparison of all the car rental details: Car features, Agency, Pick-up location, Offer score, Policies, Payment method.
  • Once you've compared your options and found the best deal, select it to be redirected to the provider's website to complete your booking. KAYAK doesn't charge any extra fees for this service.

Please keep in mind that KAYAK is a metasearch engine, not a travel agent. When you’re redirected to the provider’s site, double-check the reservation details, pricing, and rental policies before completing your booking.

For more information.

KAYAK App.

The KAYAK app is an all-in-one travel tool for iOS and Android that searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find and manage flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. Here’s how it works.

What it does.

The app searches hundreds of travel sites to compare prices and find you the best deals. It’s built on KAYAK’s metasearch technology, which means you get a comprehensive view of what’s available without visiting multiple sites yourself.

Finding and booking travel.

Flights:

  • Search hundreds of airlines and travel sites at once
  • User filter and sort options to narrow down your search results
  • Look for green dates in the calendar to find cheaper options
  • Set Price Alerts to get notified when prices drop
  • Track live flight statuses with Flight Tracker

Hotels:

  • Access app-exclusive Mobile Rates and Private Deals for extra savings
  • Compare prices across booking sites
  • Filter by your preferences and budget

Rental cars:

  • Book with free cancellation options
  • Compare rates from multiple providers

Key features.

Explore (destination discovery):

  • Open the app and tap Explore (bottom-left)
  • Set your filters: budget, dates, flight distance, and trip themes
  • Browse results in Map view (prices pinned to locations) or List view (organized by country)
  • Tap any destination to see price insights, weather data, and the cheapest dates found in the last 48 hours
  • Tap the heart icon to save to your Wishlist or the bell icon to create a Price Alert
  • Tap "See flights" to search for the suggested cheapest dates

Trips (itinerary organizer):

  • Store all your travel plans and reservations in one place
  • Access your itineraries on the road
  • Enable SMS flight status alerts in Trips Settings by adding your mobile phone number

Flight Tracker:

  • Get live flight updates for your trips
  • Track the status of flights for family and friends

Who it’s for.

The app works for leisure travelers looking to discover and book trips, as well as business travelers who need to manage itineraries on the go. With 10M+ downloads and a 4.8-star rating from 660K+ reviews, it’s trusted by millions of travelers.

For more information.

The KAYAK app is available for iOS and Android smartphones.

The app has been downloaded by over 10 million travelers and has a 4.8/5 star rating with 660K+ reviews.

Visit the KAYAK Mobile page to learn more about the app and its features.

The KAYAK app and website both offer robust search and filtering capabilities, but they are not identical. Here’s what you need to know.

Features available in both the website and the app.

  • Trip organization - Keep all your travel details in one place with Trips
  • Flight Tracker - Get live flight updates
  • Price Alerts - Receive notifications when prices drop
  • Search across 1,000+ travel sites - Compare prices just like on the website
  • Calendar with green dates - Spot cheaper travel dates at a glance
  • Flexible dates - Compare flight prices within ±3 days of your selected travel dates
  • Explore - Discover destinations based on your budget
  • Standard filters - Search for nonstop flights, bags included, hotel types and amenities, car rental types, passengers, and other common preferences.

App-exclusive features.

  • Price Check - Upload a screenshot of your preferred flight details from any mobile website or app, and we'll search 100s of travel sites for a better price
  • Mobile Rates - Special pricing you won't find on the website

Learn more about KAYAK Mobile on iOS and Android.

Website-exclusive features.

  • Car comparison tool - Compare up to 3 car rental deals
  • KAYAK AI Mode - Type travel-related questions the way you’d say them to another person
  • KAYAK.ai - Find real-time pricing in conversational search

For more information.

KAYAK Explore.

KAYAK Explore is a search tool that helps you discover flight destinations worldwide when you’re flexible on where to go. Enter your home airport, set your budget and dates, and browse prices on an interactive map to find affordable options you might not have considered.

It’s designed for travelers who know when they want to travel (or have some flexibility) but haven’t decided on a destination yet.

How to access KAYAK Explore.

  • On desktop: Click the globe icon labeled "Explore" on the KAYAK homepage, or go directly to kayak.com/explore
  • In the KAYAK app: Tap the "Explore" icon at the bottom-left of the screen (you'll need to create or sign in to your KAYAK account first)

How it works.

KAYAK Explore shows you round-trip economy flight prices found in the last 48 hours, based on your search criteria. They include taxes and fees but may not cover baggage charges from airlines.

Seat availability is limited, and fares may change or no longer be available.

Think of these prices as a sign that another traveler recently found a great deal on this route, but not a guarantee that you will find the same fare.

What you’ll see for each destination.

When you select a destination, you’ll find:

  • Cheapest flight prices found in the last 48 hours
  • Nonstop flight schedule (on the website only)
  • Price trend graphs showing average flight prices by month (in app only)
  • Destination summaries and travel information (varies by location)
  • Weather data with average monthly temperatures and precipitation (in app only)
  • Options to save destinations to your Wishlist or set Price Alerts

Next steps.

Once you find a destination you like:

  • Click "Check flight prices" or "See flights" to view matching fares
  • Book directly or set a Price Alert to track prices if you're not ready to book

For more information.

Learn more about how to find cheap flights to anywhere with KAYAK Explore

KAYAK Explore is designed for when you don’t have a specific destination in mind. Unlike a normal flight search, where you need to enter both departure and arrival cities, Explore lets you browse destinations on a map based on your budget, dates, and preferences.

Key differences.

Destination discovery:

  • Normal search: You must enter a specific destination
  • Explore: Start with just your departure airport and browse destinations on an interactive map with price pins

Flexible planning:

  • Normal search: Requires exact dates or a narrow date range
  • Explore: Search "Any time, Any duration," choose a month range, or use the duration slider to set trip length

Filter options:

  • Normal search: Standard filters like stops, times, and airlines
  • Explore: Discovery-focused filters including budget, themes (beach, romantic, adventurous), stops and flight duration

Pricing display:

  • Normal search: Shows current available fares for your specific route
  • Explore: Shows deals found by other users in the last 48 hours as indicators, not guarantees. These are round-trip economy fares, including taxes and fees

Map and list views:

  • Normal search: Displays results in a standard list format
  • Explore: Browse a map with price pins or switch to a list of recent deals sorted by price (desktop) or country (app)

Can I use KAYAK Explore if I don’t know where I want to go?

Yes. Explore is built exactly for this situation. Enter your starting airport, set broad dates or select “Any time,” apply filters like budget or trip themes, and browse the map to discover destinations and prices. When you find something interesting, click “Check flight prices” (desktop) or “See flights” (app) to search current fares and proceed to booking or set a Price Alert.

Please keep in mind that fares shown in Explore are from the last 48 hours and seats are limited. Always check current prices before booking, as fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates.

For more information.

KAYAK Explore offers several filters to help you narrow down flight options on the map-based search. Here’s what you can control:

Budget.

Yes, you can specify your budget in KAYAK Explore. Use the budget slider to set your maximum price range. The map will automatically update to show only destinations that match your budget.

Dates and trip length.

You can search “Any time, any duration” in KAYAK Explore. Here’s how it works:

On desktop:

  • Click "Any time, Any duration" to view all available options or select specific months
  • Use the slider to set how many days you want to be away
  • Switch to the Exact dates tab if you have fixed travel dates

On mobile app:

  • Open the Dates filter
  • Enter specific dates or use the slider to set a flexible date range (more flexibility shows more options)

Stops.

Choose your preferred number of connections:

  • Direct flights only
  • Up to one stop
  • Any number of stops

Flight duration.

Set the maximum number of hours you’re willing to spend in the air.

Themes.

Filter by trip type to match your travel style (e.g. beach, romantic, family, adventurous).

What you should know.

Prices shown in Explore are round-trip economy fares found by other users in the last 48 hours. They include taxes and fees but may exclude baggage fees. These prices can change and availability is limited. Explore is designed to inspire and show recent price trends, not provide a definitive catalog of current fares for all routes and dates.

For more information.

Yes. You can filter KAYAK Explore to show only direct (non-stop) flights.

  • On desktop: Open Explore by clicking the globe icon on the KAYAK homepage, and use the Stops filter to select direct flights only
  • On the app: Tap Explore at the bottom of your screen, tap the Distance filter at the top and select direct routes only

For more information on using filters and finding cheap flights, check out this blog post: How to find cheap flights to anywhere with Explore.

You can save destinations to your Wishlist from Explore on the KAYAK app, or desktop by tapping the heart icon on any destination you like.

Using the KAYAK app.

  • Open the KAYAK app and sign in to your account
  • Tap the Explore icon (bottom left)
  • Browse destinations on the map or switch to List view
  • Tap a pinned price and swipe up on the destination card
  • Tap the heart icon in the top-right corner to save it to your Wishlist

Using the desktop version.

  • Go to kayak.com/explore or click the globe icon on the homepage
  • Enter your starting airport
  • Browse the map or scroll below it to see the price-ordered list
  • Click a destination you like and tap the heart icon on the right side of the destination name to save it to your Wishlist

For details on viewing or managing your saved Wishlist items, you’ll need to check your account settings once destinations are saved.

For more information.

KAYAK.ai.

KAYAK.ai (beta) is our public innovation lab. It’s where we try out cutting-edge capabilities before rolling them to the main KAYAK site. Think of it as our playground for innovation, if something works well on KAYAK.ai, it graduates to KAYAK.com (like AI Mode did in October 2025).

How KAYAK.ai works.

KAYAK.ai lets you plan trips through conversational search:

  • Type travel questions in plain language
  • Get real-time results comparing prices from hundreds of travel providers
  • Receive answers in natural language instead of just search results

The key difference? KAYAK.ai uses real-time pricing backed by KAYAK’s data, not cached information like other AI tools.

What KAYAK.ai can do.

Current features include:

  • Conversational travel planning: Ask questions naturally and get personalized answers
  • Real-time price comparisons: See accurate costs from hundreds of providers
  • Car rental search: Find rental cars by specific dates and destinations
  • Multi-theme destination searches: Combine trip themes in one query (like "romantic, foodie-focused getaway")
  • Source links: See where AI responses come from for transparency

KAYAK.ai is designed to learn your preferences over time and provide more personalized relevant results.

Does KAYAK use artificial intelligence?

Yes. KAYAK has been using AI and machine learning since 2004. Recent AI features include KAYAK Price Check, ChatGPT integrations, Microsoft Copilot integrations, KAYAK.ai and AI Mode on KAYAK.com.

Is KAYAK.ai free to use?

Yes. KAYAK.ai is completely free to use for all users, just like the other KAYAK search tools.

For more information.

KAYAK.ai lets you search for flights, hotels, rental cars and activities using natural language instead of preset search fields. You get real-time pricing backed by KAYAK’s data as you chat.

Getting started.

  • Go to KAYAK.ai and start a chat
  • Describe your trip in plain language (login is optional)
  • Ask questions the way you'd talk to a friend

What you can search for.

KAYAK.ai helps you find and compare:

  • Flights with real-time pricing and detailed fare rules, baggage policies and layover information
  • Hotels with map view showing up to 9 hotel pins
  • Rental cars by dates and destinations
  • Activities and recommendations for your destination
  • Multi-theme trips like "romantic, foodie-focused getaway" or "outdoorsy, budget-friendly escape"

Comparing prices automatically.

KAYAK.ai compares the latest information and prices from hundreds of travel providers in real time as you search. Unlike other chat-based tools that rely on cached data, you see real-time pricing during your conversation.

Questions you can ask.

Ask anything you’d say to a travel-savvy friend:

  • Find me a romantic, foodie-focused getaway in April
  • Show outdoorsy, budget-friendly escapes for a long weekend from NYC
  • What's the cheapest time to rent a car in July in Denver?
  • I need a mid-September trip to Lisbon, compare flight options with 1 carry-on
  • What are the best activities in Kyoto for first-timers?

You can also ask general travel advice questions. For non-search answers, KAYAK.ai includes source links.

Please note that KAYAK.ai is experimental and features may change or graduate to KAYAK.com.

For more information.

AI Mode is a natural-language search experience on KAYAK that lets you plan trips by typing questions the way you’d ask another person. It combines KAYAK’s data with ChatGPT to deliver real-time results for flights, hotels and rental cars, all from the home page.

How to use AI Mode.

  • Click the "AI Mode" icon on KAYAK from your desktop or mobile browser
  • Type your travel question in plain language (no need for preset fields)
  • Review the real-time results KAYAK pulls from hundreds of travel providers
  • Compare and book flights, hotels and cars directly from the results

What AI Mode can do.

AI Mode helps you discover, compare and book flights, hotels and rental cars.

All results show real-time pricing and availability pulled directly from KAYAK’s provider network.

Availability.

AI Mode is currently available in English on KAYAK via desktop and mobile browsers in the US. More languages, countries and platforms (including voice entry) will roll out soon.

For more information.

Smart Filters translate your natural language preferences into precise search filters, making it easier to find exactly what you need without manually clicking through dozens of options.

How it works.

When you describe what you’re looking for in plain language, Smart Filters automatically apply the right criteria to your search:

  • Type preferences like 3-star hotels with excellent reviews and the system applies star rating and high review score filters
  • Smart Filters work across Flights, Stays and Cars on desktop, mobile web and tablet web

Adjusting your filters.

  • Click any filter to remove or modify it
  • Add new filters by typing additional preferences

For more information.

KAYAK.ai and KAYAK AI Mode are two different AI-powered features that serve different purposes.

The key difference is that KAYAK.ai is where we test new ideas, while AI Mode is a ready-to-use feature on the main KAYAK site that anyone can access right now.

KAYAK.ai: Our test lab.

KAYAK.ai is our test lab where we develop new AI-first travel features. Here’s what you need to know:

  • It's a separate platform designed for early adopters and travel enthusiasts who want to try experimental features before they launch to everyone
  • It serves as our innovation playground where we test conversational travel planning experiences (learn more about our travel test lab)
  • Features that perform well on KAYAK.ai eventually graduate to the main KAYAK site
  • It provides real-time pricing in conversational search (not cached data)
  • Access it by visiting KAYAK.ai directly

KAYAK AI Mode: Improving conversational search.

KAYAK AI Mode is a natural-language search feature that’s available on the main KAYAK site. Here’s how it works:

  • It's the first feature to graduate from KAYAK.ai to KAYAK.com for general use (read the announcement)
  • It combines KAYAK's data with ChatGPT to deliver contextual, conversational search results
  • You can type travel questions in plain language and get real-time results from hundreds of travel providers
  • It lets you discover, compare and book flights, hotels and cars in one place
  • You can access it by clicking the "AI Mode" icon on the homepage

Availability.

  • KAYAK AI Mode: Currently available in English on desktop and mobile browsers in the US. More languages, countries and platforms (including voice entry) are rolling out later
  • KAYAK.ai: Available as a separate test lab environment

For more information.

Learn about how to write the best AI travel prompts.

KAYAK.ai is our test lab for AI-first travel features. It combines natural-language processing with real-time data to deliver conversational search results. Here’s how it works.

Core technology.

  • Natural-language conversational search: You ask travel questions in plain language and the system understands your intent and context to return relevant results.
  • KAYAK data combined with ChatGPT: The platform integrates KAYAK's travel data with ChatGPT to deliver smarter, contextual responses.
  • Real-time pricing: Unlike tools that rely on cached data, KAYAK.ai pulls live pricing and availability.
  • Large-scale data aggregation: The system compares information and prices from hundreds of travel providers in real time.

KAYAK has used AI and machine learning since 2004, so KAYAK.ai builds on decades of experience.

How KAYAK.ai decides and shows results.

The system works by:

  • Capturing richer intent through conversation: Conversational input gives KAYAK more context about your needs than traditional form-based search.
  • Comparing providers in real time: It actively compares up-to-date information and pricing from hundreds of providers for flights, hotels and cars.
  • Explaining its behavior: If there isn't enough data to show the cheapest time to travel, KAYAK.ai tells you why. For informational answers, it includes links to sources.

Where KAYAK.ai gets its information.

KAYAK.ai pulls travel information from:

  • KAYAK's own data platform
  • Real-time information and prices from hundreds of travel providers
  • Source links for non-search informational answers

All results reflect live data, not cached information.

For more information.

The short answer is no: you don’t book with KAYAK.ai. You search and compare through KAYAK.ai.

We’re a search engine that compares prices across booking sites, but we don’t handle the actual booking or payment. That’s always done with our partners (airlines, hotels, car rental companies or online travel agencies).

How booking works.

When you find what you’re looking for on KAYAK.ai, you’ll see the “View Deal” option, and you will be brought to the search results page on KAYAK.com where you can choose to complete your booking in one of two ways:

  • Staying on KAYAK.com
  • Going to the provider's website

Either way, the booking is with the provider, not with KAYAK. This process is the same for flights, hotels and rental cars.

Finding your booking confirmation.

If you booked through KAYAK.ai while logged in:

If you were redirected to a provider’s site:

  • Contact the provider directly to manage your booking
  • Check your credit card statement to confirm which company charged your card

To review, cancel or modify any booking:

  • Use the confirmation email sent to you
  • Visit the partner's site where you made the booking

Please note that booking information shown on KAYAK.ai is for reference only and may have sync delays. Always verify exact details directly with your provider.

For more information, visit the Booking and checkout help page or get Help & Support for KAYAK.ai. If you’re interested in how KAYAK.ai uses AI to enhance your travel planning, check out KAYAK introduces AI mode and Introducing KAYAK.ai: our travel test lab.

If KAYAK.ai isn’t working, try refreshing the page, clearing your browser’s cache, checking your internet connection, or trying a different browser.

Why did I get a “no results” message?

A “no results” message usually means something about your search doesn’t align with KAYAK.ai. Here’s what to check:

  • Make sure you're asking travel-related questions (flights, hotels, cars)
  • Use natural language, like you're talking to a friend

Keep in mind that KAYAK.ai is experimental, so features and behavior may change as we test and improve the experience.

If your issue is about finding a booking.

KAYAK.ai is a search engine that compares prices across booking sites. We don’t handle bookings or payments directly.

  • Booked on KAYAK.ai while logged in? Check your Bookings page
  • Redirected to another site to complete your purchase? Contact that provider directly. Check your credit card statement if you're not sure who charged you

Please note that there may be delays in syncing supplier information, so always verify booking details directly with your provider.

For more information or support, visit the KAYAK.ai Help Center. You can also learn more about KAYAK AI features in our travel test lab introduction.

KAYAK.ai light mode refers to design updates made throughout the tool. The planning features remain just as powerful, but the interface is now brighter, cleaner, and easier to use.

The light version, which offers the best experience, is now the default for all users.

For more information, you can visit the KAYAK.ai Help & Support page if you have additional questions or feedback about the interface.

Yes, you can adjust filters without retyping your original question. Use the clickable filter “pills” above the AI generated results, or simply type a follow-up prompt to refine your research. KAYAK.ai will update your results accordingly.

For more information, check out how to write the best AI travel prompts for tips on describing your filter changes effectively.

Yes, KAYAK.ai can display flight and hotel packages directly in the results, showing the total price so you can easily compare options.

For a more tailored search, you can adjust your filters in conversation to refine results and see only the best deals.

When you find a package you like, select it to view more details, then click “view deal” to open the regular KAYAK results page and check booking options.

Yes. You can share your KAYAK.ai plans in two ways: share your chat thread as a read-only link, or share a specific Trip from KAYAK Trips with view or edit access.

Share your KAYAK.ai chat (read-only).

Create a private, read-only link to your KAYAK.ai chat thread so friends or family can see what you’ve planned. Recipients can view the conversation but cannot edit anything.

Share a specific Trip from KAYAK Trips.

Either add the email address of the person you want to share the Trip with and choose their permission level:

  • View access: lets them see the Trip
  • Edit access: lets them collaborate on Trip plans (useful for groups or families)

Or share via link by clicking “Copy link” and sending it through SMS, email, or any other platform.

Please keep in mind that for security reasons, only registered KAYAK users will have access to your booking details.

Set up automatic sharing for new Trips.

If you want someone to automatically receive access to all new Trips you create:

  • Go to your account settings page
  • Add their email under "Automatically share Trips"
  • Choose whether they get view or edit access

For more information.

KAYAK.ai is our test lab for experimental AI features, and your feedback helps us improve it. Here’s how to share your thoughts:

Use the feedback form.

Visit kayak.ai/feedback/form to submit general questions or feedback about your KAYAK.ai experience. This is the main way to share your thoughts about the platform.

Submit in-product feedback.

When you’re using KAYAK.ai, you can provide positive feedback directly in the product. If something works well, you’ll be able to indicate why it worked for you. When using KAYAK.ai, click on “Send feedback” in the left navigation panel and follow the steps.

Chat with KAYAK.

You can also use our chat form to ask questions or share feedback. Keep in mind that any information you submit through this form (including personal data) may be shared with travel vendors mentioned in your conversation. For more details, visit KAYAK.com/privacy.

Your feedback matters because successful features on KAYAK.ai graduate to KAYAK.com for everyone to use.

For more information.

KAYAK.ai gives you several ways to control what appears in your results without starting a new search. Here’s how to refine your view:

  • Refine with filters: No need to retype your initial prompt. Use the clickable filter "pills" above the AI generated results, or simply type a follow-up prompt to refine your research
  • Collapse expanded results: Click to collapse expanded result cards when you want a cleaner, simpler chat view. This hides extra details and reduces visual clutter so you can focus on what matters
  • Adjust when you see "no results": When your filters are too strict and return no results, KAYAK.ai will explain why. Follow the guidance in the message to loosen or modify your filters and bring results back

All of these controls are available directly within your results view, so you can adjust what you see without restarting your search.

For more information, visit the KAYAK.ai homepage or check out Help & Support if you need further assistance. If you’re interested in how KAYAK.ai uses AI to enhance your travel search, read about KAYAK introduces AI mode.

Yes, you can use KAYAK.ai without creating an account. You’re free to search for travel options and view real-time pricing directly from your desktop or mobile browser without logging in.

Benefits of creating an account

  • Your bookings will appear in "My Bookings" when you're logged in at the time of booking
  • You can use the KAYAK booking option, meaning you can complete a booking with a 3rd party, without leaving KAYAK
  • You can manage your account settings through your KAYAK AI Account page
  • An account helps you track your Trips and bookings in one place

For more information, see KAYAK.ai: Introducing our travel test lab or visit Help & Support.

Questions & feedback

Got questions or feedback about bookings, trips, pricing, or anything else?

Get in touch

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