Kiwi.com is a flight site that also combines separate flights into one itinerary, which often turns up routes that would otherwise cost more. It suits bargain hunters who are willing to look a little more closely.
What you can book
Mainly flights. There are also cars, hotels and extras, and the homepage shows last-minute offers. An app with boarding passes and trip notifications is part of it. After your first booking, Kiwi offers membership of the Kiwi.com Club, with member fares and voucher drops.
What the booking really costs
The provider advertises no membership fees and no hidden costs. Still, look closely at three things. First, baggage: many fares include only hand luggage, and checked baggage, seats and other extras are added. Second, the Kiwi.com Guarantee: it is a bookable service package that adds to the price. Third, airline fees that may apply to changes. If you add extras together with the Guarantee, Kiwi says it charges no processing fee and you pay only what the airline charges.
Self-transfer: what it means
With a self-transfer, Kiwi combines separate flights into one itinerary. That saves money but has a consequence: it is not an official itinerary, so airlines are not obliged to offer replacement flights if a delay makes you miss your next flight. Allow plenty of time on such connections, ideally several hours. You often have to collect and re-check your baggage yourself.
Cancellation, disruption and service
For refunds and changes, Kiwi's help centre has several topic pages, for example on refund options, check-in and travel disruptions. With the Guarantee, Kiwi offers immediate credit when airlines disrupt your trip, which you can use for a replacement flight, or it requests a refund from the airline on your behalf. The Guarantee also includes automatic check-in and round-the-clock chat support. For automatic check-in you must provide your passport or ID details at least 24 hours before departure. If you prefer to call or write, the provider says it replies within 3 hours. Check the cancellation terms of your fare before you book.
How to save
Always compare the total price with baggage and extras, not the headline price. Flexible travel days help, and the popular destinations shown from your airport reveal where it is cheap right now. Cashback comes on top. Open Kiwi through the daily cashback link and book in one session, without opening other price comparisons in between. If you decide later and switch links, the booking may not be tracked. And since flight prices change daily, do not wait forever once a price fits your budget.
How to go about the booking
- Enter departure airport, destination and dates. Feel free to try nearby airports and days before and after.
- Check whether the connection is direct or made of separate flights, and how long the layover is.
- Choose baggage and seat as you really need them, then compare the total price.
- Decide whether to add the Guarantee. With a self-transfer connection it is a serious argument, with a simple direct flight less often.
- Check names and details and save the confirmation.
Tips
- Enter names and passport details exactly as in the document.
- Allow buffer time on separate flights and check whether baggage is checked through.
- Clarify visa and entry questions for every leg of the route.
- Decide deliberately whether you need the Guarantee, and include its price in your comparison.
Booking with cashback
The cashback runs through daily cashback. Open the daily cashback shop page for Kiwi first: Kiwi at daily cashback. From there you continue to the provider and book as usual. The credit arrives once the booking is confirmed and the trip is completed. You can see the current rate on our provider page: Kiwi on TripPrice.