Metasearch versus online travel agency explained — who holds your money, change rights, disruption desks and EU261 claim paths when you book via Skyscanner, Google or an OTA.
Key takeaways
- Metasearch (Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, Momondo) compares offers and sends you to a seller — airline or OTA — to pay.
- Metasearch compares; OTAs ticket. Airlines ticket direct.
- Verdict: read the handoff label before pay — "Book with British Airways" versus "Book with CheapTicketsAgency" is not cosmetic.
- Compare on meta; ticket with eyes open on seller identity.
What is the difference between metasearch and an OTA?
Link to this answerMetasearch (Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, Momondo) compares offers and sends you to a seller — airline or OTA — to pay. An OTA (Expedia, eTraveli brands, many Aviasales handoffs, Kiwi) tickets the fare itself on its own plate. Disruption handling and refunds flow through whoever ticketed you.
EU261 claims go to the operating carrier — but OTA middlemen slow correspondence. See when booking direct wins.
Metasearch vs OTA — comparison
Link to this answerMetasearch compares; OTAs ticket. Airlines ticket direct. Your checkout choice sets who answers the phone at 2 a.m. when a cancellation hits.
| Layer | Examples | Tickets? | Disruption first call |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metasearch | Google, Skyscanner, Kayak | No | Whoever sold the fare |
| OTA | Many Aviasales sellers, Kiwi | Yes | OTA then airline |
| Airline-direct | ba.com, delta.com | Yes | Airline |
Metasearch vs OTA — verdict
Link to this answerVerdict: read the handoff label before pay — "Book with British Airways" versus "Book with CheapTicketsAgency" is not cosmetic. Not for passengers who assume Skyscanner ticketed them.
Framework checked August 2026.
Metasearch vs OTA FAQ
Link to this answerCompare on meta; ticket with eyes open on seller identity.
Google Flights book button? Often airline — still verify.
Kiwi? OTA with Guarantee product — not standard protected connection.
Evidence note
How we checked this guide
Research basis
3 external references linked in this guide and its resources. Each reference supports only the claims it addresses; a link is not evidence of first-hand testing.
Experience standard
No first-hand test or trip is implied unless the article explicitly states who tested it, when and under what conditions.
Content update date
Content updated on 8 August 2026; this is not an independent verification of every linked source. Time-sensitive prices, rules and eligibility must be checked again before purchase or travel.
Commercial independence
Commercial links are labelled before the click. Their presence is not evidence of personal testing, programme approval or guaranteed availability.
See the editorial policy, method notes, the scoped evidence ledger, or report a correction.