What is an OTA (Online Travel Agent)?

An Online Travel Agent is a website where you can book your flights as an alternative to booking directly with the airline.

Booking your flight with an OTA is almost always much cheaper than booking with the airline directly, especially with long-haul flights.

How do OTAs work?

OTAs use a Global Distribution System (GDS) that enables transactions between travel industry service providers, mainly airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and travel agencies.

When you book a flight with an OTA, you may have to wait a number of minutes to receive complete confirmation. This is because OTAs act as the middle-man and after receiving your booking, will then have to confirm it with the airline.

Why are OTAs cheaper than airlines?

The flight booking industry is super competitive. Many OTAs sell flights at a loss in the hope that the customer will purchase add-ons such as car hire, accommodation and even travel insurance.

Are OTAs reliable?

Here at Secret Flying, we divert you to reputable aggregators like Skyscanner where you can take your pick of many OTAs.

Skyscanner confirm that the OTAs listed on its website are well vetted and trustworthy so you should have total piece of mind when booking a Secret Flying deal.

We also occasionally divert our users directly to reputable OTAs like Priceline and Expedia.