For over two years now, I’ve been a huge fan of Kayak.com and use it regularly to find the best online deals. Back in November, I wrote a raving review about the app, complementing its design and functionality. After some of the recent updates, however, Kayak stopped working as quickly and effectively as before. And that’s when I came across OnTheFly – an app similar to Kayak, but with much better user ratings.
OnTheFly is a flight comparison app made by ITA Software – the world’s leading flight pricing system used by all major airlines and online travel sites. Basically, this is the system used by all airlines across the world and has the most definitive prices. The only big difference is that – unlike with Orbitz, Kayak, Priceline & co. – you can’t purchase tickets directly through the database. Although Google acquired the ITA Software last summer, they haven’t been able to sell tickets through the website.
Instead of buying the ticket directly from the site, OnTheFly gives you a special booking code that you can use when making the booking with the airline.
OnTheFly is the app version of the Matrix QPX airfare search website and it’s one of those rare cases where the app is better than the original website.
From the main screen you can start searching for flight right off the bat. You’ll need to provide the following information:
- Roundtrip/One-Way
- Departure City
- Destination
- Dates
- # of passengers
For those of you with more specific preferences, press More Options to adjust:
- Flight departure/return times
- Number of stops
- Class
- Allow multi-airline flights
The great thing about OnTheFly is that it only takes a few quick taps to come up with amazing results.
The results are listed in a chart with the lowest price highlighted in bright orange. All available flights can be viewed according by airlines or airports – depending on your preference.
What makes OnTheFly so much better than its competitors is the amount of easy-to-use options and menus. When making a search the app either automatically selects the nearest airport or you can select your own city. What if you are just looking for the cheapest flight to a specific area? Let’s say you want to visit the UK, you don’t care which airport you land in as long as it’s cheap. OnTheFly allows you to search for results at the two nearest airports simultaneously – an awesome feature no doubt!
Once you’ve found a good flight, you can click on it for more detailed information:
- Departure/Arrival times
- Airplane type
- Meals or Beverages served
- Flight duration
On top of that, the app provides you with a breakdown of the total price including all taxes and surcharges, shows the amount of frequent flyer milers you can earn with this flight as well as the estimated amount of CO2 emissions.
The only downside to the whole app is that it’s missing a favorites section where you can save interesting flight offers. In order to save the itinerary for future reference, all you can do is send an email to yourself with all the flight information by clicking the email itinerary. Instead of purchasing the fares directly through the app, OnTheFly allows you to call the airline directly from the app and provide them with the booking code listed.
Bottom Line:
Having been a loyal Kayak.com user for years, I think I’ve found a new service to switch over to. OnTheFly simply has the most comprehensive database of flight fares out there. Why use Orbitz, Priceline, Expedia and other travel sites when you can go straight to the source and get the best possible deals? Great fares, an amazing variety of airlines and tons of useful options! Very impressive!
drhunter
Aug 2, 2012 8:18:13 PM
Simply fantastic What an easy to use app, with a clean interface and no unwanted features.
Anneliese
Aug 1, 2012 5:41:20 AM
Love ITA. Same Great App!
Tai
Jul 28, 2012 8:19:52 PM
Wow. Smooth and fast I rarely rate applications. This is the nicest and smoothest app I have ever used. It should be an example ... a benchmark. Kudos!!!
Shellie
Jul 28, 2012 10:00:13 AM
EVO 4G. Fab. Love this app.
Bassel
Jul 27, 2012 8:16:27 AM
Excellent Excellent app
Diem Nguyen
Jul 25, 2012 8:16:57 PM
Only loads about 1/5 of the time even after refreshing multiple times.
AJKahn
Jul 20, 2012 3:27:31 AM
Great app One of the best apps for tickets and all.
Hatem
Jul 19, 2012 3:17:54 AM
waste of time Stopped Stopped Stopped finally Uninstall SGS3
Jason
Jul 14, 2012 9:20:58 AM
Budget airlines missing Budget airlines between Australia and SE Asia are missing from the search results, apps like sky scanner do include them.
philip
Jul 10, 2012 9:59:33 PM
Very good Needs to get multi city support