flight-search-strategy

# Flight Search Strategy ## Search ALL Sources for EVERY Flight Search This is not a pick-one list. Each source returns different results, different prices, and different airlines. Missing a source means missing options. The priority order determines which price to trust when sources disagree, not which sources to skip. | Priority | Source | Strengths | Blind Spots | |----------|--------|-----------|-------------| | 1 | **Duffel** (skill) | Most accurate cash prices. Real GDS per-fare-class data. Bookable. | No Southwest. No award pricing. Offers expire in 15-30 min. | | 2 | **Ignav** (skill) | Fast REST API. Market selection for price arbitrage. Free. | No Southwest. No award pricing. | | 3 | **Google Flights** (skill, agent-browser) | Covers ALL airlines including Southwest cash prices. Free. Economy/business comparison. | Prices can be inflated vs GDS. No points pricing. | | 4 | **Skiplagged** (MCP) | Hidden city fares. Zero config. | No Southwest. Can be noisy on small markets. | | 5 | **Kiwi.com** (MCP) | Virtual interlining (creative cross-airline routings). Zero config. | Returns garbage on small markets. No Southwest. | | 6 | **Seats.aero** (skill) | Award flight availability across 25+ programs. The crown jewel for points. | Cached data, not live. No cash prices. No Southwest. | | 7 | **SerpAPI** (skill, optional) | Google Hotels search. Destination discovery (Google Travel Explore). | NOT for flights (inflated prices). Hotels and "where should I go?" only. | | 8 ...