Gotogate vs Kiwi: 5 Critical Differences Between These Budget Travel Booking Sites in 2025
Trying to figure out the best way to book your next flight? Travel booking sites like GoToGate and Kiwi.com tempt you with cheaper tickets by mixing and matching flights from different airlines.
Sure, these third-party sites might save you some cash compared to booking direct, but there are some real trade-offs you should know about before you hit that “purchase” button.
Both GoToGate and Kiwi.com dig up creative routing options, often stringing together multiple carriers for one journey. That’s how you end up seeing tickets from New York to Warsaw for $270-400, though you might be stuck with 18-24 hour travel days.
They use something called “virtual interlining”—basically, they connect flights that don’t officially work together.
Some travelers swear by these services for complicated international trips, but others complain about customer service headaches when things go sideways. The price comparison tools are handy, but honestly, a lot of folks just use these sites to research and then book directly with the airline for better peace of mind.
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Overview of Gotogate and Kiwi
- Company Backgrounds
- Core Offerings and Specialties
- Market Position Among Online Travel Agents
- Flight Price Comparison: Gotogate vs Kiwi
- How Each Handles Bargain Flight Prices
- Best Value Prices and Dynamic Pricing
- Booking Process Differences
- User Interface and Convenience
- Hidden Costs and Fees
- Luggage, Seating, and Boarding Options
- Hold Luggage and Cabin Bag Policies
- Seat Selection and Extra Services
- Priority Boarding Comparisons
- Customer Service and User Experience
- Support Channels and Responsiveness
- Real User Reviews and Ratings
- Added Services and Flexibility
- Accommodation and Package Holiday Options
- Multi-Airline and Complex Itineraries
- Comparison With Other OTAs
- Gotogate and Kiwi vs Opodo
- Comparing With edreams
- Experiences With Ryanair Bookings
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do travelers rate their booking experiences with GoToGate compared to Kiwi?
- What advantages does one have over the other when it comes to customer service and support?
- What measures are in place to ensure transaction safety when purchasing airline tickets through these platforms?
- Are there any hidden fees or costs associated with using GoToGate or Kiwi for flight bookings?
- How do the cancellation and refund policies of GoToGate differ from those of Kiwi?
- What unique features make users prefer one travel service over the other for planning their trips?
- More Travel Guides
Key Takeaways
- GoToGate and Kiwi.com find cheaper flights with virtual interlining, but you might get less support than booking with the airline.
- Compare prices and routes on both, but keep in mind customer service and flexibility trade-offs.
- Maybe use these sites to scope out options, but for disruptions, you’re usually better off booking direct.
Overview of Gotogate and Kiwi
Gotogate and Kiwi.com have become two big names in the world of online travel agents. They help travelers hunt down and book flights, often at pretty competitive prices.
Both sites take different approaches, but their main goal is to connect you with affordable flight choices.
Company Backgrounds
Gotogate belongs to a large European travel company and acts as a third-party booking site. A lot of people stumble across them through meta-search engines like Momondo or Skyscanner.
They’ve been around the online travel scene for several years and have built a rep as a budget-friendly option for people who just want to save on airfare.
Kiwi.com, which used to go by Skypicker, came onto the scene with a more innovative twist. Their big thing? “Virtual Interlining” tech. It lets them combine flights from airlines that don’t officially work together, so you get custom itineraries—and sometimes, some wild savings.
Both companies have grown a lot as more travelers get comfortable booking trips online. Now, they both offer more than just flights, trying to provide a fuller travel booking experience.
Core Offerings and Specialties
Kiwi.com’s real selling point is their Virtual Interlining. You can book crazy multi-carrier trips—think London to Delhi with four different airlines, all in one shot. This strategy often slashes fares, especially for long-haul routes.
Gotogate sticks closer to being a traditional OTA. They pull together flight options from a bunch of airlines and wholesalers. Their site is simple, focusing on making it easy to find standard connections at a good price.
Both companies offer:
- Flight searches and bookings
- Hotels
- Car rentals
- Trip protection add-ons
One standout: Kiwi takes more risks with wild routing, while Gotogate keeps it conventional.
Market Position Among Online Travel Agents
In a sea of OTAs, Kiwi.com has carved out a niche with their inventive flight combos. They’re known for pushing the envelope with itineraries that can save you a lot, especially on tricky international routes.
Gotogate, meanwhile, competes on price as a traditional OTA. You’ll see them pop up in flight comparison searches for the lowest fares.
They’re especially popular in Europe but have gone global in recent years.
Both fall into the “third-party booking sites” category—basically, they’re middlemen between you and the airline. They’re great for comparing prices, but many people just use them to check options before booking direct.
Customer service? Reviews are all over the place for both. A lot of travelers get frustrated when flights change or get canceled, which is kind of par for the course with third-party booking sites.
Flight Price Comparison: Gotogate vs Kiwi
When you line up flight prices on Gotogate and Kiwi.com, you’ll notice both offer solid deals, but their pricing styles are pretty different. Which one works best really depends on your travel style.
How Each Handles Bargain Flight Prices
Kiwi.com really stands out with its “Virtual Interlining” feature. You can string together flights from airlines that don’t usually cooperate, often scoring bargains that other sites miss.
I’ve personally seen up to 40% savings on some routes, especially for complicated international trips.
Gotogate goes the more traditional route. They work directly with airlines, showing regular fares—sometimes with a small discount. Their prices might not always hit Kiwi’s lows, but things are usually more straightforward and less likely to come with surprises.
Both sites update pricing frequently, but Kiwi seems more aggressive about chasing those rock-bottom deals. Just know that the cheapest Kiwi fare might mean juggling multiple carriers and separate bookings behind the curtain.
Best Value Prices and Dynamic Pricing
Value goes beyond just the lowest price—it’s about what you actually get. Gotogate’s fees are usually more transparent upfront, so you’re less likely to get shocked at checkout.
Kiwi uses some pretty advanced dynamic pricing algorithms. Sometimes they tack on fees for their “Kiwi Guarantee” protection, which can be worth it if you’re booking one of their more complicated itineraries.
For value:
- Gotogate: Best for direct flights with well-known airlines.
- Kiwi: Shines when you want creative routing options that really cut costs.
I’ve noticed Kiwi’s prices bounce around more during the week, so it can pay to check back. Gotogate’s fares feel steadier, but they’ll throw in the occasional flash sale too.
Booking Process Differences
Picking between Gotogate and Kiwi? How each handles the booking process can make a difference in time, money, and sanity. Each service has its quirks, especially around user experience and fees.
User Interface and Convenience
Kiwi.com’s interface feels more modern and intuitive. Their search tools let you play around with flexible dates and even browse destinations on a map—a nice touch if you’re open to adventure.
Gotogate is more no-nonsense. If you know exactly when and where you want to go, it gets the job done. But you won’t find the same advanced search options as Kiwi.
Both let you book multi-carrier flights, but Kiwi’s “virtual interlining” is their bread and butter. That opens up more routes, but honestly, it can also mean more risk.
For booking, a lot of seasoned travelers use these sites to research, then hop over to book directly with the airline. It’s just less hassle if something goes wrong.
Hidden Costs and Fees
Both Gotogate and Kiwi tack on service fees that aren’t always obvious at first. Kiwi usually shows prices more transparently in the search, but adds fees at checkout.
Gotogate, on the other hand, tends to sprinkle in extra charges as you go:
- Seat selection
- Baggage fees (sometimes higher than the airline’s)
- Service fees for processing
- Payment method surcharges
What looks cheapest at first might not be, once you add everything up. It’s worth clicking through the full booking process on both to see the real total.
From my own bookings, Gotogate hides some fees in the fine print, while Kiwi is a bit more upfront but still slaps on hefty charges for their connection protection. Always double-check the terms before you commit.
Luggage, Seating, and Boarding Options
Booking with Gotogate or Kiwi? You’ll want to pay attention to how they handle extras like luggage, seat selection, and boarding perks. These add-ons can really inflate the true cost of your trip, and the differences between platforms are bigger than you’d think.
Hold Luggage and Cabin Bag Policies
Both Gotogate and Kiwi let you tack on luggage, but it’s rarely a good deal. Gotogate often charges way more for checked bags than the airline itself.
From my own digging, you might pay up to 25% extra for a 20kg bag through Gotogate compared to the airline’s price.
Kiwi isn’t a whole lot better, but sometimes their cabin bag rates are slightly less painful. At least their interface makes it easier to see what’s included before you check out.
Neither site includes luggage in the initial fare. That’s how they hook you with low prices, only for the total to balloon when you add what you actually need.
My advice? Always check the airline’s own site for luggage fees before you finish booking on either of these platforms.
Seat Selection and Extra Services
Seat selection is another spot where both sites upcharge. Gotogate can charge double or more than the airline for picking a seat. I’ve seen $10 seats on the airline’s site go for $25 or $30 through Gotogate.
Kiwi’s seat fees are usually a bit lower than Gotogate’s, but still higher than booking direct. Their interface is cleaner, though, and shows prices more clearly as you book.
Both will also sell you meals and other extras, but again, expect a markup. If you care about sitting together or want to pick your spot, you’ll pay a premium with either.
Honestly, I often skip seat selection on these sites and just check in early with the airline instead.
Priority Boarding Comparisons
Priority boarding? This is where things get annoying. Gotogate charges way more for priority boarding than airlines do. On budget carriers like Ryanair, it might be €6-10 direct, but €15-20 through Gotogate.
Kiwi’s fees are in the same ballpark—both are overpriced. The kicker is, neither platform really tells you that some airlines might not honor third-party priority boarding. You could pay extra and still get stuck in the regular line.
If priority boarding is important, you’re almost always better off booking straight through the airline.
Customer Service and User Experience
Customer service can make or break your travel experience, right? Both GoToGate and Kiwi.com have their own ways of handling support, but neither is exactly a gold standard.
Support Channels and Responsiveness
GoToGate offers support by email and phone, but many travelers (myself included) get frustrated with slow replies. Their email support can take days—3 to 5 isn’t unusual—and phone lines are often jammed, with 45-minute waits not unheard of.
Kiwi.com gives you more options: chat, email, and phone. But don’t get your hopes up—response times can still drag, and their chat usually starts with a bot before you get a real person.
Both pale compared to airline direct support. If your flight gets canceled or delayed, you’ll likely spend more time bouncing between agents than actually solving your problem.
Real User Reviews and Ratings
User reviews for both are, well, not exactly glowing. GoToGate gets slammed for bad customer service—lots of stories about unhelpful or hard-to-reach reps. One traveler called their phone support “completely unknowledgeable.”
Kiwi.com does a little better, but not by much. Their Trustpilot scores hover around 2-3 stars out of 5, with most complaints about customer service. Plenty of users suggest using these sites for research, then booking direct.
The big pattern: both work okay if nothing goes wrong. But if your plans change or there’s a disruption, you might regret not booking with the airline.
Added Services and Flexibility
Both Gotogate and Kiwi tack on extra services beyond just flights, but what you get—and how flexible it is—differs quite a bit. For complex trips or vacation packages, these differences matter more than you’d think.
Accommodation and Package Holiday Options
Kiwi.com has moved beyond just flights—they now let you book hotels too. You can add your stay after picking flights, which honestly makes life easier if you hate bouncing between tabs.
Their hotel selection’s decent, though, let’s be real, it’s nowhere near what you’ll find on dedicated hotel sites.
Gotogate also lets you book accommodation, but they go a step further with package holiday deals. These bundles usually throw in flights and hotels at a lower price than if you booked separately.
I’ve even seen some Gotogate packages include airport transfers, which is a lifesaver when you’re landing somewhere new and don’t want to deal with taxis.
Specialized travel agencies still offer more comprehensive packages, but Gotogate does a better job than Kiwi in this area.
Multi-Airline and Complex Itineraries
Kiwi.com really stands out with their “virtual interlining” tech. You can mix and match flights from airlines that don’t work together, which opens up some wild multi-stop trips.
Their Nomad search tool? Super helpful for planning multi-city adventures, especially if you like seeing a few places in one go.
But here’s the catch: if your connections fall apart, you’re often on your own to sort things out.
Gotogate lets you book with multiple airlines too, but they tend to stick to more traditional partnerships. That usually means more protection if your plans go sideways.
Both sites charge fees if you need to make changes. From what I’ve seen, Kiwi gives you a bit more wiggle room on last-minute changes, especially for those complicated itineraries.
Comparison With Other OTAs
Let’s see how Gotogate and Kiwi hold up against the other big names out there. Each has its quirks and perks, but there are definitely some shared pain points too.
Gotogate and Kiwi vs Opodo
When you stack Gotogate and Kiwi up against Opodo, a few things jump out. Opodo generally has a smoother booking experience and fewer customer complaints.
Their website feels cleaner and less overwhelming, which I appreciate.
As for price, Opodo often matches or beats Gotogate’s base fares, but then the extras start to add up. Kiwi sometimes finds cheaper connections thanks to their creative routing.
Opodo usually wins on customer service. They get back to you faster, and offer more language options, which can be a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch.
Comparing With edreams
eDreams works a lot like Gotogate, but there are a few differences worth mentioning. Like Gotogate, they tack on fees for things like seats and bags, which can really inflate your total—sometimes more than booking direct.
eDreams tends to have more flight options than Gotogate, but doesn’t offer the same unique routes Kiwi does. Their app is actually pretty solid—easier to use than the others, at least in my experience.
One thing eDreams does better than Kiwi is connection protection, but you’ll pay for that peace of mind. Their fee for this is often higher than what Kiwi charges for their guarantee.
Customer reviews suggest eDreams’ service edges out Gotogate’s, though it still doesn’t stack up to the more premium OTAs.
Experiences With Ryanair Bookings
If you’re booking Ryanair through Gotogate or Kiwi, brace yourself for a few headaches. Ryanair really doesn’t like third-party bookings and sometimes won’t honor them.
Kiwi usually handles Ryanair bookings better than Gotogate. They’ve come up with ways to work around Ryanair’s anti-OTA tactics, though you might not get your booking details until closer to departure.
With Gotogate, Ryanair bookings can be a hassle. Ryanair might not recognize your reference, which means you could end up checking in at the airport—and paying Ryanair’s hefty fees for the privilege.
Both OTAs charge more for Ryanair extras like bags and seats than if you booked direct. It’s not unusual to pay 30-50% more for add-ons through Gotogate or Kiwi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let’s dive into some common questions travelers ask when weighing GoToGate vs. Kiwi.com. Each platform has its own pros and cons, so it really depends on what matters most to you.
How do travelers rate their booking experiences with GoToGate compared to Kiwi?
People seem to give GoToGate slightly higher marks overall. Recent reviews suggest more happy customers than not, at least when it comes to snagging deals.
Kiwi gets a lot of flak for slow customer service, especially if you need help during a flight change or cancellation. Folks love Kiwi’s search tools, but the support after booking? Not so much.
Both sites are pretty easy to use, though Kiwi’s route maps make it a bit easier if you’re piecing together tricky itineraries.
What advantages does one have over the other when it comes to customer service and support?
GoToGate generally responds faster, at least according to most people I’ve talked to. They offer support by phone, email, and chat.
Kiwi’s main selling point is their Kiwi Guarantee, which protects you if you miss a connection on a self-transfer. That can be a lifesaver if you’re booking a Frankenstein itinerary across random airlines.
Still, both can be slow to respond when things get busy. If you need instant help, you might want to consider booking direct with the airline.
What measures are in place to ensure transaction safety when purchasing airline tickets through these platforms?
Both GoToGate and Kiwi.com use secure payment systems with SSL encryption, so your payment info stays safe. They stick to industry-standard security protocols.
Kiwi adds another layer with their Guarantee, covering you if something goes wrong with your booking. That’s especially reassuring for complex trips.
GoToGate works with trusted payment processors and verifies transactions, so you get a confirmation and a detailed receipt for your records.
Yep, both tack on service fees beyond the ticket price. Kiwi.com usually shows these fees upfront, but they’re often higher than GoToGate’s.
GoToGate sometimes sneaks in seat and baggage fees that you might not spot until the very end. Always double-check your total before you hit “book.”
Both platforms can charge extra depending on your payment method, especially with certain cards. Kiwi also charges for their Guarantee, but you can skip it on some routes.
How do the cancellation and refund policies of GoToGate differ from those of Kiwi?
GoToGate’s cancellation policies mostly follow whatever the airline says. Getting your refund can take weeks, and they’ll often add their own admin fee on top of any airline penalties.
Kiwi lets you buy extra flexibility with their Guarantee, but you’ll pay for it. If you skip that, their standard policies are pretty strict.
Both are usually tougher on refunds than booking direct. A lot of travelers struggle to get full refunds, especially with non-refundable tickets.
What unique features make users prefer one travel service over the other for planning their trips?
Kiwi.com stands out with its virtual interlining technology. Basically, it lets you mix and match flights from airlines that don’t officially work together.
That opens up some weirdly creative routes and can save you a chunk of money on complicated international trips. It’s a little bit wild, honestly.
GoToGate wins fans for its lower service fees. The booking process feels more straightforward, too.
People say the checkout on GoToGate throws fewer curveballs. That’s a relief if you’ve ever been surprised by last-second fees.
Kiwi’s interactive map search is perfect for anyone who likes to dream and plan visually. You can poke around by budget, not just by destination.
GoToGate sticks with a more classic booking vibe. It’s familiar, maybe even a little old-school, but sometimes that’s all you want.
