FlightNetwork vs GoToGate: Which Travel Booking Site Offers Better Deals?
Trying to book flights online? Picking between third-party sites like FlightNetwork and Gotogate honestly feels like rolling the dice. Both platforms dangle enticing deals, but their customer service and booking experiences? That’s where things start to get messy.
If you read user reviews, neither FlightNetwork nor Gotogate comes out looking great. Travelers complain about communication breakdowns, refund hassles, and support that just doesn’t deliver.
Digging a bit deeper, you’ll see both sites lure folks in with low prices, but there are trade-offs. Gotogate users complain about “disrespectful and extremely rude” reps. FlightNetwork customers talk about “zero communication” and endless phone calls that go nowhere.
So, you might save a few bucks, but is it really worth the potential chaos if your plans hit a snag?
Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Overview of FlightNetwork and Gotogate
- Company Backgrounds
- Service Offerings
- Market Position and Reach
- Booking Process Comparison
- User Experience and Interface
- Search and Filtering Features
- Mobile App and Website Usability
- Pricing and Fees
- Transparency of Pricing
- Hidden Costs
- Cancellation Fee Policies
- Booking Confirmation and Communication
- Speed of Confirmation
- Email Confirmation Reliability
- Information Accuracy in Confirmations
- Customer Support and Assistance
- Response Times
- Support Channels
- Multilingual Assistance
- Refunds and Cancellations
- Process for Cancellations
- Refund Timelines
- User Reviews and Reputation
- Customer Satisfaction Ratings
- Notable Customer Complaints
- Unique Features and Services
- Add-on Options
- Exclusive Deals
- Suitability for Different Travelers
- Business vs. Leisure Travel
- International vs. Domestic Bookings
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the key differences in customer service quality between FlightNetwork and GoToGate?
- Can customers expect reliable refund processes from both FlightNetwork and GoToGate?
- What are the comparative advantages and drawbacks of booking through FlightNetwork versus GoToGate?
- How do FlightNetwork and GoToGate ensure the transparency of their fee structures?
- In what ways does each platform demonstrate trustworthiness and security for users’ bookings?
- Are the protection policies like ATOL as robust on FlightNetwork as they are on competing platforms like GoToGate?
- More Travel Guides
Key Takeaways
- Both FlightNetwork and Gotogate dangle lower prices, but their customer service issues could easily wipe out any savings.
- Third-party booking sites tack on their own fees, making flight changes pricier.
- Booking directly with airlines usually means better support—even if it costs more upfront.
Overview of FlightNetwork and Gotogate
FlightNetwork and Gotogate are OTAs (online travel agencies) that help you book flights, hotels, and other travel stuff. They’re both owned by Etraveli Group, but most people never notice—they run as separate brands and chase different markets.
Company Backgrounds
Both companies fall under the Etraveli Group, a European travel giant. This connection flies under the radar for most travelers, which is probably why the experiences on both sites feel eerily similar sometimes.
FlightNetwork got started earlier, building its name mostly in North America—especially Canada. The company positions itself as a budget-friendly option for folks hunting for cheap airfare.
Gotogate shows up more often in European markets. If you’ve searched for budget flights across Europe, you’ve seen Gotogate listings—sometimes with shockingly low fares.
Neither company runs any flights themselves. They’re just the middlemen, connecting you to airlines and taking a cut.
Service Offerings
Both FlightNetwork and Gotogate mostly focus on flights, but you can book hotels, car rentals, and the occasional package deal too. Their main pitch is discounted airfare—prices that often undercut booking direct with airlines.
Here’s what you’ll typically find:
- Flight bookings (their bread and butter)
- Hotels
- Car rentals
- Flight + hotel packages
It’s important to know: these sites are just intermediaries. When you book, you’re not dealing directly with the airline or hotel. You’re going through the OTA, which can get messy if you need to make changes later.
They rely on bulk fares and service fees to turn a profit. This setup can lead to communication headaches when plans change, since you have to go through them instead of the airline.
Market Position and Reach
Both brands chase budget travelers—people who care more about price than service. Gotogate pops up all over European flight searches. FlightNetwork is better known in North America, but both brands are global now.
Their whole strategy is to show up on metasearch sites (think Skyscanner) when folks hunt for the cheapest ticket.
Unlike premium OTAs that pride themselves on service, these two compete almost entirely on price. That wins them a crowd, but if you check online reviews, you’ll see plenty of grumbling about support.
Neither company shares their market share stats, but you can’t miss them in search results—they’re everywhere.
Booking Process Comparison
When you compare FlightNetwork and Gotogate, the booking process can make or break your trip. Both offer similar services, but the experience feels pretty different once you get into the weeds.
User Experience and Interface
FlightNetwork’s site feels more polished and user-friendly. The layout is clean, flight details are front and center, and it’s not overwhelming. Booking steps are clearly marked, and you see the total price early on.
Gotogate gets the job done, but the interface feels cluttered. There are more screens to click through, and the placement of add-ons can be confusing—sometimes it feels like they’re not actually optional.
Both sites use color-coding for important info, but FlightNetwork’s approach just makes more sense. Their confirmation pages lay out everything you need.
Search and Filtering Features
FlightNetwork stands out with its filtering options. You can narrow things by:
- Stops
- Airlines
- Departure/arrival times
- Price
- Duration
The “Flexible Dates” feature is a lifesaver—I’ve personally saved a lot with it.
Gotogate has basic filters, but nothing fancy. Their price calendar helps, but it’s not as easy on the eyes as FlightNetwork’s. One thing Gotogate does do well: the “Nearby Airports” feature is simple and effective.
FlightNetwork loads search results a bit quicker, which helps when you’re in a hurry.
Mobile App and Website Usability
FlightNetwork’s mobile app matches the website almost perfectly. You get saved searches, price alerts, and a bottom menu that actually makes sense.
Gotogate’s app is okay for basic searches, but some website features are missing. I’ve hit glitches during payment more than once, which is the last thing you want when snagging a deal.
Both keep your search history if you’re logged in. FlightNetwork just adapts better to different screen sizes.
If you book mostly on your phone, FlightNetwork is the way to go. Their saved payment info works every time, while Gotogate sometimes makes you start over.
Pricing and Fees
Both FlightNetwork and GoToGate dangle low prices, but the way they handle fees can really trip you up. Knowing how they structure costs can save you from a nasty surprise at checkout.
Transparency of Pricing
FlightNetwork sometimes flashes suspiciously cheap flights to catch your eye. But watch out—service fees pop up during checkout. I’ve seen a $205.44 service fee ($68.48 per ticket) that wasn’t obvious upfront. That kind of sneakiness is frustrating when you thought you’d found a steal.
GoToGate also advertises crazy-low prices. Travelers wonder what the catch is—and usually, there is one. People report surprise fees at checkout, though the details are murky.
Always compare the final, all-in price with what you’d pay directly on the airline’s website.
Hidden Costs
Both sites love extra fees that aren’t obvious at first:
FlightNetwork hidden costs:
- Service fees (about $68 per ticket)
- Possible currency conversion charges
- Seat selection fees (sometimes higher than booking direct)
A Japanese traveler found a 23,600 yen flight on FlightNetwork that should have cost 40,000-50,000 yen. That price probably didn’t include all the later fees.
GoToGate hidden costs:
- Booking service fees
- Seat selection costs
- Baggage fees (often pricier than direct)
- Customer service charges
GoToGate’s low prices almost always come with a catch. Read the fine print and add up the total before you hit “book.”
Cancellation Fee Policies
Third-party booking sites can really hurt your wallet if you need to cancel.
FlightNetwork tacks on its own cancellation fees on top of whatever the airline charges. They don’t make these costs easy to find—you usually have to dig through the terms.
GoToGate is even more brutal. They charge a $100 CAD service fee in addition to the airline’s change fee and any fare difference. Changing or canceling a ticket through them can get ridiculously expensive.
One Reddit user called GoToGate “scammers” after they paid for a “flexible” ticket ($3,500 USD!) and got only a partial refund when canceling.
Booking Confirmation and Communication
Getting your ticket confirmed quickly matters—a lot. FlightNetwork and GoToGate handle confirmations differently, and it can make a real difference.
Speed of Confirmation
FlightNetwork usually sends booking confirmations within 5-10 minutes after you pay. That’s reassuring when you want to know your spot is secure. You get both their reference number and the airline’s code in one email.
GoToGate is slower. Travelers often wait hours or even a full day for confirmation. That’s nerve-wracking if you’re booking last minute.
During peak travel times, both can slow down, but FlightNetwork tends to be more consistent.
Email Confirmation Reliability
FlightNetwork’s confirmation emails usually land in your inbox without a hitch. You’ll get:
- Booking reference numbers
- Itinerary
- Payment confirmation
- Check-in instructions
GoToGate, though, has more issues. Some people never get the email, or it ends up in spam. Then you have to call support—which is rarely fun.
Always check your spam folder if you use GoToGate, and maybe add their email to your contacts just in case.
Information Accuracy in Confirmations
FlightNetwork’s confirmations are usually accurate. They include all the codes, flight times, and baggage info you need.
GoToGate has a reputation for sending out confirmations that are missing details. Some travelers show up at the airport with a GoToGate number, only to find the airline doesn’t have their ticket.
It’s smart to double-check your reservation directly with the airline after booking with GoToGate. That extra step can save you serious stress later.
Customer Support and Assistance
Customer support can make or break your trip if something goes sideways with your booking. FlightNetwork and Gotogate approach this in pretty different ways.
Response Times
FlightNetwork says their customer support is 24/7. In reality, it’s a mixed bag. Some travelers get help in minutes, while others wait for hours. During peak times or flight disruptions, their team gets swamped.
Gotogate gets slammed in reviews for slow responses. People say they wait days for email replies or get stuck on hold for hours. Sometimes, no one ever responds. If you’re in a travel emergency, that’s just not good enough.
You’ll probably get a faster reply from FlightNetwork than Gotogate, but neither is perfect. For urgent stuff, booking direct with the airline is almost always safer.
Support Channels
FlightNetwork offers more ways to reach out:
- 24/7 phone support
- Live chat (sometimes available)
- Social media
Gotogate is more limited:
- Phone (but expect long waits)
- Email (slow replies)
- Basic FAQ section
FlightNetwork claims support in over 20 languages, which is nice for international travelers. Still, some users say it’s tough to actually connect with someone, no matter which channel they try.
Multilingual Assistance
FlightNetwork really takes the lead over Gotogate when it comes to language support. Their website lists more than 20 languages, opening the doors for travelers from all over.
This is a huge plus if English isn’t your thing, or if you’re booking flights in countries where people speak something else.
Gotogate’s language offerings? Well, they’re kind of a mystery. From what I could dig up, they mainly stick to English and maybe a couple of European languages.
That can get pretty frustrating if you’re traveling internationally and need help in your own language.
If you’ve ever dealt with a flight change or cancellation while abroad, you know how much it matters to have support in your preferred language. FlightNetwork’s multilingual approach just feels like a smart move for global travelers.
Refunds and Cancellations
Booking flights through sites like FlightNetwork or Gotogate? It’s crucial to understand their refund and cancellation policies. These rules can be wildly different and, honestly, they might save you a ton of stress—or cost you.
Process for Cancellations
Canceling with Gotogate can turn into a real headache. Lots of people complain about struggling to reach customer service when they try to cancel.
Gotogate follows strict airline rules, so they’re not big on refunds or rebooking. If the airline cancels your flight, Gotogate says they’ll help apply for a refund, but the reality? Not so simple.
Some folks have shared horror stories about their refund sagas with Gotogate. One person spent two months chasing a refund after their flight changed, only to find it was nearly impossible to get their money back.
FlightNetwork doesn’t exactly shine here either. Customers say there’s “zero communication” and nobody picks up the phone when they try to cancel.
Refund Timelines
If you’re waiting on a refund from either company, don’t hold your breath. People report that refund timelines drag on and on, with no clear end in sight.
Even after the airline says you’ll get your money back, Gotogate still makes you wait. It’s not just them—FlightNetwork seems even slower, with customers left in the dark for months.
The fees for canceling can be shockingly high too. Many people only discover this after the fact, when they see how little they’re actually getting back.
User Reviews and Reputation
Looking at reviews from other travelers gives you a pretty good sense of what to expect with these two. Both FlightNetwork and Gotogate have plenty of feedback, and it’s not all sunshine.
Customer Satisfaction Ratings
FlightNetwork gets a mixed bag of reviews. Their official line is all about using the power of technology to find you the best flights, but real people often say otherwise.
Communication problems come up again and again with FlightNetwork. People mention unanswered calls and emails, which is the last thing you want if your plans change.
Some customers even say their experience led to “sleepless nights.” Not exactly what you want from a travel agency.
Notable Customer Complaints
Gotogate, honestly, seems to get it worse. Many users straight-up warn others to stay away, calling out “dishonest, unhelpful” support.
Hidden fees are a big complaint—stuff like extra charges for credit card payments, changing flights, or adding luggage. It’s not a great feeling to get hit with unexpected costs after you’ve already booked.
One reviewer called their Gotogate experience “the worst,” and it’s telling that people are online asking if anyone has had a good time with them.
Unique Features and Services
FlightNetwork and Gotogate both try to lure you in with a few special features, hoping to stand out from the crowd.
Add-on Options
FlightNetwork offers some genuinely useful add-ons. Their price drop protection is a nice touch—if your flight gets cheaper after you book, they’ll refund the difference.
You can also check flexible dates to find better prices, which is handy. Plus, their 24/7 customer service line is actually staffed by real people, which could save your skin if you’re stranded at an airport in the middle of the night.
Gotogate? They have baggage add-ons and seat selection, but reviews say these options don’t always work as promised. Their trip insurance is there, but making a claim sounds like another ordeal.
Exclusive Deals
Sometimes, FlightNetwork rolls out exclusive flight deals you won’t find elsewhere. They have partnerships with some airlines for special fares.
Their price match guarantee is actually pretty solid—they’ll beat any price by $10.
The “Dream Ticket” feature lets you hold a flight for 24 hours without paying, which gives you a little time to think before you commit.
Gotogate pushes exclusive deals too, but users say these often come with hidden fees or weird restrictions. Their flash sales might save you money, but you really have to read the fine print. Most users find better value elsewhere.
Suitability for Different Travelers
Picking between FlightNetwork and Gotogate? It really depends on how you travel and what matters most to you.
Business vs. Leisure Travel
Business travelers might want to tread carefully with both. FlightNetwork looks a bit more reliable, but unexpected changes could mess up your schedule. If you need flexibility and solid support, neither platform is a sure bet.
Leisure travelers might be tempted by the low prices. But Gotogate, in particular, has a bad rep when it comes to cancellations. One user managed to cancel within 24 hours, but the process was clunky compared to other sites.
If your plans are flexible and you’re chasing the lowest price, you might risk it. But for big, once-in-a-lifetime trips? Maybe look elsewhere.
International vs. Domestic Bookings
International bookings with these platforms can be dicey. Gotogate users have flagged issues with flights to India, for example. One traveler booked Christmas flights through Skyscanner (which led to Gotogate) and only found the bad reviews after it was too late.
International flights already come with extra headaches—visas, documents, delays. Adding another layer of uncertainty just doesn’t seem worth the savings.
Domestic trips might be a bit less risky, but the core customer service problems don’t go away. FlightNetwork, for example, has a reputation for frequent flight changes. That can be a real problem if you’re on a tight schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s my take on some common questions about FlightNetwork and GoToGate, based on what real travelers have shared and what I’ve seen in the industry.
What are the key differences in customer service quality between FlightNetwork and GoToGate?
Honestly, both have some pretty glaring customer service issues. GoToGate gets slammed for terrible support, with lots of people saying they couldn’t get help when things went wrong.
FlightNetwork isn’t much better. People often struggle to reach someone or get a straight answer when they need help.
During flight changes or cancellations, both companies have left travelers hanging.
Can customers expect reliable refund processes from both FlightNetwork and GoToGate?
Don’t count on it. The refund processes for both platforms seem unreliable at best.
GoToGate has a reputation for charging high cancellation fees, even when it’s not your fault. Some people even call it a “scam operation” because they’ll ask for more money after you’ve booked, then refuse refunds.
FlightNetwork has similar stories—customers say the company “holds your money hostage” and makes it almost impossible to get a refund.
What are the comparative advantages and drawbacks of booking through FlightNetwork versus GoToGate?
Honestly, neither offers a clear advantage over booking directly with airlines. The biggest issues are poor customer service and sneaky fees.
GoToGate sometimes looks cheaper upfront, but surprise charges pop up later.
FlightNetwork has been accused of advertising fake prices to draw people in, which is pretty frustrating when you’re comparing options.
How do FlightNetwork and GoToGate ensure the transparency of their fee structures?
If transparency is what you’re after, you might be disappointed. GoToGate gets a lot of heat for unexpected fees and asking for extra payments after you’ve booked.
FlightNetwork isn’t much better—people see a low price at first, then get hit with higher costs or extra fees before checkout.
Always read the fine print before you book, or you could be in for some nasty surprises.
In what ways does each platform demonstrate trustworthiness and security for users’ bookings?
Reviews suggest both platforms have some trust issues. GoToGate gets called out as untrustworthy by lots of users who ran into booking problems.
FlightNetwork? Some folks go as far as calling them “cheats,” which is pretty harsh.
Your payment info should be secure, but when it comes to actually getting what you booked, the stories aren’t reassuring.
Are the protection policies like ATOL as robust on FlightNetwork as they are on competing platforms like GoToGate?
Honestly, protection policies on both platforms just don’t stack up to the big players or booking straight with airlines. Customer stories suggest neither really offers solid ATOL protection.
If something goes sideways with your booking, folks on both sites say it’s tough to get help or any real compensation. That doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in their customer protection.
You might want to double-check for ATOL certification before booking. It really matters for financial protection if you’re booking package holidays or flights from the UK.
