When browsing flights on Skyscanner, you might notice a 'Recommended Provider' badge next to some online travel agents (OTAs). This badge isn't something a partner can pay for - it's earned through performance. It's our way of recognising OTA partners that consistently offer a reliable experience to travellers.
You won't see these badges next to airlines, which is intentional. Most travellers already know and trust airline brands, which are clearly labelled as "airlines" in our results. The Recommended Provider badge is designed specifically to help build confidence when choosing among OTAs.
How do we decide who gets the badge?
We assess providers using three equally weighted criteria:
-
Quality Rating Score
After someone clicks through to a travel provider from Skyscanner, we collect feedback through a short survey. We also take into account any issues raised with our support team. These insights are combined to calculate an overall quality rating score.
-
Price accuracy
We compare the price shown on Skyscanner with the final prices listed on the OTA's site. A close match between the two is a key indicator of accuracy and transparency.
-
Booking follow-through
We look at how often travellers complete a booking after being redirected to a provider's site. High conversion rates suggest that travellers are seeing consistent pricing, good availability and a smooth booking experience.
Providers must meet minimum thresholds on all three factors to earn the badge. If they drop below on any one, the badge is automatically removed. These checks are refreshed monthly, with no manual intervention.
Can travel providers or Skyscanner influence who gets the badge?
No. The Recommended Provider Badge isn't for sale, and it's not awarded manually. It's triggered automatically by an algorithm, using the data outlined above. There's no room for negotiation or human input.
Providers can influence their eligibility, but only by improving the experience they offer. A strong performance across all three metrics increases the chance of earning (and retaining) the badge, which is exactly how it's intended to work.