Kiwi.com
Founded in 2012 in Brno, Czech Republic, Kiwi.com—originally launched as SkyPicker.com by entrepreneurs Oliver Dlouhy and Jozef Képesi—has evolved into one of Europe's largest and most innovative travel platforms. In 2016, the company rebranded to Kiwi.com after acquiring the premium domain name for $800,000, signaling a bold step toward global recognition.
Today, Kiwi.com processes over 100 million travel searches daily and facilitates the sale of travel itineraries worth billions of CZK annually, making it a leader in the online travel industry.
The company is backed by global private equity firm General Atlantic, which acquired a majority stake in 2019. Despite this, the founding team retains a significant share, ensuring that the original vision continues to drive the business forward.
What Makes Kiwi.com Different?
Proprietary Tech: “Virtual Interlining”
At the heart of Kiwi.com is its Kiwi-Code, a proprietary algorithm that allows travelers to combine flights, trains, and buses from over 750 carriers—even when those providers don't traditionally cooperate. This technology enables the creation of ultra-flexible, low-cost itineraries that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere.
Nomad: Plan Smarter, Not Harder
The Nomad tool offers optimized multi-city travel planning by calculating the most cost-effective route across multiple destinations. It's ideal for backpackers, digital nomads, and adventurous vacationers.
Kiwi.com Guarantee
- Automatic rebooking or refunds
- Instant travel credits
- 24/7 multilingual support
- Automatic check-ins and alternative travel options
Powerful Mobile App
- Hidden-city ticketing
- Self-transfer coordination
- Real-time itinerary updates
- Throwaway ticketing (for savvy travelers)
- Security checkpoint ETAs
- Digital boarding passes and travel alerts
Strategic Growth & Global Presence
Kiwi.com maintains strong partnerships with major global carriers, including Ryanair, easyJet, American Airlines, and Air France-KLM, often through NDC API integrations for direct fare access.
The company continues to scale globally with offices in Prague, London, Miami, Bratislava, and Barcelona, among others.
In 2023, Kiwi.com achieved €300 million in revenue, selling around 25 million seats. The company is aiming for 30–35% year-over-year growth, especially in key markets like Spain and Southern Europe.
Customer Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Honest
Positive Reviews:
- Users often highlight Kiwi.com’s ability to find cheaper fares and creative itineraries not available on traditional OTAs.
- Great for budget-conscious travelers and those open to adventurous, non-standard routes.
Criticisms & Concerns:
- Invalid PNRs
- Last-minute flight cancellations
- Delayed or denied refunds
- Difficulty reaching customer service
Innovation-Driven Travel
- AI-powered travel assistants that deliver real-time updates, airport insights, and flight disruption support
- Automatic fare scanning tools that uncover deals based on travel preferences, date flexibility, and regional trends
Final Thoughts: Is Kiwi.com Right for You?
- You're looking for budget-friendly routes
- You're flexible with connections and layovers
- You need to build custom multi-stop itineraries
- You want to access deals across different modes of transport
Use caution and consider the following tips:
- Always read the refund and guarantee policy in detail
- Consider third-party travel insurance
- Be ready to manage itinerary changes on your own if needed
Unmatched Savings & Smart Itinerary Options
Affordable fares without compromise
Travelers consistently praise Kiwi.com for uncovering flights that are significantly cheaper than mainstream platforms. Budget-conscious globetrotters have shared stories of finding flights for €250 instead of €1000—effectively turning “maybe someday” trips into affordable realities.
Game-changing virtual interlining
Unlike traditional travel sites, Kiwi.com’s proprietary technology pieces together unconventional multi-leg journeys across over 750 airlines, buses, and trains—even if those carriers don’t officially partner.
Streamlined Booking & Travel Assistance
- Check-in and baggage support—automated and stress-free
- Fast, responsive customer service—even on weekends
Tech-Powered Features & Seamless Interface
- Multi-city trip builder
- Flexible radius search
- Fare alerts
From transparent pricing (taxes and fees clearly shown) to a clean, uncluttered layout, users often say the Kiwi interface makes booking less stressful and more efficient than traditional sites.
Real Stories from Frequent Travelers
Trusted by loyal users
Many seasoned travelers have used Kiwi.com for dozens of trips without issues. Positive testimonials show that when used strategically, Kiwi.com can become a go-to travel planning tool.
Strengths at a Glance
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Budget-friendly | Savings of 20–50% vs. traditional airline sites |
| Flexible routing | Discover routes airlines don’t promote or partner on |
| User tools | Price alerts, check-ins, and luggage options all in one place |
| Fast support | 24/7 response times—often within two hours |
| Proven reliability | Repeat travelers trust it for consistent, smooth bookings |
Pro Tips for Using Kiwi.com Like a Pro
- Review baggage terms carefully
- Choose layover windows wisely
- Use the app
- Save receipts
- Set fare alerts early
Final Verdict: A Platform Worth Exploring
Kiwi.com is not just another flight search engine—it’s a smart travel companion that unlocks routes, savings, and flexibility traditional platforms can’t offer. While it’s not immune to the challenges of modern air travel (especially during disruptions), it shines for users who are prepared, adaptable, and cost-conscious.
If you're looking to save big, discover unexpected routes, or manage complex trips more efficiently, Kiwi.com might just be your new favorite travel hack.