Is momondo Legit? Owner, Bookings and Refunds (2026)

Booking flights is one of the biggest online purchases most of us make, so a quick check on a name like momondo is sensible. I've read its about page, its terms and Wikipedia's record, and the key point is that momondo works differently from a normal travel agent.

Who owns momondo and where it started

According to Wikipedia, momondo was founded in 2006 in Denmark by Thorvald Stigsen and is headquartered in Copenhagen. In 2017 Booking Holdings acquired the Momondo Group, which owned momondo and Cheapflights, for 550 million US dollars, and KAYAK manages the brand.

momondo's own about page agrees on the key line: it says momondo is managed by KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings Inc. Its terms add that momondo refers to KAYAK Software Corporation. That's a large, listed parent behind the name, which is a good sign for legitimacy.

What momondo is: a search site, not a seller

momondo's about page describes it as a travel metasearch site that finds and compares offers on flights, hotels, car rentals and package holidays. It then says plainly that it doesn't sell flight tickets, hotel rooms or car rental deals. Instead, it shows you options and sends you to the chosen provider's site to finish the booking.

Its terms use the same idea: the website is a travel search engine, and momondo says it doesn't provide, own or control the travel products shown, which belong to third-party travel providers. If you've used price comparison for insurance or energy, it's the same model.

Who you pay and who handles problems

This is the part that surprises people. momondo's terms say the booking is made with the travel provider named on the booking page, and that issues with a booking or the trip should be resolved with that provider. The terms also say momondo doesn't bear responsibility if something goes wrong with a booking or during travel.

So when someone says momondo ripped them off, the real question is usually which provider they booked with. Before you pay, look at who the seller is, then read that company's terms for changes, cancellations and refunds.

What I checked	What momondo's pages say
Who owns it?	KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings Inc.
Does it sell tickets?	No: it says it doesn't sell flight tickets, hotel rooms or car rental deals
Who handles a booking problem?	The travel provider named on the booking page
Are prices fixed?	No: the terms say prices can change and extra fees may apply
Is it free to use?	Its about page says the service is free for users

Prices, fees and Mix & Match bookings

momondo's terms say it's not possible to guarantee the prices displayed on its website, because prices change and extra fees may apply. So treat the price you see as a guide and check the final total on the provider's page before you enter card details.

The terms also explain Mix & Match bookings. These are separate reservations, so a change to one doesn't affect the other. If you combine two airlines that way, a delay on the first flight won't automatically protect your connection on the second, so build in plenty of time.

Does momondo charge you to search?

momondo's about page says the service is free for users, with no booking fees or hidden charges. It doesn't explain its revenue model on that page, so I won't guess how it earns money. What matters for you is that the provider you book with may add its own fees, which the terms warn about when they say extra fees may apply.

A sensible habit is to open two or three providers for the same trip and compare the final total at the payment step, not the headline price on the results page. Check baggage, seat selection and card fees too, because those are often where the difference appears.

If your flight is cancelled

Because momondo isn't the seller, a cancelled flight is a matter between you and the airline or booking provider. Contact whoever took your payment first, and keep your confirmation emails. If a cancellation leaves you out of pocket, my guide on how long you have to claim compensation after a cancellation explains the timing questions to ask.

Spotting fake travel sites and phishing

Travel is a favourite for scammers, who copy familiar names. A site that only looks like momondo, or a message urging you to pay quickly, deserves suspicion.

• Check the address carefully before you enter any payment details.
• On the provider's page, confirm the company name matches the one shown on the booking page.
• Don't pay by bank transfer, gift card or a link sent over chat.
• Be cautious with unexpected emails about a booking you didn't make.

The same habits that help with fake products help here. My guide to spotting a fake review is useful when you're judging an unfamiliar travel provider, and my ChatGPT trip-planning prompts can help you plan a route before you search.

My verdict on momondo

This is a legitimate comparison site with a clear owner and a clear explanation of how it works. It isn't where your money goes, so the safety of your booking depends on the provider you choose. Compare there, read the seller's terms and keep your confirmations safe.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns momondo?

momondo says it's managed by KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings Inc. Wikipedia says Booking Holdings acquired the Momondo Group in 2017.

Does momondo sell flights?

No. Its about page says it doesn't sell flight tickets, hotel rooms or car rental deals, and sends you to the provider's site to book.

Who do I contact about a booking problem?

momondo's terms say issues with a booking should be resolved with the travel provider named on the booking page.

Are momondo's prices fixed?

No. Its terms say it isn't possible to guarantee displayed prices because prices change and extra fees may apply.

What is a Mix & Match booking?

Its terms say these are separate reservations, so a change to one doesn't affect the other.