1. Understanding Google Flights Interface
Google Flights has a user-friendly interface designed to simplify flight searches. Once you visit the website or open the app, you can input your departure and destination cities, select your dates, and begin your search. You’ll be greeted with a variety of options tailored to your preferences. The main screen offers an interactive calendar with price trends, so you can easily see the lowest prices available for different dates.
Popular booking sites such as Expedia, Skyscanner, Priceline, and Kayak are often included in the search results when you use Google Flights, providing you with a wider range of booking options. After selecting a flight, you may be redirected to one of these websites, or to the airline’s official page, to complete your booking.
2. Use Flexible Dates to Save Money
One of the most valuable features of Google Flights is its flexibility when it comes to travel dates. The calendar view shows the cheapest dates for your trip, which makes it easier to adjust your travel plans. If your dates are flexible, Google Flights will highlight the days when you can save the most money, allowing you to plan accordingly.
Additionally, Google Flights provides a price graph that shows you the cost trend over time. This tool is invaluable for travelers who are willing to adjust their plans to find better deals. It’s a great way to identify the cheapest days to fly, helping you avoid overpriced travel periods.
Popular airlines such as Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa are displayed alongside the lowest-priced flight options, helping you find the most economical tickets.
3. Use the “Track Prices” Feature
If you’ve found a flight that fits your needs but isn’t quite at the price point you’re comfortable with, Google Flights’ “Track Prices” feature is a game-changer. By turning on this feature, you’ll receive email alerts when there’s a price change for the flight you’re interested in. This means you won’t have to constantly monitor the prices on your own—Google Flights will do it for you.
This feature works particularly well for travelers who are planning trips well in advance and want to book at the most cost-effective price possible. Whether you’re interested in flying with American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, or JetBlue Airways, tracking prices can ensure you get the best deal.
4. Explore Nearby Airports
Sometimes flying into a nearby airport can save you money. Google Flights makes it easy to see options for alternate airports near your destination. Simply click on the “Nearby airports” tab to expand your flight options and potentially discover cheaper alternatives. This is especially useful for major cities with multiple airports, like New York, London, or Los Angeles. By being flexible about where you fly into, you might be able to save on both airfare and transportation to your final destination.
For instance, if you’re traveling to New York City, you might find better deals flying into Newark Liberty International Airport rather than John F. Kennedy International Airport. Similarly, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or Orly Airport can offer different pricing depending on availability and season.
5. Filter Your Flight Search Results
Google Flights provides a variety of filters to help you narrow down your search results. You can filter your results based on airline preference, flight duration, number of stops, and more. This allows you to find flights that match your specific needs. For example, if you prefer non-stop flights, simply check the “Non-stop” box to remove all other options.
For travelers who prioritize particular airlines, Google Flights allows you to filter based on popular carriers like Delta, Air France, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines. It’s also possible to choose flights that align with your desired travel times or layovers, giving you the flexibility to make smart choices based on your schedule.
6. Consider Airline and Booking Site Choices
Although Google Flights displays a variety of options, it doesn’t always handle the final booking. It will show you flight details and price comparisons, but when you click “Select,” you’ll be redirected to the airline’s website or a booking site like Expedia, Priceline, or Orbitz to complete the booking. While Google Flights gives you a broad view of available options, checking the airline’s website directly can sometimes reveal exclusive offers or loyalty rewards. You may also want to compare prices across other booking sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
7. Check Google Flights’ “Explore” Tool
If you’re unsure of where to go or want to see where you can travel within your budget, Google Flights has an “Explore” feature that allows you to browse destinations by budget, interests, and flight duration. Simply enter your departure city and let Google Flights show you options based on the price range you’re willing to spend. This is a fun way to explore new destinations and can inspire your next vacation, whether you’re looking for a tropical beach, a cultural city, or a nature-focused getaway.
