What to Know Before Using Google Flights
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Traveler buyers guide
Google Flights is a versatile tool for searching and booking flights, offering extensive filters and customization options to suit a variety of travel needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to making the most of it:
Key Features of Google Flights
- Ease of Use
- Simple search interface for one-way, round-trip, or multi-city itineraries.
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Directs you to the airline or booking site for ticket purchase.
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Customizable Filters
- Price: Set a budget cap to filter out expensive options.
- Stops: Choose nonstops or limit the number of layovers.
- Departure Times: Filter flights by specific takeoff or landing times.
- Airlines: Narrow searches to preferred airlines or alliances (e.g., Star Alliance, SkyTeam).
- Luggage: Include baggage options to avoid additional fees.
- Layovers: Select layover locations and durations.
- Flight Duration: Limit the total trip time for faster routes.
- Eco-Friendly Flights: Highlight flights with lower carbon emissions.
How to Save Money with Google Flights
- Use the Fare Calendar
- View prices across a two-month window to identify the cheapest travel dates.
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Highlighted fares in green indicate the best deals.
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Search Multiple Airports
- Include nearby airports in your search for more affordable options.
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Example: Expanding your search might reveal a $176 fare versus $228.
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Allow Separate Tickets
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Google can display cheaper itineraries that require booking one-way tickets on different airlines.
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Set Price Alerts
- Get email notifications when flight prices drop.
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Google also provides historical pricing trends for certain routes.
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Use the Google Flights Explorer Tool
- Plan flexible trips by setting broad parameters like travel dates, budget, and class preferences.
- A map displays available destinations within your criteria.
Why Google Flights is Cheaper
- Offers direct links to airlines, avoiding third-party markups.
- Comprehensive search algorithms find the best deals by comparing multiple sources.
Additional Tools for Maximizing Value
- Flight Alerts: Stay updated on price changes for specific routes.
- Price History Graphs: Access historical data to gauge whether you’re booking at the best time.
- Advanced Features: Customize itineraries with unique filters like baggage or layovers.
Final Thoughts
Google Flights is a powerful and user-friendly platform for finding affordable flights tailored to your travel needs. Use its advanced filters, fare calendar, and multi-airport searches to secure the best deals. Pair it with a rewards credit card to save even more and enhance your travel experience.
