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.
  • Directs you to the airline or booking site for ticket purchase.

  • 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.
  • Highlighted fares in green indicate the best deals.

  • Search Multiple Airports

  • Include nearby airports in your search for more affordable options.
  • Example: Expanding your search might reveal a $176 fare versus $228.

  • Allow Separate Tickets

  • Google can display cheaper itineraries that require booking one-way tickets on different airlines.

  • Set Price Alerts

  • Get email notifications when flight prices drop.
  • Google also provides historical pricing trends for certain routes.

  • 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.


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