Google Flights Hacks in 2024 for Budget-Friendly Plane Tickets

While navigating the vast sea of flight search platforms to find your next flight out of the country, you’ve undoubtedly encountered various industry giants like Kayak, Expedia, and Hopper. It’s tempting to pick and stay faithful to just one of them because they all come with alluring deals and promised savings.

However, you might be missing out. There is a single game-changing contender that is soaring above the rest: Google Flights.

Google Flights is your dependable and versatile ally in discovering the most affordable and convenient flights. This powerful tool is crafted with:

• state-of-the-art technology
• ingenious features
• an unparalleled range of customizable filters to help you zero in on the perfect itineraries tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

What truly sets Google Flights apart is its robust connection with virtually all airlines, allowing you to book directly without relying on third-party sites and intermediaries. 

This seamless, secure approach empowers you to confidently turn your travel aspirations into reality, and it’s super easy to see why it’s a favorite tool among all travelers.

Getting Started: How to Use Google Flights to Its Full Potential

To embark on a quest for the cheapest flights with Google Flights, all you have to do is click here.

And this is where the fun starts. On the right side of the dashboard, you can find the hamburger button ☰ (Main Menu), which upon clicking, will reveal all the features that make Google Flights a certified favorite among jet-setters. 

These features enable you to discover ideal accommodations, must-visit attractions, and engaging activities tailored to your interests. They also allow you to preview the prices of flights you’ve selected to track and adjust language and currency settings for a more native experience.

It does not come better than this. A simple, all-in-one user-friendly hub that helps you plan each aspect of your journey. But since we are focusing on the nitty-gritty of finding cheap airfare, simply click on the Flights button, and you can start planning.

With a simple click of a button, you can adjust your departure location and destination, and what’s more, you can pick a date that best fits your travel flights or, if you are flexible, pick the one on which airfare is the cheapest. 

A cool trick to pinpoint that is to use the Google Flights Calendar. To better preview the prices on a select flight, click on the dates, and an interactive calendar will pop up.

With the calendar, you can preview the available departure flights, available return dates, and their prices. And best of all, you can book a flight directly, but more on that later.

Bonus Tip: Look for the prices that are highlighted in green. The green color indicates the best deals on flights, and it’s a no-brainer that you should leverage it.

But that’s not the end of the powerful features Google Flights offers. Read on below as we spill the beans on how using the filter options can save you a pretty penny and let you globe-trot the entire world without burning a hole in your pocket.

Google Flights: The Pros and Cons of Your Handy Travel Companion 

While there are both pros and cons to using Google Flights, the platform’s benefits generally outweigh its drawbacks. Let’s dive into the details:

Pros of Google Flights:

1. Unrivaled speed: Google Flights outperforms other flight search engines with its ability to display fares spanning several months in just a fraction of a second.
2. User-friendly calendar view: The platform provides a simple, intuitive calendar view that showcases the most affordable fare options 12 months in advance.
3. Flexible airport search: Google Flights allows users to search for the best fares between up to seven origin and destination airports without compromising search speed. 

In addition to that, users can tailor their search preferences by using various filters – pick their preferred airline, favorite route, etc.

4. Interactive map-based search: With the Google Flights Explore map, users can easily identify the most cost-effective destinations from their chosen airport during selected dates or date ranges and even plan impromptu adventures.
5. Informed decision-making tools: Google Flights offers valuable insights, such as whether a fare is high, low, or average for a particular trip, and even displays the carbon footprint of each flight for those conscientious travelers.

Cons of Google Flights:

1. Price discrepancies: A potential drawback of using Google Flights is the occasional occurrence of price mismatches. In some cases, the fare displayed on Google Flights may not accurately reflect the actual cost when you proceed to book through the airline or a third-party website. 

This discrepancy can be disheartening for travelers who think they’ve stumbled upon a fantastic deal only to discover that the actual price is higher than initially displayed. However, Google Flights offers a solution to this issue with its price guarantee feature. Just keep in mind that the refund is capped at $500. 

When you book a flight directly through Google Flights and encounter a price change, you become eligible for a refund. It’s important to note that this feature is currently available for only certain airlines, but we can anticipate it becoming a standard in the future. This added layer of protection ensures that you can confidently book your flights, knowing that you’re getting the best possible deal.

2. Incomplete airline coverage: Google Flights does not display results from Southwest Airlines, requiring users to check fares directly through the airline’s user-friendly Low Fare Calendar.
3. Missing hidden fares: Many mistake fares appear only on smaller OTA websites, which Google Flights may not detect. In addition to that, if you want to get sneaky and find hidden city tickets, you might want to put down Google Flights and opt for SkipLagged.
4. Occasional ghosting: At times, Google Flights may display unavailable deals or fares that have recently expired. This can lead to instances where users click to proceed with a booking only to encounter a sudden price increase or an inability to book online, requiring them to call the airline (which is generally fruitless).

Personalize Your Flight Searches with Google Flights Filters

Google Flights provides an array of filters that allow you to personalize your flight search based on your specific preferences and narrow down results to find flights that fulfill all your criteria. 

With just a few simple tweaks, you’ll be on your way toward your dream destination on flights that won’t halve your savings.

For instance, the New York area is serviced by three major airports – John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR). Each of these airports offers different airlines, routes, and pricing structures. By using Google Flights and adjusting the filters to include nearby alternative airports, you can potentially discover more affordable deals that align with your travel needs.

Moreover, this strategy is not limited to New York. Many other cities worldwide have multiple airports, and exploring these alternatives can lead to substantial savings on airfares. 

This approach may also unveil better flight schedules or less crowded airports, optimizing your overall travel experience.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Google Flights Filters

Speaking of filters, Google Flights provides an array of options that allow you to personalize your flight search based on your specific preferences and help you narrow down results to find flights that fulfill all your criteria.

Step 1: Access Google Flights: In your web browser, launch Google and visit their flights’ website directly by searching “Google Flights.”

Step 2: Enter your travel details: On Google Flights’ homepage, there are search forms where you can enter all necessary travel details.

• Departure Airport: Enter the location or airport where you will be departing. 
• Destination Airport: Input your desired city/airport of arrival. 
• Dates: Select both departure and return dates to ensure optimal travel planning.
• Travelers: Indicate the number of adults, children, and infants traveling as well as their class of service (economy, business, or otherwise).

You can filter one-way and return flights to better plan your journey.

Step 3: Exploring basic search results: Once you have entered your travel details and clicked the “Search” button, Google Flights will present a list of flights matching those criteria based on airlines, prices, and departure times.

If you want to take your experience to a whole new level, the additional filters will allow you to do exactly that. To customize your flight search experience further, click the hamburger button. A panel displaying various filtering options will appear on the left side of your screen. 

In a nutshell – with the filters, you can tailor your experience to your liking. Here’s how. 

• Stops: Filter flights by several stops (nonstop flights, one-stop flights, etc.) that best meet your preferences for convenience or cost savings.
• Airlines: Choose specific airlines of which you are a die-hard fan and want to fly, such as Star Alliance or Frontier, and travel the way you desire.
• Price Range: By scrolling down, you can find a slider that will allow you to set the maximum cost you are willing to spend for your flight. 
• Duration: Enter the desired flight duration range to find flights that suit your schedule. 
• Times: Enter the desired departure and arrival times as desired.
• Next to the blue “All filters,” you can further tailor your flight preferences – bag selection, carbon emissions, flight durations, price, and so much more.

If you are a traveler extraordinaire and have flexibility as an ace up your sleeve, you don’t have to limit your search to one destination. 

You can add multiple areas that are near your planned destination and probably unearth much cheaper fares. 

This is where Google Flights Explore can come in handy, as you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the cheapest airfare options both for domestic and international flights.

Get Notified With Alerts

If you are constantly on the go and don’t have time to scour the internet for cheap flights, setting up Google Flights Alerts saves the day.

Open up the main menu, input your travel details, and enable the “Track prices” or “Get price alerts” feature. From there, you can customize further by specifying target prices or airlines, tracking flights with your preferred departure and return date, and so much more. 

After that, you will receive notifications wherever there’s a price update so that you can make better and more informed decisions, helping you hop on a cheap flight toward your destination.

To receive notifications, you have to be logged in with your Google Account in order to receive email notifications.

Furthermore, when you click on a certain flight for more info, you will also receive a price history graph showing how the prices fluctuated and whether you can expect a further increase or a decrease.

Book Directly to Savings

Google Flights has made booking flights a walk in the park, eliminating the need for third-party search engines or OTAs such as Kayak, Expedia, or Priceline. 

While those other platforms are not to be ignored, some simply prefer the all-in-one solution to find the cheapest air flight due to its easy-to-navigate interface. All you have to do to get your hands on plane tickets is to navigate to the search box and input your departure airport and destination.

Once flights appear, click on the one you find most appealing, and you will see the giant “Booking Options” feature. 

In some instances, you will be able to choose from various options, and they will have different prices. 

You can also preview the features and commodities you will enjoy during the flight, such as seat selection, priority boarding, etc. 

And once you press “Continue,” you will be redirected to the respective airline’s website, where you can complete the transactions.

Please note that the booking process will vary depending on the airline or the travel agency you decide to book with, so always read online reviews, check the fine print, and ensure that you are only getting the best deal.

Find Your Dream Getaway with Google Flight Explore

Planning your dream vacation has never been easier, more enjoyable, or more affordable. 

With Google Flight Explore’s innovative and immersive search function, finding your dream destination is a breeze. Simply enter your departure city and your preferred travel dates, and let Google do the rest, presenting you with the best destinations and flight deals across continents. 

This Google Flight feature allows you to dive into a realm of new possibilities with the interactive map, enabling you to explore countless destinations and hidden gems worldwide. 

Many think that planning a vacation is all about getting out the biggest piece of paper and the smallest ballpoint pen and writing down certain destinations that they want to check off their bucket list.

With the explore feature, it’s all about adventure. Open up the Explore map by clicking on the Explore button in the grid where the Google logo is visible. After that, you will be greeted with a map on which various flights and prices will be displayed, setting you up for a one-of-a-kind experience. 

With the power of flexible flight planning and positioning flights, the entire world is within your reach, just waiting to be discovered through your preferred airline. Embrace the freedom of exploration and let your wanderlust guide you as you venture into the unknown.

Here are some tips on how you can use Google Flights to fill your life with adventures:

• Input your starting point and desired destination: Feel free to be precise or general, such as Florida, USA, Asia, or Africa.
• Pick your travel timeframe: Opt for fixed or flexible dates. Remember that prices can vary significantly, so try different date ranges for better and more budget-friendly options, search within the next six months.
• Navigate the interactive map: Pan and zoom to uncover new locations and airfares.
• Dive deeper into potential destinations: Select a city of interest and click “View Flights” to access flight choices and further information.
• Watch for fares highlighted in green: These signify the most affordable prices for your chosen time period or trip duration.

Google Flights Explore is a feature that excellently serves travelers that are spontaneous and are planning their trips with flexibility and frugality. It can help you envision your entire journey from a bird’s eye point of view. 

Elevate Your Travel Experience with Google Flights 101

Google Flights outshines its competitors with an advanced algorithm that scans millions of flights instantly, delivering the most attractive travel deals right to your fingertips and helping travelers dodge expensive flights. 

Boasting a user-friendly interface and packed with irresistible features, Google Flights enables you to fine-tune your search effortlessly. The power of its intuitive filters allows you to find the perfect flights that cater to your specific requirement, whether you want to fly directly, have layovers, or explore alternative routes for the best deals. 

From adjusting departure or arrival times, airline preferences, and flight times, to onboard amenities such as Wi-Fi – Google Flights is all the help you need to pursue seamless and enjoyable travel experiences.

With Google Flights by your side, you’ll effortlessly navigate the world of air travel, unlocking unforgettable adventures without compromising on comfort or budget. Another great addition for those moments when wanderlust strikes but your next destination remains uncertain is the Google Flights Explore option as previously mentioned above. 

As great as Google Flights is, savvy travelers always crave the best deals, and not all of them have the time to endlessly browse search engines to get the best deals. This is where Matt’s Flights comes into the picture. 

Unlock Mind-Blowing Savings with Google Flights

It’s hard to imagine times pre-2011 when Google Flights did not exist. While airfares were far cheaper back then, the current situation begs the question – just how much could individuals save on flights back then if they had something like Google Flights in their pocket?

Features such as price tracking, Google Explore, and alerts have now made it possible for jet-setters to enjoy breathtaking worldwide adventures without breaking the bank.

There are so many ways Google Flights can save you money. For starters, you can compare prices across various airlines and pick the one that offers the best deals. Going further, you can see which airports are budget-friendlier and find the cheapest date saving yourself hundreds of dollars.

And while we are at it, let’s take a step back and discuss how Google Flight’s uniqueness compares to other tools. Google Flights is strictly a search engine, while other tools such as Kayak, Skyscanner, Orbit, Priceline, and Expedia are OTAs. 

Google Flights, in comparison to OTAs, serves as a global distribution platform where airlines directly list their fares. Essentially, it’s a comprehensive hub for flight bookings.

Dispel the Myth of Expensive Travel with Google Flights

The convenient features of Google Flights make it stand apart from other platforms, truly dispelling the myth of expensive travel. While it’s a fact that airfares are increasing, with just a bit of research and flexibility, you can visit the travel destination of your dreams for an acceptable price.

The real-time comparison of prices provides users with instant access to the best deals, allowing them to make informed decisions without wasting time on extensive searches. One unique feature of Google Flights is the ability to search for flights without a set destination, which brings a whole new level of flexibility to travel planning.

This is supported by the suggested trips feature, which curates a list of possible destinations based on the user’s interests or preferred duration of the journey. 

Moreover, Google Flights offers seasonal destination suggestions, increasing the likelihood of finding the perfect vacation spot.

With a treasure trove of features and unrivaled ease of use, Google Flights is revolutionizing the way we plan and book our trips, making affordable and enjoyable travel a reality for everyone. On average, one in ten frequent travelers starts their search with Google Flights.

With its wide range of filters, it can narrow down your search to find the best possible flight for your needs, as it is simply the best travel guide everyone desires.

Get the best flight deals delivered straight to your inbox with Matt’s Flights, and then effortlessly refine your search on Google Flights to custom-fit the perfect flight that matches your every preference.

Which Airlines are Not on Google Flights

While Google Flights is a popular search engine for most commercial flights, some lesser-known airline options aren’t available. These airlines are definitely worth exploring as you can often find the lowest prices, distinctive features, and a truly adventurous experience there. 

For instance, Southwest is not listed on Google Flights, but it’s a major player notorious for its affordable fares and no-frills approach. With two free checked bags and a straightforward Rapid Rewards program, it’s worth checking their website directly for deals if you are interested in flying with them.

If you want to travel with a specific airline that you know always provides good deals on airfare but it’s not listed on Google Flights, consider other alternatives. As the saying goes, variety is the spice of life – and of finding the best flight deals! Consider relying on alternative travel tools to broaden your airline choices and chance upon great deals. 

Here are some services that go the extra mile:

1. Skyscanner – Skyscanner combs through more airlines than Google Flights, uncovering best-value flights, and its handy calendar view lets you spot the cheapest day to fly easily. Visit their website or download the app.
2. Momondo – Casting an even wider net than Skyscanner, Momondo catches deals from more travel agencies and meta-search sites. Its website boasts a colorful presentation and uses filters to adjust your results.

With these alternative solutions straight from the toolbox of jet-setters, you can rest assured that you are armed with the knowledge to conquer and unearth the best flight deals. Wishing you a thrilling adventure and an experience that’ll leave you soaring to new heights!

Unearth the Best Flight Deals with Google Flights

By now, you ought to know that Google Flights is the ultimate all-in-one planner. Seriously, you can even take a peek at how much legroom you have on a certain flight. 

All you have to do is click on a flight you want to take, and more info will appear on your screen.

Maximize Your Savings with Proven Google Flights Tips

The tips for finding cheap fares with Google simply can’t end, and that’s the best part. Wondering whether you’ve found a good deal on airfare? Don’t wonder, GoogleFlights will tell you.

This sleek price info box will show you whether you are getting a good deal on airfare. If the ball is towards the red side of the axis, it’s in your wallet’s best interest to follow some of our other tips and save on airfare. On the other hand, if it’s towards the middle, you are paying the average price for that particular destination.

Another great strategy to use on Google Flights is to leverage the date grid once you input your departure location and destination. It’s fairly simple to use, and it helps you pinpoint on which days you can find the cheapest flights, just like the calendar but in a more streamlined and organized way. 

In addition to that, you can see on which days there are no flights and on which days flights will cost travelers an arm and a leg.

Frequently Asked Questions: We’ve Got You Covered!

What is Google Flights?

Google Flights is a comprehensive flight metasearch engine, employing a robust global distribution system to seamlessly access the vast inventory of flights offered by nearly every major airline worldwide. Using cutting-edge technology, Google Flights efficiently aggregates and presents a wide range of flight options, empowering users with extensive choices and valuable insights.

Unlike online travel agencies such as Priceline or Orbitz, Google Flights stands apart by prioritizing convenience and flexibility for users rather than serving as a direct booking platform. 

Its main objective is to streamline the process of searching for flights, accomplished through a user-friendly interface that empowers travelers to effortlessly explore many flight combinations, compare prices, and access up-to-the-minute availability status. 

Is it easy to use?

Essentially, Google Flights is easy to use. It presents an array of user-friendly functionalities, including the ability to conduct flexible date searches, interact with dynamic maps, and track prices in real time, all of which contribute to users’ ability to secure the most advantageous deals and optimize their trip-planning endeavors.

Moreover, Google Flights goes beyond its metasearch functionality by offering comprehensive information on airlines, airports, baggage policies, and even insights into popular destinations. It equips travelers with a wealth of data and helpful tips, empowering them to make well-informed decisions when booking their flights.

All in all, Google Flights is a reliable and innovative platform that harnesses the power of technology and extensive airline partnerships to enhance the flight search experience. Combining convenience, flexibility, and valuable information, it assists travelers in finding the ideal flights that align with their preferences and budget, making the journey planning process more efficient and enjoyable.

How does Google Flights work?

Google Flights functions as a metasearch engine tool, aggregating flight schedules, itineraries, and seat availability to give users a comprehensive overview of flight prices, including taxes. 

Additionally, Google Flights incorporates data on supplementary charges, allowing users to avoid basic economy fares and factor in baggage fees when making their travel decisions.

When users find their desired flight, they have the flexibility to make their booking directly with the respective airline or choose to use an online travel agency. It’s important to note that Google Flights, similar to its parent company, primarily serves as a search tool and does not facilitate direct flight bookings through its platform.

How reliable is Google Flights?

In short, Google Flights is very reliable—it has established a reputation for its remarkable reliability, backed by its direct access to the databases of individual airlines and online travel agencies. By sourcing information directly from these authoritative sources, Google Flights ensures the accuracy and validity of the data it presents to users. In the rare instances where errors occur, they are more likely attributable to discrepancies or updates on the airline’s end rather than any shortcomings on Google’s part. This underscores the platform’s trustworthiness and reinforces its reliability as a go-to resource for flight information.

To address the dynamic nature of flight prices, Google Flights employs various mechanisms to keep its data up to date. However, due to the rapid fluctuations in ticket prices, there might be occasional instances where the flights Google displays an outdated fare due to cached information.

It’s worth highlighting that Google Flights promptly address any inconsistencies in pricing information. The platform takes immediate action, refreshing its data in real time to ensure the most up-to-date and precise prices are displayed accurately, often resolving any discrepancies within minutes or even seconds.

How do I cancel a ticket booked through Google Flights?

If you’re seeking to cancel a ticket that was previously booked through Google Flights, the process may differ from what you might expect. Since Google Flights functions as a search tool rather than a direct booking platform, Google can’t really help you with changes or cancellations.

Instead, you’ll need to navigate the channels through which you initially made your booking. This could involve reaching out to the airline or the online travel agency with whom you arranged your travel plans. They possess the necessary systems and protocols to handle cancellation requests efficiently.

It’s important to bear in mind that each specific airline or online travel agency may maintain its own distinctive policies and guidelines concerning ticket cancellations.

Consequently, it’s highly advisable to familiarize yourself with their individual terms and conditions or seek guidance from their customer support services to ensure a smooth and successful cancellation process.

By adhering to the appropriate channels and engaging with the relevant entity, you can cancel your ticket without involving Google directly. Remember to provide the requisite information and adhere to any stipulated cancellation deadlines or prerequisites outlined by the airline or online travel agency. When considering the cancellation of your flight, it’s important to be aware of the widely recognized “24-hour rule.”. 

What’s the 24-hour rule?

This rule ensures that you have the right to a full refund when canceling flight reservations within 24 hours of booking. By acquainting yourself with the “24-hour rule” and seeking guidance from the appropriate sources, you can navigate the cancellation process confidently, potentially qualifying for a refund within the specified timeframe.

Still, whether you are eligible to receive a refund is up to the Airline’s policy, so it’s best to thoroughly do your due diligence before booking your flight.

Are all airlines available? 

There are some airlines that might not be directly accessible through Google’s systems for various reasons. One prominent omission from Google’s flight search results is Southwest Airlines, a renowned low-cost carrier that has chosen not to list its flights on the platform. While Southwest Airlines remains absent, it’s worth mentioning that Allegiant Air, which was previously missing from Google’s search, has recently made its flights available through the platform, expanding the options for travelers. In addition to Southwest Airlines, certain larger Asian airlines are also noticeably absent from Google’s flight search engine.

Airlines such as China Eastern, Air China, and various Thai Airways flights are among the notable exclusions. While these airlines may not be accessed directly through Google’s search tool, alternative sources or official airline websites can be explored to find flights offered by these carriers. Despite these exceptions, Google’s flight search tool remains a valuable resource for travelers, providing a comprehensive overview of available flights from numerous airlines. It’s advisable to consider multiple search platforms and consult official airline websites for a complete and thorough exploration of flight options. 

Why is Southwest not on Google? – Southwest Airlines operates with a distinct approach that sets it apart from other carriers, as its flights are exclusively available through its official website, Southwest.com. Unlike many other airlines, Southwest chooses not to list its fares in the global distribution systems utilized by Google to power its flight search engine.

Why is that the case?

Participating in these global distribution systems entails costs for airlines, and by opting out, airlines such as Southwest can save on these expenses. Additionally, Southwest may have strategic motivations for not readily enabling travelers to compare prices between its flights and those of other airlines. 

By maintaining a certain level of exclusivity, Southwest aims to encourage customers to primarily search for and book flights exclusively with their airline, fostering a sense of loyalty and brand preference. This unique approach underscores Southwest’s distinctive position in the airline industry, where direct bookings through their official website remain the primary avenue for accessing their flights.

How do you search for flexible dates on Google Flights? 

To commence your search, simply enter your desired flight details, including origin, destination, and travel dates. Once you’ve provided this information, Google Flights unveils its powerful features. By clicking on the dates in your search, a convenient two-month calendar emerges, displaying a comprehensive overview of flight prices. 

The lowest fares are conveniently highlighted in green, enabling you to swiftly identify the most cost-effective options. In addition to the intuitive calendar view, Google Flights goes the extra mile to enhance your savings potential. As you explore different travel dates, the search tool may offer pop-up notifications, alerting you to the potential for significant savings by adjusting your itinerary by a day or two. 

This invaluable feature empowers you to make informed decisions, optimizing both your travel plans and your budget. How do you change your search currency? Modifying your search currency on Google Flights is a straightforward process. To customize the currency displayed in your flight search results, follow these simple steps. 

First, navigate to any Google Flights page. Scrolling down the page, you’ll find the currency option located right at the bottom. Clicking on the currency option will cause a dropdown to appear, presenting you with multiple currency choices. 

Select the currency that suits your preference, and Google Flights will instantly update the flight search results to display prices in the chosen currency. Sometimes, you might even pay less, so it’s always worth tweaking around to find the cheapest options.

Empowered with impeccable travel guides such as Google Flights and Matt’s Flights, each journey through the clouds can become an exhilarating adventure while still sparing your bank account balance.

Sources

Image by Christian Wiediger

About Price Guarantee on Google Flights by Google

Travel Inflation Report: May 2023