One of the most effective online airline search tools, Google Flights is simple to use and has a tone of features to help finding cheap flights easier. It's undoubtedly the most thorough flight search engine available, and while it's not perfect, it's fairly close, especially if you know how to use it to locate the best deals for your trip.
This article will help you get the most out of Google Flights, and discover even more affordable travel options.
What is Google Flights ?
Google Flights is a web-based travel search engine that helps users find and compare flight fares, as well as book flights. It is powered by Google's search technology and is designed to make it easy for users to search for flights across multiple airlines and travel agencies, compare prices and schedules, and find the best deal for their travel needs.
Users can search for flights using various criteria, such as departure and arrival locations, dates, number of passengers, and cabin class. The search results show a list of available flights, with prices and other details, such as flight duration and layover times.
Google Flights also offers additional features, such as price tracking, which allows users to receive notifications when the price of a flight they're interested in changes, and a "flexible dates" option, which enables users to search for flights across a range of dates to find the cheapest fares. Overall, Google Flights is a useful tool for anyone looking to book flights quickly and easily while also finding the best deal.
How to Use Google Flights ?
To use Google Flights, follow these simple steps :
- Go to the Google Flights website.
- Enter your departure and arrival cities, as well as your travel dates. You can also select the number of passengers and cabin class.
- Google Flights will display a list of available flights along with their prices. You can filter the results by airline, number of stops, and other criteria using the options on the left-hand side of the screen.
- You can click on any of the flights to see more details, such as flight times, layover times, and airline information.
- If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can use the "Flexible dates" option to see prices for flights on nearby days. This can help you find cheaper flights.
- Once you find a flight you're interested in, you can click on it to see more details and then select "Book on [airline or travel agency website]" to be directed to the airline or travel agency's website to complete your booking.
- If you're not ready to book just yet, you can use the price tracking feature to monitor the price of a flight over time. You can enable notifications to receive alerts when the price drops.
Overall, Google Flights is a user-friendly tool that makes it easy to search for and compare flight prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies.
How to Book a Flight on Google ?
Here are the steps to book a flight on Google Flights:
1) Visit the Google Flights website:
Go to Google Flights by typing "Google Flights" in the search bar of your web browser or by visiting the website directly at www.google.com/flights.
2) Enter your flight details:
Start by entering your departure and destination cities, along with your travel dates. You can also select the number of passengers and cabin class.
3) Explore your options:
Google Flights will show you a list of flights based on your search criteria. You can filter your search results by airline, stops, price, and more.
4) Choose your flights:
Once you've found a flight that suits your needs, click on it to see more details. You can see the flight schedule, airline, and fare rules. You can also compare prices for different dates and times.
5) Book your flights:
Once you've found the right flights, click on the "Select" button to book your flights. You will then be directed to the airline's website or a travel booking website to complete your purchase.
It's important to note that while Google Flights is a useful tool for finding and comparing flights, it's always a good idea to double-check the prices and details on the airline or travel agency's website before completing your booking to ensure that there are no additional fees or restrictions.
How to Find Cheap Flights on Google ?
Here are some tips for finding cheap flights on Google Flights:
1) Search in incognito mode:
Some airlines may use cookies to track your search history and increase prices accordingly. To avoid this, use an incognito or private browsing window to search for flights.
2) Be flexible with your travel dates:
Google Flights allows you to search for flights across multiple days and even months. By being flexible with your travel dates, you can often find cheaper prices.
3) Use the price tracking feature:
Google Flights allows you to track prices for a particular flight or route. Simply select the flight you're interested in and turn on the "Track prices" toggle. You'll receive email notifications when the price of the flight changes.
4) Set up price alerts:
You can also set up price alerts for specific routes or destinations. Simply enter your departure and arrival cities, select your dates, and turn on the "Track prices" toggle. You'll receive email notifications when prices drop or rise.
5) Use the "Explore destinations" feature:
If you're flexible with your travel dates and don't have a specific destination in mind, you can use the "Explore destinations" feature on Google Flights to find the cheapest flights to various locations.
6) Book early or late:
Depending on the airline and route, booking early or booking late may result in cheaper prices. It's always a good idea to compare prices across different dates to see if there are any significant differences.
7) Compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies:
Google Flights allows you to compare prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies, which can help you find the best deal.
By following these tips and using Google Flights to its full potential, you can often find cheaper flights and save money on your travels.
How to Save Money with Google Flights ?
Google Flights offers several features that can help you save money on flights. Here are some tips on how to use them :
1) Set up price alerts:
Google Flights allows you to set up price alerts for specific flights or routes. When the price drops, you will receive an email notification. This can help you track prices and buy your tickets when they are at their lowest.
2) Use the "Explore" feature:
The "Explore" feature on Google Flights allows you to search for flights without specifying a destination. You can see a map of destinations and their prices, which can help you find the cheapest place to travel.
3) Be flexible with your travel dates:
Google Flights has a "Flexible dates" feature that allows you to search for flights across a range of dates. This can help you find cheaper flights by showing you which days are cheaper to fly.
4) Check nearby airports:
Google Flights allows you to search for flights from nearby airports. This can help you find cheaper flights if you're willing to drive a bit further to catch your flight.
5) Book at the right time:
Google Flights can also show you the best time to book your flights based on historical data. This can help you avoid overpaying by booking too early or too late.
Which Airlines are Listed on Google Flights ?
Google Flights searches and displays results from a wide range of airlines, both domestic and international. The airlines listed on Google Flights vary depending on your departure and destination cities, as well as your travel dates. However, some of the major airlines that are frequently listed on Google Flights include :
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Alaska Airlines
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Airways
Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and Google Flights may display results from other airlines as well.
Airlines not on Google Flights
Although Google Flights tries to include as many airlines as possible, it's possible that some airlines may not be listed on the platform. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as the airline not having a partnership with Google Flights or not offering online booking. In some cases, you may be able to find flights for these airlines by visiting their websites directly or using other travel booking websites that specialize in certain regions or types of travel.
It's fair to claim that Google Flights gives you a wide selection of possibilities for inexpensive flights because it gathers rates from more than 300 airlines and online travel providers. There are certain exceptions, though. Google Flights does not include all carriers. Southwest Airlines is a notable US exception because it doesn't list its prices on Google Flights. The figures also don't include a number of significant Asian airlines, such as Air China, China Eastern, Thai Airways, and Philippine Airlines. Several but not all of the flights operated by other airlines, including Aeromexico, Interjet, Oman Air, and EVA Air, are listed in Google Flights.
Pros of Google Flights
There are several advantages of using Google Flights :
1) User-friendly interface:
Google Flights has a clean, easy-to-use interface that makes it simple to search for and compare flights.
2) Comprehensive search results:
Google Flights searches hundreds of airlines and travel websites to provide comprehensive search results, allowing you to compare prices and find the best deal.
3) Flexible search options:
Google Flights allows you to search for flights across multiple days and even months, making it easy to find the cheapest travel dates.
4) Price tracking and alerts:
Google Flights allows you to track prices for specific flights or routes and set up price alerts, so you can be notified when prices change.
5) Multi-city search:
Google Flights allows you to search for flights with multiple stops or destinations, which can be useful for complex travel itineraries.
6) Explore destinations feature:
If you're flexible with your travel dates and don't have a specific destination in mind, Google Flights' "Explore destinations" feature allows you to see the cheapest flights to various locations.
7) No hidden fees:
Google Flights does not charge any hidden fees or commission, so you can be confident that the price you see is the price you'll pay.
Cons of Google Flights
While Google Flights has many advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to be aware of:
1) Limited options for certain airlines:
While Google Flights searches many airlines, there may be some smaller or regional airlines that are not included in the search results.
2) No customer support:
Google Flights does not offer customer support for flight bookings made through the platform. If you need assistance or have questions about your booking, you'll need to contact the airline directly.
3) Limited filtering options:
While Google Flights does allow you to filter by airline, price, and other factors, the filtering options may not be as robust as other travel booking sites.
4) Limited information on baggage fees:
Google Flights may not always provide detailed information on baggage fees or other additional charges, so you may need to check directly with the airline to understand the total cost of your flight.
5) Inconsistent prices:
While Google Flights tries to provide accurate and up-to-date pricing information, prices may sometimes fluctuate or be inconsistent across different booking platforms.
6) No loyalty program integration:
Google Flights does not integrate with airline loyalty programs, so you won't be able to earn rewards or frequent flyer miles through the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book directly from Google Flights?
While Google Flights allows you to search and compare flights, you cannot book directly from Google Flights. Instead, when you select a flight, you will be redirected to the airline's website or a travel agency's website to complete the booking process.
Does Google Flights charge a fee?
No, Google Flights does not charge a fee for using its service to search for and compare flights. It is a free tool that helps you find and compare flight prices across multiple airlines and travel agencies. However, it's important to note that the actual booking process is handled by the airline or travel agency that you select, and they may charge fees for things like baggage, seat selection, and other services. It's always a good idea to check the airline or travel agency's website for details on any fees or restrictions before completing your booking.
Can I pay Google ticket by flight?
No, Google Flights does not handle the payment for flights. When you select a flight on Google Flights, you will be redirected to the airline's website or a travel agency's website to complete the booking process and make payment for your tickets.
Why is google flights cheaper ?
Google Flights does not set or control the prices of flights, as it is simply a search engine that aggregates flight data from various airlines and travel agencies. The prices listed on Google Flights are the same as the prices listed on the airline and travel agency websites. However, it's possible that Google Flights may show cheaper prices due to the way it searches and displays flight data.
How Google Flights works?
A GDS (global distribution system) is used by Google Flights, a flight search engine, to access the inventory provided by airlines and OTAs (online travel agencies like Orbitz and Priceline). You, the customer, are then shown those pricing. Google Flights displays roundtrip costs that include taxes as well as any additional baggage costs. Once you've decided on a flight, you may either book directly with the airline or an online travel agency (OTA). Although Google Flights doesn't have an app, you may access the website from a laptop or a smartphone.
Is it better to book flights through Google?
Although you may also check costs from third-party booking websites like Kiwi.com and Trip.com, Google Flights is one of the best choices when purchasing tickets directly from the airline. It's also convenient to be able to tailor your search rather than only getting the industry-dominating curated round-trip packages.
What airline is not on Google flights?
Google Flights noticeably lacks a number of major Asian airlines, including Thai Airways and Philippine Airlines. Southwest is also the most obvious exclusion in the Nation.
Is Google Flights prices are accurate?
A dependable, legitimate, and trustworthy website for finding flights is Google Flights. Generally speaking, its prices are correct and reflect the same costs as those on the OTAs and airline websites. Google Flights prices can are inaccurate, or more precisely, the price information is dated. This typically happens as a result of a fare ghosting. This occurs when an airline changes its pricing, but Google Flights' search results don't immediately reflect the change. Even though the original fare is still listed on Google Flights, the price jumps when you go through to the airline to make a purchase.