Are you ready to become a savvy airfare shopper? With a little know-how and the right tools, you can unlock amazing deals on flights to anywhere in the world. Google Flights is a powerful search engine that can help you find the cheapest tickets with ease.
In this article, we’ll share 7 pro tips to help you master Google Flights and score unbeatable prices on airfare. Say goodbye to overpaying for flights and hello to more money in your pocket for your dream destinations. Let’s get started!
Flex Your Dates for the Ideal Deals
One of the best ways to find cheaper flights is to be flexible with your travel dates. Google Flights makes this easy with their handy calendar view.
After entering your origin and destination, click on the departure date field. You’ll see the calendar populate with prices for different days. Scroll through a couple months and look for the dates with the lowest fares. Even shifting your trip by a day or two can sometimes save you hundreds.
Discover Cheaper Airports and Routes
Did you know flying into or out of different airports can impact the price? With Google Flights, you can quickly compare nearby airports to see if you can snag a deal.
Click “Nearby Airports” under your origin or destination. The map will show prices for alternate airports in the region. You may find significantly lower fares from a different airport that’s still convenient to your destination.
Set Price Alerts to Grab Deals
Airfare prices are constantly fluctuating based on supply and demand. Instead of checking Google Flights every day, let price alerts do the work for you.
After searching for a specific route and dates, toggle on the “Track prices” switch. Google Flights will now email you whenever the price changes for those flights. Jump on good deals as soon as you’re notified.
Use the Explore Map to Spark Ideas
Feeling adventurous but not sure where to go? The Explore map can help you brainstorm destinations you may not have considered.
On the Google Flights homepage, click “Explore” in the menu. Enter your origin city and preferred trip length. The interactive map will display flight prices to cities all over the world. Zoom in on a region that interests you and see what deals await.
Filter Results to Match Your Preferences
Google Flights offers robust filters to narrow down the mountain of search results. Take advantage of them to find flights that best suit your needs and budget.
Use the sliders to set your max price and preferred times for departing and arriving. Exclude stops or select your favorite airlines. You can even filter by connecting airports, in case you want to avoid certain layovers.
Book at the Right Time
While there’s no sure way to predict price dips, booking at the right time can increase your odds of securing a great deal. Many experts recommend booking international flights 2-6 months in advance, depending on the season. For domestic flights, 1-3 months ahead is usually the sweet spot.
Of course, booking last-minute can sometimes yield surprising deals, especially for off-peak travel periods. But in general, planning ahead will give you the most options at the best prices.
Consider Booking Directly with the Airline
Once you’ve found an amazing deal, consider checking the airline’s own website before booking. While Google Flights does an excellent job of finding the cheapest fares across the web, occasionally the airline itself may have an even lower price or special web-only deals.
Booking directly with the airline can also make changing or cancelling your reservation easier if the need arises. It’s worth taking a quick look to compare before you enter your credit card number.
With these 7 pro tips, you’re well on your way to becoming a Google Flights power user. Remember, finding cheap airfare is part art, part science. Stay patient, keep an open mind, and be ready to pounce when a hot deal pops up.
Happy travels and here’s to spending less on flights and more on unforgettable experiences when you arrive. Bon voyage!
