Master Google Flights to Find the Best Airfare Deals

1. The Google Flights Advantage: Why Start Here?

There are many flight search engines out there, but Google Flights stands out for several compelling reasons. Its speed and comprehensive search capabilities make it an ideal starting point for any flight search. Unlike some other sites, Google Flights often links directly to the airline's website, which avoids extra fees and often streamlines the booking process. You can quickly compare prices from various airlines and travel agencies. Also, Google Flights provides detailed tracking tools so you can save a lot of money!

2. Basic Search

To use Google Flights, simply go to the official webiste. Enter your departure and arrival airports, select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers. Use the calendar to select your departure and return dates. If your dates are flexible, click on the calendar icon to see a grid of fare prices for an entire month.

It is important that you use official airport codes. Three-letter codes designate airports worldwide. Familiarizing yourself with the common airport codes can help you find the right flight.

Don't rush to click the "Search" button just yet. There are more options.

3. Explore Feature to Discover Hidden Destinations and Deals

One of the most powerful features of Google Flights is the 'Explore' function. Instead of entering specific locations, simply enter your departure airport and click the 'Explore' button. Google Flights will display a map with fares to destinations all over the world. You can zoom in and out on the cities.

Use the filters (like 'interests,' 'duration,' and 'nearby airport searches') to refine your search and discover destinations that fit your preferences and budget.

For example: If you are looking for a beach vacation within a certain budget, select 'Beaches' under the 'Interests' filter and enter your desired price range. Google Flights will show you all the destinations that match your criteria, allowing you to find hidden gems and spontaneous getaways.

4. Price Graph & Date Grid to Uncover the Cheapest Travel Dates

One of the essential options to save some money is to utilize the Price Graph & Date Grid! If your exact travel dates are flexible, the 'Price Graph' and 'Date Grid' are invaluable tools to find the cheapest times to fly. After entering your origin and destination, click on the calendar icon to access the 'Date Grid' view. This grid displays the lowest fares for each day of the month, allowing you to easily identify the cheapest departure and return dates. Google Flights will list the fares in green, indicating how cheap the dates are. The green designation helps with speed when narrowing your dates down the most cost-effective days.

To take a closer look at price trends, click on the 'Price Graph' tab. This graph shows how fares vary over time, allowing you to spot potential discounts or price increases. This is especially useful for seasonal travel, where fares fluctuate significantly depending on the time of year.

5. Get Notified of Fare Drops

Once you've found a flight you like, but aren't quite ready to book, use Google Flights' 'Track Prices' feature. Click the 'Track Prices' toggle to receive email notifications whenever the fare changes. This allows you to monitor price fluctuations and book when you're confident you're getting a good deal. The 'Track Prices' feature also works for specific dates and for 'any dates.' This means if you aren't sure when to travel, select the 'Any dates' settings and Google Flights will track price drops for the specific route in the next 3-6 months! To stay aware of any movement in price, Google Flights provides this option, so you are not caught unaware.

6. Use Advanced Search Filters to Customize Your Search to Perfection

Google Flights offers an array of advanced search filters to fine-tune your results and find the perfect flight for your needs. To access these filters, click on the "Stops," "Bags," "Price," and "More" options at the top of the search results page. These filters are especially useful for travelers who have specific preferences or requirements.

• Stops: Specify the maximum number of stops you're willing to tolerate, including non-stop or 1-stop only flights. Be willing to use flights with multiple stops for a cheaper price!
• Bags: Indicate the number of checked bags you plan to bring. Google Flights will factor in baggage fees to provide a more accurate cost estimate.
• Price: Set a maximum price to eliminate flights that exceed your budget.
• More: Filtered by airlines, connecting airports, flight duration, and even CO2 emissions.

7. Multi-City Search to Plan Complex Itineraries with Ease

Planning a trip with multiple destinations? Use Google Flights' "Multi-city" search to create complex itineraries with ease. You can book legs one-way using this feature to save the most money.

Navigate to the Google Flights homepage and select "Multi-city." Enter your origin, destination, and dates for each leg of your journey. Google Flights will then search for flights that fit your itinerary, allowing you to book all your flights in one go.

8. Know Airline Baggage Policies

Baggage fees can add a significant cost to your flight. Fortunately, Google Flights provides information about airline baggage policies to help you avoid surprises. When viewing your flight options, click on the "Bags" information to see the baggage allowance and fees for each airline. The Google Flights interface does not specifically tell you the prices of checking luggage.

9. Hidden Features & Pro Tips

Beyond the standard features, Google Flights has a few hidden tricks that can help you save even more money:

• Explore Nearby Airports: When entering your departure and arrival airports, select the "Nearby Airports" option to search for flights from neighboring airports. This can sometimes reveal cheaper fares.
• Search for Open-Jaw Itineraries: An open-jaw itinerary is when you fly into one airport and fly out of another. This can be cheaper than booking a round-trip flight and can be especially useful for multi-city trips.
• Use Incognito Mode (Maybe): While there's no definitive proof that incognito mode affects fares, it might be worth trying to clear your browser's cache and cookies to see if it makes a difference.
Browse all deals