Are you currently making plans for your upcoming travel? Before you proceed with booking your next flight, make sure to check out Google Flights first and take advantage of these top 4 hacks! Google Flights is an excellent website that can help you find great deals on airfare. You can look up and book flights using this platform, which Google developed. However, many travelers are not aware of the full potential of Google Flights and how it can save them money and simplify their travel planning. Here are four travel hacks that you can try to make the most out of Google Flights:
1. Utilize the New Feature that Tells You the Best Time to Book
Google Flights has recently introduced a new feature that informs you about the ideal time to book your flight. When you search for a flight on Google Flights, it already provides information about whether the fares for your selected dates are low, average, or high based on historical data. Now, the search results will go a step further by informing you about the exact window of time that offers the lowest prices. This information is based on historical data, and Google has confirmed that the price trends from 2022 have remained consistent in 2023. Therefore, this feature can give you a reliable indication of the best time to book.
2. Search for Flights to Flexible Destinations
Another way to maximize the benefits of Google Flights is by searching for flexible destinations. If you haven’t decided on a specific destination yet, you can leave that field blank and only enter your departure city. Google Flights will then display a map showing all the destinations you can fly to, along with the corresponding costs for your selected dates. This is a great way to explore and find affordable destinations without having to conduct multiple searches for different locations. If you have flexible travel dates, you can adjust the calendar to search for weekend trips, 1-week trips, or 2-week trips in any given month. This will show you the lowest prices for flights to all destinations during that particular month.
3. Take Advantage of Google Flights Price Guarantee
Many people are unaware of the Price Guarantee feature on Google Flights, which allows you to get a refund if the price of your flight drops after you’ve booked it. This feature is only available if your flight search shows “Book with Google” as a booking option. When using Google Flights, you will typically have the option to book directly with the airline or through a third-party travel agency. If there is a third-party option, you should also see the “Book with Google” option. However, this feature is only applicable for flights departing from the United States. Look for the “Price Guarantee” badge when booking your flight. By selecting this option, you will receive a refund for the fare difference if the price drops before your flight. The Google Flights Price Guarantee allows you to receive up to $500 per year.
4. Set Fare Alerts to Monitor Flight Prices
Lastly, Google Flights offers the option to set fare alerts and track prices for a specific search. If you are interested in a particular trip but are not ready to book your tickets yet, you can set a fare alert and receive an email whenever the price fluctuates. You can set a fare alert for a specific destination and specific dates or track all dates for flights to a particular destination. This feature is useful when you want to keep an eye on a specific flight or all flights to a certain destination before making your final booking. Simply select “Track Prices” to receive alerts.
In conclusion, Google Flights is a powerful tool that can help you find the best deals on airfare and simplify your travel planning. By utilizing these four hacks, you can make the most of Google Flights and save money on your next trip. Happy travels!
Get more travel hacks here with the Travel Hacking Pocket Guide
