You’ve cleared your browser cookies, set up alerts and tried happy hour deals, yet you have still haven’t been able to crack the cheapest flight code? Well Google is about to help change all that with the latest update of Google Flights.
It often feels like you are playing Russian Roulette with your credit card when you book flights as to whether or not you are getting the cheapest deal (fingers crossed). However Google said it wants to make travel planning more transparent “by updating you when flights are likely to increase in price.” Google Flights will now show you when prices are likely to increase for specific flights and routes. The fare predictions are based on historical flight data.
Get Up in the Air Even Cheaper with the ‘Tips’ Hack
The part we love is the ‘Tips’ feature that recommends alternate dates, times and airports within the proximity you are looking at to find even lower prices if you have some flexibility. This feature is perfect for longer overseas travel or planning far out. You can even filter the flight options by type of airline, duration of flight and price you’re willing to pay….we’re pretty sure the default most people are after is ‘cheap darling’.
When you search for a flight itinerary, a notification will appear that shows when the current fare is expected to expire and what the savings are if you book now. You can keep your finger on the pulse by setting up email notifications that show any price fluctuations and expected price changes of the searched itinerary.
Find the Lowest Price for any Day on the Calendar
Google Flights also shows you prices for your trip on every day of the month, with the cheapest days highlighted in green. A bar graph lets you know how prices will likely drop or rise over time.
Feeling Lucky and Wanderlusty?
You may not have used the ‘I’m feeling lucky’ feature much in the search engine, however it is pretty fun to use in Google Flights for holidays ideas. It lets Google gets its creep on (nothing new there!) and stalks suggested destinations and itineraries for you based on your search history and what’s popular. You can also tap on the ‘Explore’ section to see popular destinations.
What are your thoughts about the new Google Flights features? Do they make you want to use Google Flights? Leave a comment below 🙂
Ada
This is great post! I didn’t even know it exists! Thank you for sharing ! Cant wait to book my next flight!
Em Pryor
Thanks Ada 🙂 They’ve only just released the new features, total game changer though! I love that it is the consumer that is the winner for once, booking airfares often feels like smoke and mirrors when the prices always change, but this helps give a bit of transparency 🙂
Jo
Thanks for the heads up Em, JUst wish I’d read this before I booked my flights home for Christmas
Em Pryor
Oh no Jo! Hopefully it helps for future flights you book, now you are armed with the info 🙂
Kate @ Tell Me Tuesday
I love this new feature! Thanks for sharing! You pretty much nailed me in the first paragraph: cache cleared, multiple browsers open (Safari, Google Chrome), I’ve signed out of Gmail…. and still no cheap flights! I’ve pinned this baby for later. Kx
Em Pryor
Glad to hear the article was a help to you Kate 🙂 I can’t wait to put these features to use more as well!
Rain Campanilla | Words & Wanderlust
Have heard of Google Flights but hasn’t really used it yet since I’ve been a Skyscanner baby eversince. But will give this a try when planning for 2017 Trips. Thanks!
Em Pryor
You’re welcome Rain! Yes, anyway you can save money on travel is worth exploring…so your cash stretches further and you can travel more places 🙂