Travel

The ultimate Google flights hacks for cheap travel

In the digital age of travel, Google Flights has become a go-to tool for finding affordable flights, planning flexible itineraries, and even tracking prices.

With features that go beyond basic fare searches, Google Flights is powerful enough to help savvy travelers discover the best deals, save money, and make well-informed travel decisions. Here, we’ll dive into the ultimate hacks for using Google Flights effectively to make sure your next trip is as budget-friendly as possible.

1. Utilize the Flexible Dates Tool

One of Google Flights’ standout features is its flexible dates tool, which allows users to see the lowest prices within a date range. Here’s how you can use it:

Click on the Date Grid: When you enter your origin and destination cities, click on the calendar icon next to the dates. Google Flights will show you a calendar view with the lowest prices for each day, allowing you to easily spot cheaper dates.
Try the Price Graph: This feature gives you a visual representation of price trends over time. You can adjust your dates and view when prices peak or dip, helping you choose the most affordable travel days.

Tip: Generally, mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tend to be cheaper than weekends. However, prices can vary based on seasonality, holidays, and demand, so always check multiple date options.

2. Set Up Price Alerts for Your Route

Google Flights lets you track prices for a specific route and receive notifications via email when prices change. Here’s how to make the most of this feature:

Enable Price Tracking: After selecting your route, toggle on “Track prices” to start receiving updates.
Watch for Price Drops: Once tracking is enabled, Google Flights will notify you of any price drops or increases. This can be especially useful if you’re planning a trip well in advance and want to wait for the lowest fare.
Monitor Historical Data: Google Flights sometimes displays insights on whether current prices are typical for the route, helping you decide whether to book now or wait for a better deal.

Tip: Airlines may hold flash sales or drop prices on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesdays, so keep an eye on alerts during these times for possible savings.

3. Explore Multiple Airports for Better Deals

Google Flights makes it easy to compare prices from nearby airports, which can sometimes lead to significant savings. Here’s how to do it:

Add Nearby Airports: When searching for flights, add surrounding airports within a reasonable distance. For instance, if you’re flying from New York City, you could check prices from JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.
Check for Ground Transportation Costs: If flying from an alternative airport means extra travel time or costs, factor in those expenses. Often, savings on flights more than compensate for the added ground transportation.

Tip: Certain airports offer more budget airline options, so exploring a wider range can expand your low-cost flight options.

4. Use the “Explore” Feature for Destination Ideas

If you’re open to different destinations and simply looking for affordable travel options, Google Flights’ “Explore” tool can be a goldmine.

Open Explore: Instead of selecting specific destinations, go to the “Explore” tab and input your departure city and travel dates. Google Flights will generate a map of possible destinations with corresponding fares, making it easy to spot affordable trips you may not have considered.
Filter by Budget: You can set filters for budget, trip duration, or even preferred activities (like beaches, hiking, or city breaks) to help you find the perfect destination within your price range.
Seasonal Insights: The Explore tool can show trending destinations and prices for different seasons, helping you avoid peak costs by choosing off-season or shoulder-season travel.

Tip: The Explore tool is perfect for spontaneous travelers or those open to traveling wherever the best deal takes them.

5. Leverage Google Flights’ Fare Insights

Google Flights offers useful insights that can help you determine whether a fare is likely to rise or fall. Here’s how to read and act on these indicators:

Price Prediction Insights: While Google Flights doesn’t guarantee exact price predictions, it provides data on whether prices are typical or unusually high for certain routes.
Book Before Demand Peaks: If Google Flights notes that prices are likely to increase, it’s often a good signal to book now. This is particularly helpful for peak seasons, holidays, or highly competitive routes.

Tip: For popular tourist destinations during high season, booking early is generally better. If you’re traveling during off-peak times, you may be able to wait for a dip in prices.

6. Take Advantage of Google’s Built-in Travel Filters

To streamline your search and pinpoint the best deals that match your preferences, Google Flights offers powerful filtering options:

Filter by Airline Alliance: If you’re loyal to a particular airline alliance (like Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam), you can filter results accordingly.
Set Stops and Flight Duration: If non-stop flights or shorter travel times are a priority, use the filters to narrow down options without sacrificing affordability.
Include Checked Bags: For budget travelers looking for the lowest fare, it’s easy to miss the additional costs for checked baggage. Google Flights lets you filter for flights that include checked bags, so you can see all-inclusive prices from the start.

Tip: Using filters helps you quickly identify flights that best fit your budget, schedule, and comfort level without compromising on essential preferences.

7. Discover Budget Airlines Not Always Listed Elsewhere

Unlike many other flight aggregators, Google Flights does a good job of listing budget airlines that operate in specific regions. Here’s how to find them:

Include Low-Cost Airlines: Budget airlines may not always appear on other flight search engines, but Google Flights tends to include many of them. Examples include Southwest in the U.S., Ryanair in Europe, and AirAsia in Asia.
Compare Baggage and Seat Selection Costs: Many budget airlines have lower upfront fares but charge extra for add-ons like seat selection and baggage. Double-check total costs if these add-ons are important to you.

Tip: For short flights, low-cost carriers are often a great budget option, as you’re less likely to need extensive amenities for a few hours of travel.

8. Use Google Flights for Multi-City Itineraries

For travelers planning multi-stop trips, Google Flights offers a “Multi-City” feature to build custom itineraries without breaking the bank.

Input Multiple Destinations: Select “Multi-City” instead of “Round Trip” or “One Way.” Add each destination and date to see the cumulative cost and potential savings from combining flights.
Experiment with Stopover Options: Certain airlines offer free or low-cost stopovers. Google Flights allows you to test these options and build itineraries that give you more travel for your money.

Tip: Multi-city trips often cost less than booking individual one-way tickets, especially if you’re flexible on dates or are open to stopovers.

9. Keep an Eye on Currency Fluctuations for Added Savings

Currency rates vary, and Google Flights lets you view ticket prices in different currencies, which can be beneficial depending on the exchange rate.

Adjust Currency Settings: Switch to a different currency on Google Flights to compare. Sometimes booking through a different country’s Google Flights site can result in lower fares.
Use International Credit Cards: Many credit cards offer favorable currency conversion rates, so consider using one that minimizes foreign transaction fees if you book in a different currency.

Tip: This hack can sometimes yield small but meaningful savings, particularly on expensive flights or international trips.

Final Thoughts

Google Flights has proven itself to be an invaluable tool for budget-conscious travelers, but the real savings lie in knowing how to unlock its full potential. By combining flexible date searches, tracking prices, exploring multiple airports, and leveraging insights, you’ll be in a strong position to find the best deals available. With these hacks in your travel toolkit, your next adventure can be as affordable as it is memorable.

Happy travels, and may your Google Flights searches bring you incredible deals!

Also Read

Top 10 world’s best luxury cruise lines

How to deal with jet lag like a pro

theafricalogistics