This powerful tool has features most travelers never use.
The endless search for an affordable flight can feel like a frustrating game of chance, with prices that seem to change by the minute. While countless websites promise the lowest fares, Google Flights has emerged as one of the most robust and user-friendly search engines available, and it’s completely free. Its power, however, lies in a set of features that most people never click on.
Beyond just plugging in your dates and destination, learning to use its more advanced tools can unlock a new level of savings. These simple secrets can transform you from a hopeful searcher into a savvy traveler who knows how to find the best deal.
1. You can use the explore map when you don’t have a destination.
One of the best features for a flexible traveler is the “Explore” tool. Instead of typing in a specific destination, you can simply enter your departure airport and a general timeframe, like “1-week trip in October,” and click on the map. Google Flights will then populate a world map showing you the cheapest fares to cities all over the globe from your location.
This is a fantastic way to discover new places and find inspiration for your next trip based on what is actually affordable, as stated in Going. You can pan around the map, adjust your filters for budget or interests, and let the deals guide your decision-making. It turns the question from “where do I want to go” to “where can I afford to go?”
2. The date grid and calendar view show you the cheapest days to fly.
Never commit to your travel dates without first checking the calendar view. After you enter your route, click on the date field. Instead of just picking a day, look at the full calendar that pops up. Google Flights color-codes the dates, instantly showing you which days are the cheapest to fly in green. A quick glance can show you that shifting your departure by just a day or two could save you hundreds of dollars.
For even more power, select the “Date Grid” option. This displays a simple chart showing a matrix of prices based on different departure and return date combinations, as per Conde Nast Traveler. It makes it incredibly easy to visualize how the length of your trip affects the total cost.
3. You should always track prices to let the deals come to you.
Flight prices are notoriously volatile. Instead of manually checking your desired route every day, you can have Google do the work for you. Once you’ve searched for a flight, look for a “Track prices” toggle. When you turn this on, Google will monitor the fare for your specific itinerary and send you an email alert whenever the price drops significantly, as reported by The New York Times.
This feature takes the guesswork out of deciding when to buy. Google even provides a helpful little box that shows whether the current price is considered low, average, or high based on historical data for that route. It’s like having an expert tell you when to pull the trigger.
4. You can search multiple airports at once to expand your options.
Being flexible with your airports can unlock significant savings, especially if you live in a major metropolitan area. Google Flights allows you to enter up to seven departure and seven arrival airports in a single search, separated by commas. For example, a traveler in Southern California could search for flights from LAX, BUR, SNA, and LGB all at the same time.
This feature also works great for destinations. If you want to visit Italy, you could search for flights into Rome, Milan, and Venice simultaneously to see which city offers the cheapest entry point. A short train ride from a less expensive airport can often be well worth the savings.
5. You can use filters to avoid surprise baggage fees.
The cheapest base fare isn’t always the cheapest final price. Budget airlines are famous for offering low initial prices but then charging hefty fees for everything, including carry-on bags. Google Flights has a filter that lets you account for this. After you get your search results, click on the “Bags” filter and select the number of carry-on or checked bags you plan to bring.
The search results will automatically update to show the true total cost for each flight, including the bag fees. This allows you to make a true apples-to-apples comparison between a budget carrier and a legacy airline, preventing any nasty surprises during the booking process.
6. The price graph feature helps you find the cheapest season to travel.
If your travel plans are very flexible, the “Price Graph” is an invaluable tool for long-term planning. Similar to the Date Grid, this feature shows you how flight prices for your chosen route fluctuate over a period of several months. You can quickly see which months have the lowest average fares, helping you identify the off-season or shoulder season for your destination.
This is perfect for planning big trips far in advance. By seeing the price trends over six or more months, you can strategically choose a travel window that aligns with the lowest prices, potentially saving a huge amount of money compared to traveling during peak season.
7. Look for the “separate tickets” option to save money.
Sometimes the cheapest way to get from point A to point B is by booking two separate one-way tickets, often on different airlines. Google Flights will automatically search for these opportunities and will flag them in the results with a special icon that says “Separate tickets.” This travel hack can offer significant savings over a traditional round-trip itinerary.
Be aware that this comes with a small risk. Because the tickets are booked independently, you are not protected if a delay on your first flight causes you to miss your second one. This option is best for confident travelers who are willing to accept the risk in exchange for a much lower price.
8. You must remember that you don’t actually buy from Google.
This final point is a crucial clarification. Google Flights is a powerful search engine, not an online travel agency (OTA). Its job is to find and compare flights from across the web. Once you find the flight you want, Google will provide you with links to book your ticket directly with the airline or through an OTA like Expedia or Priceline.
You do not purchase the ticket from Google. This is an important distinction because if you have any issues with your flight, such as a cancellation or a schedule change, you will need to deal with the customer service of the airline or the agency you booked with. Google’s role ends once it sends you away to make the purchase.