Google Flights is Google’s flight search engine, making it easy to search for and compare airfares. You can quickly see which flights and travel dates offer the lowest prices, compare fares from different airlines and set up price alerts. In this guide, I explain how to use Google Flights to find cheap flights and how flexible travel dates and alternative airports can help you find better deals.
Read this article in DutchWhat is Google Flights?
Google Flights is Google’s online search engine for air travel. It allows you to compare flights and ticket prices from different airlines and booking platforms in one place. You do not book your ticket directly with Google. Once you have found a suitable flight, Google Flights directs you to the airline or another booking provider where you can complete your reservation.
The main advantages of Google Flights
Google Flights is particularly useful when you want to compare a large number of flights without opening multiple airline and booking websites. The search results are easy to navigate and there are several tools that can help you find a better fare.
Quick and easy to use
- See fares and flight times without having to open dozens of different websites.
- Filter results by number of stops, baggage, airlines and travel times.
Find the cheapest flights
- Flexible dates: Compare dates to see which days offer the lowest fares.
- Price tracking: Receive notifications when ticket prices change.
- Price comparison: Quickly compare fares from different airlines and booking providers.
Discover affordable destinations
- The Explore feature shows destinations you can fly to within your budget when your travel plans are flexible.
- You can search without choosing a specific destination and see where you could travel for a good price.
Compare different routes
- Search from several airports to find cheaper alternatives.
- Use the multi-city option for more complex itineraries and compare these with a standard return ticket.
See the total fare more clearly
Google Flights generally displays fares including required taxes and fees. You can also adjust baggage settings in your search, which makes it easier to compare flights based on what you actually need rather than looking only at the initial ticket price.
How to search for the best flights on Google Flights
There are several ways to use Google Flights depending on how flexible you are with your destination and travel dates. I use different search methods depending on whether I already know where and when I want to travel.
Cheapest flights when you know your dates but not your destination
If you know when you want to travel but have not decided where to go, the Explore feature is particularly useful. Enter your departure city and leave the destination open. You can then select your preferred departure and return dates. Google Flights shows destinations and available fares for those dates. Open the map to get a broader overview of destinations and prices around the world. You can use filters for things such as maximum price, number of stops and flight duration. This is one of the easiest ways to find affordable destinations when your dates are fixed but you are flexible about where you go.
Specific destination with flexible travel dates
If you already know where you want to go but can be flexible with your dates, enter your departure airport and destination in Google Flights and open the date selector. The calendar makes it easy to compare fares on different days. You can also use the date grid and price graph to get a clearer picture of how prices change depending on when you fly. If you are not ready to book yet, switch on price tracking. Google will then notify you when fares for your search change.
Specific destination with fixed travel dates
If your travel dates are fixed, enter your departure city, destination and exact dates. Google Flights will show the available flights, which you can then compare by price, duration, number of stops and other factors. Use the filters to narrow down the results, for example if you only want direct flights or prefer certain airlines. If you find a suitable flight but are not sure whether to book immediately, you can also turn on price tracking and follow changes in the fare.
Compare flights from different airports
One of my favourite ways to use Google Flights is to compare several departure airports at the same time. Depending on where you are travelling from, it can be worth including airports in neighbouring cities or even across a nearby border. You can add multiple departure airports to the same search. Google Flights will then compare the available options and show which combinations offer the best fares.
Do not look at the ticket price alone. A flight from another airport might initially appear much cheaper but getting there could add several hours to your journey as well as extra transport or parking costs. I therefore compare both the airfare and the overall journey before deciding which airport makes the most sense. You can also use the map to compare options more broadly and apply filters for travel time, stops and airlines. This makes it easier to find a flight that is not only cheaper but also practical.
Check flight price history before booking
Google Flights can help you judge whether the fare you are seeing is relatively high or low. For some searches, Google provides information based on historical prices and indicates whether current fares are typical, higher than usual or lower than usual. You may also see a price graph showing how fares vary across different dates. This information can be useful when deciding whether to book immediately or wait. If the current fare looks unusually low, booking may make sense. If prices appear high and you still have plenty of time before your trip, you could set up a price alert and keep an eye on changes instead.
How to find last-minute deals with Google Flights
Google Flights can also be useful for spontaneous trips. Start with your departure airport and either enter a destination or keep your options open using Explore. If your dates are flexible, compare nearby departure dates to see whether leaving a day earlier or later makes a significant difference. The calendar, date grid and price graph can make these differences much easier to spot. For a truly flexible last-minute trip, Explore is often the most useful starting point because you can see where affordable flights are available without searching for destinations individually.
How to set up a Google Flights price alert
Google Flights allows you to track fares and receive notifications when prices change. You need to be signed in to your Google account to use this feature.
- Search for a flight by entering your departure airport, destination and preferred travel dates.
- Turn on the Track prices option in the flight results.
- Google will send you email updates when fares for your tracked route change.
- You can view and manage your tracked flights through the price tracking section of Google Flights.
Price alerts are particularly useful if you know where you want to go but are not yet sure when to book.
Do not automatically choose the cheapest ticket
The cheapest flight is not always the best choice. A lower fare may involve several connections, inconvenient departure times or a much longer overall journey.
Pay particular attention to connection times. A very short connection can make the journey stressful and increase the risk of missing your next flight if there is a delay. A very long connection can turn an otherwise straightforward journey into an exhausting travel day.
Arrival time matters too. A flight that lands in the middle of the night may save money on the ticket but could make onward transport more difficult or expensive. On a long-haul journey, an inconvenient schedule can also make jet lag feel worse.
I therefore look at the complete journey rather than simply choosing the lowest number on the screen. Sometimes paying a little more for a direct flight, a better connection or more convenient departure and arrival times is well worth it.
Frequently asked questions about Google Flights
What is Google Flights?
Google Flights is Google’s flight search engine. It allows you to search for flights from different airlines, compare fares and filter results by travel dates, airports, stops, flight times and other criteria.
How do you search for flights with Google?
Go to Google Flights and enter your departure point, destination and travel dates. You will then see available flights and fares. If your dates or destination are flexible, you can also compare prices across different days or use the Explore map to look for affordable destinations.
Can you book flights through Google Flights?
Google Flights is primarily a search and comparison tool. Once you have selected a flight, you will usually be given one or more booking options. Google then directs you to the airline or another booking provider to complete the reservation.
Is Google Flights free?
Yes. Google Flights is free to use. There is no charge for searching for flights, comparing fares or setting up price alerts.
How do you find the cheapest flights with Google Flights?
Flexibility can make a considerable difference. Compare different travel dates as well as alternative departure and arrival airports. The calendar, date grid and price graph can help you identify cheaper days to fly. If you have not chosen a destination yet, use Explore to see where you can fly within your budget.
How do you set up a price alert on Google Flights?
Search for the route and travel period you are interested in and switch on Track prices. Google Flights will monitor fares for that search and send you notifications when prices change. You need to be signed in to your Google account to use price tracking.
