JANUARY 10, 2020

BY JOHN WALTON

Expert tips for getting cheaper—and better—air travel when using Google Flights

Did you know that with just a few handy tricks, Google Flights can be your best friend when booking flights?

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Whether you’re after the cheapest option, the fastest route or something in between, there are some great tips and tricks for making the most out of this excellent tool.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

no. 4

Add convenient or unusual airport combinations

If you have a range of airports you can use to fly in or out of, you can easily do one search to find the cheapest option.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Type the city name (or the three letter airport code) into the “from” or “to” boxes, followed by a comma to add another city afterwards.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Keep an eye out for that "All Airports” note by a city name; there may be multiple airports in one city you're not aware of.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

no. 4

Get to know the hidden calendar

Once you’ve picked your cities and dates, you can reopen the calendar tabs to see if there are lower prices available if you’re flexible on dates.

Just click on your departure date, wait a few seconds and look for prices that come up in green, which are the cheapest options.

Once you’ve chosen a departure date, the return dates for that available price (also marked in green) will appear.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Take a look at the Date Grid too; it’s another way to hunt around to see whether you’re getting the best deal.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

no. 4

Learn more about what’s going to be on board

Google Flights will also tell you the amount of legroom, wifi, power outlets and entertainment you'll have access to.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

A suitcase notification will alert you if one of the airlines in the results doesn’t offer a carry-on bag as part of the ticket price. Use the Bag Filter to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

no. 4

Figure out if a connection is worth it

Is a cheaper connection really worth it over a nonstop flight? Google makes it clear with the total elapsed time and the amount of layover you’ll have.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

You may not mind a long layover if you can save lots of cash and catch a few hours of uninterrupted sleep and a shower and this will help you work that out at a glance.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Google Flights is not the only tool you should use, of course: add a quick search in Private Browsing Mode on whatever airlines come up as your best options for comparison before booking.

SOURCE: BBC NEWS

Thanks for reading.

To get more tips, hit the button below.

READ MORE TIPS