Google launches new feature to help book cheaper tickets

When it comes to cutting down on flight expenses, a little strategic planning can go a long way, whether you're travelling during the holiday season or any other time of the year. While booking in advance is generally recommended, Google Flights has introduced a new feature that aims to assist travellers in finding the most budget-friendly booking period.

In a recent blog post, Google Flights unveiled this feature designed to provide insights into optimal flight booking times. This addition complements the existing price tracking alerts and price guarantee choices available on the platform. By offering a glimpse into the "cheapest time to book," Google is equipping users with valuable information to make cost-conscious decisions.

Here's how it works

The mechanics of the feature are straightforward. Google Flights analyses reliable trend data to showcase when historically the lowest prices have been available for specific dates and destinations. For instance, travellers might discover that the most economical period to reserve comparable journeys typically falls around two months before departure, and your current timing aligns with this advantageous window.

Alternatively, you could become aware that costs tend to decrease as the departure date draws nearer, prompting you to opt for a later booking. Regardless of the scenario, these insights empower you to make your choice with enhanced certainty.

(Screenshot: https://blog.google/products/travel/google-flights-find-deals/)

Price Tracking

For those looking to score better fares but don't want to be glued to their screens, price tracking can prove invaluable. By enabling this feature, Google Flights will automatically notify users if flight prices experience significant drops. This tracking can be set up for specific dates or enabled for a more flexible window, offering alerts on deals spanning the next three to six months.

For example, if you have specific dates in mind, such as your sibling's destination wedding in November, you can set up tracking. On the other hand, if you possess greater flexibility, activating the "Any dates" price tracking will grant you access to email notifications about deals within the upcoming three to six months. It's important to note that to utilise this functionality, you must be logged into your Google account.

(Screenshot: https://blog.google/products/travel/google-flights-find-deals/)

Price Guarantee

Google also introduces a price guarantee badge on select flight results. This badge signifies the platform's high confidence that the displayed fare won't decrease before departure. If the price does indeed drop, Google Pay will refund the difference.

"On some flight results, you’ll see a colourful price guarantee badge, which means we’re especially confident the fare you see today won’t get any lower before departure. When you book one of these flights, we’ll monitor the price every day before takeoff, and if the price does go down, we’ll pay you back the difference via Google Pay," the tech giant said. These price guarantees are part of a pilot programme available for select Book on Google itineraries departing from the US.

Google gives flight booking trends for 2023

Intriguingly, Google shared insights on flight booking trends for 2023. The data indicated that tips from the previous year remain valid: opting for layovers or avoiding weekend departures still contributes to significant savings. However, trends around Christmas travel and flights to Europe have evolved. For Christmas trips starting in mid-December, the ideal time to secure deals has shifted to early October, with average prices being lowest around 71 days before departure. For flights from the U.S. to Europe, it's recommended to book 72 days or more before departure, as airfares tend to rise as the departure date approaches.