Google Flights has been one of the best online tools for booking travel for years.
For those who choose to bypass the benefits of working with an experienced advisor, Google Flights allows users to quickly and easily compare airfares for their upcoming trip before booking.
Travelers can not only filter by origin and destination¡ªgoing broad based on city or choosing a specific airport¡ªas well as travel dates but compare prices based on the number of stops, baggage, connecting airports, flight duration and more.
Users can also sort fares by cheapest and best.?What's more, the last of the Big Four carriers Southwest Airlines recently joined the tool so travelers receive a more accurate picture before booking.
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The Power of Flexibility
Ultimately, Google Flights works best for travelers who have flexibility. This isn't a great tool for business travelers on a strict time crunch.
That not only means being available to fly at various hours of the day but also on various days of the week. Sometimes, the best deal is on a Tuesday evening flight or maybe you'll save more by flying first thing on a Saturday morning.
Connecting en route to your final destination may also save you some cash.
Traveler using her phone at the airport. (Photo Credit: EdNurg/Adobe)
Being flexible with departure times as well as which days you travel during your trip window will cast a wider net for those deals but it's still a valuable tool if your travel dates are locked in as you can fly with the airline offering you the best option, whether that's the best price or the most convenient trip.
Easy Travel Inspiration
When planning a vacation, it's always best to consider the places you've never been and that's where this tool can come in handy.
The Google Flights "explore option" is essentially Geography 101 and allows you to compare airfares to a plethora of destinations from your origin city or airport via an interactive map view. This feature can be awesome inspiration as it may help guide you to a destination you've always been dreaming about but finally can put a price tag on.
Again, flight cost is just a tiny piece of the trip so consider working with an expert before you make any commitments.
In the end, Google Flights is free to use so even if it doesn't wind up helping you save on flights it can save you a few minutes from doom scrolling through social media.
That scientifically?proven mood boost from planning or considering travel is only going to make your day better.?
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