Get notified before prices rise: 7 tips to find cheap flights using Google Flights

▲Google Flights is simple and convenient to use. (Photo / Screenshot from Google, the same below)

Reported by Yu Jiayun / Comprehensive report

With more and more flight comparison websites in the market, competition is fierce.Google has recently added a flight price alert feature to its Google Flights search service, allowing busy users who don’t have time to compare prices on a computer to receive the latest flight fare information on their mobile phones. The international websiteHuffingtonposthas also listed seven advantages that make Google Flights better than other sites, turning it into your personal travel agent.

1. Get real-time notifications when ticket prices rise
If you’re using Google Flights on your phone, you may receive alerts when the fares for your desired destinations go up, letting you know that the tickets you want to buy might become more expensive in the coming days, helping you decide whether to purchase. However, this feature isn’t available for every route.

▲Google Flights’ price increase alert.

2. Not sure where to go? Search fares by region
Wake up one morning and suddenly feel like flying to Europe, but not sure where in Europe? Just enter “Europe” as your destination in Google Flights, and you can instantly see the fares for various cities within Europe. You can even refine your search by different airlines — super convenient for travelers who love independent trips.

▲Pick the cheapest city and head out right away.

3. Try “I’m Feeling Lucky” to plan your dream trip
Enter your departure location and click the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button on the search bar. Google Flights will then plan a dream trip for you based on your past search history and popular travel destinations — it’ll even find the cheapest flights for you.

4. Find the best flight itinerary for you
The “Best Flights” table shows the most optimal routes, so you don’t have to weigh whether saving money with a layover is worth it or if paying more for a nonstop flight is better. Google will even highlight its most recommended flights in green — just like a thoughtful personal travel agent.

▲Google Flights directly finds the best flights for you.

5. See the cheapest price for each day directly on the calendar
You can view the lowest fares for each day on the calendar. The lowest and highest prices will be shown in green, and there’s also a price trend chart to help you see fare changes over the next two months.

▲A difference of just one week could mean nearly $500.

6. Automatically show ways to save on tickets
If there are more affordable prices for flights around your searched dates, Google will automatically notify you. You might save a lot by simply adjusting your departure or return date by a few days, or by flying from or to a nearby airport.

7. Let Google monitor ticket prices for you
Enable the “Track Prices” feature, save flights you’re interested in, and let the Google Now app keep an eye on the prices for you. You’ll get email alerts as soon as there’s a change, ensuring you never miss the best deal.