How to Use Google Flights

This flight search can show you where the deals are

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Updated on January 11, 2022

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Google Flights is an airline search engine that lets you input your travel plans and get a detailed list of flight options. While you can find a lot of information on the site, it's most commonly used to find the cheapest airfare. If you've never used Google Flights before, here's what you need to know.

How to Use Google Flights

To start a search on Google Flights, enter your desired destinations and dates in the search field. The website immediately shows the latest pricing information.

Alternatively, search on Google's main page. For example, if you live in New York City and want to travel to Los Angeles, enter NYC to Los Angeles in the Google search engine. The Google Flights widget appears as the first search result.

Use Google Flights in an incognito mode or private mode browser to prevent the browser from saving your search in cookies and applying unnecessary price increases after detecting you're in the market for airline tickets.

How to Select the Cheapest Departing Flights on Google Flights

Google Flights shows the best flights first in its search results. The options it considers best usually offer a compromise between price and convenience based on factors like duration, number of stops, and more.

Further down the page are other departing flight options, followed by flights with unavailable prices.

Prices for the absolute cheapest flights appear in green. These options may be discounted because there are several layovers or very long layovers.

If you immediately find a pricing option you're comfortable with, select it. If you want to shop around for a cheaper price, check the Date Grid, the Price Graph, or other airports.

Check the Date Grid

You'll find a link to the Date Grid above the Best Departing Flights section. Go to this section to view a variety of airfares based on travel dates. If your departure and return flights are flexible, you may find cheaper prices during a different timeframe.

Check the Price Graph

Like the Date Grid, the Price Graph gives an estimate of what prices will look like several weeks to months before or after your flight inquiry. Use the arrows on the left and right to view prices ahead of or beyond the dates you selected.

Check Other Airports

Use the Airlines filter to search for prices at multiple airports in your area. Google normally shows results for the largest airport in your area. But, if you're willing to travel to a smaller airport, you might find a better deal there.

Google Flights with the Airports filter highlighted.

How to Select the Cheapest Returning Flights on Google Flights

After selecting a departing flight, Google Flights shows options for returning flights. The cheapest option is highlighted in green. Select it to lock in the price.

Results on Google Flights with the cheapest (green) option highlighted.

How to Save and Share Google Flight Search and Travel Details

If you're not ready to book a flight, send the details to yourself or another person so you won't have to search for the information again. This can also help you lock in that specific rate for a limited time.

After you select the departing and returning flights, select Share and then copy the URL so you can send yourself an itinerary email, if needed.

Make sure you're signed in to your Google account before selecting this option.

Google Flights with the Share button highlighted

How to Track Google Flights for Price Changes

Sometimes, it's a good idea to wait a few days to see if cheaper prices appear. Google Flights can send real-time alerts and emails when flight prices change, or you can return to Google Flights at a later time to view any price changes.

On the flight summary page, enable Track prices to receive price alerts and travel tips via email.

If you purchased tickets with the price tracker option enabled and the fare later decreases, you may be able to get a reimbursement for the price difference.

How to Plan a Cheap Impromptu Trip Using a Google Flights Map

If you want to travel but don't have a specific destination in mind, Google Flights can help you select one. There are several suggested locations available on the Google Flights homepage.

You can also select the Explore link to see the cheapest prices for trips around the world. This shows a map with current flight prices for several locations. As you move the map around, flight prices in nearby locations update in the scrollbar menu on the left side of the page. After selecting a location, Google Flights takes you to the page where you can pick your flights.

Google Flight with the Explore Destinations heading highlighted.

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