If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to find affordable airfare, Google Flights might just be your secret weapon. While many Indian travelers turn to online travel agencies, Google Flights offers an expert-level approach to unlocking deals that others might miss. Whether you’re planning a last-minute escape to Thailand or a family trip to Europe, learning how to use Google Flights smartly can save you thousands of rupees.
Why Google Flights Is the Best Cheap Flight Search Tool
There are dozens of cheap flight search tools available, but Google Flights stands out for several reasons:
- It shows real-time prices directly from airlines.
- You can book directly through the airline—no need to go through third-party sites.
- It’s fast, intuitive, and offers incredible visual tools to spot trends.
- Access filters like airline alliances, stopovers, and even carbon emissions.
This makes Google Flights one of the best ways to find cheap flights, especially when paired with flexible dates and price alerts.
How to Use Google Flights: A Quick Overview
Photo from Google Flights
Before diving into the advanced hacks, let’s cover how to use Google Flights for a basic search:
- Visit Google Flights.
- Enter your departure and destination cities (you can also use the Google Flights multi-airport search feature to widen your search).
- Choose your travel dates or select flexible dates to explore cheaper options.
- Use filters to narrow by stops, airlines, times, and more.
The intuitive Google Flights search layout shows the best available fares first, helping you easily compare across airlines. Also, pay attention to the “Insights” Google displays below prices, such as “Prices are currently high” or “Cheapest fare in 60 days.” These tips can help you decide whether to book now or wait for a drop.
Top Google Flights Hacks to Find Cheap Flights
Here are expert-approved Google flight hacks to help you become a smarter traveler:
1. Master the Calendar, Date Grid, and Price Graph
Photo from Google Flights
The Google Flights calendar view is your best friend when finding the lowest prices. Simply click on the departure date and a calendar with prices will appear, making it easy to spot low-fare days. For even deeper insight, switch to the Date Grid or Price Graph to compare roundtrip fare combinations over time.
2. Set Up Price Tracking Alerts
Photo from Google Flights
If your trip is still a few months away, don’t rush. Instead, track flight prices on Google Flights by toggling the “Track prices” button. You’ll get email notifications when fares drop, allowing you to strike when the timing is right. This is particularly useful for peak travel seasons like summer holidays or Diwali.
3. Use the Explore Tool for Spontaneous Getaways
Photo from Google Flights
Feeling adventurous? Use the “Explore” tab on Google Flights to discover where you can fly from your city within your budget. Set filters like flight duration, travel dates, and interests, and let the tool do the rest. You can also use the budget slider to view only destinations within your price range, limit travel time (e.g., under 5 hours), or search based on interests like “beaches” or “city breaks.” It’s the best way to use Google Flights for open-ended planning.
4. Filter by Airline Alliances and Baggage Rules
Photo from Google Flights
Want to collect frequent flyer miles or avoid extra baggage fees? Google Flights lets you filter by airline alliance (Star Alliance, SkyTeam, etc.) and baggage options. This feature ishandyl for Indian travelers loyal to carriers like Air India who are looking to optimize rewards.
5. Try the Multi-City or Open-Jaw Booking Feature
Photo from Google Flights
Planning a multi-destination trip? Use the “Multi-city” tab to search for complex itineraries, like flying from Mumbai to Rome and returning from Paris. This Google Flights multi-airport search helps you find creative routes often cheaper than roundtrip.
6. Don’t Rely on Incognito Mode
Photo from Google Flights
There’s a myth that going incognito changes prices. However, that’s not true for Google Flights; It doesn’t manipulate fares based on your cookies. Incognito is helpful if you’re comparing prices across multiple platforms or checking fare differences with online travel agencies.
7. Check Nearby Airports for Better Deals
Photo from Google Flights
One of the most underused Google flight hacks is searching alternate airports. If you’re flying from Delhi, try looking at flights from Jaipur or Ahmedabad, too. The same goes for destinations. Flying into Milan instead of Rome or Kuala Lumpur instead of Singapore might save you thousands.
Combine Google Flights with Other Tools
Once you’ve found the cheapest itinerary, don’t stop there:
- Cross-check with platforms like OneAir to access unpublished flight deals exclusive to members.
- Compare prices with Skyscanner or Kayak to ensure you get the best deal.
- Use tools like SeatGuru to choose the best seat before booking.
Pairing Google Flights tips with these resources creates a near-bulletproof approach to booking.
Using Google Flights for Domestic Travel in India
While international trips often get the spotlight, Google Flights is just as helpful inr planning domestic travel within India. Whether you’re flying from Delhi to Goa, Mumbai to Kochi, or Bengaluru to Leh, the tool offers price insights across multiple dates and airlines.
You can filter by nonstop flights, luggage options, and preferred airlines like IndiGo or SpiceJet. Using the calendar and map tools helps travelers identify the cheapest weekends or holiday periods to book flights well in advance.
Google Flights vs. Indian OTAs: A Quick Comparison
Many Indian travelers rely on OTAs like MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, or Yatra. While these platforms offer package deals and coupon codes, Google Flights excels in fare transparency and speed. It pulls fares directly from airline websites without markup and offers quicker route comparison, especially for flexible dates.
For those seeking cheap flight search tools, using Google Flights as a baseline before checking OTAs for coupons is often the smartest approach.
Google Flights vs Indian OTAs
Baggage and Refund Filters You Shouldn't Ignore
When comparing fares on Google Flights, look for icons next to the price. Some indicate that carry-on baggage is included, while others warn of no-frills fares.
Click “More filters” to toggle options like “Refundable fares only” or “Bags included,” which can save both money and confusion at check-in. This is especially important when comparing low-cost airlines, where hidden fees can quickly add up.
Sync Google Flights with Your Travel Planning Tools
Google Flights integrates seamlessly with other Google products. You can export your selected itinerary to Google Calendar, share links via Gmail, or even track changes via your phone’s notifications.
Although Google’s dedicated Trips app was retired, Gmail-based itinerary tracking still helps organize travel dates, confirmation numbers, and airport information. These features make Google Flights a strong asset not just for booking but also for managing your trip.
Takeaway
The best way to use Google Flights is to think of it as a booking tool and a research engine in one. It helps you understand market pricing, uncover route combinations, and catch limited-time deals. Combine it with flexible dates, price alerts, and nearby airports, and you’ll never overpay for a flight again.
Want to unlock even bigger savings? Join OneAir to access hidden deals not shown on Google Flights, with discounts of up to 60% on hotels and flights worldwide.
*Banner photo by ewastudio from Getty Images
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Flights available for travelers in India?
Yes, Indian travelers can fully use Google Flights to search for and book flights from all major cities, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Does Google Flights show the cheapest prices?
Google Flights shows real-time prices directly from airlines, but it may not always reflect hidden fares or special deals available on platforms like OneAir or through airline-specific promotions.
Can I book directly on Google Flights?
Google Flights is a search engine, not a booking platform. It redirects users to airline websites or online travel agencies to complete the booking.
How do I set up price alerts on Google Flights?
After searching for a route, toggle the “Track prices” switch at the top of the page. To receive alerts, you’ll need to be signed into your Google account.
What are flexible dates, and how do they help?
Google Flights flexible dates show you price variations across weeks or months, helping you choose the cheapest days to fly.
Does Google Flights include low-cost airlines?
Yes, it includes many low-cost carriers like IndiGo, AirAsia, and Scoot, but it’s always good to double-check directly on the airline’s website for baggage fees or exclusive deals.
Is it safe to book flights found through Google Flights?
Absolutely. You are redirected to the airline or a trusted travel booking site to finalize the purchase.
Can I search multiple airports in Google Flights?
Yes, the Google Flights multi-airport search lets you enter several airports in both departure and arrival fields for broader results.
How far in advance should I book a flight using Google Flights?
For international travel from India, 2 to 3 months ahead is ideal. Use Google Flights price alerts to track drops before committing.
Why do flight prices change frequently on Google Flights?
Prices update in real-time based on availability, demand, and airline algorithms. That’s why tracking and being flexible pays off.
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