How to Use Google Flights to Find and Track Cheap Flight Prices

 

Google Flights is a powerful tool for finding and tracking cheap flight prices. This step-by-step guide will walk you through using Google Flights to get the best deals on your next trip.

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1. Access Google Flights

1. Open Your Browser: Launch your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
2. Go to Google Flights: Type https://www.google.com/travel/flights into the address bar and press Enter. You will be directed to the Google Flights homepage.

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2. Enter Your Travel Information

1. Select Departure and Arrival Airports:

   • From: Click on the “From” field and type your departure city or airport. Select it from the dropdown menu.
   • To: Click on the “To” field and type your destination city or airport. Select it from the dropdown menu.

2. Choose Your Dates:

   • Click on the date fields to open the calendar view.
   • Select your departure and return dates. If your dates are flexible, you can choose the “Flexible dates” option to see a range of dates.

3. Specify Number of Passengers and Class:

   • Click on the “1 adult” dropdown (or the default passenger number) to select the number of passengers and travel class (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First).

4. Click on “Search”: Once you’ve entered all the details, click the “Search” button to view available flights.

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3. Review Flight Options

1. Sort and Filter Results:

   • Sort By: Use the sorting options at the top to sort by “Best flights,” “Cheapest,” or “Fastest.”
   • Filter Options: Apply filters to narrow down results based on factors such as stops, airlines, and price.

2. View Flight Details:

   • Click on individual flight options to see detailed information, including flight times, layovers, and baggage policies.

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4. Track Flight Prices

1. Set Up Price Alerts:

   • Click on “Track Prices”: Once you select a flight, you’ll see an option to “Track prices” at the top of the page. Click on it.
   • Sign In: You will need to sign in with your Google account if you aren’t already. This allows Google to send you email notifications about price changes.

2. Manage Alerts:

   • View Alerts: Go to your Google account’s “Travel” section to view and manage your flight price alerts.
   • Adjust Alerts: You can modify or delete alerts as needed.

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5. Use Flexible Dates and Destinations

1. Explore Flexible Dates:

   • Click on the “Flexible dates” tab to view flights on different dates within a specified range. This helps find cheaper options around your preferred dates.

2. Search for Nearby Airports:

   • Click on “Nearby airports” to explore flights from or to airports close to your intended destination, which can sometimes result in cheaper fares.

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6. Book Your Flight

1. Select Your Flight:

   • Once you find a flight that fits your budget and schedule, click on it to see more details.

2. Follow Booking Instructions:

   • Google Flights will redirect you to the airline or travel agency’s website to complete the booking process. Follow the prompts to enter passenger details and payment information.

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7. Additional Tips

1. Use Incognito Mode:

   • For the most accurate pricing, consider using your browser’s incognito mode to avoid price inflation based on search history.

2. Compare with Other Tools:

   • Although Google Flights is a great tool, it’s always a good idea to compare prices with other flight search engines and booking sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

3. Check Airline Websites:

   • Occasionally, airlines offer exclusive deals on their own websites that may not be listed on search engines.

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By following these steps, you can efficiently use Google Flights to find and track cheap flight prices, helping you save money on your travels. Happy flying!