7 Tips to Help You Unlock the Cheapest Google Flights

Hey there, aspiring jetsetter! Ready to dive into the art of securing wallet-friendly flight deals? Well, buckle up, because we're about to discover the enchanting world of Google Flights and share some secret timing tricks to score the best budget-friendly fares. Let's soar together!

Say hello to Google Flights, Your Fair Flight Godmother

Consider this powerful tool your fair flight godmother, waving her wand to reveal an array of flight options and deals. Head over to Google Flights now and let's get started. Just one thing before you do, check out Tip #1.

Tip #1: Stay Hush-hush in incognito mode

Have you felt like the internet is stalking your travel plans? Well, that's because it is. Websites use cookies to track your search history and may subtly increase prices based on demand. Sneaky, right? Enter incognito mode – your online superhero cape. This browsing mode keeps your searches under wraps, preventing price hikes and ensuring you get the best fare.

Dreaming of a Mexican fiesta in Cancun? Open an incognito window in your browser (Ctrl + Shift + N for Chrome) and explore Google Flights (https://www.google.com/flights) to discover that flights to paradise remain untouched by your previous searches. Olé to savings!

Side note: I you’re using Firefox click on the accordion button in the upper right-hand corner and then select, “New Private Window”.

Tip #2: Be Flexible with dates and destinations

Before you finalize your travel plans, take advantage of the flexibility options provided by Google Flights. This feature is designed to help you uncover hidden gems of affordability in both your travel dates and the destinations you're considering.

Flexible Dates

As you embark on your Google flight search, make sure to activate the "Flexible dates" option before hitting the search button. By doing so, you're opening the door to a world of potential savings. Once selected, Google Flights will unveil a calendar that showcases the varying airfare prices for different departure and return dates. The cheapest days will be highlighted, allowing you to make an informed decision about when to embark on your adventure.

Discover Price Patterns

The "Flexible dates" feature not only provides insight into the cheapest travel days but also helps you identify patterns in airfare prices. You might notice that midweek flights are often more affordable than weekend departures, or that flying during off-peak seasons yields better deals. Armed with this information, you can adjust your travel plans to capitalize on these trends.

Exploring Uncharted Territories

If you're in the mood for a little spontaneity, consider clicking on the "Explore destinations" option within Google Flights. This feature lets you input your departure airport and preferred travel dates, and it will then present you with a map of potential destinations and their corresponding fares. This is an excellent way to find affordable getaway options you might not have considered otherwise.

While you may have a particular destination in mind, being open to slight deviations can yield substantial savings. For instance, if you're planning a beach vacation, consider different coastal locations that offer similar experiences. A flexible approach allows you to prioritize your budget without sacrificing the quality of your travel experience.

Book Last-Minute Getaways

Flexibility also extends to booking last-minute trips. If you're up for an adventure and can pack your bags on short notice, keep an eye on Google Flights for any enticing last-minute deals. Airlines often offer discounted fares to fill up empty seats, and having a flexible schedule can make you the lucky beneficiary of such offers.

Combining the flexibility of both travel dates and destinations typically unlocks the most savings. By adjusting both factors, you might stumble upon a perfect storm of affordability, allowing you to explore new places while staying within your budget.

Tip #3: Use Price Graphs and insights

If you have your heart set on a particular destination or travel dates, never fear, the Google Flights price graph toll will be your best friend. But, what is the price graph you ask? Google’s price graph is like a treasure map, showing you the fluctuation of fares over a range of dates. Hover over the bars to see specific prices – a surefire way to pinpoint the wallet-friendly days to embark on your journey.

Google Flights price graph.

Tip #4: Remember, timing is everything

Timing is everything when it comes to securing the best flight deals.

Picture this: you're looking for flights, and it feels like you're riding a roller coaster of prices. Enter the prime booking window – that sweet spot between three weeks and four months before departure. Prices tend to be relatively stable during this period, giving you the chance to pounce on a deal without the stress of last-minute increases.

Believe it or not, Tuesday evenings are like a secret gateway to flight savings. Airlines often release new fare sales on Tuesday afternoons, and by Tuesday evening, other carriers tend to match these prices. So, grab your popcorn, cozy up, and let the flight deals roll in.

Tip #5: Unearth mistake fares

Mistake fares are the unicorns of the travel world – elusive but oh-so-magical when you find them. They are elusive yet enchanting anomalies that can transform your travel dreams into reality. Picture stumbling upon a hidden pathway that leads to a realm of astonishingly affordable airfares – that's the essence of discovering a mistake fare. These marvels are born out of the occasional slip-ups in airline pricing systems, where the digits align in an unexpected way, resulting in prices that defy belief. The outcome? Jaw-droppingly low fares that seem too good to be true, yet they beckon you to embark on journeys you never thought possible. Head to Tip #6 to learn how to join the unicorn hunt.

Tip #6: sign up for fare alerts

Fare alerts act as your trusty treasure map, guiding you to hidden gems of discounted airfares that might otherwise go unnoticed. If you're wondering how to stay ahead of the game and secure these fantastic deals, here's a closer look at how to find and sign up for fare alerts:

Setting Up Google Fare Alerts

Once on the Google Flights website, enter your departure and destination cities, along with your desired travel dates. After you've run a search for flights, you'll see a toggle that says "Track prices." Click on this toggle, and Google Flights will keep an eye on the prices for your selected itinerary. You'll receive email notifications whenever there's a significant drop in fares or when a deal matching your criteria becomes available.

Customizing Your Google Alerts

Google Flights allows you to customize your fare alerts based on your preferences. You can choose to receive alerts for specific dates, airlines, or even for a range of departure and return dates. This level of customization ensures that you're only notified about the deals that are most relevant to your travel plans.

Being Swift and Strategic

When a mistake fare or a fantastic deal pops up on your radar, acting swiftly is crucial. Airlines often realize and correct these errors quickly, so you'll want to be among the first to book. Make sure you have your travel details ready and are prepared to finalize your booking promptly.

Flexibility Pays Off

While fare alerts are an excellent way to save on flights, remember that they may require some flexibility in your travel plans. Mistake fares or last-minute deals might not always align perfectly with your ideal travel dates, but being open to adjusting your schedule could lead to substantial savings.

Other Fare Alert Platforms to Consider

In addition to Google Flights, there are specialized fare alert platforms like Going.com (formally Scott's Cheap Flights), The Flight Deal, AirfareWatchdog, and more. These platforms employ teams of experts who actively search for and curate mistake fares, hidden deals, and flash sales. To sign up for alerts on these platforms, visit their respective websites and subscribe to their newsletters. You'll receive regular emails with details about the latest deals that match your preferences.

By leveraging fare alert platforms like Google Flights, you'll equip yourself with the tools and information you need to pounce on mistake fares and incredible flight deals. This proactive approach can turn your dream destinations into affordable realities. So, keep your eyes peeled for those fare alerts, and you'll be well on your way to unlocking the world of budget-friendly travel opportunities.

Tip #7: stay engaged on social media

It’s a fact, staying engaged on social media has become an essential tool for savvy travelers looking to uncover exceptional flight deals. The digital landscape has created a dynamic platform where airlines, travel deal websites, and passionate travelers converge to share the latest travel bargains and discoveries. By staying engaged on social media, you're positioning yourself at the forefront of a virtual treasure trove of travel opportunities.

Start by keeping a watchful eye on the social media accounts of airlines you're interested in, as well as established travel deal websites that specialize in curating and disseminating unbeatable fares. Their posts might feature limited-time promotions, flash sales, and exclusive offers that can substantially lower your travel expenses. Following their accounts not only keeps you informed but also grants you a front-row seat to the excitement of booking remarkable flights at a fraction of the regular cost.

Here is a list of my favorite accounts to follow for travel deals on Instagram:

Air Asia

Visit Air Asia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyairasia/

Airfare Watchdog

Visit Airfare Watchdog’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airfarewatchdog/

The Flight Deal

Visit The Flight Deal’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theflightdeal/

Hello Going

Visit Hello Going’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello_going/

Jet Blue

Visit Jet Blue’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jetblue

Secret Flying

Visit Secret Flying’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secret.flying/

Southwest Airlines

Visit Southwest’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southwestair/

Travel Pirates

Visit Travel Pirate’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelpirates/

As this social media engagement converges with your quest for flight deals, it beautifully circles back to platforms like Google Flights. The information you glean from social media networks complements your Google Flights search strategy, enhancing your chances of finding both conventional and unconventional deals. Armed with the insider tips shared by travel enthusiasts and the curated insights from your social media feed, you can fine-tune your Google Flights searches with a sharper focus on the destinations and dates that align with these offers.

Let’s book a flight and get out of here!

So there you have it, intrepid travelers! Armed with the magic of Google Flights and the wisdom of timing, you're ready to conquer the skies in style – without emptying your pockets. Fly high, explore wide, and may the travel deals forever be in your favor!