Google Flights is one of the most powerful tools for finding affordable flights, planning trips, and tracking price changes. By setting up Google Flights alerts, you can monitor price trends and receive notifications when there’s a price drop for a specific flight or destination. This guide will provide a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to set up and effectively use Google Flights alerts to save money on airfare.
What Are Google Flights Alerts?
Google Flights Alerts are notifications sent to your email that inform you of price changes for specific routes, dates, or destinations you are monitoring. These alerts enable you to track ticket prices in real time, allowing you to book when prices are at their lowest.
Whether you’re planning a trip months in advance or looking for last-minute deals, price alerts can help you save hundreds of dollars. Google Flights makes it easy to set up these alerts and customize them to your travel needs.
Step 1: Open Google Flights
Start by navigating to Google Flights on your web browser. Google Flights is a free service that doesn’t require downloading an app, making it accessible on any device.
Step 2: Search for Your Desired Flight
To set up alerts, you first need to search for flights that match your preferences.
1. Enter Your Travel Details:
• In the search bar, input your departure and destination cities.
• Select your preferred travel dates, or choose the “Flexible Dates” option if your schedule isn’t set in stone.
• Specify if you want a one-way, round-trip, or multi-city flight.
2. Add Filters:
Use the filters to refine your search by price, airlines, stops, times, and more.
• For example, you can choose “Nonstop only” if you don’t want layovers.
• Select “Airline alliances” if you’re loyal to certain frequent flyer programs.
3. View Results:
Google Flights will display a list of flights that match your search criteria. It also shows a calendar view with the lowest prices for surrounding dates, making it easier to spot deals.
Step 3: Turn on Price Tracking
Once you’ve found a flight or destination you want to monitor, it’s time to set up the alert.
1. Enable Price Tracking:
• At the top of the search results page, you’ll see a toggle button labeled “Track prices.”
• Click or tap this button to enable price tracking for your chosen route and dates.
2. Customize Your Alerts:
• If you searched for flexible dates, Google Flights will track price changes for the entire range of dates you selected.
• You can track multiple flights or routes at the same time. For example, if you’re undecided between destinations, you can set up alerts for each option.
3. Sign In to Your Google Account:
• To receive email notifications, you must be signed into your Google account.
• If you’re not signed in, Google will prompt you to log in.
Step 4: Manage Your Alerts
Once your alerts are set up, you’ll start receiving email notifications about price changes. Here’s how to manage and maximize your alerts:
1. Access Your Tracked Flights:
• Return to the Google Flights homepage.
• Click on the “Menu” icon (three horizontal lines in the top-left corner).
• Select “Tracked prices” to view all your active alerts.
2. Remove Alerts:
• If you no longer want to track a specific flight or route, you can turn off the alert.
• Go to “Tracked prices,” find the alert you want to stop, and click the toggle button to disable it.
3. Monitor Trends:
• Google Flights provides insights into price trends, including historical data and price predictions.
• Use this information to decide when to book your tickets.
Step 5: Optimize Your Search for Better Deals
To get the most out of Google Flights alerts, follow these optimization tips:
1. Be Flexible with Dates:
• Prices often vary based on the day of the week and time of year.
• Use the “Date Grid” or “Price Graph” features to see how shifting your travel dates can lower costs.
2. Explore Nearby Airports:
• Click “Nearby Airports” to check flights from alternative departure or arrival points.
• Sometimes, flying into a smaller airport nearby can save you money.
3. Set Alerts for Multiple Routes:
• If you have multiple potential destinations, create alerts for each route to compare prices.
• For example, if you’re deciding between Paris and Barcelona, track flights for both.
4. Combine Airlines:
• Google Flights often suggests cheaper options that involve booking separate tickets with different airlines.
• Look for the “Separate Tickets” label in the results.
Step 6: Book When the Time is Right
Google Flights Alerts are most effective when you act promptly on price drops. Here’s how to decide when to book:
1. Understand Price Drops:
• A small drop in price might not always warrant immediate booking unless your travel dates are fixed.
• Larger drops, especially on premium routes, often indicate the best time to book.
2. Use Google’s “Price Insights”:
• Price insights show whether current prices are higher, lower, or typical for your chosen route.
• If prices are labeled as “low,” it’s a good idea to book immediately.
3. Check Refund Policies:
• Many airlines now offer flexible booking options, allowing you to cancel or change your flight if you find a better deal later.
Additional Features of Google Flights
1. Explore Destinations:
• Use the “Explore” tool to discover destinations within your budget.
• Simply enter your departure city and let Google show you affordable options worldwide.
2. Track Hotel Prices:
• Google Flights isn’t just for airfare. You can also track hotel prices for your trip.
• Click on the “Hotels” tab and follow a similar process to set alerts for accommodations.
3. Save Your Itinerary:
• Once you book a flight, Google Flights allows you to save your itinerary and sync it with Google Calendar.
Why Use Google Flights Alerts?
1. Convenience:
• Google Flights alerts save you the hassle of manually checking prices every day.
2. Savings:
• By tracking price drops, you can book flights at their lowest available prices.
3. Customization:
• Track multiple flights, routes, and dates to suit your travel preferences.
4. Free Service:
• Unlike some paid fare trackers, Google Flights is completely free to use.
Common Questions About Google Flights Alerts
1. How Often Are Alerts Sent?
Alerts are typically sent daily or as soon as there’s a significant price change.
2. Can I Track Flights Without Fixed Dates?
Yes, Google Flights allows you to track flexible date ranges or even broad destinations (e.g., “Europe”).
3. Does Google Guarantee Prices?
No, prices can change quickly. Alerts simply inform you of the latest updates.
4. Are Alerts Available for International Flights?
Yes, Google Flights covers routes worldwide, making it ideal for international travel planning.
By setting up Google Flights alerts, you’ll gain a competitive edge in finding affordable airfare and making informed booking decisions. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a long-haul adventure, Google Flights alerts ensure you never miss out on great deals.
