Google Flights has just introduced a new tool aimed at making it even easier for travellers to find budget-friendly flight options.
Story Summary:
- Google Flights has launched a “Cheapest” tab to help travellers find low-cost flight options.
- The feature suggests cheaper alternatives with possible trade-offs like longer layovers or self-transfers.
- Flight pricing depends on factors like demand, fuel costs, and competition, with strategies like dynamic pricing affecting airfare.
How to find cheap flights with this new Google feature
The new “Cheapest” tab, rolling out over the next two weeks, allows users to view the most affordable flights at the top of their search results.
Previously, Google Flights displayed results based on a combination of price and convenience.
Now, with the “Cheapest” tab, users can prioritise the lowest cost, even if it means sacrificing certain conveniences like direct flights or short layovers.
In some cases, the feature might suggest cheaper alternatives such as using third-party booking sites or returning to a different airport in the same city.
Google has designed this update for travellers who are willing to be flexible with their itineraries.
Some of the cheaper flight options might include longer layovers, self-transfers, or a mix of flights from different airlines or booking sites.
However, for those who are more focused on cost savings than convenience, this tool offers a more comprehensive way to explore the cheapest flights available.
The feature is rolling out globally, so users in different regions can soon take advantage of it to plan their travel more efficiently.
How do cheap flights and airfare pricing work?
Understanding how airlines price their flights can help travellers make the most of tools like Google Flights’ “Cheapest” tab.
Airlines typically use a pricing model known as dynamic pricing, which adjusts fares based on real-time demand, booking windows, and seat availability.
Here are a few factors that influence airfare:
- Supply and Demand: Flights with more demand, such as during peak travel seasons or to popular destinations, tend to have higher prices. On the other hand, flights during off-peak times or to less popular locations are often cheaper.
- Advance Booking: The earlier you book a flight, the more likely you are to get a better deal. Airlines often raise prices as the departure date approaches, especially when only a few seats are left.
- Competition: Airlines are more likely to offer lower prices on routes where they face competition from other carriers. If multiple airlines fly the same route, prices may drop as they vie for passengers.
- Fuel Prices and Operating Costs: Fluctuations in fuel prices and other operational costs can affect the overall pricing structure of airfares.
- Seasonal Trends: Prices also depend on the time of year. For instance, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas see a surge in travel, which can increase prices. Booking early, as suggested by Google Flights, can help secure cheaper fares during these peak times.
With the new Google Flights “Cheapest” tab, travellers can weigh these factors and decide if the trade-offs, such as longer layovers or flying into alternate airports, are worth the savings.
