Average domestic air fare this year costs more than $380, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
With nearly 3 million airline passengers traveling through U.S. airspace every day, per the Federal Aviation Administration, many are likely searching for deals. This week, Google announced a plan to help travelers get deals on flights.
In particular, Google wants to help ticket buyers figure out whether prices are better when flights are booked earlier or closer to the flight date.
“We’re launching upgraded insights to make that choice a bit easier,” said a blog post from the tech giant. “For searches with reliable trend data, you’ll now see when prices have typically been lowest to book your chosen dates and destination.”
Google noted that, while those who book early often can find deals, flight prices can change fast. With these changes, there are opportunities for new deals – if consumers can catch them.
Here’s how the new Google Flights features can give ticket buyers an edge:
First off, searches with reliable trend data will include information about when prices have typically been lowest to book for the chosen dates and destination. Consumers can also turn on the new price tracking feature. This automatically notifies customers when prices drop.
“You can set up tracking for specific dates, like your best friend’s destination wedding in February,” said Google. “Or, if you’re more flexible, you can turn on ‘Any dates’ price tracking to receive emails about deals anytime in the next three to six months. To enable this feature, make sure you’re logged into your Google account.”
Lastly, Google Flights now offers the “price guarantee badge” when it is “especially confident,” that the fare won’t get lower prior to the departure time and date. When consumers book with the guarantee badge, Google promises to monitor ticket prices every day before the flight takes off. If it does go down, it will pay back the difference via Google Pay.
“These price guarantees are part of a pilot program available for select Book on Google itineraries departing from the U.S.,” said the company.
In addition to the new features offered through Google Flights, Google also offers some general tips for people looking to save money while booking flights. These tips include taking layover options and avoiding weekend departures. As for the upcoming holiday season, Google recommended booking December travel in October – especially international flights.
“Average prices have been lowest 72 days or more before departure,” said Google of departures headed to Europe. “In other words, average airfares from the U.S. to Europe only tend to increase over time, especially once you’re about 10 weeks from departure.”
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