Maximize Your Travel with Google Flights
Did you know that with just a few handy tricks, Google Flights can be your new best friend when planning flights? Whether you’re after the cheapest option, the fastest way to get there, or something in between, there are great tips for making the most out of this excellent tool.
It’s all thanks to something called the ITA Matrix, a type of flight software created by MIT scientists in the late 1990s. This tool was acquired by Google a decade ago and is now available for you to use via Google Flights.
Add Convenient (or Unique) Airport Combinations
Let’s say you know you want to fly from somewhere near Birmingham in the UK to Japan. You can select any combination of airports you like: departing from Birmingham, plus Manchester, London Heathrow, and East Midlands. Additionally, if you’re willing to travel a bit more, you might even catch a flight from Glasgow after spending the night with a relative.
Similarly, if you’re planning a trip from Tokyo to Kyoto to Hiroshima, you don’t mind which city you arrive in. This flexibility allows for more cost-effective flight options.
How much can you save? Well, booking a few months in advance, flights in cherry blossom season can cost significantly less than a direct flight from Birmingham to Tokyo, sometimes saving you two hundred pounds or more. While you might need to travel down to London for the flight, many travelers find that a reasonable bus ride to Heathrow is worth it for the savings.
To find multiple cities, simply type the city name into the “from” or “to” boxes and separate them with commas. Currently, there is a five-city limit on either side, providing a great range of destination combinations.
Additionally, keep an eye out for the light grey “All Airports” note which indicates other nearby airports. This is useful for maximizing your options, but do remember to double-check which airports you’ll be flying to and from.
The Hidden Calendar: A Powerful Tool
You might not know that after selecting your cities and dates, you can manipulate the calendar tabs to check for lower prices if you’re flexible with your travel dates. Many travelers discover cheaper flights simply by adjusting their departure day by a week or so.
For instance, when checking flights from Birmingham to Tokyo, one might find that leaving a week earlier presents savings of approximately £80—money that can be spent on delightful street food experiences!
Consider using the Date Grid feature, which allows you to see price differences over several days. This can help ensure that you secure the best deal possible.
Learn About In-Flight Amenities
In the case of flying from Birmingham to Tokyo, if the cheapest option is with a lesser-known airline, you may wonder what amenities will be available on board. Google Flights, in collaboration with Routehappy, provides detailed information regarding your in-flight experience, showcasing factors such as legroom, wifi, onboard power, and entertainment options.
Utilize the Bag Filter option when searching for flights, particularly if you want to ensure the prices you see include a carry-on bag, as some airlines may charge extra for that.
Assessing Connection Benefits
One of the most advantageous features of Google Flights is that it allows you to evaluate if a cheaper flight with a connection is genuinely worth it compared to a nonstop option. For example, traveling to Japan from London may save you a couple of hundred pounds, but could add hours of extra travel time.
It’s essential to consider the value of your time while traveling. Some airports have transit hotels, turning layovers into opportunities for rest rather than frustrating waits. This could be a significant factor during busy travel seasons.
While it’s vital to compare various options, remember that Google Flights provides an excellent foundation for your flight research. It’s advisable to cross-reference other flight search engines to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal as you plan your travels.
