Google is rolling out a new feature for its flight search engine that could help travelers save money on airfare, albeit with some potential trade-offs in convenience.
The tech giant is introducing a Cheapest tab to Google Flights, which will present users with the lowest-priced options for their selected routes. This new feature is designed to cater to budget-conscious travelers who are willing to sacrifice some convenience for better deals.
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| Introducing Google’s Cheapest tab in their flight search engine |
How the Cheapest Tab Works
When users enter their travel details into Google Flights, they'll soon see a new Cheapest tab alongside the existing options. Clicking on this tab will reveal a list of flight options sorted purely by price, without considering factors like trip duration or the number of stops.
The new feature may suggest:
- Flights with longer layovers
- Self-transfers (where passengers need to collect and re-check baggage between flights)
- Itineraries using different airlines for outbound and return legs
- Flights to or from alternative nearby airports
- Bookings through third-party travel agencies instead of directly with airlines
Potential Savings and Trade-offs
Google provided an example to illustrate the potential savings:
- A flight from New York City to Vancouver under the traditional search might show an 8-hour 40-minute trip with one stop, priced at $350.
- The Cheapest tab could offer a 10-hour 53-minute flight routed through Atlanta for $284, saving $66 but adding over two hours to the journey.
Rollout and Availability
The new Cheapest tab is being rolled out globally over the next two weeks. Some users may already see the option appearing in their Google Flights searches.
Timing for Holiday Travel
This feature arrives just as many travelers are planning their year-end trips. According to Google's recent study on holiday travel trends, October is typically the most cost-effective month to book flights for the US Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
While the Cheapest tab may not always provide the most comfortable or convenient options, it offers a straightforward way for travelers to identify the absolute lowest prices available for their desired routes. As always, users will need to weigh the potential savings against factors like travel time, layover duration, and booking complexity when making their final decisions.