Google Flights Adds "Cheapest" Tab for Budget-Conscious Travelers

Finding the cheapest flight deals just got easier with Google Flights' new "cheapest" tab. This feature, rolling out globally in the next two weeks, prioritizes price over everything else, allowing travelers to quickly spot the lowest fares available.

Prioritizing Price over Comfort

Previously, Google Flights prioritized "best" options, considering both price and convenience. However, the "cheapest" tab caters specifically to budget-conscious travelers, putting affordability first. This means you might see links to third-party booking sites offering lower prices than airlines directly.

A More Affordable Way to Travel

A Google spokesperson emphasized the feature's aim to help users find cheaper options when cost is paramount. "This improvement will give you more options at lower prices for your upcoming trips, and then you can decide what you want to do," they told Travel+Leisure.

Potential for Savings, Even During Peak Season

Craig Donaldson from Pocket-lint highlights the feature's potential for savings, especially during peak travel seasons. "It can be frustrating trying to book flights, especially with the holidays coming up. Right now, a lot of people might want to book flights quickly to see friends and family."

Creative Flight Options

The "cheapest" tab may also present more "creative" flight options, like longer layovers, self-connecting flights where you book two separate connecting flights yourself, or options to purchase tickets for different parts of your journey from different airlines or booking websites.

What is the new feature added to Google Flights?

Google Flights has added a new "cheapest" tab that lets users sort search results by price, giving them a clear view of the lowest fares available.

How does the new "cheapest" tab differ from the previous "best" option?

The "cheapest" tab prioritizes price over convenience, while the "best" option considered both factors. The new tab may show links to third-party booking sites that offer lower prices than airlines directly.

Why did Google introduce this new feature?

Google introduced the "cheapest" tab to help users find cheaper flight options when cost is more important than convenience.

What are some benefits of using the "cheapest" tab?

The "cheapest" tab can help users save money, especially during peak travel season. It might also offer more "creative" flight options, such as longer layovers or self-connecting flights.

What is the goal of the "cheapest" tab feature?

The "cheapest" tab aims to help users find the absolute lowest prices, allowing them to decide if the savings are worth any potential trade-offs in comfort or convenience.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, the "cheapest" tab aims to empower travelers by providing them with the absolute lowest prices, allowing them to decide if the savings are worth any potential trade-offs in comfort or convenience.