The toss-up between booking flights early and holding off in the hope of a cheaper deal is a dilemma faced by many travellers year-on-year.
But Google may now have a solution to this, with the launch of a new tool that gives thrifty travellers a chance to hunt for the lowest fares.
While the tech titan claims that booking early is usually the safest bet, its new search function allows users to discover what times of year are best to splash out on tickets.
This is backed by ‘reliable trend data’, with the tool offering useful insights on whether prices are overblown or at a discount.
‘For example, these insights could tell you that the cheapest time to book similar trips is usually two months before departure, and you’re currently in that sweet spot,’ Google said.
Google’s tool allows travellers to see assess what time of year they should book flights
‘Or you might learn that prices have usually dropped closer to takeoff, so you decide to wait before booking.
‘Either way, you can make that decision with a greater sense of confidence.’
To make the most of this, travellers can even opt-in to receive frequent updates on their chosen destination and dates.
This means that when prices fall, users will be notified through their email account – providing they are signed up with Google.
Sometimes, Google is so confident in its price predicting abilities that a rainbow ‘price guarantee’ badge will pop up on its deals.
In these cases, Google will monitor the price of your purchased flight everyday before takeoff.
If the price drops, the tech titan will refund the difference through Google Pay.
However, as of now, this is only part of a pilot program available for a select group of flights in the US.
‘Outside of these tools, we’ve gathered other information to help you travel on a budget,’ Google said.
‘Last year, we shared based on historical pricing trends on Google Flights.
‘We ran the numbers again with the latest data, and most of the tips from 2022 still hold true: Taking a layover or avoiding weekend departures are among the best ways to save on your next flight booking.’
If your purchased tickets have a price guarantee, Google will monitor your flights and pay you if the tickets drop even further in price
Users can also opt into email notifications about the price changes of specific tickets
The tool is backed by ‘reliable trend data’, with the tool offering useful insights on whether prices are overblown or at a discount
To make use of these flight tools, search for ‘Google Flights’ in an internet search bar.
The feature should be one of the first to appear and, when clicked on, it should take you to another search bar.
Here, you’ll have the option to select any holiday destination while also advising what dates are more or less expensive for flights.
Tapping ‘Search’ before hitting ‘View price history’ will then provide a more in-depth account of the travel route you’ve chosen.
This includes graphs displaying price over time in addition to average prices and alternative options.
In the same window there will also be a ‘Track prices’ toggle displayed just below the search bar.
When switched on, alerts will be sent to your email about any ticket price changes.
