SAN FRANCISCO- Google Flights has just unveiled a game-changing feature that promises to transform how we search for affordable flights. The new “Cheapest” tab is set to become your ultimate budget travel companion, offering unprecedented access to ultra-low-price flight options.
How the Cheapest Tab Works
Traditional flight searches typically prioritize a balance between price and convenience. The new Google Flights feature takes a different approach, focusing solely on delivering the absolute lowest prices available.
Key Characteristics of the Cheapest Tab
- Price First Approach: Unlike standard search results, this tab prioritizes the lowest possible fares.
- Expanded Booking Options: These include
- Third-party booking sites
- Alternative airport combinations
- Multi-airline itineraries
For example, I tested the feature for a trip from Seattle to Phoenix on 23rd December which is high time for year-end travel. On the “Best” tab, flights started at $314 with a major carrier. Switching to the “Cheapest” tab revealed options as low as $203 on a budget airline. But the catch is, the baggage fees should be added to the base price.
Creative Pricing Strategies Revealed
The “Cheapest” tab introduces travelers to more unconventional flight booking with innovative cost-saving techniques:
- Self-Transfers: Booking different legs of a trip through multiple airlines
- Alternative Airports: Flying out of one airport and returning to another in the same city
- Third-Party Bookings: Leveraging lower-priced options from external booking platforms
The magic behind this feature lies in its comprehensive search strategy. Google Flights now pulls from a wider range of sources, including:
- Budget airlines
- Third-party travel sites
- Multi-airline itineraries
- Flights with longer layovers
I explored international routes and found some eye-opening deals. A trip from Houston to Lima, Peru, showed flights typically priced at $758, but the cheapest option dropped to just $315. The trade-off? A more complex route with two stops and a longer total travel time.
What Travelers Need to Know
While the cheapest options offer significant savings, they may come with:
- Longer layover times
- More complex travel routes
- Additional planning requirements
This feature is perfect for travelers who:
- Prioritize budget over convenience
- Have flexible travel schedules
- Are comfortable with more complex booking processes
Tips for Maximizing the Cheapest Tab
Google’s latest research reveals crucial booking strategies:
- Domestic Holiday Trips: Cheapest fares are typically available in October
- Thanksgiving and Christmas Travel: Early booking provides maximum savings
- Be flexible with travel dates
- Compare total trip costs, not just base fares
- Consider additional expenses like baggage fees
- Read the fine print for multi-airline bookings
Bottom Line
The “Cheapest” tab represents a significant shift in travel booking technology. By providing transparency and access to previously hidden deals, Google Flights empowers travelers to make more informed, budget-conscious decisions.
Google Flights’ new “Cheapest” tab is more than just a feature – it’s a budget traveler’s secret weapon. By revealing ultra-low price options and creative booking strategies, it promises to revolutionize how we approach travel planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply enter your trip details on Google Flights and click on the new “Cheapest” tab when searching for flights.
Yes, the feature is rolling out globally over the next two weeks wherever Google Flights is available.
Not necessarily. Travelers should carefully consider total trip costs, convenience, and personal travel preferences.
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