Google Flights Now Shows Baggage Allowance in Search Results!

Baggage fees have been a major pain point for travelers, and now Google Flights – our go-to platform for finding the best flights – is making it even easier to see exactly what you get with each fare when you search. 

Google Flights appears to be rolling out a new feature that shows the number of bags that are included in each fare right in the initial search results. Now, as soon as you search for flights, the baggage allotment for each fare pops up right next to the price. This information was always available, but previously, you had to click through to see it. 

Google Flights is always testing new features, but as of Monday morning this new baggage allowance feature appears to be widespread on U.S. and Canada flights. 

It’s a hugely positive change that allows travelers to compare and contrast what you get with each fare while you’re still on the search results page. It should help contextualize fees for major U.S. airlines and low-cost carriers. 

The carry-on allowance is denoted by a small, wheelie bag, while a bigger suitcase on the right marks checked baggage. As you can see, for these American and Delta basic economy fares, only a carry-on is included. On United, no bags are included in basic economy. And for Southwest, you get a carry-on and two free checked bags thanks to its Bags Fly Free policy. 

The biggest winner in this change should be Southwest Airlines. The Dallas-based airline only just started showcasing its fares on Google Flights a few months ago, and now has the proper context to show the value of its fares. By indicating the free bags next to Southwest’s fares, you can clearly see that it’s only a few dollars more to bring three bags with you compared to the other airlines’ stripped down basic economy tickets.  

You won’t see this new interface in every search result, at least not yet. 

As of right now, the new luggage feature is showing up only on domestic airfare and flights to and from Canada. For instance, if you search for flights from New York (JFK) to Toronto (YYZ), you’ll that baggage allowances appear next to the fares. 

But if you change your search to London (LHR) instead, the bag icons disappear. You’ll have to click through each individual fare to see what bags are included. 

Ultimately, this change should provide travelers with some important context in their initial search. The sneaky basic economy and ultra-bare bones fares offered by low-cost carriers can now be analyzed for what they are. 

It will help many travelers do the math ahead of time to figure out which fare is best for them. 

Bottom Line

Google Flights appears to be rolling out a new feature, displaying the number and type of bags that are included in each fare for many flights. 

It’s a consumer-friendly move that makes it easier for travelers to compare the true cost of fares from both major airlines and low-cost carriers without having to click through to see any ancillary baggage fees.