By: Mike Glover

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the premier deals on flights can be a challenging and time-consuming task. Fortunately, Google Flights offers a tool to help you stay on top of price fluctuations and snag the finest deals: price alerts. This feature allows you to track flight prices for specific routes and dates, ensuring you never miss out on a great offer. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up price alerts on Google Flights, share some pro tips, and explain why this tool is a game-changer for savvy travelers.

Why Use Google Flights Price Alerts?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why Google Flights price alerts are so valuable:

• Time-Saving: Instead of manually checking prices daily, you receive notifications when prices change.
• Money-Saving: Catch price drops quickly, allowing you to book at the opportune moment.
• Trend Analysis: Over time, you’ll gain insights into price patterns for your favorite routes.
• Flexibility: Set alerts for specific dates or track prices over a range of dates for maximum flexibility.
• User-Friendly: Google Flights offers a clean, intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Price Alerts

Now, let’s walk through the process of setting up price alerts on Google Flights:

1. Navigate to Google Flights

Open your web browser and go to Google Flights. You’ll be greeted with a clean interface to start your flight search.

2. Enter Your Flight Details

Input your departure and arrival cities, along with your preferred travel dates. You can choose specific dates or use the date grid to view prices across a range of dates.

3. Review the Search Results

Google Flights will display a list of available flights matching your criteria. Take a moment to review the options and prices.

4. Locate the “Track Prices” Toggle

Look for the “Track prices” toggle switch, typically located near the top of the search results. If you’re not signed in to your Google account, you’ll be prompted to do so at this point.

5. Activate Price Tracking

Click the toggle to turn on price tracking. You’ll see a confirmation message indicating that you’ll receive email notifications about price changes.

6. Customize Your Alert (Optional)

For more specific tracking, you can select individual flights or adjust your search parameters. This allows you to focus on particular airlines, departure times, or other preferences.

7. Manage Your Price Alerts

To view or manage your existing price alerts, click on the menu icon in the top-left corner of Google Flights and select “Tracked prices.” Here, you can review, edit, or delete your active alerts.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Google Flights Price Alerts

To get the most out of this feature, consider these advanced strategies:

1. Set Multiple Alerts for Flexibility

Don’t limit yourself to just one set of dates. Create alerts for various date ranges to increase your chances of finding the premier deal.

2. Use the Date Grid

Take advantage of Google Flights’ date grid view to spot price trends over a two-month period. This can help you identify the cheapest days to fly.

3. Compare Nearby Airports

Set up alerts for flights from or to nearby airports. Sometimes, a short drive can lead to significant savings.

4. Monitor One-way Flights

In addition to round-trip alerts, set up one-way flight alerts. Occasionally, booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than a round-trip fare.

5. Be Patient

Prices can fluctuate significantly. Don’t jump on the first price drop you see; give it some time to potentially drop further.

6. Act Fast When You See a Good Deal

While patience is important, be prepared to book quickly when you spot a great price. Deals can disappear rapidly.

Understanding Price Fluctuations

To make the most of price alerts, it’s helpful to understand why flight prices change. Several factors influence these fluctuations:

• Seasonality: Prices often increase during peak travel seasons and holidays.
• Day of the week: Midweek flights are often cheaper than weekend flights.
• Time until departure: Prices typically increase as the departure date approaches.
• Competitor pricing: Airlines adjust prices based on what their competitors are charging.
• Demand: High demand for a particular route can drive prices up.
• Fuel costs: Changes in oil prices can affect ticket prices.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can better interpret the price changes you see and make more informed booking decisions.

Limitations and Alternatives

While Google Flights price alerts are incredibly useful, it’s important to note a few limitations:

• Not all airlines are included (e.g., Southwest Airlines doesn’t share its data with Google Flights).
• Price updates may not be instantaneous; there can be a slight delay.
• The tool doesn’t account for additional fees like baggage charges.

For a thorough approach, you might use Google Flights alongside other tools like Skyscanner, Kayak, or Hopper. Each platform offers different features, and checking multiple sources can help you explore a wider range of options.

Summary

Setting up price alerts on Google Flights is a simple yet essential way to stay on top of flight deals and save money on your travels. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the pro tips, you’ll be well-equipped to find the premier prices for your next adventure. Remember, the key to success is a combination of diligence, flexibility, and quick action when the right deal comes along. Happy travels and happy savings!

Published by: Josh Tatunay