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This holiday season, finding the most cost-efficient flights may be a bit less of a hassle thanks to Google Flights' new "Cheapest" tab, which promises better deals than before.
Previously, when you entered trip details in Google Flights, it showed you the best options after considering several factors like price, duration, layovers, etc. So, to find the most affordable option, you'd have to go to Sort by > Price.
Now, when you search for flights, Google will divide the results into two tabs. First is the standard "Best" tab on the left, and the other is the new "Cheapest" tab on the right. "Best" flights still appear by default, but with a click, you can see the new tab for the lowest airfares. This new feature saves time and shows you better deals from third-party booking sites, Google said in a blog post.
However, lower airfares can come with big trade-offs. You might have to put up with longer layovers, connections that involve collecting and dropping off checked luggage again, or purchasing different legs of the trip through multiple airlines or booking sites. Booking flights as far in advance as possible is one good way to ensure lower ticket prices. And some destinations usually cost more to visit during peak seasons for that area, like Hawaii during Christmas or Japan in the spring.
Google Flights will launch the new tab in the US this week and globally over the next two weeks. Some users may already be able to spot it.
Once your flights are booked, Gmail will soon show them in a more simplified, intuitive way than before. A forthcoming update to Gmail Summary Cards will add shortcuts that let you click "Check In" or "Manage booking" and see all your flight details in a box right at the top of the email.