Google Flights has rolled out a new “Cheapest” tab aimed at budget-conscious travelers looking to save on airfares.
The global rollout will take place over the next two weeks, offering users a more comprehensive view of flight options, even if they involve longer or more complex routes.
In a blog post, Google explained that this new feature shifts the focus solely to price, favoring flight options that might not appear when prioritizing convenience. For example, the traditional results on Google Flights often highlight options that balance price and convenience, but these might not include the absolute lowest fares.
However, with the “Cheapest” tab, users are shown the most affordable routes, which may include longer layovers, self-transfers, or separate flight segments booked through multiple airlines.
The Cheapest tab feature also allows travelers to find savings by booking through a third-party site rather than directly with the airline. Google demoed this by comparing flights from New York City to Vancouver.
Under traditional sorting, an eight-hour flight with a stop in Calgary was priced at $350. Switching to the “Cheapest” tab, the fare dropped to $284, though it involved a longer route with a layover in Atlanta, saving $66.
The update comes at a time when global tourism expenditure is increasing. In 2023, Statista put the figures at $6.45 trillion, a 21.5% rise compared to the previous year.
With Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays around the corner, this new feature from Google Flights is likely to be welcomed by budget-conscious travelers looking to navigate complex airfare pricing.