Google FlightsOne of our top tools at TPG is great, but Google Travel offers much more than just affordable flights — and it keeps improving, as I discovered during a recent discussion with James Byers, the group product manager for travel at Google.
We both agreed that Google Flights Exploreis one of the best-kept secrets of Google Flights that can assist you in finding affordable travel options.
However, although our discussion centered on Google Travel’s top travel recommendations, we also addressed some misconceptions and explored what’s coming next for Google Flights.
Google has also shared an update regarding the feature that allows users to exclude basic economy fares from searches on Google Flights. A few individuals already have this capability, but it’s currently only available as a trial — most users will continue to see basic economy fares in their Google Flights search results for now. However, keep an eye out: Google has stated that if this feature is expanded to a broader audience, TPG will be the first to find out.
Continue reading for Google’s top advice, what’s coming next, and our discussion about basic economy — and watch the video below for the complete interview.
Google Flights Explore and other important features
Byers and I both have a favorite tool — Google Flights Explore. “You can search without specifying a destination in Google Flights and discover a variety of options on a map, then proceed to narrow them down,” Byers explained. “You can look at the duration of the trip and budget, and potentially find a journey you hadn’t considered. In fact, most of our users are open to different destinations.”
Using Google Flights Explore is not difficult. After giving it a try, you’ll likely become as hooked as we are. “Explore really satisfies that desire when users are trying to decide where to go next,” Byers said.
Byers mentions several other Google Flights tools as “favorites for advanced users.” However, he noted that many individuals still do not utilize the date grid and price graph features available in Google Flights.
So when you’re trying to decide when to fly and want to see how leaving a day earlier or later could affect things, the date grid is a useful tool to help visualize the impact of those small changes,” said Byers. In the same way, he added, “The price graph allows you to view a variety of dates for a trip of the same length and observe how prices change over time.
Google Flights enhances those search options with greater geographic flexibility, enabling users to search for multiple origins and destinations simultaneously. Byers pointed out this feature as another lesser-known treasure that broadens users’ opportunities.
To clarify, he outlined how strategically dispersing your airports could assist in planning your next Italian trip, for instance. Suppose you’re on the East Coast, and “you could drive to Philadelphia or drive to New York,” Byers suggested. In a similar way, you’re not strongly bound towhereIn Italy, you might consider visiting — Rome or Milan, for instance, would both be excellent choices. “You could include both [New York and Philadelphia], and then select Milan and Rome as your destinations, and explore all the combinations to find what suits you best.”
With some adaptability, these filters can significantly help you save money on a dream trip.
Byers also highlighted a significant Google investment in notifications, such as price alerts that track changes in prices over time.
Understanding … the optimal time to book, setting up a notification, and allowing us … to inform you as prices fluctuate helps you confidently target that excellent deal,” said Byers. “And I’m certain you know, as many Points Guy readers do, the satisfaction of booking a highly affordable flight … it’s a wonderful feeling.
Full conversation with Google’s James Byers
Basic economy fare options arriving on Google Flights?
Some Google Flights users have recently mentioned they can now exclude basic economy fares. I inquired whether this feature was something Google intended to make available more broadly.
Well, it’s something we’ve been testing for some time,” said Byers. “We believe there’s a genuine ongoing demand to focus on the basics of searching for flights. You can expect features such as basic economy in the future, as well as options like best versus cheapest, which we introduced recently.
Unfortunately, he stated that Google wasn’t prepared to make an announcement at this time — however, Byers mentioned that TPG readers would be the first to find out.
Myth-busting with Google
We’ve all encountered numerous stories and rumors about booking flights, but many of them aren’t accurate. A widely held belief is that waiting for a specific time of day or a particular day of the week can lead to a better price.
As per Byers, Google indicates that there isn’t really much accuracy to this claim.
Our data indicates that it’s not significant, but there is a slight advantage,” he acknowledged. “It’s roughly 1.3% less expensive over time to book on a Tuesday compared to Sunday, which is the priciest day. However, you understand that this is a very minimal impact; 1.3% is likely not enough to influence many consumers.
Rather, he stated, “We believe it’s significantly more crucial to monitor seasonal patterns and to reserve… the appropriate number of days ahead for your local or global journey, and to somewhat adhere to the advice we provide regarding the booking period.”
At TPG, our advicehas regularly involved reserving domestic flights one to three months in advance, and international trips three to five months ahead. Byers agrees: “There are certain market-specific details where we offer slightly later or earlier recommendations. However, overall, this aligns with what we observe.”
We are aware that there are many intense emotions regarding that magical day,” he adds, “but it’s not a significant variation.
What about the legend that removing cookies from your browser can lead to a better deal? The concept is that because your browser recognizes the market you’re currently shopping in, merchants may adjust prices based on what they believe they can charge you.
For Google Flights,” Byers states, “that’s not true. We display the same price for all users within a specific country.
Occasionally, airlines do implement pricing that is based on the country or the point of sale,” he adds, “but within a single country, the price isn’t affected by Google’s impact. … We consistently display the same prices [in different markets] — they’re simply updated very frequently.
Bottom line
Byers and I also talked about some trends for the remainder of 2025 and 2026. Byers mentioned he has noticed a significant increase in interest in solo travel. He and I also both agreed that artificial intelligence is definitely targeting our travel reservations — but for the time being, travelers still enjoy searching for deals on their own.
“Users really enjoy discovering discounts,” said Byers. He also noted that there has been a significant increase in interest intravel hacksRecently — a topic we enjoy covering at TPG.
In the end, he and I concluded that flexibility is essential for securing the best deals. Indeed, it’s one of my major trends to keep an eye on as we approach 2026. Being flexible is the answer to discovering more affordable prices; it’s also the foundation for utilizing your points and miles in the most effective and profitable way.
Our conversation covered numerous significant subjects, so make sure to watch the entire interview.
Related reading:
- Summer of deals? New research indicates that flight costs have decreased substantially.
- Top airline credit cards
- What exactly are frequent flyer miles?
- 6 practical methods you can apply when your flight is cancelled or delayed
- Boost your travel savings: Top credit cards for purchasing airline tickets
- Top credit cards for achieving elite status
- What is the value of points and miles? TPG’s monthly valuations
Editorial note: The views presented here are solely those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of any bank, credit card company, airline, or hotel chain. These perspectives have not been examined, approved, or otherwise supported by any of the aforementioned organizations.
