How To Use Google Flights In Canada

Google Flights is a travel search engine that pulls results from hundreds of airlines, making it easy to quickly compare trips based on cost, distance, and even carbon emissions.

While this sounds fantastic, there are a few tricks to using the search engine effectively. We’ll give you tips for searching and filtering the results so you can find flights that fit your travel needs and budget.

What is Google Flights?

Google Flights is a dedicated search engine tailored to finding flights.

Sure, you could use the search bar on Google, but you’ll see a list of results that you have to sort through, potentially going to dozens of websites before finding the flight information you need.

Instead, by starting your search with Google Flights, you’ll see not only all your flight options in one place, but you’ll also get travel tips about the cheapest times to travel, the shortest flights, and how often nonstop flights are offered.

The search engine also stands out for its fantastic filtering options (more on that below). If you struggle with the fear of missing out, Google Flights can reassure you that you’re getting the best flight for your needs.

Pros and cons of Google Flights

Google Flights sounds like an amazing timesaver, right? While there are obvious benefits to the tool, there are some negatives.

Pros:

• Great search options for flights: Google makes it easier to look for flights based on conditions like calendar, budget, and destination map.
• Compares multiple carriers: Instead of checking each carrier’s websites, Google Flights pulls options from several of the largest airlines, saving you time.
• See real-time results and score lightning deals: Airline fares change constantly, but Google Flights pulls fares instantly, so you can grab deals before they disappear. Some flights are also eligible for a low price guarantee.

Cons:

• Not all airlines list their prices: Some airlines might not be included, while others may list a lower price but require you to call and book instead of doing it online.
• You might pay more for a roundtrip flight: When searching for a roundtrip flight, the actual price you pay depends on your returning flight. For instance, you might only get the lowest price if you book a connecting flight on the return (rather than a direct flight).
• Google can’t cancel your booking: If you need to cancel your flight, you must contact the airline or third-party agency directly since Google is simply a referral site.

How to search for flights

Once you land on the Google Flights page, enter some basic trip information like your departure and destination locations, number of fares, fare class, travel dates, and whether you’re searching for roundtrip or one-way tickets.

As soon as you enter the departure and destination, you’ll see flight information pop up below. Specifically, Google lists top flights based on price and convenience. If you prefer, you can toggle to select the cheapest flights.

You’ll also see a few useful boxes pop up with helpful travel information. For instance, Google gives you a timeframe for booking the cheapest flights and tells you if the prices for your search are average or higher/lower than usual.

Use the calendar to find the cheapest dates

The best way to score a deal on your next flight is to search far enough in advance that you can use the fare calendar.

Here’s how it works: specify your departure location and destination, but don’t fill in the dates. Instead, click the search button to see the fare calendar for the next 2 months pop up. The cheapest fares will appear in green.

The example below shows how the price goes up after mid-May for a trip from Vancouver to Seoul.

Data nerds will appreciate the alternate ways to view the information - you can see search results as a date grid:

In this example of a Vancouver to Calgary trip, you can see how easy it is to use. If you were to leave on April 17, you'd save $25 if you were planning to go home on April 22.

You can also view flight results as a price graph:

Pro tip: Sometimes, you'll get pop-ups that suggest even better prices. Often, these show up just underneath the "Date grid" button.

Filter your results

With so many airlines and travel options, it helps narrow your search if you can use filters to weed out flights you don’t want.

Google Flights lets you apply the following filters to your search:

• Stops: Search all flights, only nonstop flights, or flights with 1 or 2 stops.
• Price: Specify how much you’re willing to pay.
• Airlines: Search a specific airline (helpful if you want loyalty points), remove some airlines, or see all results. You can even specify specific airline alliances.
• Bags: List how many checked and carry-on bags you plan to bring.
• Times: Select ranges of time for your outbound and returning flights
• Emissions: Decide if lower emissions are important for your booking.
• Connecting airports: Not only can you filter flights based on layover length, but you can also choose which airports you’d like for your connecting flight.
• Duration: Narrow your options by flight length.
• Separate and self-transfer tickets: This allows you to purchase several one-way tickets with different airlines, which can be the cheapest option, instead of booking a roundtrip flight.

You’ll see all of your filter options directly below the departure and destination search bar.

Keep in mind that Google does not add carry-on fees by default. If you see an icon of luggage crossed out, your base fare may be higher.

How to check whether your flight is a good deal

So, you’ve read through all your options, filtered the results, and picked a flight. Now, you’re wondering if it’s your best option.

Fortunately, Google can tell you whether the flight you chose is priced lower than average, average, or above average.

When you select a flight, scroll to the bottom of the page to find the small infographic with the details.

If you're looking at a flight that isn't leaving for several months, you can get a handle on whether or not you're getting a good deal and make a more informed decision on whether you should take the plunge and book your flight.

Book flights directly with the airline

On the same page, you’ll see booking options. We’ll be clear - you’re not booking through Google. Instead, Google connects you directly to the airline to complete the booking.

If the flight is sold through a booking agency, Google will inform you that additional fees might appear when you book.

When you’re ready to book, you’ll see options to select a fare type. For instance, if you’re booking an Air Canada flight, you might choose from Basic, Standard, Flex, Comfort, or Business Lowest.

Select your fare, and you’ll be immediately taken to the airline's booking page, where you can review your itinerary and make your payment.

Travel experts recommend booking directly instead of through third-party sites since you have more control over changing your reservation, you can gain loyalty rewards, and customer service is generally better.

How to set flight price alerts

The most important thing you can get from Google Flights is the price tracking. Google will monitor the flight prices for you and email you when the prices change.

To set a flight price alert, head to the Google Flights site and enter your departure and destination locations. You’ll see all the top departing flights, but if you scroll down, you’ll see a track prices toggle switch.

Use this to track the general prices of any flight on your dates (or select any dates or specific destination):

You'll now receive emails when the price of your trip changes.

You can also see the history of your tracked searches. Expand the menu at the top left corner and click on tracked flight prices. You can now view your tracked prices and the recent history of what you are tracking.

When the price changes, Google will email you the details.

How to use the Explore feature to find deals

So far, we’ve covered how helpful Google Flights can be when you know your flight details, but what about when you’re unsure of your next trip? Fortunately, Google Flights has an Explore feature that helps you plan a trip from scratch.

To access the feature, click "Explore" on the tab next to “Flights.” Enter as much or as little information as you like to get travel ideas. It does help if you enter a starting airport. Once you do, you’ll see destinations and fares populate the page’s travel map.

If you’d like to see global options, keep zooming out and play around with filters specifying the number of stops, your travel interests, airlines, flight options, and more.

Google Flights’ price guarantee

This is a pilot feature, so some kinks may not be worked out yet. Google Flights is testing a price guarantee on eligible flights. This is how it works - you'll see a price guarantee for select flights that Google believes are the cheapest they’ll ever be. Google continues to monitor the flight price from when you book it to the first flight of your trip.

If the price drops below what you paid, you’ll be reimbursed for the difference (up to $500 on all itineraries you book over a year). Again, since this is a pilot feature, check the terms and conditions when you book since Google might make adjustments.

FAQ

Which airlines don't show up on Google Flights?

Southwest Airlines used to be the big one excluded from Google Flights results, but in May 2024, the airline began showing up in searches. For the most part, all major airlines and many budget regional carriers appear in Google Flights. If partnering airlines don’t appear in the results, it’s because there are no flights available for your travel specifications.

Why is Google Flights so good?

Google’s flight search technology is advanced, and it gives travellers fantastic filter options. Plus, Google pulls flights from over 300 airlines, with links to directly book with each airline. These features make it easier to find flights that match your travel needs and budget.

Does Google Flights book directly with the airline?

No. Google Flights displays flights from several airlines, but when you select a flight and hit "Continue," you’ll be taken to the airline’s website to book the trip.

Is there an app for Google Flights?

Google Flights used to be available as an app, but it was discontinued. To use Google Flights you’ll have to use your browser.