If you know me, you know I love finding ways to travel for cheap!
And when it comes to booking affordable travel, one of the best secrets I've discovered is a simple trick using Google Flights.
All you have to do is be a little flexible and change the way you search for your airfare.
Erika Taught Me
- Leave the destination blank when you search on Google Flights for the cheapest airfare.
- Changing your travel date by a day or two could make it significantly cheaper.
- This trick works best if you’re flexible with your destinations and trip length.
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The Google Flights Trick: How It Works
A friend of mine went on a trip to Paris and came home raving about how she only paid $300 for her flight.
When I asked how she pulled that off, she told me about her Google Flights trick that’s allowed her to find cheap fares to destinations all over the world.
I put the trick to the test, and sure enough, I was able to uncover round-trip flights from New York to Orlando for just $101, and a flight from LA to Las Vegas for only $46.
Here’s how I did it.
Step 1: Don't specify a destination
When I’m searching on Google Flights, I normally fill in as many details as I can. Then, I receive flights tailored to my specific request. But herein lies the trick!
Instead, leave the destination field blank. This prompts Google to pull up the most affordable options based on just your travel dates.
2. Play around with your dates
Next, you can adjust the dates and trip length to find the lowest fares to various destinations.
Experiment with different timeframes to see how the prices change. If you go a day earlier or a day later, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars on your airfare!
3. See the cheapest flight prices to anywhere in the world
After you fiddle with your travel dates, zoom out on the map to browse cheap international destinations. You might be surprised by how affordable some long-haul flights show up for!
If you’re looking for a specific destination, zoom in on that city to see your options.
Thanks to this method, some savvy travelers have stumbled upon flights to Cancun for $177 and Denver for just $55.
It's amazing how much money you can save when you're willing to be somewhat flexible with your travel plans!
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Who Can Benefit from the Google Flights Trick?
This search method works best for travelers with open-ended or flexible schedules and destinations.
If you have specific travel dates or a particular place in mind, you may not be able to take full advantage of this trick. But it’s still possible!
Whether you're dreaming of a tropical getaway or a European adventure, this trick gives you the power to find unbelievably cheap flights.
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Limitations to Consider
The drawback of using this Google Flights method is that it does require a bit more effort and flexibility on your part, as you'll need to toggle through different date ranges and map views to find the best fares.
And the destinations you uncover might not always align perfectly with your travel plans or wishlist.
Additionally, the most deeply discounted flights are often non-refundable or have longer layovers, so you'll want to be confident in your travel plans before booking.
But if you're willing to be flexible, the potential savings make it well worth the extra time and effort!
FAQs
Can this hack be used for international flights?
Absolutely! In fact, zooming out on the map is one of the best ways to discover cheap flights to destinations around the world.
What if I have specific travel dates in mind?
The Google Flights hack is less effective if you have fixed travel dates. The real magic happens when you're able to play around with different timeframes to find the lowest fares.
TL;DR: How To Find Cheap Flights on Google
This Google Flights trick is a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers who are willing to be a bit flexible on their destination.
By simply leaving that field blank and adjusting the dates, you can uncover surprisingly low fares to all kinds of domestic and international destinations.
With a little creativity and an open mind, you might just find the vacation of your dreams — for a fraction of the usual cost!
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Erika Kullberg is a lawyer and the most-followed personal finance expert in the world. She discovered her passion for personal finance after realizing she was drowning in over $200,000 of student debt and needed to take action. She paid off her student loans in under two years and started creating videos on social media to help others learn about personal finance. She's also the host of the #1 rated podcast, Erika Taught Me, where every week she invites a new guest to share their best personal finance, life, wellness, and/or business advice.