Finding the best flight deals often comes down to timing and being proactive with your search. Many people don’t realize the power of setting flight alerts or, worse, they set them up incorrectly, missing out on great deals. In this guide, we’re going to show you how to set flight alerts on Google Flights like a pro. This way, you’ll maximize your chances of catching the best fares every time you travel!
Why Use Google Flights for Setting Alerts?
There are several websites where you can set flight alerts, such as Momondo, Capital One’s Travel Portal, and many others. However, Google Flights is far and away the best option due to its extensive customization features and ease of use. With this guide, you’ll learn how to navigate Google Flights and use its powerful tools to your advantage.
Getting Started with Google Flights
To start, go to Google Flights. Make sure you’re logged into your Google account because you’ll need it to receive flight alerts via email. Once you’re logged in, keep this guide open in one window and Google Flights in another, so you can follow along step-by-step.
Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up Your Flight Alerts
Let’s begin with an example. Suppose you want to search for a roundtrip flight from New York City to Bangkok, Thailand. Here’s how to set up your alerts effectively:
- Enter Your Departure City:
Start by typing “New York.” Google Flights will automatically suggest New York City, including all major airports: JFK, LGA, and EWR. This is particularly useful if you’re flexible about which airport you depart from, as it shows all possible flight options. If you have a preference or need to exclude certain airports, you can specify this. For example, if you want to avoid Newark (EWR) due to its distance or traffic concerns, you can simply type “JFK, LGA” to focus on those airports only. - Choose Your Destination:
Next, type in “Bangkok.” Google will include both Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Most international flights will go to BKK, but including DMK could reveal some budget airline options. - Select Your Travel Dates:
For this example, we’re looking at a travel period about four months out, with a stay of around four weeks. Let’s pick January 6th as the departure date and February 3rd as the return date. These dates can be adjusted later based on the results we find. - Review Initial Search Results:
After entering your details, you’ll see flights from airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Saudia, among others. Prices may vary, with some roundtrips priced around $1,000. If you’re not in a rush and have seen cheaper fares in the past, this is where setting alerts becomes crucial.
Setting Your First Price Alerts
Now that you have your basic search set up, it’s time to set your initial price alerts:
- Activate the Basic Alert:
Simply click the “Track Prices” switch to enable alerts for this search. This will cover all the airlines and options currently displayed. While this is a good start, it’s far from optimal if you want to catch the best deals. - Explore Date Flexibility:
Click on the departure date in the search results to bring up a calendar view. This feature allows you to see the different prices for each day. You might notice, for example, that flying out on Thursday, January 9th is slightly cheaper than your initial choice of January 6th. Selecting this date might open up even better deals, so let’s adjust it and set another alert. - Set Multiple Date Alerts:
Choose different return dates to compare the best options. For example, select February 3rd, then February 5th, and February 7th as possible return dates. After selecting each combination, ensure the “Track Prices” switch is turned on for each query. By doing this, you’ve now set up multiple alerts for various date combinations, significantly increasing your chances of catching a price drop that fits your schedule.
Advanced Customization for Alerts
To refine your alerts further and reduce the number of irrelevant notifications, you can use several customization features available on Google Flights:
- Adjust Filters to Narrow Down Results:
- Connecting Airports: If you prefer not to fly through certain cities, like Lisbon for example, due to longer travel times or other preferences, you can exclude these. Simply uncheck Lisbon from the list of connecting airports.
- Number of Stops: If you’re not interested in flights with multiple layovers, select “1 stop or fewer.” This filter helps avoid itineraries with two or more stops, making for a more comfortable and quicker journey.
- Preferred Airlines: You might have a favorite airline or want to avoid certain carriers. For this example, if you don’t want to transit through India, you could uncheck Air India from your airline options.
- Price Range: Use the price slider to set your maximum budget. For instance, if you’re willing to pay up to $1,500 but not more, slide the filter to this amount. This ensures you only see flights within your budget, making it easier to spot a good deal.
- Save and Manage Customized Alerts:
Each time you set a new filter or adjust your search parameters, remember to click the “Track Prices” switch again. This action ensures that your latest, most refined search settings are being monitored, and you’ll receive alerts that match your exact preferences.
Managing Your Alerts and Getting the Most Out of Them
Over time, you might accumulate several flight alerts, some of which may no longer be relevant as your travel plans evolve. Here’s how to manage them efficiently:
- Access Your Tracked Flights:
Open the menu in the top-left corner of Google Flights and select “Tracked flight prices.” Here, you’ll find a list of all the alerts you’ve set up. - Turn Off Irrelevant Alerts:
If you decide you no longer need an alert for a particular set of dates or filters, simply click the bell icon next to that alert to turn it off. This keeps your alerts list clean and ensures you’re only getting the most pertinent notifications. - Stay Updated with Real-Time Changes:
You don’t have to wait for email updates to check for price changes. By visiting the “Tracked flight prices” section, you can see all current data on your flights at any time. This is a great way to quickly compare and decide if it’s the right time to book.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Travel Plans
By now, you should feel confident in your ability to use Google Flights to its full potential. Not only have you learned to set basic alerts, but you’ve also mastered advanced filtering and alert management, ensuring you always get the best deals.
At 23 Hour Layover, our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to find the best flight prices, making travel more accessible and enjoyable. This post is just the beginning. For more detailed strategies and insider tips, check out our eBooks, which dive deeper into topics like maximizing airline miles, avoiding hidden fees, and using Google Flights for award travel.
Explore our guides and eBooks today, and take the next step in becoming a travel expert. And don’t forget to explore our other blog posts for more free tips and tricks to save money and travel smarter!