
Basically, Google Flights is a website that tracks flight prices for a given destination and alerts you when they've changed. The site also makes it easy to find the best deals. In addition, it features an interactive map display of airline tickets. It even allows you to track and compare flights by city and route.
Google Flights has been around since 2011 and is now part of the larger Google Travel product. The site isn't an online travel agency, but it does offer links to book tickets with airlines and third-party suppliers. You can also check the site for travel news, weather, and entertainment options.
One of the more interesting aspects of Google Flights is its ability to display a flight's carbon footprint. The site can calculate the emissions of most planes and shows you the most fuel efficient ones. Using the site's navigation, you can choose to see the best routes by city, state, and country. You'll also be able to see the average carbon emissions for each flight, which can be very useful in determining where you're going and how much you'll be spending.
The site has an array of search filters, which you can access from the main menu. You can also view the price ratings of individual flights or all tracked fares. You can even set up an email alert that will notify you when a fare changes.
The site is powered by ITA Software, which developed algorithms for the airline industry. It also powers discount booking sites like Kayak and Orbitz. It's not the only site to use the software, but it's the first to do so on a large scale.
Google Flights also has a "Bags" button that will allow you to specify the number of bags you'll be bringing along. It's a nifty piece of technology, and while you're at it, you can even opt to get a price alert for your checked luggage.
The site also has a feature called the "Date Grid" that shows the best fares for a given week's worth of dates. If you're flexible with your dates, this might be the best way to find a great deal.
The site also has a feature that will show you the top-ranked attractions in your destination of choice. If you're traveling to an unusual destination, this might be an indicator that your flight is a poor fit. However, if you're on the lookout for the cheapest airfare, the site may not be the best bet.
The site does have a few omissions, notably several large Asian carriers, such as Philippine Airlines and Korean Airlines. Luckily, it has an impressive suite of other features, which are well worth checking out. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the site is not a travel agent, but rather a tool to help you find the best flights and save money. The site isn't a one-stop shop for your entire trip, so you'll have to do a bit of legwork to ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.