Introduction

Airfare shifts constantly. You don’t need folklore about “which weekday to buy”—you need a system that watches prices while you live your life. Google Flights gives you that system: flexible calendars, multi‑airport search, and price tracking that pings you when fares move. In 15 minutes, you can set alerts for your exact trips and one or two plan‑B options, learn to read the date grid/price graph, and decide when a fare is truly good for your route. This guide keeps it clean: no myths, no coupon hunts—just tools you control.

Step 1: Start broad, then narrow

Enter origin/destination and tap the date grid. Scan for lighter‑colored (cheaper) days and note ±3‑day windows. If you’re flexible, switch to Explore and scan nearby cities/countries for surprising deals.

Step 2: Add multiple airports

In both origin and destination, add nearby airports (e.g., within 100–200 miles). A secondary airport can drop the price dramatically; remember to include transfer time/cost on the ground.

Step 3: Track prices (your main and backup)

Choose your preferred dates and toggle “Track prices.” Create at least one backup alert: either different dates or an alternate airport pair. Alerts land in email; some mobile apps show them as notifications.

Step 4: Read the price graph

Open the price graph to see how fares change over time for trip lengths (e.g., 4, 7, 10 days). If your route has a visible floor (e.g., fares rarely drop below X), set a buy target a notch above that to move fast when it appears.

Step 5: Use filters that match reality

Filter by bags, stops, times, and alliances to avoid bait‑and‑switch comparisons. A cheaper fare with a 7‑hour overnight layover is not cheaper if you value sleep. Use the Best sort when available for a balance of price and duration.

Step 6: Book wisely

When you click through, you’ll see booking options. Direct with the airline is simpler for changes and disruptions; third‑party sites may be cheaper but can add friction. Screenshot the summary page and save the confirmation to a Trips label in Gmail.

Step 7: Post‑booking price checks (optional)

If your airline allows free changes or credits, keep the alert on. When a meaningfully lower fare appears on the same route and cabin, you might rebook and bank the difference as credit. Read the fare rules first; not all tickets allow this.

Step 8: Build a simple flight sheet

Columns: Route | Dates | Carrier | Tracked? | Target Price | Current Low | Notes. Update weekly from alert emails. A sheet makes patterns obvious and stops you from over‑refreshing.

Step 9: Practical add‑ons

• Seat selection & bags: Factor in bag fees before celebrating a “deal.”

• Travel time: A $50 savings that costs you six hours is rarely worth it.

• Travel insurance: Worth considering for complex itineraries or checked camera gear.

Troubleshooting

• No alerts? Check spam and ensure the toggle is on for specific dates, not only “any dates.”

• Wild price swings? Try alternate months or different trip lengths.

• Limited availability at the low fare? Be ready to book quickly and confirm seat/bag options before paying.

Quick checklist

□ Track main + backup
□ Multi‑airport comparison set
□ Filters match your real needs
□ Buy target decided
□ Confirmation saved to “Trips”

Bottom line: Let Google Flights do the watching. You decide what’s good, it tells you when it’s here, and you book without second‑guessing.