Google Flights Adds Automatic Flight Price Guarantee

Many consider Google Flights the best place to book flights since you can compare prices directly from the airline and trusted online travel agencies. This travel search engine already has price prediction tools to help you find the lowest price. Now, they are rolling out an automatic flight price guarantee that makes it easier to prevent overpaying if prices drop.

How The Google Flights Price Guarantee Works

The automatic price guarantee is a pilot program currently available on select Book on Google flights. According to Google, this price protection program is offered on flights when the algorithms suggest the price is unlikely to go much lower.

Here are some of the pivotal details for booking qualifying flights:

• Eligible flights display a Price Protection badge
• Price difference must be at least $5 U.S. dollars (USD)
• Can receive up to $500 USD back per calendar year
• Can have up to three price-guaranteed bookings open at a time
• It’s free

For the moment, this feature is only available for flights departing from the United States for domestic or international destinations. You must also be at least 18 years old, search for flights in U.S. dollars and have a domestic address and phone number to qualify.

Additionally, you may not be eligible for reimbursements if the airline updates prices faster than Google Flights can correct them.

Receiving Payment

If the ticket price drops by at least $5, you can automatically receive a refund for the difference. But, you must have a Google Pay account set up first:

• Must download the Google Pay app at least 90 days before the first departure on the eligible itinerary to claim a refund
• You must use the same Google Account to sign into the Pay app as you use to purchase the flight
• Receive the price refund within 48 hours after your first flight departs

When a covered fare qualifies for a price drop refund, you will receive an email or notification from Google with the appropriate reimbursement amount. You will still receive the refund even if the price increases back to your purchase price or to a higher cost.

Is The Google Flights Automatic Price Guarantee Worth It?

Some travelers go to extreme lengths to find the cheapest flight prices. For example, they may compare flights with a private browsing session, check several booking sites and perhaps wake up in the middle of the night when search traffic volumes are lower.

If you prefer simplicity, the automatic price guarantee provides peace of mind and makes it easier to know you’re paying the lowest price for your fare.

The most significant downside is that you must set up a Google Pay account to receive reimbursement. Installing another app can be a nuisance if you rarely use it for other purposes.

This tool can become more valuable as it expands to more flight routes, countries and currencies.

Summary

Flights can easily be the most expensive portion of a trip. Trying to time your purchase to find the cheapest flights is annoying, only to see fares dipping lower yet. This tool is an effortless way to pay the least possible for your desired itinerary, as Google automatically monitors the fare prices so you can focus on other priorities.

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