Can You Compare Flights From Different Airports? Yes, you can absolutely compare flights from different airports using Google Flights, a powerful tool that empowers you to find the best deals and travel options. COMPARE.EDU.VN understands the importance of comprehensive travel planning. Google Flights lets you explore a multitude of options, find optimal routes, and monitor price changes, ensuring you make informed decisions. Explore flight comparisons, destination options, and real-time pricing to plan your journey effectively.
1. Understanding Google Flights
Google Flights is a free flight search engine that brings together fares from airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs), allowing users to quickly find the best deals. It offers flexible date searches, comparisons of multiple airports, and real-time price updates, giving travelers the ability to customize their search based on individual preferences. With over 300 airlines and OTAs available, Google Flights helps you make an informed choice for your flight.
1.1 The Advantages of Using Google Flights
- Real-Time Results: Google Flights provides fast, up-to-date fares so you can book the best price before it changes.
- Calendar-Based Fare View: If you are flexible with your dates, the calendar view shows you the cheapest days to fly over the next 12 months.
- Multiple Airport Search: Search up to seven departure and destination airports simultaneously to increase your chances of finding a better deal.
- Price Graphs: Google Flights indicates whether the fare is high, low, or average for the trip.
- Map-Based Search: The Explore map shows the cheapest places to fly from your chosen airport during your selected dates or date range.
1.2 Limitations of Google Flights
- Not Always the Lowest Fares: Google Flights searches fares sold directly from airlines and top OTAs. Smaller agencies may sometimes have slightly cheaper fares.
- Not All Airlines Included: Some budget carriers, especially international ones, may not appear in search results, requiring separate checks on their websites.
- Ghost Fares: Occasionally, Google Flights may display a fare, but the price jumps when you click to book. This “ghosting” happens when the fare is no longer available.
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Using Google Flights
Using Google Flights is straightforward. Here’s how to make the most of it:
2.1 Setting Departure and Arrival Locations for Maximum Options
Type in your departure location and remember to expand your search by adding nearby airports. For example, if flying from New York, search JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR). Some cities have city codes for easier searching, such as NYC (New York City) or WAS (Washington DC).
Apply the same approach to your destination. Instead of just searching for London Heathrow (LHR), add Gatwick (LGW) or Stansted (STN). Flying into an alternative airport and taking a short train or bus ride can save significant money.
2.2 Selecting Dates to Find the Cheapest Days to Fly
Google Flights lets you see fares for the whole month. If you’re flexible, enter your route, and Google Flights will display rates for the next two months, with the cheapest rates in green.
The flight search only considers prices in the months you specify. The green dates indicate the lowest fares within that timeframe, but cheaper dates may exist earlier or later in the calendar.
Prices shown are for your initially specified trip length. Changing the trip length can significantly alter fares.
Once you’ve thoroughly explored the calendar, click on your desired dates for a list of possible flights. Google Flights lists “Best departing flights” at the top, considering factors like price and routing. Also, check “Other departing flights” for more schedule options.
2.3 Booking Flights on Google Flights
Click on the flight that fits your plans. For a roundtrip fare, choose a corresponding return flight. If you make a mistake or want to change the departure flight, click the airport codes on the left, above “Returning flights.”
Google will redirect you to the airline’s website or a booking site to finalize the purchase. Some airlines offer “Book on Google,” streamlining the process by passing your booking details and payment information.
Double-check fare details, especially with budget airlines, as they may charge extra for seat selection or carry-on bags. Look out for these extras before booking.
If your flight has multiple economy ticket types, Google Flights will provide information on the perks and restrictions to help you choose the best option for your trip.
Remember, Google Flights is a search engine, not a seller. It provides links to book with an online travel agency or directly with the airline.
2.4 Using Google Flights Explore Map View
The Explore Map is a tool for discovering destinations and affordable flights in seconds. Type in your home airport, set travel dates (or keep them flexible), and the map will display flight prices to destinations worldwide.
There are two ways to reach the Explore Map:
- Perform a normal Google Flights search, entering a country, region, or continent instead of an airport, then click the blue Explore button.
- Go directly to the “Explore” section at the top.
Both methods redirect you to a map view with numerous fare options.
2.5 Handling Cheap Flights That Can’t Be Booked (“Ghosting”)
If you encounter a “ghost fare,” don’t panic. This happens because the airline may have just changed the fare, and the new price hasn’t yet updated in the search results.
Check the airline’s website to see if the fare is still available. If not, other booking sites like Skyscanner or Kayak might have it.
Try other dates on Google Flights. The airline may have changed prices for a specific timeframe, but the cheap fare may still be available for other dates.
Don’t get too attached to ghost fares, as prices can fluctuate quickly. Acting fast when you spot a good deal can save you trouble.
3. Advanced Filters on Google Flights
Google Flights’ ability to set various filters sets it apart. Here’s a list of filters and how they can be useful:
3.1 Stops
Always check for nonstop flights first, but consider flights with layovers if you’re on a budget. Even a one-stop flight can save you a lot.
3.2 Airlines
Filter by carrier to stick with your loyalty program, rack up miles, or exclude certain airlines by unticking their checkboxes.
3.3 Bags
Use the “bags” filter to ensure your fare includes luggage if needed. Some airlines charge extra for carry-ons or checked bags.
3.4 Price
Set your maximum budget with the price filter to only see flights that fit. This filter is great for the Explore map.
3.5 Times
Use the time filter to fly at convenient times. Filter out early morning flights if you prefer.
3.6 Emissions
Google Flights offers an emissions filter that considers your seating class, flight route, and aircraft type. Choose flights with lower CO2 emissions to be more eco-friendly.
3.7 Connecting Airports
Select preferred connecting airports or avoid certain stops. You can also find a hidden tool: layover duration, to avoid long layovers.
3.8 Duration
The duration filter allows you to cap your travel time and avoid long stopovers if you have a connection.
3.9 Flight Classes
Filter by flight class to find the best fares whether you’re flying economy or first class.
3. Tracking Flight Prices
With the “Track Prices” button, set fare alerts and let Google monitor the price for you. This is a great way to compare dates and ensure you’re getting the best deal.
To track a flight, sign into your Google account. Set your departure and destination cities and dates. On the results page, click the “Track prices” button so it toggles on and turns blue.
Remember to set any filters you want before activating the price track feature.
Once activated, you’ll see a box at the bottom of the page to “View all” your tracked flight prices. Manage your email notifications, see a price graph, and delete options you’re no longer interested in.
Google Flights doesn’t offer alerts to notify you when the price drops to a specific amount and doesn’t alert you to other deals from your home airport.
3.11 Booking Multi-City Tickets
If you’re planning a trip with multiple stops, Google Flights lets you book multi-city or open-jaw tickets. Instead of booking each leg separately, bundle everything into one search.
To book multi-city tickets, click the drop-down menu on the home screen where it says “round trip” and select “multi-city.” Input your dates and travel cities as usual. You can add up to five flights.
It’s often cheaper to book an open-jaw multi-city flight, especially for international trips. Many airlines charge nearly the same for one-ways as they do for roundtrip or multi-city flights.
3.12 Changing Currency, Language, or Location
Change currency and language settings by clicking the three horizontal lines at the top or scrolling to the bottom of the page. This helps you avoid currency conversion fees or see prices in your home currency before booking.
3.13 Finding Flights with Lower Carbon Emissions
Google Flights shows the approximate carbon footprint of most flights. Nonstop flights generally have lower carbon emissions, but emissions can vary depending on the aircraft type.
Google Flights also shows emissions compared to the average for that route, and even takes into account your fare class.
4. Making the Most of Google Flights
4.1 Determining If You’ve Found a Good Deal
Google Flights shows whether the current price is “low,” “typical,” or “high” compared to historical prices and displays when prices are typically at their lowest for that route.
Its color-coded price tracking feature shows how a fare compares to average prices.
4.2 Using the “Date Grid”
Find the Date grid under the flight dates. (When there’s a substantial price drop by adjusting your travel dates by just a day or two, you’ll see a pop-up notification).
The date grid shows fares on trips of different lengths, making it easier to spot the cheapest fare. Save on trips by flying out a day earlier or returning a day later than planned.
4.3 Searching Multiple Airports
When flying internationally on a multiple-country trip, searching flights from several airports can save you hundreds.
4.4 Utilizing the Explore Map
For spontaneous trips, the Explore Map is perfect. Type in your home airport, set desired filters, and Google Flights will show you all the destinations within your budget. It’s an amazing tool for discovering new places.
4.5 Selecting the Calendar, Date Grid, and Price Graph
Once you have a destination, Google Flights has options for playing with dates to find the cheapest airfare: the Calendar, Date Grid, and Price Graph help you visualize when it’s most convenient to fly.
The calendar shows two months of prices, highlighting the cheapest dates in green. The date grid shows the cheapest fares for different length trips across different dates.
4.6 Legroom Chrome Extension
The Legroom for Google Flights Chrome extension shows how much space each seat has before you book, which is helpful for long-haul flights.
4.7 Utilizing Multi-City Search
The multi-city search feature on Google Flights is excellent for travelers exploring multiple destinations in one trip, saving money—especially on long-haul journeys.
4.8 Streamlining Travel Organization
The Travel Planner feature syncs all your flight details and offers personalized trip suggestions based on your search history, helping you keep track of your entire trip.
Once you book your flight, click the “travel” button to organize your itineraries, track price changes, and get hotel recommendations.
5. Booking Issues and Refunds
5.1 Getting a Refund
Flights are booked directly with the airline. If you need to cancel or get a refund, do it through the airline or travel site where you booked. Stay informed about the airline’s cancellation policies.
If you’re traveling from the United States, the Department of Transportation’s “24-hour rule” allows you to cancel your flight within 24 hours of purchasing it and receive a full refund.
5.2 Google Flights Price Guarantee
Google Flights sometimes shows flights with a price guarantee. If the price drops after you book, you’ll get a refund for the difference. This is their way of expressing confidence that the current price is the lowest it will go.
The price guarantee is only available when you see a price badge next to the fare. Your flight must be booked directly through Google, and any fare difference will be refunded directly via Google Pay within 48 hours after your flight.
6. Airlines Not Listed on Google Flights
Most major airlines are listed on Google Flights. Unfortunately, some budget airlines and a few international carriers don’t show up in searches. Always check directly on those airlines’ websites if you don’t see them pop up on your flight search.
7. Combining Google Flights and Going
Combine Going with Google Flights for the ultimate trick. Going sends members deals and includes a link to sample searches on Google Flights. This is the best platform to customize your search and find exactly what you’re looking for.
The sample search is pre-filled with the departure city and arrival airports, plus filters like specific airlines, number of stops, and layover times.
Going members generally save 40–50% on flights.
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9. FAQs About Comparing Flights from Different Airports
9.1 Can I search for flights from multiple departure airports at once?
Yes, Google Flights allows you to enter up to seven departure airports and seven destination airports in a single search. This feature is particularly useful if you live near multiple airports or are willing to travel to a nearby city to catch a cheaper flight.
9.2 How do I add multiple airports to my Google Flights search?
When entering your departure or destination airport, simply type the name of the city or airport, and Google Flights will suggest nearby airports. You can select multiple airports from the list to include them in your search.
9.3 Does searching from multiple airports guarantee a cheaper flight?
While it doesn’t guarantee a cheaper flight, searching from multiple airports significantly increases your chances of finding a better deal. Different airports may have different pricing structures or be served by different airlines, leading to varied fares.
9.4 Can I compare the total cost of traveling from different airports, including transportation costs?
Google Flights doesn’t directly factor in transportation costs to the airport. However, you can manually compare the total cost by considering the price of transportation (e.g., train, bus, taxi) to each airport and adding it to the flight cost.
9.5 Are there any tools to help me find the cheapest way to get to a different airport?
Yes, websites like Rome2Rio can help you find the cheapest and most efficient ways to travel between cities and airports, including trains, buses, and driving options.
9.6 How far in advance should I search for flights to get the best deals?
Generally, it’s recommended to start searching for flights 2-3 months in advance for domestic travel and 3-6 months in advance for international travel. However, prices can fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to track prices using Google Flights’ price tracking feature.
9.7 Can I set up alerts to notify me of price changes for flights from different airports?
Yes, Google Flights allows you to track prices for specific routes. You can set up email alerts to notify you of any price changes, helping you snag the best deal when it becomes available.
9.8 Does Google Flights include all airlines, including budget carriers?
Google Flights includes most major airlines, but it may not include all budget carriers. It’s always a good idea to check the websites of budget airlines directly to ensure you’re not missing out on any potential deals.
9.9 How accurate is the pricing information on Google Flights?
Google Flights aims to provide accurate pricing information, but prices can change rapidly. It’s always a good idea to verify the price on the airline’s or online travel agency’s website before booking.
9.10 Can I book flights directly through Google Flights?
Google Flights is a search engine and doesn’t sell flights directly. When you find a flight you like, Google Flights will redirect you to the airline’s or online travel agency’s website to complete the booking.
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