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Google comes to the rescue for cheap flights

Google Flights will now help you avoid sudden price increases.

Google Flights will now help you avoid sudden price increases. Photo: AAP

Google is about to make your decision to book a holiday on the cheap a whole lot easier.

An update to the company’s travel booking service, Google Flights, will tell you the best time to book a flight and alert you when flights are likely to increase in price.

The new features use pricing information from historical flight data to predict fare increases, so you can book before the tickets become more expensive.

In addition, Google Hotels is also getting an update to ensure a fluid transition between the two and make it easier to find deals.

“Sixty-nine per cent of US leisure travellers worry that they’re not finding the best price or making the best decision while booking a trip,” Google Flights product manager Nabil Naghdy said in a statement.

“This holiday season we’re making travel planning less stressful by updating you when flights are likely to increase in price, helping you find good hotel deals, and making travel planning easier on mobile.”

The new version improves the functionality further and will notify you when the current fares are expected to expire.

And if you’re willing to wait before purchasing, Google Flights will send you a notification email of changing prices for either a saved flight or a route.

Google Flights

The website will notify you if prices increase. Photo: Google

“After selecting a specific flight, a notification may appear letting you know when the current fare is expected to expire and how much you can save if you book now,” Mr Naghby said.

“For example, this flight to San Diego is likely to cost more in eight hours — and you would likely save $87 if you book before then.”

The website provides tips including recommendations for alternate dates and flights to provide the best value.

Google Flights

Google Flights will tell you the best time to book a flight. Photo: Google

Consumers can also choose flights based on the amount of stops and length of flights along with the best price.

Google had previously tiptoed around the travel industry before its $US700 million purchase of ITA travel software, which became Google Flights in 2011.

Google says the new features will roll out worldwide in the “coming weeks”.

Topics: Google
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