Finding the Perfect (Cheapest) Time to Take Your Trip

Been wanting to take a trip somewhere, but are flexible on the timing?  Wish there was an easy way to figure out when the best time to go is?

Now there is a way!

A few days ago, I highlighted how Google Flights makes mileage running so much easier.  (Though I still rely on The Flight Deal to keep me informed in addition to searching Google Flights).

Today I am highlighting how you can use Google Flights to plan the best time to take a trip if you are flexible.

Let’s say you’ve been wanting to take a trip to Jamaica, but you don’t really care when.

Go to Google Flights and search for a flight that matches how many nights you want to stay.

 

If you are trying to fly one specific airline, you can select airline from the top of the list.  Here’s how it looks if I select US Airways:

 

But let’s stick with all airlines.  We’re looking for the cheapest flight of all of them.

Click on the graph icon in the top right.

This will bring up a comparison.

 

You can easily visually pick out the cheapest flight available.  The dotted line across the top shows your original flight search.  You can scroll to the right or left using the arrows on the search.

Click on the shortest bar and it will take you to a flight listing.

 

Google highlights the flight it thinks is best.  It takes connection time and price into consideration.  It suggested an Air Tran Flight, but I’m going to go with the Jet Blue flight.  It’s cheaper and they have TV.

I click the flights I want, and it allows me to find the flight on the airline’s website.

 

Now my (pretend) trip to Jamaica is all set!