Explore the World with Google Flights: Southwest Airlines’ Fares Now Available!

5/22/24: Southwest Airlines’ Fares Now Available!

Travelers now have an exciting new feature: Google Flights now displays Southwest Airlines’ prices! This makes using Google Flights to see the world easier than before! Southwest’s fares were previously absent from flight search tools; this integration represents a major advance. With this upgrade, you can make well-informed travel decisions without having to visit several websites thanks to a more thorough and transparent comparison. This streamlines the booking procedure and emphasizes how crucial easily accessible fare information is to the travel sector.

Explore the World with Google Flights

I wrote about my excitement on the blog yesterday after using Google Flights to find an amazing fare for a trip from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Delhi (DEL) [link]. This tool has always given me the ability to compare prices efficiently, set a baseline, and determine which was a better deal: paying for the ticket with cash or using points and miles. When determining the value of points and miles, it is imperative that the “Opportunity Cost” always be taken into account. Consider opportunity cost as the variable that stands for “what you give up” in a decision. Choosing to pay with cash or points for your ticket is the only decision you need to make when using Google Flights to plan your trip.

Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, let’s discuss some things you should keep in mind about Google Flights Explorer. While it’s a great tool for finding affordable travel options, it does have a few limitations.

Limitations

Not All-Inclusive: Google Flights Explorer relies on information available on the internet, so it might not capture every single flight option. Some airlines or niche carriers may not be included in its results. Flights from Southwest Airlines in the U.S. are not featured in Explorer. Users must conduct a separate search using Southwest’s Low Fare Calendar.

Time Horizon Restriction:The tool is limited in searching beyond six months into the future, posing a drawback for users planning long-term trips.

Unsorted Search Results: Explorer’s results are not consistently sorted by price, requiring users to carefully review options to find the most budget-friendly flights.

Class and Fare Type Limitations: The tool may not display all available travel classes or fare types. If you have specific preferences, like premium cabins or flexible tickets, it’s advisable to verify directly with the airline for a more detailed overview.

While Google Flights Explorer is a handy tool, it’s not perfect. It’s a great starting point, but it’s wise to cross-check information and be aware of its limitations. This way, you can make more informed decisions when planning your travels. Now, let’s go over the steps quickly with simple instructions.

Step 1: Finding Google Flights Explore

Start by visiting the Google Flights homepage at Google Flights homepage or directly to flights.google.com/explore.Fill in your departure airport (let’s say Washington Dulles International Airport – IAD) but leave the destination field empty.

Step 2: Navigating the Explore Map

Once you’re in, the map displays affordable destinations. You can use filters for stops, travel mode, interests, price, airlines, trip duration, number of stops, and bags. Just remember, the tool only lets you search within the next six months.

Step 3: Refining Your Search

To be more exact, use the filters to pick your preferences.In this example, I’ll opt for one-way (my preference over round-trip), choose “1 stop or fewer,” select Airline options linked to “One world, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance,” keep interests as ‘Popular,’ and set flexible dates for a “December trip.”

Step 4: Setting Your Budget

Have a specific budget in mind? No worries! Set a price limit, and the Explore Map will show you destinations that fit your budget. In today’s example, I set it at $200, and it streamlined my search, giving me more control and visibility.

Step 5: Zooming In for Details

You know what I randomly discovered for a December vacation? Take a look at these prices: $45 to Boston, $79 to vibrant Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, and New Orleans, $99 to Austin, and $79 to bright Los Angeles. I’ve filtered out budget airlines from the results, so these fares are exclusively for flights with United, Delta, or American Airlines. You might discover hidden gems you hadn’t considered before. It’s time for your next journey!

Step 6: Checking Out Major National Parks

Major national parks around the world are now included in Google Flights Explore, one of the recent updates. When you hover your cursor over a park, you’ll see the driving distance and cost of the flight to the closest airport. In today’s example, I picked Grand Canyon National Park. When I hover over its name on the map, it provides details like the nearest airport (Phoenix in my case), the cost of $99, and a driving time of 4 hours.

The Explore map has been updated with clearly labeled major airports and points of interest. Cities, parks, beaches, and more are highlighted by blue dots. The distances from the airport and flight information can be viewed by clicking on these dots.

Step 7: Reviewing Results and Booking

Once you’ve discovered your dream destination, click on the result to see detailed flights and schedules. Experiment with dates to uncover the top deals, and when you’re set, go ahead and book your reasonably priced trip.

In Conclusion

When it comes to travel planning, Google Flights Explore truly changes the game by providing a dynamic and intuitive platform for finding affordable options. This tool is a dependable companion, regardless of whether you’re seeking inspiration for your next trip or are motivated by a need for spontaneity. A level of excitement is added to the journey by having the option to explore national parks, consider a variety of destinations, and set preferences. So why hold off? Take the risk, use Google Flights to travel the world, and prepare for your upcoming amazing journey—all while staying within your means. Happy journeys!

New to earning miles and points? Read my tips on how to collect them effortlessly [link]. I’ve got a beginner’s guide to credit card points and miles to help you start. If your credit card is declined or pending, don’t stress—it’s not over. Check this [link] for basics on the credit card application process and what to do with a reconsideration line. Explore my list of sweet spots to make the most of your miles and points. Enjoy your points and miles journey!