Google has unveiled a new AI-driven feature called “Flight Deals” within its Google Flights platform, allowing users to search for discounted flights using natural language queries.
The announcement comes as regulators scrutinize Google’s dominance in the travel search market, raising questions about competition and fairness.
Keep reading, here is everything you need to know about Google Flight Deals to help you get cheapest tickets.
How Does Google Flight Deals Work
The Flight Deals tool is designed for travelers with flexible itineraries. Instead of inputting rigid search parameters, users can type conversational prompts like:
- “A week-long winter getaway to a city with great food.”
- “A 10-day ski trip to a top-rated resort with fresh powder.”
Powered by a customized version of Google’s Gemini 2.5 AI model, the system interprets these requests and cross-references them with real-time flight data to generate tailored recommendations.
How Results Are Ranked:
- Discount percentage – The biggest savings appear first.
- Price – If multiple flights offer the same discount, the cheapest option ranks higher.
- Standard listings – Flights without special deals are sorted by lowest price.
Google notes that airfare fluctuates frequently, meaning rankings and availability may change at any time.
How to Use Google Flight Deals
The beta version of Flight Deals is rolling out in the U.S., Canada, and India over the next week. Here’s how travelers can try it:
- Go to Google Flights: Search for it in your browser or visit the dedicated page.
- Enter a natural language query: The more flexible the prompt, the more options you’ll see. (e.g., “A European capital trip in spring” instead of “Paris in April”.)
- Browse AI-generated results: The AI will generate a curated list of destinations, complete with price estimates and example dates.
- Click to book: Once you find a deal you like, click on it. You will be redirected to the standard Google Flights interface to finalize your booking.
Regulatory Scrutiny
The launch of Flight Deals arrives amid ongoing regulatory investigations, particularly in the European Union, where authorities are examining whether Google unfairly prioritizes its own services in search results.
To comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Google is reportedly considering adjustments, such as adding a price comparison box to its search pages.
Market Competition in AI Travel Planning
Google’s entry into AI-powered travel planning arrives in an increasingly crowded market. Booking.com, Expedia, and MakeMyTrip have already rolled out their own AI-driven trip planners, leveraging machine learning to streamline itinerary building and personalized recommendations.
- Booking.com’s AI Trip Planner uses generative AI to suggest destinations, accommodations, and activities based on user preferences, even offering real-time price tracking.
- Expedia’s ChatGPT-powered tool allows travelers to ask open-ended questions and receive curated flight and hotel options within the app.
- MakeMyTrip’s AI concierge, “MyGPT,” assists Indian travelers with dynamic package deals and multi-city itineraries.
Despite these advancements, Google holds a key advantage: its unmatched search dominance and access to vast real-time flight data. While competitors rely on partnerships with airlines and OTAs (online travel agencies), Google Flights directly aggregates pricing from carriers, potentially offering more accurate and up-to-date deals.
Conclusion on Google Flight Deals
The introduction of Flight Deals marks Google’s latest push to integrate AI into its core services, offering a more intuitive way to find discounted flights. While the tool is still in its early stages—and subject to regulatory oversight—its potential to simplify travel planning is evident.
As the beta rolls out, user feedback will be crucial in shaping its evolution. If successful, Google Flights’ AI-powered search could become a game-changer in the competitive online travel market.
