Google has launched Flight Deals, a search tool that promises to transform how Indian travelers find cheap flights. The tool integrates natural language processing with real-time flight data to boost savings for flexible travelers.
The new feature sits within Google Flights, allowing users to describe trips conversationally. Instead of manually adjusting dates and destinations, travelers can type requests like “week-long trip this winter to a city with great food, nonstop only” or “10 day ski trip to a world-class resort with fresh powder.”
“Flight Deals is designed for flexible travelers whose number one goal is saving money on their next trip,” Google stated in a blog post on Thursday, August 14. “Instead of playing with different dates, destinations and filters to uncover the best deals, you can just describe when, where and how you’d like to travel — as though you’re talking to a friend — and Flight Deals will take care of the rest.”
Google confirmed to TechCrunch that Flight Deals uses a custom version of Gemini 2.5. The tool ranks results based on savings percentages, with highest savings appearing first. When savings percentages match, lower absolute prices take priority.
Why It Matters Now
The timing reflects Google’s broader strategy to compete with OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity in travel search. Competitors like Booking.com, Expedia, and Indian aggregator MakeMyTrip already deployed similar features. Google arrives late but brings significant scale advantages.
The tool launches in beta across India, the United States, and Canada next week. Users can access Flight Deals by visiting Google Flights and clicking the menu in the top-left corner. The traditional Google Flights interface remains operational alongside the new tool.
Flight Deals taps into real-time Google Flights data to show “relevant, up-to-date options from hundreds of airlines and booking sites.” “You’ll see the best bargains available that match your search, including destinations you may not have previously considered,” the company said.
Strategic Advantage
Testing revealed the tool works better with vague requests than specific plans. CNET found that searching for flights from Tampa to Boston with specific dates provided limited results. However, broadening searches to include any date and airport generated more options.
“The more flexible the request, the better the results,” according to CNET’s analysis. The tool excels for spontaneous travelers open to various destinations and dates. Those with fixed schedules may find standard Google Flights more suitable.
Google also introduced the ability to filter out basic economy fares in search results. This addresses years of user frustration about distinguishing between standard and basic economy tickets. The filter launched this week and will reach all users over coming weeks.
“This has been a big point of frustration among Google Flights users for years, and now there’s a fix,” The Points Guy reported. Basic economy tickets often carry restrictions like no SkyMiles earning on Delta or no full-size carry-ons on United Airlines.
Risks and Considerations
The launch occurs amid regulatory scrutiny over Google’s travel search dominance. European Commission investigators are examining whether Google favors its own products in ways that harm competition. EU regulators consider enforcement under the Digital Markets Act.
In response, Google reportedly plans to propose changes including price-comparison boxes in search results. The company treats user queries like search history, with options to manage or delete data through MyActivity.
Google confirmed that pricing information comes from real-time data feeds with airlines and travel companies. Because flight prices change frequently, ranking and deal availability may vary throughout the day.
What Business Leaders Should Know
The tool represents Google’s attempt to maintain relevance as AI reshapes travel planning. For travel companies, this signals increased competition in flight discovery and booking referrals.
Business travelers seeking cost optimization may find value in the flexible search approach. However, corporate travel managers with specific requirements should continue using traditional booking methods.
The beta release aims “to gather feedback and explore how AI can improve travel planning,” according to Google. Success will depend on whether users embrace conversational search over precision filtering for business travel needs.
