Google Flights launches airfare price-drop refund guarantee.
Buying a plane ticket is always a gamble—will the price go up or down if you wait to purchase? With a new feature from Google Flights, you won’t have to wonder any longer. The company just announced the launch of a new price guarantee program.
What is Google Flights’ Price Guarantee?
If you buy a plane ticket through Google Flights that has a “Price Guarantee” badge, Google will monitor the price every day until your flight departs, and if the fare drops, Google will automatically refund you the difference via Google Pay.
How can I find a price guarantee flight?
During the pilot program, the price guarantee will only be available on select flights departing from the United States. You will need to book directly through Google (not via the airline’s website) in order to lock in the guarantee. Not all airlines are eligible for this offer; “you are most likely to see the guarantee offered on Alaska, Spirit, and Hawaiian Airlines flights,” according to Google. And Google won’t guarantee pricing on any itineraries more than 60 days out.
How do I book a Price Guarantee flight?
1. Make sure you are signed into your Google account and using a US billing address and US phone number when booking.
2. Search on Google Flights as usual and then look for the “Price Guarantee” badge. The guarantee may only be available one-way or you might be able to find a round-trip flight that qualifies.
3. Click “Book on Google” and then make sure you check the “Price Guarantee” box to agree to the terms and conditions.Google will automatically send you a refund if the price drops by more than five dollars. Google caps the amount of money you can get back at an annual amount, not per flight. The maximum amount you can get back is $500 per calendar year for up to three bookings.
Is Price Guarantee free?
Yes.
How will I be refunded?
Google will issue price drop refunds through the Google Pay app. You must download the app and set it up within 90 days of your flight’s departure in order to receive a refund of the fare difference. Make sure you use the same Google account to book your flight and set up your Google Pay. Google will automatically deposit the funds into your Google Pay account within 48 hours after
your flight has taken off—you don’t have to do anything to get your refund if you already have a Google Pay account.
Why is Google doing this?
Google is a data company. Google wants your travel searches, which they can use to cross-sell you via ads.
Twist’s Take: Google Flights’ airfare price-drop refund guarantee is a game-changer.
