OTAs like Google Flights and Expedia are the first place most travelers go when they’re looking for a cheap flight. But while most of these sites are slick, there’s a less-known program that could save you money:
The Google-owned airfare search engine ITA Matrix crunches metadata from airline carriers to help you find the best flight prices and discover hidden options the other search engines might miss. If you want to take your bargain hunting game to the next level, this tool is worth getting to know.
It is a powerful tool
ITA Matrix, the flight software behind Google Flights, is one of the most powerful search engines for finding cheap flights. It was created by a group of MIT scientists and was acquired by Google in 2010.
It’s a great tool to use when you’re looking for a specific type of aircraft. For example, if you’re planning a trip from New York to Miami, ITA Matrix allows you to search for flights that use the Boeing 777 aircraft.
This can help you save money by choosing the right route and seat type. It also comes in handy if you’re planning a multi-city trip and want to find the best price on a specific itinerary.
Another cool feature of Google Flight ITA Matrix is its Explore Destinations option. It’s a mix of Google Flights and Discover Destinations, so you can easily research the prices and flight times for any destination.
It is easy to use
Unlike other travel search tools that have clunky interfaces, Google Flights is easier to use. This is because it does not open up multiple windows with fares from different airfare search sites, like Kayak or Orbitz, which can get annoying and frustrating.
The main flight search tool is also easy to navigate. You can scroll around the map without having to click on it, just by dragging the mouse pointer in any direction.
You can also customize your search results based on your preferences. This can help you find flights that meet your specific needs, including departure times and destinations.
Another noteworthy tool is the Explore Destinations option. This feature is similar to the Discover Destinations option, but it is designed to provide more information for popular destinations and places that you might not have thought of yet.
It is free
Google flight matrix is a great way to find cheap flights. Its interface is a lot less clunky than other search engines, and it works in real time.
In addition, it has a number of useful features. It allows you to set alerts, track prices and get price predictions for your destination.
It also includes a tool called “dates.” This is a really handy tool that shows you the lowest prices for each nearby date of your choice. This can be a great way to see whether it is worth going for that dinner with an old friend or saving $300 by leaving earlier in the day.
While most bargain hunters start their search at an online travel agent, the ITA Matrix is another option worth considering if you have the time to learn the ropes. It can be a bit more complicated to use than other platforms, but it can pay off if you’re patient and know what you’re doing.
It is easy to customize
Google flight matrix is a bit of a geeky tool that offers a lot of features that are easy to understand and use. For example, it has a flexible dates calendar that allows you to view prices by date and time.
It also has a price graph feature that displays the cheapest airfares in a bar chart. This is especially helpful if you are trying to compare flights from multiple airlines.
You can also enter advanced control codes to do things like choose or avoid certain airports and cities, search only for direct flights on certain airlines, or even exclude red-eye and overnight flights.
One of the best parts about using ITA Matrix is that you can customize it to your liking. It is the most customizable metadata search engine out there, and it does a great job of finding the best flight deals for you. It is a must-have for anyone looking to score the best deal on their next trip.