The #1 Airfare Hack: Why We Love Google Flights (And You Should Too) ✈️
Let’s be real: The only part of a vacation that isn’t fun is booking the flight to get there.
Between hidden baggage fees, fluctuating prices, and the alphabet soup of fare classes, buying a plane ticket feels like playing a slot machine where the house always wins.
Clients ask us all the time: "What is the best site to book my flights?" Is it Expedia? Kayak? The airline’s website?
The answer is none of the above. The best tool in your travel arsenal is Google Flights.
Here is why this search engine is our favorite travel hack, why airlines actually want you to book direct, and how to make sure you never get stranded without a notification.
🔍 Why Google Flights is the MVP
Unlike online travel agencies (OTAs) that try to sell you the ticket, Google Flights is just a search engine. It scrapes data from almost every airline in the world to show you the raw truth about schedules and pricing.
Here is why it’s a game-changer:
The Calendar View: This is the money-saver. If your cruise dates are flexible (or you’re planning a land trip), you can view 2 months of prices at a glance. Sometimes, flying one day earlier can save you $300.
Speed: It is lightning fast. No "searching..." loading bars.
The Filters: Want to avoid a specific airport? Only want to fly Star Alliance? Need to land before 12:00 PM to catch your ship? The filters are incredibly powerful.
Price Tracking: Toggle the "Track Prices" switch, and Google will email you when the fare drops. It’s like having a personal assistant watching the prices 24/7.
🤫 The "Dirty Little Secret" About Booking Airfare
Here is some honest "insider" talk from your favorite travel agents.
In the old days, travel agents had access to secret inventory and better pricing on almost every flight. Today? Airlines prefer to work directly with you.
In fact, many airlines have started removing their lowest fares from travel agency systems to force customers to book on their own websites. They want to cut out the middleman so they can upsell you on seats, bags, and Wi-Fi directly.
Does that mean you should never ask us for help with flights? Not necessarily!
The Cruise Boys™ Strategy:
Search on Google Flights First: Find the route and price that works for you.
Check with Us: Before you click "Book," shoot us a message.
Why? Occasionally, we have access to "Consolidator Fares" (special wholesale rates) or Cruise Line Air Packages that are significantly cheaper than the public price.
The Verdict: If our rate is the same or higher, we will tell you to book it directly with the airline. We want you to save money, even if it means we don't book the flight!
⚠️ The Golden Rule: Own Your Contact Info
This is the most critical tip in this entire post.
Whether you book through Expedia, a credit card portal, or even through us, you must go to the airline's website and update your contact information immediately.
Why? When you book through a third party, the airline often gets the agency's email address or phone number—not yours.
If your flight is canceled at 4:00 AM or a gate changes last minute, the airline’s automated system sends a text or email. If they don't have your cell phone number on the record, that notification goes into a void (or to an office that is closed), and you are left standing at the wrong gate.
The Fix: As soon as you have your confirmation code (PNR), log into the airline's app or website. Find your reservation and ensure YOUR mobile number and email are listed under "Contact Info."
The Bottom Line
We love planning your cruises, your excursions, and your hotels. But when it comes to flights, Google Flights is often the fastest, most transparent way to find the best deal.
Use it to search, check with us for special rates, and always, always make sure the airline knows how to text you.
Ready to get that flight booked so we can plan the fun part? Sea More. Cruise More.
The Cruise Boys™
Info@TheCruiseBoys.com