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Travelling can be quite taxing, especially when it involves booking flights. The ever-changing prices make it difficult to determine if you’re getting a fair price for your plane ticket. Fortunately, Google Flights has implemented a useful feature that ensures you’re getting the cheapest fare available before your flight – and even refunds you if the price drops.
In April of 2023, Google Flights implemented a program called the “price guarantee,” where passengers can receive a refund for the difference in airfare if the price drops after their ticket has been purchased. This offer is only valid for flights labeled with a “price guarantee” badge on the travel search platform.
If a customer has the tag, Google will reimburse up to $500 through Google Pay if the price of their flight drops between booking and departure. However, travelers can only receive a maximum of $500 in total per year, which can be applied to a maximum of three “price guarantee” flights.
To be eligible for the price guarantee badge on selected flights, customers must have a Google account and set their country or region to the United States. The prices must also be displayed in dollars, and the flight must be purchased through the “Book on Google” option. The ticket purchased must be for a one-way or return trip departing from the United States.
According to Google, flights that come with a price guarantee will show a colorful badge indicating the price. To book these flights, travelers can click “Book on Google” and check the box for the price guarantee, agreeing to the terms. After booking, Google will keep track of the price until the first flight in the itinerary takes off. If the price changes, an email will be sent to inform the traveler.
“If the cost decreases, we will refund you the difference through Google Pay. If the cost remains unchanged, you can be confident that you received the most favorable price through Google Flights.”
Passengers must install the Google Pay app and complete the setup process within 90 days before their flight departure to be eligible for a refund if the airfare decreases in price. Google Flights will reimburse the difference between the amount paid by the passenger and the lowest available price before takeoff, even if the price fluctuates.
In the event that the airline cancels or changes the flight schedule, Google will not cover the cost difference.
Source: independent.co.uk