Get Cheaper Flights with Google Alerts (Yes, It’s a Thing)

Whether you're planning a short getaway to Bangkok or a dream trip to Tokyo, one thing's for sure — we all want to score the best flight deals. But with airfare prices going up and down like Singapore weather, how do you know when to book?

That’s where Google Flights Alerts come in. It’s a free, easy-to-use tool that helps you monitor price changes and get notified when fares drop — so you can book your flight at the right time, without constantly refreshing your browser.

Google Flights is a flight search engine powered by Google that compares ticket prices across airlines and online booking sites.

Think of it like Carousell for flights — it doesn’t sell you the tickets directly, but it shows you all the available options so you can choose the best one.

Here’s what makes it super useful for Singapore-based travellers:

• Real-time updates: See live prices and availability.

• Calendar view: Spot cheaper fares just by shifting your travel dates by a day or two.

• Airline filters: Prefer SIA over budget carriers? Filter accordingly.

• Price tracking: Get notified when prices change for routes you’re eyeing.

Whether you’re booking a family holiday to Sydney or a solo trip to Seoul, Google Flights helps you shop smart.

» More : Round-trip vs. one-way flights: which is cheaper?

A Google Flights alert is a price tracker that tells you when airfare on a specific route or date changes — either up or down.

You can set up alerts in a few ways:

• Track all flights for a route on a specific date (e.g. all flights from Singapore to London on 1 June).

• Track just a specific flight or airline (e.g. SIA flight 322 to London).

• Track flexible dates — turn on alerts for “any dates” within a month of your ideal travel window.

Set alerts early for peak travel periods like Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, or National Day long weekends. You’ll get early updates before prices surge. Just remember, you’ll need to sign in with your Google account (usually Gmail) to activate alerts.

Setting up an alert only takes a minute — and could save you hundreds.

Start by searching your desired flight route

Start by heading to Google Flights.

Fill in your:

• Departure airport: Usually Singapore Changi (SIN)

• Destination: Tokyo, Seoul, London, etc.

• Travel dates

• Cabin class (economy, business, etc.)

• Number of travellers

• Trip type: One-way, round-trip, or multi-city

Example use case: Tracking a cherry blossom trip to Seoul in April? Enter your travel dates and route, then move on to tracking the prices.

Turn on price tracking

Once the results load, look for the “Track prices” toggle (usually near the top left or next to each flight).

You can:

• Track all flights on that route for the selected dates

• Click into a specific flight to track just that one

• Filter by airline or stops to personalise your tracking

Make sure you’re signed into your Gmail account — otherwise, Google won’t send you updates.

Where to find and manage your tracked flights

• To check your tracked flights:

• Go back to Google Flights — you’ll see your trackers just below the search bar.

• Or visit your Google Travel dashboard for a full view.

You can:

• See price history in a graph

• Remove a tracker you no longer need

• Click “See booking options” when you're ready to book

Stay updated with email alerts

Google will email you whenever:

• A tracked flight price drops significantly

• Google predicts prices will likely increase soon

Our eager readers can appreciate this tip: don’t stop tracking even after you book — especially if you’ve chosen a flexible fare.

Here’s why:

• Many airlines, including SIA and some regional carriers, allow free changes or partial refunds on flexible fares.

• If the price drops, you might be eligible to cancel and rebook or receive eCredits/vouchers.

Examples:

• Booked an SIA Economy Flexi ticket? If it drops by S$80 next week, you could rebook at the new price and get the difference as a travel credit.

• Flying Scoot or Jetstar on basic fares? These typically don’t offer refunds or free changes, so tracking post-booking may not be worth it.

Bottom line: Always check your fare conditions. It could pay off — literally.

» More : A guide to airport arrival for Singaporean travellers

Google Flights Alerts are like a free personal assistant for your travel planning.

They work best when:

• You have specific dates and a destination in mind.

• You’re waiting for prices to drop before locking in a flight.

• You’re planning a school holiday trip or special occasion (and watching for good deals).

But if you’re still figuring out where to go, Google Flights’ calendar or Explore map might be more helpful than setting dozens of alerts.

Either way, this tool puts you in control of your travel budget — and who wouldn’t want that?

Travel smart, not broke

Check out this quick guide on best travel credit cards in Singapore to earn miles and enjoy more perks while you’re at it.

• Flexibility, point transfers and a large welcome bonus: Citi PremierMiles Card

• No annual fee (lifetime): HSBC Revolution Card

• Flat-rate travel rewards: Standard Chartered Journey Card

• Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card

• Luxury travel perks: American Express Platinum Card

• Best for business travellers: UOB PRVI Miles American Express Card