Mastering Google Flights: A Smart Traveller’s Guide

It’s time to catch flights, not feelings! Whether it’s a last-minute trip to Bangkok or your long-awaited Europe escape, Google Flights is the tool for you.

It’s fast. It’s free. It’s frighteningly smart. And yes — it can help you save serious cash if you know how to use it right. Here's how to get the most out of it:

Let’s start with the basics. Head to Google Flights, and you’ll see a simple interface: enter your origin (Singapore) and destination, and boom — you’re served a buffet of flight options.

Want one-way? Done. Round-trip or multi-city? Also done. Economy or business? You bet.

Once your options pop up, Google highlights flights based on what it thinks is best — the cheapest, the fastest, or a balanced combo.

But don’t stop there. Here's where the real magic happens.

Stick to your budget with price filters

Tight on budget? (Same — thanks, inflation.) Use the price slider to cap your spending. Say you’re not willing to spend more than $150 to Bali. Set your limit, and Google will hide the rest.

Look for fares in green — that’s Google’s hint you’re looking at a deal.

» Learn more : The best days to book your flights

Say goodbye to layovers

Short getaways = maximum chill, minimum transit stress.

If you can’t stand layovers (especially unnecessary ones like Singapore → KL → Bangkok), select “Nonstop only.”

Perfect for parents with kids or those just keen to land and take it easy.

Customise your departure and arrival times

Don’t want to wake at 4am for a 7am flight? Set flight times under “Times.”

This is ideal if you’re heading to work first, or arriving just in time for your cousin’s wedding dinner.

Stick with your preferred airline for miles and perks

Loyal to Singapore Airlines for KrisFlyer miles? Prefer Scoot for budget hauls? Filter by airline or alliance.

Pro Tip: Booking with your preferred airline helps if you're earning or redeeming rewards with cards like the Citi PremierMiles, UOB PRVI Miles, or AMEX KrisFlyer.

» Learn more : What time should you reach the airport?

Know your baggage costs before you book

Flying budget? You know the drill — your $100 fare could balloon after adding luggage.

Use the “Bags” filter to include checked baggage in results.

Pick your layover city or skip it entirely

Want to squeeze in a bowl of tonkatsu ramen in Tokyo or skip layovers altogether? Set preferences for layover cities and durations.

Choose shorter routes that save you time and energy

Some options stretch 40 hours and 3 layovers — not ideal unless you moonlight as a nomad. Limit your journey with the “Duration” filter.

Google shows CO2 emissions for each result. Greener flights are flagged — helpful for eco-conscious travellers or companies with sustainability policies.

Filters aside, these pro tips can shave even more off your fare.

Find the cheapest days to fly

Hover over the calendar to see cheapest days to fly, with green text showing you the deals.

Flying to London? Include airports Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted into your search.

Search routes into different city airports. This is useful for cities like Tokyo, New York, or even Bali vs Jakarta if you’re flexible.

Split tickets = more savings

Sometimes, two one-way flights are cheaper than one round-trip. Turn on “Separate tickets” — Google will piece together the cheapest combo.

Click “Track prices”, and let Google email you when the fare drops. 

Ideal for peak periods like December, Chinese New Year, or National Day weekend.

» Learn more : 8 Genius travel hacks you need to know

If you’ve been hoarding KrisFlyer or Asia Miles, you’re not alone. Use Google Flights to search routes, then book redemptions via airline sites.

*mpd = miles per dollar

Welcome bonuses depend on minimum spend requirements and promotions.

Always check official card websites for the latest T&Cs and rewards updates.

Google Flights is like that one friend who’s got the group chat covered: efficient, fast, reliable.

Use it to track deals, map multi-city adventures, or even just dream a little. Pair it with a solid credit card, stay flexible, and you could be jetting off for less than your kopi budget for the month.

Bon voyage, bargain hunter!