The Simple Way To Get Money Back From Google's Flight Price Guarantee Before Takeoff

When traveling, few things sting more (both pride and pocketbook) than finding out you've overpaid. For finding the cheapest flights, there are countless strategies out there to save, for example, using Google Flights alerts to save on tickets or steps you can take to get money back if you've already booked your trip. Before you click the "buy now" button, you may have an additional tool at your disposal to keep more hard-earned cash in your wallet: the Google Flights Price Guarantee. This tool can save you from $5 to $500 on up to three flights in a calendar year, although terms and conditions do apply.

Google launched its Price Guarantee program this past April, applicable for certain flights booked through Google Flights. Unlike other online travel agencies such as Priceline and Expedia, Google's algorithm (not you) will do most of the legwork to watch price changes, and Google will not charge for the service. If you purchase a participating flight with Google Flights and want to be eligible for Google's Price Guarantee, you must accept the terms and conditions, including that Google has the right to end the service at any time, even after you've booked a flight, and that Google will only provide reimbursement for the same flight itinerary through the same booking partner's website.

Still, this service isn't seamless. To get your money back, however, you will still have to confirm you've booked no more than 30 days after departure, either through your email or through their price guarantee page. Once Google confirms there has been a price difference between the price you paid and the lowest available price, usually two days, you will receive a reimbursement for the difference in your Google Pay account.

Google states this pilot program is currently available for certain travelers buying round-trip or one-way tickets from the U.S. who meet specific criteria. To qualify, you must be eligible for a rebate through Google Pay,  purchase tickets through Google Flights with your Google account, and set your region to the United States and currency to USD. You'll also have to download Google Pay on your phone as well as set up an account within 45 days of purchase or departure to get your reimbursement.

Moreover, not every flight advertised on Google Flights will qualify. Eligible flights will have a small, colorful badge that looks like a shield with a dollar sign next to the price and must be booked through Google Flights or the advertised airline's or travel agency's website. Upon making a dummy booking (at the time of writing) from Los Angeles to Orlando, the only eligible flights were not the cheapest flights available. Google's Price Guarantee only offered price protection on Spirit's Go fare (a small carry-on that fits underneath the seat) booked only through Spirit Airlines' website. If you have more specific travel needs or are looking for the best long-haul flights, your flight may not be eligible for Google's Price Guarantee. Also, don't wait til Tuesday, as that myth is largely outdated.

In short, Google's Price Guarantee may no doubt be helpful for some travelers. However, not everyone will be able to take advantage of the offer, even if they meet Google's terms of use. Once you've found your tickets for your ideal vacation, keep saving and stretching your budget with some of the best travel websites to help you cut costs, whether you're going to Boston, Bali, or Brussels.