Google Inc.GOOGL rolled out “Google Flights”, the final version of its flight-shopping site, last week. The Internet giant has been experimenting with flight search since 2011.
Google Flight
Just like any other travel search website, Google Flight aims at giving its users the best deals. It’s fairly easy to use – just type in the departure city, an arrival destination, and Flights will discover the best deal for you.
This is not all. According to Google, half of the travelers are not even sure about where they’re headed to. So, the search giant aims to help these uncertain travelers by simplifying their process of destination selection.
Google Flight will let users search by regions or entire countries. For instance, “Flights to Asia” and “Flights to New Delhi” can be searched for. It will also allow users to expand the map to scan the entire world and see the precise prices for all the different cities the user can travel to. This comes with filters for flight preferences and budget.
Google Flight shows worldwide maps covered in red airport dots, each with a price tag according to the dates entered, instead of a list of cheap flights—interface wise.
Just like the Routehappy site, Google Flight uses a blend of price, number of stops, on-board amenities and schedule to give a list of what it determines to be the best choice.
Google goes a step further by adding a save and share button to its flight search. This comes in handy, especially if the user has to consult with other people before booking.
While sites like Orbitz and Expedia EXPE have either done away with or limited their flexible-date search options, Google lets it users have this option.
Looking Ahead
The extra features make the latest version of the tool particularly convincing.
Only time will tell whether these added features will help Google overtake seasoned players like Orbitz (recently acquired by Expedia), Kayak or Hipmunk.
Google currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Investors can also consider favorably ranked stocks in the industry like PetMed Express Inc PETS and Autobytel Inc. ABTL. Both stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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