Week of October 17, 2016

Flights

Google recently announced an update to their Google Flights search tab.

Currently, the Google Flights search allows users to select a “From” destination and a “To” destination with the ability to refine by airline, number of stops, times and duration (similar to Expedia, Orbitz, etc).

The new updates include the ability to predict airline fare changes and notify you about price changes for flights you may be interested in. Source http://mashable.com/2016/10/17/google-flights-price-changes/?utm_cid=hp-h-1#mn.VwC7HakqS

Using historical flight data, Google Flights will also let you know how long until the current fare you’re looking into is expected to change when browsing flights.

Don’t have a specific flight in mind? Google Flights will provide tips and recommendations for alternate airports, dates or routes if they predict prices will increase for a certain destination.Source http://mashable.com/2016/10/17/google-flights-price-changes/?utm_cid=hp-h-1#mn.VwC7HakqS

If you’re not ready to book your flight, you can also set up reminders where you will be notified via email when flight prices are expected to change.

You can also track specific flights to let you know via email when prices actually fluctuate.

Future updates include the ability to track and manage saved flights on your phone. You can also “Explore” flights to browse by destination.Source http://mashable.com/2016/10/17/google-flights-price-changes/?utm_cid=hp-h-1#mn.VwC7HakqS

The updates will be rolling out on the desktop website in the coming weeks. Right now the feature does not have a mobile application.Source http://mashable.com/2016/10/17/google-flights-price-changes/?utm_cid=hp-h-1#mn.VwC7HakqSImage Source: https://www.google.com/flights/?f=0

What this means for brands:

What this means for marketers:

Google’s updates mean larger competition for brands in the space like Expedia, Orbitz, Kayak, Skyscanner and more. Google will keep expanding upon their search functionality to try to make it even easier for users to take one less step in their web browsing and utilize Google’s new features. Brands should keep an eye out on what Google has planned next for its other search categories and what technology they continue to integrate into their services.

Making life as easy for users as possible is everything. The more you can become useful to your audience and insert yourself into their lives in a meaningful way, the more you will be valued. Through technology improvements, Google is taking advantage of providing users with solutionsto solve issues and concerns people really care about.