The ability to search multiple origins and destinations simultaneously was cited as another useful feature. Byers described how travelers can input different departure cities—such as New York or Philadelphia—and compare options with multiple destinations like Rome or Milan: "You could put in both [New York and Philadelphia], and then choose Milan and Rome as your destination[s], and see all the combinations filtered by best [to] see what might work for you."
Notifications are another area where Google has invested significantly. According to Byers: "Knowing ... when the right time is to book, setting a notification and letting us ... tell you as prices change lets you hone in with confidence on that great-price ticket," he said.
Addressing reports that some users now have the ability to filter out basic economy fares from their searches on Google Flights, Byers commented: "Well, it's something we've been experimenting with for a while. We think there's a real continued need to invest in the fundamentals of finding flights. You'll see that with features potentially like basic economy in the future, and best versus cheapest, [which] we launched recently." He noted there is no official announcement yet but promised The Points Guy would be among the first informed if broader changes occur.
The conversation also included clarification around flight-booking myths—specifically whether booking flights on certain days yields better deals. According to Byers: "Our data shows that not really, there is a little tiny bit of an advantage... It's about 1.3% cheaper over time to book on a Tuesday versus Sunday, which is the most expensive day. But you know it's a very, very small effect; 1.3% is probably not gonna swing it for a lot of consumers." He advised instead focusing on seasonal trends and recommended booking domestic flights one to three months ahead or international trips three to five months in advance—a view consistent with industry guidance.
Another myth tackled was whether clearing browser cookies leads to better airfare prices online. Byers stated: "For Google Flights... it's false. We show the same price across all of our users within a particular country." He added that while airlines may vary pricing based on country or point-of-sale data, Google's platform does not influence these differences within individual markets.
Looking ahead into late 2025 and beyond, Byers noted increased interest in solo travel as well as growing curiosity about artificial intelligence's role in booking trips—though he believes many consumers still prefer seeking deals themselves.
"Users really love finding deals," said Byers. He observed an uptick in demand for travel hacks recently—a topic frequently covered by The Points Guy—and emphasized flexibility as key both for securing lower fares and maximizing points-and-miles strategies.
Both parties agreed flexibility remains essential for travelers hoping to optimize their savings going forward.
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