Google Flights Powered by Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Smarter and Faster Prediction than Airlines

Google has empowered its flight booking service Google Flights with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms. In its latest endeavor, Google brings two new features through the flight service. One feature is to predict delays before the information is available from the airlines. This will give passengers an alert prior to their arrival at the airport. The second feature makes it easy for travelers to understand inclusions and exclusions in the flight fare while booking a ticket on a budget.

Google mentioned in a blog post that Flights' machine learning algorithms will use historic flight status data to provide live updates and reasons for delays, such as weather or snag or an aircraft arriving late so on and so forth.

Google Flight allows passengers to search for their flight numbers or the airlines and the flight route, as well as make the delay predictions available even when the information isn't yet officially announced by the airlines. According to Google the delay predictions will only show up when the system is having at least 80 percent expectancy of its machine-learning predictions. One of the most stressful parts of travelling happens between heading to the airport and waiting to board your flight, as you start checking to see if your flight is on time. According to Grace Danciu, Flights Product Manager at Google, they recommend travelers to reach the airport with sufficient time in hand, but hope this information can manage expectations and avert last-minute surprises.

Google Flights will also be displaying more information about on-board facilities on US Carriers such as American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines flights, such as seat selection, overhead locker space, and baggage fees to give more transparency to economy passengers.

Google previously added updates to Google Flights to provide clearer information to customers on when flight prices rise or deals expire. Google Flights recently rolled out tips under your search results, which users can scroll through to figure out when it’s best to book flights. The Discount feature lets users instantly access deals for ticketing and tours on top attractions and activities. Google Flights also shows tips in results while booking a hotel. It also launched Google Trips in 2016, an app described as ‘a personalized tour guide in your pocket’ that helps travellers find the best tourist attractions and plan an itinerary. It alerts users when room rates are higher than usual, or if the area is busier than normal. Users can get email price alerts as well by opting into Hotel Price Tracking on their smartphone.

Since I travel quite frequently, I pay for premium service so that I can be notified of price drops on my purchased reservations, clearly see my itinerary, and share my itinerary with family, friends, and coworkers. Google Flights, in coordination with Google Trips, is moving towards becoming my preferred travel service.