Google recently announced its plan to disable the flight booking tool within its search engine. This decision is based on research that shows that the majority of travellers prefer to book their flights directly with airlines or dedicated travel websites rather than through Google Flights. Google has decided to withdraw this function in order to give the best possible search results and improve the search engine experience. This decision is consistent with Google’s ongoing efforts to streamline its services and provide consumers with the most relevant and helpful information.
Google recognises the existing customer preference for direct bookings through airline websites or dedicated travel platforms by deactivating the flight booking option. This change enables the company to concentrate its resources on optimising its primary function as a search engine, allowing customers to access a broader selection of flight alternatives and relevant travel information. Instead of focusing on establishing and maintaining a ticket booking service, Google intends to improve its search capabilities, guaranteeing that customers receive comprehensive and accurate travel search results.
This strategic choice also demonstrates Google’s dedication to improving its services based on user preferences and behaviour. Google recognises that users trust and use specialist travel websites for flight bookings by analysing user data and comments. Recognising this, the firm intends to create a more smooth and user-friendly search experience, with an emphasis on delivering accurate and up-to-date flight information and supporting consumers in locating the best travel options available.
While Google is removing the flight booking service, it will continue to provide useful travel-related information and resources. Users can still use the search engine to find out about flight schedules, rates, and airline information. Furthermore, Google Flights will continue to be a trusted platform for customers to explore and compare flights, supporting educated air travel decisions.
Google’s decision to remove the flight booking feature from its search engine is motivated by user preferences and a desire to improve the overall search experience. Google aspires to give customers with the most relevant and complete flight information accessible by focusing on its core function as a search engine and utilising dedicated travel websites. This change is consistent with Google’s goal to simplifying its services and providing the best user experience possible.
Let’s examine Google’s most recent upgrade in detail below –
Google Will Discontinue Booking Function For Travelers
Google has stated that it would stop accepting flight reservations from non-U.S. users by the end of September 2022, hence discontinuing Google flight option. In addition, Google will discontinue this feature for USA users after March 2023. Google has chosen to discontinue this service due to a significant decrease in the number of customers booking air travel through the search engine. The majority of travelers prefer to book flights directly with airlines or through travel agents.
“We intend to eliminate the Book on Google option for Flights over the coming year. Originally, we provided this functionality to simplify the process of purchasing plane tickets and to increase reservations for our partner airlines and OTAs. However, we’ve learned through time that customers prefer to book directly on partner websites, and we make every effort to accommodate user preferences whenever possible.”
— Google
Google Will Keep allowing Searches For Flight Options
While the booking tool will no longer be accessible, passengers can still search for tickets on Google Flights and book their flights via the links provided by airlines and online travel agencies. It provides tools for money saving, like the ability to explore the map to find the cheapest offer and set notifications for airline price changes. What truly changes is that Google will no longer take a commission on flight bookings made through its own channels and will instead connect all travelers to its partners.
In 2015, Google introduced the innovative ‘Book on Google’ feature as a game-changer in the world of online flight bookings. Its primary aim was to streamline the booking process for both airline companies and online travel agencies, addressing the challenges posed by less technologically advanced mobile websites during that time. ‘Book on Google’ offered users a convenient, one-stop platform to search for flights, compare prices, and make reservations seamlessly, all within the Google ecosystem.
Over the years, Google continued to enhance the functionalities of its flight booking feature, making it even more user-friendly and efficient. However, as technology evolved and more mobile websites improved their capabilities, the percentage of flight bookings made through ‘Book on Google’ began to decline. Users started to opt for a wider range of booking options, and the landscape of online travel evolved accordingly.
In light of these changes and shifting user preferences, Google has made the strategic decision to discontinue the flight booking function on its platform. While ‘Book on Google’ served as a trailblazing tool in simplifying flight bookings, Google remains committed to offering valuable services that align with evolving user needs and preferences. This decision reflects Google’s ongoing dedication to providing a seamless and efficient digital experience for its users in an ever-changing online travel landscape.
You will be able to see and search the flights but booking will be disabled by Google soon. So now Google flight will be only for search and not booking. But not to worry because for easy and affordable flight booking to India you can simply rely on Metairfare. We assist you in booking your customized travel as per the preferred date.
We believe in offering hassle-free services so that every traveler enjoys his/her traveling instead of worrying about booking flights. Team Metairfare is here to guide you, help you and book your cheap flights to India. Whether you are planning a business trip, a vacation to India, or last-minute flights we have special offers and deals for every traveler. Your hassle-free booking experience is just a call away.