Google Flights Now Uses Machine Learning to Predict Delays, Details Fare Exclusions for Basic Economy Fares

Google on Wednesday announced two new features for Google Flights. One of the features makes use of machine learning algorithms and historical flight data to ascertain flight delays even before an airline announcement. The second feature allows users to view fare inclusions and exclusions for budget fares in the US, for American, Delta, and United Airlines.

With flight delays being a common occurrence at airports with higher volume of travellers or bad conditions, Google Flights now offers reasons for these delays as well as delay predictions based on previous data and machine learning forecasts. Google claims that delays are flagged only when there is at least an 80 percent expectancy, and that some delays can possibly be informed to travellers even before any information is available to the airline itself. The feature can be accessed by searching for the flight number (e.g., American 4442) or a particular airline and the flight route (e.g., Air New Zealand Auckland to Singapore). The details will be appear in Google Search results.

The other feature that has been launched on Google Flights lets users view all the fare exclusions, such as overhead bin space, seat selection, and baggage fees, that might not be part of certain 'Basic Economy' fares. When you book a flight on Google Flights for one of the three above mentioned US-based airlines, it will display these exclusions right below the flight details to enable users to make a decision on the best match between cost and convenience.

"Don't let uncertainty-whether it's understanding the fine print of fare options or navigating potential delays-keep you from your next vacation. We'll help you get to those sunnier skies," said Anket Mathur and Grace Danciu, Flights Product Managers at Google.