Google Will Pay You The Difference if Your Flight Price Goes Down — But There Are a Few Exceptions The company announced a pilot program called the "Google Price Guarantee" to remove the possibility of airfare buyer's remorse.

By Madeline Garfinkle

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

SOPA Images | Getty Images

Google is confident in its ability to determine when flights are at their lowest price. Now, it's putting that conviction to the test by betting on the odds that prices won't go down.

In a blog post announcing a series of updates in preparation for summer travel, Google said the company is adding a pilot program called the "Google Price Guarantee." Google Flights users will see a "price guarantee badge" on select flights, and Google will monitor the fare and pay you the difference if the price drops before your departure.

Related: Google Says It Can Predict When Your Flight Is Going to Be Late

Screenshot of Google's new price guarantee badge.

However, there are a variety of limitations to the update. For one, the pilot program is currently only applicable to flights within the U.S., and to those who book with a U.S. billing address and phone number. Also, the company is offering a max of $500 back per calendar year, and the deal does not apply if the price drop is less than $5. Additionally, you'll only get the money back through Google Pay, which must be set up within 90 days of departure of the chosen flight. Also, of course, the flights need to be booked directly through Google Flights.

Although the company's blog post said the pilot program launched Monday, we were unable to find any flights that displayed the badge.

"While our goal is to offer the price guarantee for as many routes and airlines as we can, right now it's only available for airlines that use Book on Google," a Google spokesperson told Entrepreneur. "You're most likely to see it on itineraries for Alaska, Spirit, or Hawaiian Airlines, although that's not an exhaustive list."

Related: Save on Flights Forever with Dollar Flight Club and Score Entries to Win a $5,000 Travel Prize

Among the other updates announced are a "swipeable story format" to browse hotels as well as an easier way to explore tours and experiences with Google Maps that shows ticket prices directly on the listing.

Screenshot of Google Map's new browse feature for attractions, tours and experiences.

Madeline Garfinkle

News Writer

Madeline Garfinkle is a News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate from Syracuse University, and received an MFA from Columbia University. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Leadership

7 Telltale Signs of a Weak Leader

Whether a bully or a people pleaser who can't tell hard truths, poor leadership takes many forms.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

'Everyone Can Profit From It': What Is DeepSeek? China's 'Cheap' to Make AI Chatbot Climbs to the Top of Apple, Google U.S. App Stores

DeepSeek researchers claim it was developed for less than $6 million, a contrast to the $100 million it takes U.S. tech startups to create AI.

Business News

Elon Musk's DOGE Is Hiring People Eager to 'Work Long Hours' to Eliminate 'Waste, Fraud and Abuse' in the Government. Here's How to Apply.

The Department of Government Efficiency is hiring U.S. citizens to help cut spending and headcounts in the federal government.

Business News

'I Love Doing Product Reviews': Bill Gates Stepped Down from Microsoft in 2020, But Admits He Still Spends 15% of His Time Working at the Company

In a new interview with the Wall Street Journal, Gates also said he is still close with Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella.

Leadership

Strong Leaders Thrive in Complexity — Here Are 5 Leadership Level-Ups for 2025

Leadership isn't static. It's a journey of continual learning and evolution. Here are some lessons for leaders this year.