In the same way it has changed what it’s like to shop online and glance at market summaries, Google has upped the game in the travel sector, too.

Sure, you might have enjoyed the ease of use brought on by Google Flights, but now, using historical data, you will be able to lean about delays and the complexities of the cheaper, Basic Economy fares, reports TechCrunch.

Talk about monopolisation.

You might already know the basics, like when you pop your flight request into the search bar  – “[location] to [destination] flights” – you end up with a range of options, including an average flight duration and how many flights per day.

But Google’s latest upgrade is something else: once you have decided on whatever it is that tickles your fancy, whether it be a hotel room or a flight, you will be able to make a booking right there and then.

The announcement was made by the company on Tuesday, who further explained that “users can scroll through search results for hotels that include photos, and swipe through those photos without having to leave the list of results,” reports The Verge.

Date and price filtering can also be done through the results page, and users can also now book through Google.

It’s a similar story for flights, as bookings can be done through search and the same filtering and comparisons as hotels can be done on air travel searches.

Google says users can now toggle more easily between flights and hotels with a new tab layout.

Users can also search by destination to determine the best hotel and flight options. The “More Destinations” tab also offers suggestions on nearby trips for that original destination and, of course, Google-approved companies that might offer additional services along the way.

It’s so simple, it’s stupid – oh, and please take a look at the map of airports which, as far as I can tell, shows every single one you could possibly land at:

Click on any destination and BAM, instant results show you flights details as well as estimated prices.

It’s so damn cool – try for yourself, here.

The hotel map is even crazier. With a similar style to Airbnb, it shows the average price and allows you a quick look at your choices. Check that out here.

Oh, and get this: Google Flights can predict flight delays up to a week in advance:

Explains Google, the combination of data and A.I. technologies means it can predict some delays in advance of any sort of official confirmation. Google says that it won’t actually flag these in the app until it’s at least 80 percent confident in the prediction, though. (Of course, you should still get to the airport on time, but at least you’ll know what you’re about to face once there.)

It will also provide reasons for the delays, like weather or an aircraft arriving late.

The other new feature added today aims to help travelers make sense of what Basic Economy fares include and exclude with their ticket price.

These low-cost fares are often the only option for travelers [sic] on a budget, but they have a number of restrictions that can vary by airline.

Google Flights will now display the restrictions associated with these fares – like restrictions on using overhead space or the ability to select a seat, as well as the fare’s additional baggage fees. It’s initially doing so for American, Delta and United flights worldwide.

Yes, yes, there’s even an app to help you take control of your life.

[source:theverge&techcrunch]