Google has taken its Flight Search internationally, offering an easy way to check and compare flights to over 500 international airports. The only catch is you’ll have to start your flight in the US, as the app currently only supports plans for flights taking off from US soil.
Google debuted its Flight Search tool in September much to the protests of flight and travel search competitors anywhere. Its efforts to acquire ITA Software last year for $700 million had travel industry rivals such as Expedia, Priceline, and Kayak petitioning regulators to block the deal amidst cries of unfair advantage. Since most flight searches begin with Google anyway, the search engine already stood at the head of the line when it came to online options. Nevertheless, the Justice Department approved the acquisition, so long as Google agreed with mandatory arbitration if the company was found to be operating in an unfair manner.
The company launched a mobile version of the service a month ago for Android and iOS devices.
Designed “to make booking travel as fast and enjoyable as possible,” Flight Search will give users more options in planning trips, working similarly to its Directions feature on Google Maps. The service asks for destination, departing and arrival times, price and duration.
“A quick click over each city on the map will show the different options available to you almost instantly — and click the chart next to the dates to show alternative dates so you can make the best choice for your trip,” Google explained in a blog post.