Google Flights vs. ITA Matrix: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Use to Book Your Next Solo Trip?
When you’re planning a solo trip, finding the best flight isn’t just about the cheapest fare. It’s about timing, layovers, airport vibes, and yes, getting a window seat far away from the bathroom. Enter two powerful tools you might not know about (or might not be using to their full potential): Google Flights and ITA Matrix. They’re both part of the same Google-owned family, but they serve slightly different purposes and together, they can be your flight-searching power couple
Let’s break down what they are, how they’re different, and when to use each.
What Is Google Flights?
Google Flights is a fast, intuitive flight search engine that helps you find and compare airfare from hundreds of airlines and OTAs (online travel agencies). It’s not a booking platform, it shows you the prices, and then redirects you to book directly with the airline or provider.
Why solo travelers love it:
- Super fast search across dates, destinations, and price filters
- Easy to see when flights are cheapest (thanks to the price calendar)
- Ability to track prices and get email alerts
- Clean interface with just the info you need, no extra fluff
Best for:
Quick searches, flexible date planning, and checking if that Tuesday flight really is cheaper.
What Is ITA Matrix?
ITA Matrix is the behind-the-scenes search engine that powers Google Flights. Originally built for travel agents and pros, it’s an ultra-powerful tool for analyzing flight prices, routing options, and complex fare rules. It looks… dated. But don’t let the early-2000s vibe fool you, it’s a goldmine if you’re willing to nerd out a little.
Why advanced users (and savvy solo travelers) love it:
- You can search multiple cities at once
- Find “hidden city” fares or creative connections
- Filter by aircraft type, layover duration, alliances, and more
- Perfect for tracking complicated itineraries (think multi-country solo adventures)
Best for:
Advanced routing, international or multi-city trips, or when you want more control than Google Flights gives.
When Should You Use Each?
- Use Google Flights when… you’re just starting your trip planning, you want a quick way to compare prices, or you’re feeling flexible about dates and destinations.
- Use ITA Matrix when… you’re piecing together a more complicated trip, want to optimize for long layovers or multiple cities, or want to understand how airlines price their flights.
Pro Tip for Solo Travelers:
Use Google Flights to figure out when and where it’s cheapest to go and then plug that info into ITA Matrix if you want to optimize the routing or find lesser-known fare combinations. You can even use both to double-check the fare before booking directly with the airline.
Flight search doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially when you’ve got tools like these at your fingertips. Both can help make your next solo adventure smoother, smarter, and maybe even a little cheaper.
